World News Briefs — September 23, 2020 (Evening Edition)

USA World
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Reuters: Thousands protest after Belarusian leader hastily sworn in

MINSK (Reuters) – Belarusian security forces detained protesters and fired water cannon to disperse crowds as thousands took to the streets of Minsk against the abrupt inauguration of veteran President Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday.

Ignoring calls for an end to his 26-year grip on power, Lukashenko was sworn in for a sixth term after an election that the opposition and several foreign governments say was rigged.

The ceremony would normally have been publicised as a major state occasion but was instead held without warning following Lukashenko’s claim of a landslide victory in the Aug. 9 vote.

Read more ….

MIDDLE EAST

Exclusive: Pompeo threatens China with sanctions over Iran arms deals.

Saudi King Salman assails Iran in United Nations debut.

Saudi Arabia says any nuclear deal with Iran must preserve non-proliferation.

Exiled Saudi dissidents launch opposition party.

France presses at UN for new Lebanon government.

UAE, Israel discuss energy, infrastructure cooperation.

Israel hits new high in daily Covid-19 cases.

Violence mounts against Iraqi doctors as COVID cases spike.

U.S. ambassador says Turkey ignores pharma debt at its peril.

India, China: Some progress in military talks on border spat.

China ‘coercing’ thousands of Tibetans into mass labour camps – report.

China goes on the attack in response to Donald Trump’s UN speech.

Taiwan slams China over military incursions.

Malaysia: Opposition leader set to form new government.

North Korea calls Seoul’s New Deal ‘irritating’.

Bougainville elects new president Ishmael Toroama as negotiations on independence from PNG ramp up.

The Latest: Afghan leader urges global help to achieve peace.

Taliban kills 28 police officials as Doha peace talks continue.

China, the world’s top global emitter, aims to go carbon-neutral by 2060.

Whale beachings puzzle scientists as hundreds die in Australia mass stranding.

Covid-19 New Zealand: Mask rules eased as cases drop.

Coronavirus: Health chief hails Africa’s fight against Covid-19.

Pompeo seeks Sudan breakthrough before US presidential election.

Somali president names newcomer Roble premier as elections loom.

Police confine Cameroon opposition leader at home.

Ethiopian parliament resolves to proceed with elections.

Nigerian fuel tanker explosion kills 25 in Lokoja.

Three Egyptian policemen, four militants killed in prison break attempt.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko abruptly sworn in for new presidential term.

Belarusian police deploy water cannon after protesters take to Minsk streets following Lukashenko’s surprise inauguration (VIDEO). Belarus: Protests in Minsk after Alexander Lukashenko sworn in in secret.

EU plans tougher controls in migration policy overhaul.

Germany declares regions in 11 European countries high coronavirus risk.

Covid-19: France to shut bars and restaurants in hard-hit Marseille.

Alexei Navalny leaves hospital in Berlin.

‘Absolutely incorrect’: Kremlin spokesman ridicules Le Monde report suggesting Putin told Macron that Navalny poisoned himself.

Eiffel Tower reopens after bomb scare in Paris.

Russia, China, Iran are all a threat to U.S. elections: Acting Homeland Security Secretary.

More than 90 percent of the US population remains susceptible’ to COVID-19, CDC director says.

Breonna Taylor: crowds march after grand jury refuses to charge officers in killing. Louisville police officers cleared of criminal charges in Breonna Taylor death.

Hunter Biden: Republicans release report on Joe Biden’s son.

Trump imposes new bans on Cuban rum, cigars, hotels.

Canada’s COVID-19 testing system overwhelmed after slow move to new tests.

Canadian PM Trudeau promises ‘ambitious’ recovery plan.

California vows to ban sale of new petrol vehicles in 2035.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UK sends US evidence on Islamic State ‘Beatles’.

How Mali’s coup affects the fight against jihadists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street closes lower on fears of a slowing economy.

Uncle Ben’s rice changes name to more ‘equitable’ brand.

Coronavirus has cost workers $3.5 trillion in wage losses. Pandemic slashes worldwide income from work by a tenth: ILO.

Tesla drivers are locked out of their cars after Elon Musk’s firm is hit with complete network outage and staff are blocked from processing orders – amid fears of possible HACK.