World News Briefs -- May 2, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country's rightful interim ruler, gestures as he speaks to supporters during a rally against the government of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and to commemorate May Day in Caracas Venezuela, May 1, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Reuters: Maduro hangs on as Venezuelan protests peter out

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelans heeded opposition leader Juan Guaido’s call to take to the streets on Wednesday in a bid to force President Nicolas Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis that increasingly looks like a political stalemate.

Guaido had called for the “largest march” in Venezuela’s history and said on Twitter that “millions of Venezuelans” were in the streets in “this final phase” of his move to oust Maduro.

But by late afternoon, many of the protesters in the capital Caracas had drifted home. National Guards fired tear gas at a hardcore of demonstrators who remained, and one injured demonstrator was carried by others to a first aid truck, Reuters video showed.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russian, Syrian forces escalate attacks on rebel-held areas.

Escalated bombing in Syria’s Idlib displaces nearly 140,000, UN says.

Lebanon's Hezbollah says banks have duty to help cut cost of public debt.

Rockets fired from Gaza at southern Israel.

Israel mourns WWII dead on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

'Execution' of Iranian teenage boys condemned.

Kushner says Middle East peace plan will be 'good starting point'.

ASIA

Kabul meeting seeks ceasefire as US engages Taliban in Doha.

Afghan grand council sets recommendations for Taliban talks.

Myanmar army kills six ethnic Rakhine detainees as violence worsens.

Japan's Abe wants to meet Kim to talk 'frankly with an open mind'.

Malaysia frees Vietnamese woman accused in killing of North Korean leader's half-brother.

Millions in India brace for 'very severe' cyclone Fani.

Sri Lanka cancels Sunday masses for 2nd weekend. New attacks on Sri Lanka churches planned, says archbishop.

Almost half of Australians believe immigration should be reduced, poll finds.

AFRICA

Libyan government forces reinforce positions in Tripoli.

Haftar ally UAE says 'extremist militias' control Libyan capital.

Protesters in Benin clash with police in post-election violence. Benin: Soldiers shoot at protesters in post-election unrest.

Huge crowds join protest against Sudan's military leaders.

African Union gives Sudan military further 60 days to cede power.

Terror attacks on the rise in Burkina Faso.

South Sudan rivals to hold talks to salvage stalled peace deal.

On cyclone-shattered island in Mozambique, shock and debris.

EUROPE

EU says will respond to controversial US move on Cuba.

Merkel to push for single EU stance on Libya crisis.

Albanian opposition blocks roads in push for snap polls.

Zelensky says Ukraine and Russia share only state border, have nothing else in common.

Germans split over deepening ties with the EU.

Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán to meet Donald Trump at White House.

Cypriot Justice Minister Nicolaou resigns amid outcry over serial killings.

Assange refuses extradition to US; long legal fight expected.

AMERICAS

Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Attorney General Barr of lying to Congress.

US Senate fails to override Trump's Yemen veto.

New Caracas protests as US and Russia spar over Venezuela.

Maduro rallies troops against opposition leader Guaido.

Venezuela opposition leader Guaido calls for strike to force Maduro out.

Venezuela opposition figure, facing arrest warrant, says he met with generals.

Carnival sued in US over seized property in Cuba, in a first.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

South Asian security experts downplay Islamic State threat.


Why China dropped its opposition to UN blacklisting of Pakistan-based terror chief Masood Azhar.

Al-Shabaab fighter responsible for US soldier’s death has been killed by US forces.

Sudan's ousted President Omar al-Bashir to be interrogated over 'financing terrorism'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. slips as energy drops, investors digest Fed comments.

OPEC says determined to avoid an 'energy crisis'.

US launches plan to choke off Iran’s energy exports, casting uncertainty over oil prices.

Billionaire founder of opioid firm guilty of bribing doctors to prescribe drug.

Global sports sponsorship 'to hit £35bn' in 2019.

from War News Updates http://bit.ly/2PFK0Tc