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 for January 29, 2019:

*)US imposes sanctions on Venezuela oil company

The US has hit Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela with sanctions.

The move comes after opposition leader and self-declared president, Juan Guiado, called for more protests against President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup and says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

*)Agreement in principle on Afghan peace talks

Afghan Taliban and US officials have agreed in principle to the framework of a peace deal during talks in Qatar.

This could end America’s longest war in Afghanistan, which is in its 17th year.

Talks will continue as the framework of the deal still needs to be fleshed out.

*)US sends more troops to Syria to assist with withdrawal

Over 600 US troops arrived in Syria to assist Uncle Sam in exiting the war-torn country.

US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal in December after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two leaders agreed on the need for more effective coordination over the war-ravaged country.

*)US files charges against Huawei

US announced criminal charges against Chinese tech giant Huawei and its Chief Financial Officer Meng Wangzhou.

Charges include bank fraud, stealing trade secrets, obstruction of justice and violating US sanctions on Iran.

Huawei has denied any wrongdoing.

Meng is in Canada, where she was arrested in December on a request from Washington.

*)UAE trolled for giving all 'gender balance' awards to men

And finally,

The UAE's discriminatory behaviour against women has once again become the centre of ridicule on social media.

The country’s VP handed out awards for what he called “significant progress on gender equality” in the workplace.

The only problem? All the honorees were men!

Emirati rulers have come under harsh criticism for their draconian laws that allow marital rape and domestic violence.

Daily News Brief for January 29, 2019:

*)US imposes sanctions on Venezuela oil company

The US has hit Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela with sanctions.

The move comes after opposition leader and self-declared president, Juan Guiado, called for more protests against President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup and says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

*)Agreement in principle on Afghan peace talks

Afghan Taliban and US officials have agreed in principle to the framework of a peace deal during talks in Qatar.

This could end America’s longest war in Afghanistan, which is in its 17th year.

Talks will continue as the framework of the deal still needs to be fleshed out.

*)US sends more troops to Syria to assist with withdrawal

Over 600 US troops arrived in Syria to assist Uncle Sam in exiting the war-torn country.

US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal in December after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two leaders agreed on the need for more effective coordination over the war-ravaged country.

*)US files charges against Huawei

US announced criminal charges against Chinese tech giant Huawei and its Chief Financial Officer Meng Wangzhou.

Charges include bank fraud, stealing trade secrets, obstruction of justice and violating US sanctions on Iran.

Huawei has denied any wrongdoing.

Meng is in Canada, where she was arrested in December on a request from Washington.

*)UAE trolled for giving all 'gender balance' awards to men

And finally,

The UAE's discriminatory behaviour against women has once again become the centre of ridicule on social media.

The country’s VP handed out awards for what he called “significant progress on gender equality” in the workplace.

The only problem? All the honorees were men!

Emirati rulers have come under harsh criticism for their draconian laws that allow marital rape and domestic violence.

Daily News Brief for January 29, 2019:

*)US imposes sanctions on Venezuela oil company

The US has hit Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela with sanctions.

The move comes after opposition leader and self-declared president, Juan Guiado, called for more protests against President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup and says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

*)Agreement in principle on Afghan peace talks

Afghan Taliban and US officials have agreed in principle to the framework of a peace deal during talks in Qatar.

This could end America’s longest war in Afghanistan, which is in its 17th year.

Talks will continue as the framework of the deal still needs to be fleshed out.

*)US sends more troops to Syria to assist with withdrawal

Over 600 US troops arrived in Syria to assist Uncle Sam in exiting the war-torn country.

US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal in December after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two leaders agreed on the need for more effective coordination over the war-ravaged country.

*)US files charges against Huawei

US announced criminal charges against Chinese tech giant Huawei and its Chief Financial Officer Meng Wangzhou.

Charges include bank fraud, stealing trade secrets, obstruction of justice and violating US sanctions on Iran.

Huawei has denied any wrongdoing.

Meng is in Canada, where she was arrested in December on a request from Washington.

*)UAE trolled for giving all 'gender balance' awards to men

And finally,

The UAE's discriminatory behaviour against women has once again become the centre of ridicule on social media.

The country’s VP handed out awards for what he called “significant progress on gender equality” in the workplace.

The only problem? All the honorees were men!

Emirati rulers have come under harsh criticism for their draconian laws that allow marital rape and domestic violence.

Daily News Brief for Monday, January 28, 2019:

*)Maduro: Venezuela does not want to become US colony

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

Maduro is facing a challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as interim president.

Guaido has earned swift backing from dozens of countries, including the US.

US is warning Venezuela that any violence or intimidation against its diplomats or Guaido, will be met with a 'significant response.'

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup.

*)Death toll rises to 58 after Brazil dam collapse

At least 58 people have been killed after a dam collapsed at the Vale mine in Brazil on Friday.

Around 300 staff remain unaccounted for and rescue workers will now focus on body recovery.

An investigation into the dam collapse is underway.

*)Deadly bomb attacks on a cathedral in Philippines

Sunday mass at a cathedral in Jolo Island, Philippines turned deadly after two bomb attacks killed at least 20 people.

Police say at least 81 were wounded by the attacks claimed by terror group, Daesh.

One bomb was detonated in the church, while the other was detonated outside after police had arrived on the scene.

*)Malaysia stripped of world para swim event over Israel stance

Malaysia has been stripped of the right to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships over the country's stance on Israel.

The event is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Muslim-majority Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations nor allow anyone with an Israeli passport into its country.

It has long accused Israel of murdering, torturing and maiming Palestinian Muslims.

The International Paralympic Committee said it would find a new venue which accommodates all athletes.

And finally,

*)Black Panther takes top prize at SAG awards

Wakanda forever!!!

T’Challa and his vibranium-protecting friends took top honours at the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Black Panther won the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture award.

It gives director Ryan Coogler's superhero sensation its most significant honour yet and potentially setting it up for more wins at the Oscars.

Daily News Brief for Monday, January 28, 2019:

*)Maduro: Venezuela does not want to become US colony

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

Maduro is facing a challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as interim president.

Guaido has earned swift backing from dozens of countries, including the US.

US is warning Venezuela that any violence or intimidation against its diplomats or Guaido, will be met with a 'significant response.'

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup.

*)Death toll rises to 58 after Brazil dam collapse

At least 58 people have been killed after a dam collapsed at the Vale mine in Brazil on Friday.

Around 300 staff remain unaccounted for and rescue workers will now focus on body recovery.

An investigation into the dam collapse is underway.

*)Deadly bomb attacks on a cathedral in Philippines

Sunday mass at a cathedral in Jolo Island, Philippines turned deadly after two bomb attacks killed at least 20 people.

Police say at least 81 were wounded by the attacks claimed by terror group, Daesh.

One bomb was detonated in the church, while the other was detonated outside after police had arrived on the scene.

*)Malaysia stripped of world para swim event over Israel stance

Malaysia has been stripped of the right to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships over the country's stance on Israel.

The event is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Muslim-majority Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations nor allow anyone with an Israeli passport into its country.

It has long accused Israel of murdering, torturing and maiming Palestinian Muslims.

The International Paralympic Committee said it would find a new venue which accommodates all athletes.

And finally,

*)Black Panther takes top prize at SAG awards

Wakanda forever!!!

T’Challa and his vibranium-protecting friends took top honours at the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Black Panther won the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture award.

It gives director Ryan Coogler's superhero sensation its most significant honour yet and potentially setting it up for more wins at the Oscars.

Daily News Brief for Monday, January 28, 2019:

*)Maduro: Venezuela does not want to become US colony

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says Venezuela does not want to become a US colony.

Maduro is facing a challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as interim president.

Guaido has earned swift backing from dozens of countries, including the US.

US is warning Venezuela that any violence or intimidation against its diplomats or Guaido, will be met with a 'significant response.'

Maduro accuses Washington of being behind a political coup.

*)Death toll rises to 58 after Brazil dam collapse

At least 58 people have been killed after a dam collapsed at the Vale mine in Brazil on Friday.

Around 300 staff remain unaccounted for and rescue workers will now focus on body recovery.

An investigation into the dam collapse is underway.

*)Deadly bomb attacks on a cathedral in Philippines

Sunday mass at a cathedral in Jolo Island, Philippines turned deadly after two bomb attacks killed at least 20 people.

Police say at least 81 were wounded by the attacks claimed by terror group, Daesh.

One bomb was detonated in the church, while the other was detonated outside after police had arrived on the scene.

*)Malaysia stripped of world para swim event over Israel stance

Malaysia has been stripped of the right to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships over the country's stance on Israel.

The event is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Muslim-majority Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations nor allow anyone with an Israeli passport into its country.

It has long accused Israel of murdering, torturing and maiming Palestinian Muslims.

The International Paralympic Committee said it would find a new venue which accommodates all athletes.

And finally,

*)Black Panther takes top prize at SAG awards

Wakanda forever!!!

T’Challa and his vibranium-protecting friends took top honours at the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Black Panther won the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture award.

It gives director Ryan Coogler's superhero sensation its most significant honour yet and potentially setting it up for more wins at the Oscars.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Venezuela's military says it's backing President Maduro, and it's still two minutes to Doomsday.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, January 25th.

Stand-off in Venezuela continues

The stand-off in Venezuela is continuing as the military says it's supporting President Nicolas Maduro.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido triggered the crisis when he declared himself interim president on Wednesday.

Protests since then by both sides have left at least 26 people dead.

The UN Security Council is expected to discuss Venezuela on Saturday.

UN chief urges more action on climate change

The UN says we're losing the fight against climate change.

Speaking to political and business leader at Davos, UN chief Antonio Guterres also said climate change was the defining issue of our time.

Tshisekedi sworn in as DRC's president

Felix Tshisekedi has been sworn in as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It was the country's first peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium nearly 60 years ago.

The new president promised tolerance and respect for human rights in his inaugural speech.

Egypt marks seventh anniversary of Mubarak's ouster

Eight years ago today, Egyptians took to the streets.

Two weeks later President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after thirty years in power.

After Mubarak, Egyptians elected Mohammed Morsi as president.

But in 2013, Abdel Fattah el Sisi ousted Morsi in a military coup and put him in jail.

Since then, rights activists say that President Sisi has presided over the worst crackdown on freedoms in Egypt's modern history.

'Doomsday Clock' stays at two minutes to midnight

And finally,

The scientists who set the Doomsday Clock are keeping it at two minutes to midnight for this year, calling it the "new abnormal."

They said the two biggest threats to the planet are climate change and nuclear weapons, made worse by political lies and information warfare.

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

Friday, January 25, 2019

Venezuela's military says it's backing President Maduro, and it's still two minutes to Doomsday.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, January 25th.

Stand-off in Venezuela continues

The stand-off in Venezuela is continuing as the military says it's supporting President Nicolas Maduro.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido triggered the crisis when he declared himself interim president on Wednesday.

Protests since then by both sides have left at least 26 people dead.

The UN Security Council is expected to discuss Venezuela on Saturday.

UN chief urges more action on climate change

The UN says we're losing the fight against climate change.

Speaking to political and business leader at Davos, UN chief Antonio Guterres also said climate change was the defining issue of our time.

Tshisekedi sworn in as DRC's president

Felix Tshisekedi has been sworn in as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It was the country's first peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium nearly 60 years ago.

The new president promised tolerance and respect for human rights in his inaugural speech.

Egypt marks seventh anniversary of Mubarak's ouster

Eight years ago today, Egyptians took to the streets.

Two weeks later President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after thirty years in power.

After Mubarak, Egyptians elected Mohammed Morsi as president.

But in 2013, Abdel Fattah el Sisi ousted Morsi in a military coup and put him in jail.

Since then, rights activists say that President Sisi has presided over the worst crackdown on freedoms in Egypt's modern history.

'Doomsday Clock' stays at two minutes to midnight

And finally,

The scientists who set the Doomsday Clock are keeping it at two minutes to midnight for this year, calling it the "new abnormal."

They said the two biggest threats to the planet are climate change and nuclear weapons, made worse by political lies and information warfare.

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

Friday, January 25, 2019

Venezuela's military says it's backing President Maduro, and it's still two minutes to Doomsday.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, January 25th.

Stand-off in Venezuela continues

The stand-off in Venezuela is continuing as the military says it's supporting President Nicolas Maduro.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido triggered the crisis when he declared himself interim president on Wednesday.

Protests since then by both sides have left at least 26 people dead.

The UN Security Council is expected to discuss Venezuela on Saturday.

UN chief urges more action on climate change

The UN says we're losing the fight against climate change.

Speaking to political and business leader at Davos, UN chief Antonio Guterres also said climate change was the defining issue of our time.

Tshisekedi sworn in as DRC's president

Felix Tshisekedi has been sworn in as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It was the country's first peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium nearly 60 years ago.

The new president promised tolerance and respect for human rights in his inaugural speech.

Egypt marks seventh anniversary of Mubarak's ouster

Eight years ago today, Egyptians took to the streets.

Two weeks later President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after thirty years in power.

After Mubarak, Egyptians elected Mohammed Morsi as president.

But in 2013, Abdel Fattah el Sisi ousted Morsi in a military coup and put him in jail.

Since then, rights activists say that President Sisi has presided over the worst crackdown on freedoms in Egypt's modern history.

'Doomsday Clock' stays at two minutes to midnight

And finally,

The scientists who set the Doomsday Clock are keeping it at two minutes to midnight for this year, calling it the "new abnormal."

They said the two biggest threats to the planet are climate change and nuclear weapons, made worse by political lies and information warfare.

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