World News Briefs -- August 27, 2019

DW: Erdogan and Putin meet as Syria offensive pummels Idlib

Turkey says the Russian-backed Syrian offensive violates a truce deal between Moscow and Ankara. The advance has exacerbated Syria's humanitarian disaster and threatened Turkey with mass refugee flows.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday to discuss a Syrian military offensive against the jihadi-dominated province of Idlib, where Moscow and Ankara had set up a demilitarized zone.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Turkey agree steps to tackle militants in Syria's Idlib: Putin.

Syrian Kurdish fighters 'start pulling back' from Turkish border.

Iraqi bloc calls for US troop withdrawal after Israeli air raids.

Iran's Rouhani rules out talks with U.S. until sanctions lifted.

Iran jails Iranian-British national for 10 years for spying for Israel: TV. Iran jails two, including UK dual national, for spying for Israel.

Hezbollah plans 'calculated' response to Israel: sources.

Lebanon says will defend itself by 'any means' after drone attack.

Netanyahu warns Hezbollah, Lebanon to 'be careful'.

Israeli aircraft strikes Gaza after Palestinian mortar fire.

ASIA

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam leaves door open on invoking sweeping emergency powers to deal with violent anti-government protests.

China accuses G7 countries of ‘meddling’ in Hong Kong affairs.

China says U.S. 'maliciously hyping up' South China Sea issue.

Japan-South Korea dispute undermines trade ties.

U.N. aid to North Korea carefully monitored, UNICEF chief says.

Nauru's Parliament elects former human rights lawyer Lionel Aingimea as President.

Tropical storm threatens Philippines, China, Vietnam.

AFRICA

Amid safety fears, Burundi to repatriate 200,000 refugees from Tanzania.

Thousands flee deadly violence in Cameroon's separatist regions: sources.

Sudan urges UN to withdraw all peacekeepers by June 2020.

Dozens feared dead after boat capsizes off Libya coast.

Chad jails 243 rebels over February incursion from Libya.

Kenya 'destroying mobile phone masts in Somalia'.

Uganda launches national airline with flight to Kenya.

EUROPE

Italy's 5-Star Movement halts coalition talks.

EU ready to look at 'realistic' backstop plans from Johnson.

UK alone will be to blame for no-deal Brexit: EU tells Johnson.

Brexit: Opposition MPs agree strategy to block no deal.

‘We’re living the end of Western hegemony’: Macron urges to stop pushing Russia away from Europe.

Russia denies GOP senator visa ahead of trip.

Vladimir Putin's six-foot tall robo-naut Fedor has finally reached the ISS and successfully docked after a failed attempt at the weekend.

AMERICAS

U.S. adviser Bolton visits Ukraine, touts Trump meeting with Zelenskiy.

Brazil declines G7 nations' offer of $20M to fight Amazon fires. Bolsonaro wants Macron's apology before taking G7 Amazonia aid.

UN urges better protection of reporters, as Mexico murders climb.

Amnesty names five new political prisoners in Cuba.

IMF meets with Argentina opposition candidate.

Tropical Storm Dorian: Puerto Rico braces for possible hurricane.

US is becoming more diverse — and quickly, in certain places.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda not down and out, even if Hamza dead.

Hezbollah planning 'calculated strike' against Israel after drones: two sources close to Hezbollah.

Canadian court grants new trial to two men charged with attempted train bombing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Iran could restore oil output to pre-sanctions level within three days: minister.

Tobacco giants Philip Morris and Altria in $200bn merger talks.

US tech industry group denounces Trump deal on France digital tax.

Trump portrays G-7 as a lovefest, papering over differences.

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