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World News Briefs -- April 27, 2020 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Global coronavirus cases pass three million as lockdowns begin to ease

BEIJING (Reuters) - Global confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed 3 million on Monday, as the United States neared 1 million cases, according to a Reuters tally.

It comes as many countries are taking steps to ease lockdown measures that have brought the world to a standstill over the past eight weeks. [nL3N2CF2RN]

The first 41 cases were confirmed in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 10. The 3 million confirmed infections in less than four months are comparable in number with the roughly 3-5 million cases of severe illness caused by seasonal influenza around the world each year, according to the World Health Organisation.

An average of 82,000 cases have been reported per day in the past week. Over a quarter of all cases are in the United States, and over 43% have been recorded in Europe.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Yemen's separatist southern forces announce plans for self-rule, jeopardising Riyadh peace deal. Saudi-led coalition calls for end to escalation in south Yemen.

Turkish Army suffers casualties in Idlib after latest jihadist attack: report.

Rocket attacks hit near Syrian capital; 7 dead.

Food prices across Syria double in a year: WFP.

In twist to press arms ban, US asserts role in Iran deal.

Pentagon downplays Iran military satellite as 'tumbling webcam'.

Saudi Arabia ends capital punishment for minors.

Demonstrators block roads in Lebanon protest over dire economy.

Lebanon offshore drilling finds no commercially viable gas: minister.

Netanyahu 'confident' US will allow West Bank annexation soon.

US says would recognize Israel annexation.

Israel Memorial Day events held in small groups, online amid pandemic.

ASIA

Three Beijing activists 'disappear after saving backup copies of censored coronavirus-related reports'.

U.N. report: 1,300 civilian casualties in Afghanistan in first 3 months of 2020. UN report notes drop in number of Afghan civilians killed.

Kim Jong-un is ‘alive and well’ and staying in Wonsan, says top South Korean official.

‘I just wish him well’: Trump says he has ‘good idea’ of Kim Jong-un’s condition. Trump appears to confirm that NKorea's Kim is alive.

Moon Jae-in on North Korea policy: 'Small tasks to be pursued relentlessly'.

Fijian military leader defends government's right to 'stifle' press during Covid crisis.

Former South Korea president denies helicopter attack in Gwangju.

Vietnamese woman sues Seoul for 'wartime massacre'.

Ramadan bazaars go digital in Southeast Asia amid pandemic.

AFRICA

European states urge 'humanitarian truce' in Libya.

Libya's Haftar claims 'mandate from the people'. Haftar dismisses UN Libya unity deal as 'thing of the past'.

Dozens killed in eastern DRC attacks: Officials. DR Congo attacks kill 43: officials.

Ethiopian forces occupy parts of Sudan border zone.

COVID-19 worsens South Sudan hunger crisis.

Burundi gov't using fear, repression ahead of election, watchdog says.

Rwandan police chief accused of sexual assault of child refugee at UN centre.

EUROPE

Europe continues to ease lockdown as Switzerland re-opens shops and Norway restarts primary schools while masks become mandatory on public transport in Germany

Coronavirus: Europe takes cautious first steps to reopening amid threat of new outbreaks.

UK says it won’t extend EU talks despite virus upheaval.

Back at work, Boris Johnson urges patience over UK lockdown.

Prague mayor under police protection amid reports of Russian plot.

Poland: Opposition slams presidential election by post.

Coronavirus in Russia: Anti-government protests go online.

Millions take part in Belarus civic labor day amid coronavirus.

Builders back at Paris's Notre-Dame after Covid-19 shutdown.

AMERICAS

Trump faults China for coronavirus' spread, says U.S. investigating. Trump says US may seek damages from China over virus.

White House adviser Navarro lashes out at China over 'fake' test kits.

Trump says never considered delaying election.

US Congress set to reopen, but new virus aid faces divisions.

U.S. House committee launches probe of Trump WHO aid cutoff.

U.S. imposes new rules on exports to China to keep them from its military.

Virus spreads fear through Latin America’s unruly prisons.

Brazilians divided on impeachment of President Bolsonaro: poll.

Canada begins staggered lifting of pandemic lockdown.

Argentina, Chile defuse spat, vow united fight against pandemic and recession.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

How the Islamic State feeds on coronavirus.

U.S. says 2 civilians were killed in 2019 Somalia airstrike.

UN finds ‘disturbing increase in violence’ following U.S.-Taliban deal.

Taliban lauds Mullah Omar for defending Osama bin Laden after 9/11.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Asia stocks set to rise as Wall Street jumps on lockdown easing hopes.

Questions swirl as US Fed meets amid deepening economic crisis.

Exclusive: Oil traders book expensive U.S. vessels to store gasoline, ship fuel overseas in sign of desperation.

Ships filled with jet fuel to petrol wait in Singapore Strait amid slump in oil demand.

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