World News Briefs -- March 30, 2021 (Evening Edition)

 

Reuters: U.S., 13 countries concerned WHO COVID-19 origin study was delayed, lacked access - statement 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and 13 other countries expressed concerns on Tuesday that the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the origins of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was delayed and lacked access to complete data, according to a joint statement. 

It followed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s assertion that data was withheld from its investigators who traveled to China to research the origins of the pandemic. 

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 MIDDLE EAST 

Iranian leaders pressed to disclose details of 25-year China pact. 

U.S. open to discussing wider nuclear deal road map if Iran wishes. 

UN raises $6.4bn for Syrians as humanitarian needs soar. 

UN report points to Houthis for December attack on Aden airport. 

Oman hopes Yemen ceasefire will be agreed very soon: State media. 

Lebanon: Protesters forcibly disappeared, tortured, says report. 

Turkey reimposes restrictions after sharp rise in infections. 

Israel reopens Taba border crossing with Egypt. 

 ASIA 

Coronavirus: More work needed to rule out China lab leak theory says WHO. 

Australia joins 13 other countries in voicing concerns over lack of access for WHO COVID experts in China.

'Garbage strike' and candle-lit vigils as Myanmar death toll passes 500. 

US orders non-essential diplomats to leave Myanmar as situation worsens. 

China commits ‘genocide’ against Uighurs: State Department report. 

Palau president visits Taiwan despite Chinese pressure. 

U.S. ambassador's visit to Taiwan stirs tough response from China. 

China factory activity rises as economic recovery broadens: official. 

Three women killed while administering polio vaccines in Afghanistan. 

North Korean official says Biden criticism of missile launches reveals ‘deep-seated hostility’ toward country. 

US eyes additional UN action on North Korea after missile tests. 

New Zealand raises minimum wage and increases taxes on the rich.

Japan's cherry blossom 'earliest peak since 812'. 

 AFRICA 

ISIS brags of 'killing Christians' in Mozambique massacre as tales of horror from the attack emerge including a baby shot as his mother carried him to safety. 

Mozambique's extremist violence poses threat for neighbors. 

Portugal to send troops to Mozambique after brazen Palma attack by Islamic insurgents. 

UN inquiry finds French air strike killed Mali civilians. 

Russian mercenaries behind human rights abuses in CAR, say UN experts. 

Egypt’s Sisi warns Ethiopia dam risks ‘unimaginable instability’. 

Freeing of Suez Canal ship prompts broad relief. 

Authorities investigate how container ship became stuck in Suez Canal. 

ICC rejects appeal by Congo warlord Bosco Ntaganda. 

 EUROPE 

Germany restricts use of AstraZeneca vaccine to over 60s in most cases. 

Half of UK population now have antibodies against Covid-19, new data from govt stats agency shows. 

Italy announces five-day Covid-19 quarantine for EU arrivals over Easter. 

Ireland considering adding U.S., France, Germany to hotel quarantine list. 

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell: Russia visit ‘was not a success’. 

Slovak PM steps down over Sputnik V vaccine deal scandal.

Bavarian leader takes jab at rival as Merkel succession nears. 

AMERICAS 

COVID-19's fourth wave is hitting the US hard. 

Biden to announce up to $4 trillion infrastructure plan with massive tax hikes. 

DHS says DOUBLE the number of migrants could cross the southern border this year: More photos show kids in rafts on the Rio Grande while WH announces Kamala Harris will use 'diplomacy' to try and stem the crisis. 

Biden administration FINALLY lets media into biggest shelter for migrant kids - where one in seven has COVID: Rammed tent structure is at 1,700% capacity with 2,000 kids who've overstayed 72-hour legal limit - and there's a lice outbreak. 

Antony Blinken says the US will 'stand up for human rights everywhere'. 

Poll: One-third would use a Trump-backed social media platform. 

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro replaces six ministers as Covid crisis balloons. 

Brazil on edge as three military chiefs resign after Bolsonaro fires defense minister. 

Mexico’s revised COVID death toll is much higher than before. 

Mexico police under fire after woman's death in custody. 

US court sentences Honduran president's brother to life in drug case. 

 TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Taliban signal they have already won: report. 

Defense contractor pleads guilty to sharing classified info with person linked to Hezbollah. 

US-backed Syrian forces raid camp of ISIS families, arrest 9. 

 ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Wall Street dips, with technology the biggest drag. 

Oil rises on expectations OPEC+ will maintain supply discipline. 

IMF leader says she expects economic acceleration with U.S. stimulus.

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