Reuters: Trump, on possibility of North Korea talks, says: 'Who knows where it leads?'
WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday after the first intra-Korean talks in over two years that the United States was willing to speak to North Korea “under the right circumstances,” although it was far from clear whether this would pay dividends.
South Korea said Trump had also said in a phone call with its President Moon Jae-in that there would be no military action while North-South talks were going on and that a Wall Street Journal article saying he was contemplating a military strike against North Korea was ”completely wrong.”
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MIDDLE EAST
US pledges extra $75mn as Iraq seeks help with $100bn post-ISIS reconstruction bill.
Syria regime battles jihadists for airbase: monitor.
70,000 Syrians flee as regime advances on last rebel-held province.
Turkey summons Russia, Iran envoys over Idlib violence.
Drone attack on Russian bases in Syria came from Turkish-backed rebels – Russian MoD. Drone attack on Russia bases in Syria 'came from Idlib'.
Kremlin says Russian troops able to fend off attacks in Syria.
Turkey warns Iran, Russia as Syria tensions mount.
Qatar seeks international arbitration to end blockade.
Iran's easing of drug laws could halt execution of 5,000 prisoners.
US demands 'immediate release' of Iranian political prisoners.
Palestinian leader says U.S. out of peace talks until Jerusalem policy reversed.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu under fire after son's brag about controversial gas deal.
ASIA
Myanmar security forces took part in killing 10 Rohingya: army.
Trump open to US-NKorea talks ‘under right circumstances’.
S. Korea's Moon Jae-in willing to meet Kim Jong Un 'under right conditions'. Moon: South Korea will not compromise push for North's denuclearization.
South and North Korea agree to hold military dialogue, inter-Korean exchanges.
Moon Jae-in credits Donald Trump for inter-Korea talks.
Hundreds of North Koreans likely to attend Winter Olympics.
Analysts: China poised for 6 to 7 percent rate of economic growth.
Thai leader directs reporters' questions to cardboard cutout of himself.
Malaysia to pay up to $70 million if US seabed exploration firm finds MH370.
AFRICA
Hundreds arrested as violent protests spread across Tunisia.
Attempted coup hatched 'on French soil,' says E. Guinea.
Toll from Boko Haram attacks falls in Niger: UN.
Heavy gunfire at military camps in Ivory Coast's second city. Soldiers loot arms, burn military base in Ivory Coast's second city.
Eritrea, Egypt presidents meet amid Red Sea tensions.
Up to 100 refugees feared drowned off Libyan coast.
Libya may not be ready for democracy, says military strongman.
Bank official, tech exec announce Mali presidential bids.
S.Africa's ANC faces Zuma exit options as party seeks to rebuild.
Tunisia rallies simmer before Arab Spring anniversary.
Christians in Egypt face unprecedented persecution, report says.
Unauthorised gold mining in Cameroon reaps deathly toll.
EUROPE
World Bank sees more growth for the euro area in 2018.
'Simmering conflict' in eastern Ukraine remains at an impasse.
Russia takes aim at US over series of Syria drone attacks.
German parties agree on cleaner car engines but tough issues remain in coalition talks.
Catalan parties to seek return of Puigdemont as president.
US Senate Democratic report warns of Russian meddling across Europe.
Western Balkans backsliding on democracy, says Lords committee.
Chechnya under fire after human rights activist held for drugs possession.
Greece limits Islamic Sharia law courts for Muslim minority.
Italian mafia group 'Ndrangheta targeted in mass arrests in Italy and Germany.
AMERICAS
Exclusive: Canada increasingly convinced of Trump NAFTA pullout - sources.
Trump says it ‘seems unlikely’ he’ll give Mueller interview.
US revamps travel warning system, ranks countries.
Honduras next in line for US decision on protected migrants.
US immigration agents raid 7-Eleven stores.
Fewer asylum seekers cross border into Canada over winter.
Massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes in the Caribbean: Islands escape major damage after one of the most powerful tremors ever to hit the region
US lawmakers seek deal on immigration, border security.
Mattis asks senators to end budget chaos.
State Department to Cuba personnel: Run away if you hear weird noises.
US declares Florida exempt from offshore drilling plan.
Russia meddling in Mexican election: White House aide McMaster.
Brazil police request Temer answer questions in alleged graft probe.
Oprah caught in devastating California mudslide: Sixteen dead as talkshow legend's $50m estate is overwhelmed by knee-deep mud and Jimmy Connors is evacuated from his mansion by helicopter.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State retreats online to 'virtual caliphate'.
Netanyahu: Israel thwarted 'major' terror attacks in Europe involving planes.
Al Qaeda maintains operational tempo in West Africa.
IS cells operate in Kabul under noses of Afghan and US forces.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Perfect start for stocks in 2018 stalls after rates rise.
Bitcoin & other cryptocurrencies will ‘come to bad ending’ – Warren Buffett.
World Bank issues warnings on interest rates and inflation.
Bitcoin continues sinking, down 30% from peak as China & S.Korea consider strangling industry.
China would win in a trade war with U.S., analyst says.
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