World News Briefs -- March 4, 2020

DW: Turkey demands EU support in Syria; France decries migrant 'blackmail'

France's top diplomat accused Ankara of "blackmail" after Turkey decided to open its borders to Europe. Talks between top EU leaders and President Erodgan have so far failed to yield a compromise.

European Council chief Charles Michel and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell were in Turkey on Wednesday as political rhetoric between Ankara and Brussels heated up over the more than 12,500 refugees waiting at the Turkish border to enter Greece.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will not renogiate a refugee deal with Europe until the bloc agrees to support its military efforts in Syria, a move French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called blackmail.

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MIDDLE EAST

Erdogan demands EU help in Syria as price to end migrant crisis.

Two Turkish soldiers killed in Syria on eve of key Moscow meeting.

Turkey shoots down third plane as Syrian forces retake town.

Russia reinforces Syria before Putin-Erdogan talks - flight and shipping data.

Coronavirus in Iraq: Bullets, repression, Iran trump COVID-19.

IAEA 'asks Iran to explain possible nuclear activities at three sites'.

Israel election: Netanyahu seeks defectors after failing to secure majority. Israel election: Netanyahu seeks defectors after failing to secure majority.

Israel's Arab parties make historic gains as election support surges.

ASIA

Myanmar violence: Thousands displaced by fresh fighting.

US conducts first air strike against Taliban since peace deal. U.S. resumes airstrikes against Taliban to halt attack on Afghan forces.

Sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un insults South Korea in first known official statement.

North Korea blasts South's 'insulting' dramas and films.

Impeached South Korea leader implores conservatives to unite.

Malaysia's new Prime Minister delays Parliament as opposition parties challenge his legitimacy. Malaysia's new prime minister delays parliament by two months.

US navy aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt to visit Vietnam as South China Sea tensions simmer.

Philippines to resume aid talks with backers of UN drug war probe.

AFRICA

Military restrictions hampering northeast Nigeria aid: HRW.

Aid agencies urge halt to civilian attacks in Cameroon's conflict.

Ethiopia: US being 'undiplomatic' over Nile dam project.

Kenya accuses Somalia of violating its territory in escalating regional feud.

Scientists turn to tech to prevent second wave of locusts in east Africa.

Inaugural Basketball Africa League postponed over coronavirus.

Mali village scarred by February 14 massacre.

EUROPE

Greece-Turkey border crisis: Tear gas fired on both sides. Battle at the border: Fire, smoke, and tear gas fill the air as Greek police fight back migrants trying to break through from Turkey after President Erdogan threw open its doors.

'Fake news': Greece rejects claims its forces killed a migrant trying to cross border.

Germany: Thousands of protesters demand EU open borders.

TWO EU officials working in Brussels test positive for coronavirus including one who had returned from Italy.

First confirmed case of COVID-19 in the EU institutions.

Ukrainian president removes PM in government reshuffle. Ukraine parliament appoints Shmygal as new PM.


French Parliament clears path for controversial pension reform.

AMERICAS

Bloomberg out, Biden resurgent after Super Tuesday victories.

Michael Bloomberg ends US presidential campaign.

Brazil's deadly storm causes landslides, killing at least 23 people with dozens still missing.

Brazil economy slows in Bolsonaro's first year.

Venezuela's Maduro urges women to have six children.

U.S. prosecutors accuse Honduran president of taking drug bribes.

Canada urges Iran to give access to downed airliner's black boxes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump speaks with Taliban leader, likely first call between US president and insurgent group since 9/11.

Egyptian army says high-profile Islamic jihadist executed.

'ISIS far more advanced in using social media than UK, US', says India's army chief.

Pro-ISIS group warns followers against using blockchain messenger (BCM) App.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

IMF chief says coronavirus wipes out hopes for faster growth in 2020.

Oil prices take hit from coronavirus scare.

Tesla downgraded Model 3 chip in China thanks to coronavirus.

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