Friday, February 1, 2019

US and China hail progress in trade talks and Lebanon forms a long-awaited government.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, February 1.

China-US trade talks move forward

China and the US made progress in their trade talks but stopped short of a deal.

The stakes are quite high as US duty rates on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods will rise if the March deadline is not met. This could deal a blow to the world economy.

But US and China remain upbeat after President Trump said he will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to close the deal.

Guaido says family threatened by police

The Venezuelan opposition leader challenging Nicolas Maduro's presidency is saying that elite security units went to his home to threaten his family.

Juan Guaido said his one-and-a-half-year-old daughter was inside when the elite forces showed up. Venezuela’s police denied the accusation.

Guaido later said he will defy a government ban on humanitarian aid to send medicine into the country.

Lebanon forms a government

Lebanon has announced a new government line-up. This comes after an eight-month logjam that piqued fears of an economic collapse.

The new line-up will see four women take office and includes 30 ministers from Lebanon's rival political clans.

Now, the new government will be able to unlock billions of dollars in aid that could help boost Lebanon’s infrastructure.

US deep freeze to ease

At least 21 people have been killed in the US as the bitter cold edges closer to the East Coast.

The plummeting temperature froze water mains and resulted in power outages and cancelled flights.

Warmer-than-normal weather is on the way, but that made little difference to vulnerable populations such as the homeless, the elderly and wildlife.

‘The hip, hip a hop, and you don't stop’

And finally,

Forty years ago, hip hop was little known outside its birthplace New York but then the Sugarhill Gang came out with its 1979 hit Rapper’s Delight.

That set the tone for an unforgettable era in music that keeps on giving — from Notorious B.I.G. to Lauren Hill.

So if you want to revisit the greats, catch the pop-up Hip Hop Museum in Washington DC through mid-February.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Venezuela’s opposition holds secret talks with the military and Eurovision gets political.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, January 31st.

Venezuelan opposition in clandestine talks with military

The Venezuelan military’s support is crucial to oust President Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote in The New York Times.

He said the opposition had “clandestine meetings with members of the armed and security forces”, most of whom agree the status quo cannot continue.

On Wednesday, President Maduro agreed to negotiate with the opposition and hold early elections.

Deadly cold wave hits American Midwest

At least eight deaths related to extreme cold weather have been reported since last weekend in the US midwest.

The record-low temperatures are so unbearable that garbage collectors stopped making pickups and people in Iowa are seeking warmth in cold storage units.

The brutal chill from the polar vortex is expected to ease today but travel and other disruptions may continue.

US Congress to push Trump on Yemen

Both houses of Congress are pushing for legislation that can halt US aid to the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is prepared to use "calibrated force" to push Houthi rebels from Yemen's Hudaida port city. That’s according to a senior UAE official.

Brazil dam collapse toll rises

The death toll from last week’s dam collapse in Brazil has risen to 99. Over 250 people remain missing.

No survivors have been found in the area where the Vale SA tailings dam burst, indicating the death toll could rise to 360 people. That would make it Brazil’s deadliest-ever mining accident.

UN human rights experts have called for an official investigation into the disaster.

Celebrities ask BBC to oppose Eurovision in Israel

And finally,

Eurovision gets political. Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood join a slew of activists asking the BBC to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 50-strong coalition said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and called for the competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Venezuela’s opposition holds secret talks with the military and Eurovision gets political.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, January 31st.

Venezuelan opposition in clandestine talks with military

The Venezuelan military’s support is crucial to oust President Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote in The New York Times.

He said the opposition had “clandestine meetings with members of the armed and security forces”, most of whom agree the status quo cannot continue.

On Wednesday, President Maduro agreed to negotiate with the opposition and hold early elections.

Deadly cold wave hits American Midwest

At least eight deaths related to extreme cold weather have been reported since last weekend in the US midwest.

The record-low temperatures are so unbearable that garbage collectors stopped making pickups and people in Iowa are seeking warmth in cold storage units.

The brutal chill from the polar vortex is expected to ease today but travel and other disruptions may continue.

US Congress to push Trump on Yemen

Both houses of Congress are pushing for legislation that can halt US aid to the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is prepared to use "calibrated force" to push Houthi rebels from Yemen's Hudaida port city. That’s according to a senior UAE official.

Brazil dam collapse toll rises

The death toll from last week’s dam collapse in Brazil has risen to 99. Over 250 people remain missing.

No survivors have been found in the area where the Vale SA tailings dam burst, indicating the death toll could rise to 360 people. That would make it Brazil’s deadliest-ever mining accident.

UN human rights experts have called for an official investigation into the disaster.

Celebrities ask BBC to oppose Eurovision in Israel

And finally,

Eurovision gets political. Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood join a slew of activists asking the BBC to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 50-strong coalition said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and called for the competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Venezuela’s opposition holds secret talks with the military and Eurovision gets political.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, January 31st.

Venezuelan opposition in clandestine talks with military

The Venezuelan military’s support is crucial to oust President Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote in The New York Times.

He said the opposition had “clandestine meetings with members of the armed and security forces”, most of whom agree the status quo cannot continue.

On Wednesday, President Maduro agreed to negotiate with the opposition and hold early elections.

Deadly cold wave hits American Midwest

At least eight deaths related to extreme cold weather have been reported since last weekend in the US midwest.

The record-low temperatures are so unbearable that garbage collectors stopped making pickups and people in Iowa are seeking warmth in cold storage units.

The brutal chill from the polar vortex is expected to ease today but travel and other disruptions may continue.

US Congress to push Trump on Yemen

Both houses of Congress are pushing for legislation that can halt US aid to the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is prepared to use "calibrated force" to push Houthi rebels from Yemen's Hudaida port city. That’s according to a senior UAE official.

Brazil dam collapse toll rises

The death toll from last week’s dam collapse in Brazil has risen to 99. Over 250 people remain missing.

No survivors have been found in the area where the Vale SA tailings dam burst, indicating the death toll could rise to 360 people. That would make it Brazil’s deadliest-ever mining accident.

UN human rights experts have called for an official investigation into the disaster.

Celebrities ask BBC to oppose Eurovision in Israel

And finally,

Eurovision gets political. Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood join a slew of activists asking the BBC to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 50-strong coalition said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and called for the competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Venezuela’s opposition holds secret talks with the military and Eurovision gets political.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, January 31st.

Venezuelan opposition in clandestine talks with military

The Venezuelan military’s support is crucial to oust President Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote in The New York Times.

He said the opposition had “clandestine meetings with members of the armed and security forces”, most of whom agree the status quo cannot continue.

On Wednesday, President Maduro agreed to negotiate with the opposition and hold early elections.

Deadly cold wave hits American Midwest

At least eight deaths related to extreme cold weather have been reported since last weekend in the US midwest.

The record-low temperatures are so unbearable that garbage collectors stopped making pickups and people in Iowa are seeking warmth in cold storage units.

The brutal chill from the polar vortex is expected to ease today but travel and other disruptions may continue.

US Congress to push Trump on Yemen

Both houses of Congress are pushing for legislation that can halt US aid to the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is prepared to use "calibrated force" to push Houthi rebels from Yemen's Hudaida port city. That’s according to a senior UAE official.

Brazil dam collapse toll rises

The death toll from last week’s dam collapse in Brazil has risen to 99. Over 250 people remain missing.

No survivors have been found in the area where the Vale SA tailings dam burst, indicating the death toll could rise to 360 people. That would make it Brazil’s deadliest-ever mining accident.

UN human rights experts have called for an official investigation into the disaster.

Celebrities ask BBC to oppose Eurovision in Israel

And finally,

Eurovision gets political. Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood join a slew of activists asking the BBC to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 50-strong coalition said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and called for the competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Venezuela’s opposition holds secret talks with the military and Eurovision gets political.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, January 31st.

Venezuelan opposition in clandestine talks with military

The Venezuelan military’s support is crucial to oust President Nicolas Maduro, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote in The New York Times.

He said the opposition had “clandestine meetings with members of the armed and security forces”, most of whom agree the status quo cannot continue.

On Wednesday, President Maduro agreed to negotiate with the opposition and hold early elections.

Deadly cold wave hits American Midwest

At least eight deaths related to extreme cold weather have been reported since last weekend in the US midwest.

The record-low temperatures are so unbearable that garbage collectors stopped making pickups and people in Iowa are seeking warmth in cold storage units.

The brutal chill from the polar vortex is expected to ease today but travel and other disruptions may continue.

US Congress to push Trump on Yemen

Both houses of Congress are pushing for legislation that can halt US aid to the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is prepared to use "calibrated force" to push Houthi rebels from Yemen's Hudaida port city. That’s according to a senior UAE official.

Brazil dam collapse toll rises

The death toll from last week’s dam collapse in Brazil has risen to 99. Over 250 people remain missing.

No survivors have been found in the area where the Vale SA tailings dam burst, indicating the death toll could rise to 360 people. That would make it Brazil’s deadliest-ever mining accident.

UN human rights experts have called for an official investigation into the disaster.

Celebrities ask BBC to oppose Eurovision in Israel

And finally,

Eurovision gets political. Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood join a slew of activists asking the BBC to oppose Israel hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 50-strong coalition said the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and called for the competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights".

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Daily News Brief: January 30, 2019

*)Maduro ready to negotiate with the opposition

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro says he’s ready for talks with the opposition, but only in the presence of international mediators.

Speaking to Russian state media, Maduro slammed the US for imposing sanctions on the country’s oil company.

Venezuela’s highest court imposed a travel ban and froze the bank accounts of US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in retaliation.

*)Grenade attack on Philippine mosque kills two

At least two people have died in a grenade attack on a mosque in the southern Philippines.

The attack took place near the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao, that recently voted for autonomy.

Daesh has claimed responsibility.

It's unclear if there's any connection to Sunday's bombing of a cathedral on the island of Jolo that killed at least 20 people.

*)US spy chiefs challenge Trump's national security claims

US intelligence chiefs have contradicted President Donald Trump’s assessment of security threats.

Directors of the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies told the Senate that China and Russia pose the biggest risks to the country and are more aligned than they’ve been in decades.

They also said North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and challenged Trump’s claim that Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons.

*)Brexit deal in disarray

British MPs have voted to renegotiate the Brexit deal with the EU to resolve a contentious Irish border issue.

The House of Commons voted 317 to 301 to seek to replace the Irish border "backstop" that keeps the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland free of checkpoints.

The EU ruled out reopening the divorce deal which resulted from year-and-a-half long negotiations with Theresa May’s government.

*)Qatar thrash UAE in Asia Cup despite unruly fans

And finally,

Qatar had the last laugh after embarrassing the UAE with a 4-0 hammering in the Asian Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi.

The politically-charged match took place against the backdrop of the Gulf Crisis, which has pitched Qatar against its neighbours.

Emirati fans threw bottles, shoes and hurled insults against Qatari players while booing their national anthem.

The Qatar team, who’ve also been invited to play in the Copa America, will face Japan in Friday’s final.

Daily News Brief: January 30, 2019

*)Maduro ready to negotiate with the opposition

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro says he’s ready for talks with the opposition, but only in the presence of international mediators.

Speaking to Russian state media, Maduro slammed the US for imposing sanctions on the country’s oil company.

Venezuela’s highest court imposed a travel ban and froze the bank accounts of US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in retaliation.

*)Grenade attack on Philippine mosque kills two

At least two people have died in a grenade attack on a mosque in the southern Philippines.

The attack took place near the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao, that recently voted for autonomy.

Daesh has claimed responsibility.

It's unclear if there's any connection to Sunday's bombing of a cathedral on the island of Jolo that killed at least 20 people.

*)US spy chiefs challenge Trump's national security claims

US intelligence chiefs have contradicted President Donald Trump’s assessment of security threats.

Directors of the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies told the Senate that China and Russia pose the biggest risks to the country and are more aligned than they’ve been in decades.

They also said North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and challenged Trump’s claim that Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons.

*)Brexit deal in disarray

British MPs have voted to renegotiate the Brexit deal with the EU to resolve a contentious Irish border issue.

The House of Commons voted 317 to 301 to seek to replace the Irish border "backstop" that keeps the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland free of checkpoints.

The EU ruled out reopening the divorce deal which resulted from year-and-a-half long negotiations with Theresa May’s government.

*)Qatar thrash UAE in Asia Cup despite unruly fans

And finally,

Qatar had the last laugh after embarrassing the UAE with a 4-0 hammering in the Asian Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi.

The politically-charged match took place against the backdrop of the Gulf Crisis, which has pitched Qatar against its neighbours.

Emirati fans threw bottles, shoes and hurled insults against Qatari players while booing their national anthem.

The Qatar team, who’ve also been invited to play in the Copa America, will face Japan in Friday’s final.

Daily News Brief: January 30, 2019

*)Maduro ready to negotiate with the opposition

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro says he’s ready for talks with the opposition, but only in the presence of international mediators.

Speaking to Russian state media, Maduro slammed the US for imposing sanctions on the country’s oil company.

Venezuela’s highest court imposed a travel ban and froze the bank accounts of US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in retaliation.

*)Grenade attack on Philippine mosque kills two

At least two people have died in a grenade attack on a mosque in the southern Philippines.

The attack took place near the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao, that recently voted for autonomy.

Daesh has claimed responsibility.

It's unclear if there's any connection to Sunday's bombing of a cathedral on the island of Jolo that killed at least 20 people.

*)US spy chiefs challenge Trump's national security claims

US intelligence chiefs have contradicted President Donald Trump’s assessment of security threats.

Directors of the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies told the Senate that China and Russia pose the biggest risks to the country and are more aligned than they’ve been in decades.

They also said North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and challenged Trump’s claim that Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons.

*)Brexit deal in disarray

British MPs have voted to renegotiate the Brexit deal with the EU to resolve a contentious Irish border issue.

The House of Commons voted 317 to 301 to seek to replace the Irish border "backstop" that keeps the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland free of checkpoints.

The EU ruled out reopening the divorce deal which resulted from year-and-a-half long negotiations with Theresa May’s government.

*)Qatar thrash UAE in Asia Cup despite unruly fans

And finally,

Qatar had the last laugh after embarrassing the UAE with a 4-0 hammering in the Asian Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi.

The politically-charged match took place against the backdrop of the Gulf Crisis, which has pitched Qatar against its neighbours.

Emirati fans threw bottles, shoes and hurled insults against Qatari players while booing their national anthem.

The Qatar team, who’ve also been invited to play in the Copa America, will face Japan in Friday’s final.

Daily News Brief: January 30, 2019

*)Maduro ready to negotiate with the opposition

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro says he’s ready for talks with the opposition, but only in the presence of international mediators.

Speaking to Russian state media, Maduro slammed the US for imposing sanctions on the country’s oil company.

Venezuela’s highest court imposed a travel ban and froze the bank accounts of US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in retaliation.

*)Grenade attack on Philippine mosque kills two

At least two people have died in a grenade attack on a mosque in the southern Philippines.

The attack took place near the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao, that recently voted for autonomy.

Daesh has claimed responsibility.

It's unclear if there's any connection to Sunday's bombing of a cathedral on the island of Jolo that killed at least 20 people.

*)US spy chiefs challenge Trump's national security claims

US intelligence chiefs have contradicted President Donald Trump’s assessment of security threats.

Directors of the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies told the Senate that China and Russia pose the biggest risks to the country and are more aligned than they’ve been in decades.

They also said North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and challenged Trump’s claim that Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons.

*)Brexit deal in disarray

British MPs have voted to renegotiate the Brexit deal with the EU to resolve a contentious Irish border issue.

The House of Commons voted 317 to 301 to seek to replace the Irish border "backstop" that keeps the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland free of checkpoints.

The EU ruled out reopening the divorce deal which resulted from year-and-a-half long negotiations with Theresa May’s government.

*)Qatar thrash UAE in Asia Cup despite unruly fans

And finally,

Qatar had the last laugh after embarrassing the UAE with a 4-0 hammering in the Asian Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi.

The politically-charged match took place against the backdrop of the Gulf Crisis, which has pitched Qatar against its neighbours.

Emirati fans threw bottles, shoes and hurled insults against Qatari players while booing their national anthem.

The Qatar team, who’ve also been invited to play in the Copa America, will face Japan in Friday’s final.