World News Briefs -- January 29, 2019 (Evening Edition)

ABC News: Pentagon and NATO chiefs say Taliban talks have been 'encouraging'

Top U.S. and NATO defense officials are encouraged by the recently concluded U.S. talks with the Taliban that could lead to a peace settlement in Afghanistan and the possible withdrawal of American troops.

The lead U.S. negotiator in the talks told the New York Times on Monday that the talks have resulted in the "framework" of a deal where the Taliban would guarantee that Afghan territory would not be used by terrorists. In return for an American troop pullout, the U.S. wants the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire and to negotiate directly with the government of Afghanistan.

But that remains a key sticking point, according to a State Department spokesperson. The Taliban has refused to even engage the Afghan government, dismissing them as a puppet of the U.S.

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MIDDLE EAST

Foreign ministers to meet in US on IS amid Syria pullout.

Netanyahu in talks with Russians to avoid Syria 'frictions'.

Yemen rebels release first prisoner in swap deal.

Aid group warns Yemen truce 'on verge of collapsing'.

Iran still adhering to nuclear deal: CIA chief.

Iran rejects talks on missiles, but says no plan to increase range.

Syria-Iran deal to counter 'economic war' from West: Assad.

Iran IT minister says blocking Instagram would create new problems.

Israel blocks Iran cyber-attacks 'daily': Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s chief rival Benny Gantz launches election campaign.

Palestinian PM, government resign.

ASIA

N.Korea 'unlikely' to give up all nuclear weapons: US intel chief.

In Kabul, US reports ‘agreements in principle’ with Taliban.

Afghanistan's post 9/11 generation wary of any future with the Taliban.

Duterte blames Abu Sayyaf 'suicide bombers' for Jolo attack.

Tired of army rule, Thai youth a rising force in March election.

Mongolia's parliament speaker ousted after protests.

Conditions worsen for foreign journalists in China: survey.

Christian mother sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan wins final appeal – and can now start a new life in Canada with her daughters.

AFRICA

U.N. finds at least 15 mass graves in Congo after December violence.

UN eyes second round of Western Sahara talks in March.

UN: More than 130 migrants appear to be missing off Djibouti.

UN: Boko Haram threat displaces 30,000 from Nigeria's Rann town.

Kenya, Somalia to strengthen cooperation on combating terror.

In DR Congo, 3 rebel chiefs surrender in nod to new president.

Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat. Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat.

Cameroon opposition leader Maurice Kamto, MRC members arrested.

Zimbabwe women urged to report rape by soldiers.

Lawyers march in Zimbabwe capital alleging denial of justice.

EUROPE

British lawmakers instruct May to change Brexit deal; EU says 'No'.

Brexit: Theresa May will ask the EU to reopen Brexit deal.

Brexit stalemate: Divisions over UK exiting EU.

Food retailers warn of disruption, higher costs if no-deal Brexit.

France and Italy's war of words steps up as elections approach.

Ukraine’s president announces re-election bid for March vote.

'IRA' claims bombing in Northern Ireland's Derry.

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to open by November.

AMERICAS

US intel heads list North Korea, not border, as threat to US.

The Latest: Maduro plans to expand Venezuela militias.

Amid mass arrests, Maduro won’t touch rival Guaido.

US gives Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido control over some assets.

Guaido says he's still willing to consider amnesty for Maduro, military.

US's Bolton appears to threaten Venezuela with: '5,000 troops to Colombia'.

Howard Schultz heckled as 'egotistical asshole' who would aid Trump in 2020.

Cohen to testify to US House Intel behind closed doors.

Roger Stone pleads not guilty to lying to Congress and witness tampering at court in D.C. - then leaves flashing double V-for victory sign as protesters chant 'lock him up' and fly Russian flags.

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland explains why Trudeau fired Chinese ambassador.

Brazil dam collapse: five arrested including three mining firm staff.

Protesters and riot police clash in Honduras.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadis will return home, and to prison, from Syria.

IS still has 'thousands' of fighters, seeking comeback: US intel chief.

Syrian Arab fighters battle IS for revenge.

Beach resort attack trial resumes in Tunis.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street wavers as tech gives ground and industrials rebound.

Chinese team arrives in US for trade war talks under shadow of latest Huawei charges.

PG&E files for bankruptcy after devastating California wildfires.

Apple to fix FaceTime bug that allows eavesdropping.

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