AFP, Washington
President Donald Trump hit back at critics within his own party Wednesday, painting them as outliers in what is otherwise a “love fest” between him and Republican lawmakers.
A day after Republican senators Jeff Flake and Bob Corker described Trump as having a “flagrant disregard” for truth and decency and of “debasing” the nation, the combative president shot back.
Israel to expand east Jerusalem settlement
AFP, Jerusalem
Israeli authorities on Wednesday approved a major expansion of an east Jerusalem settlement, signing off on plans to add 176 homes, the city’s deputy mayor said. The latest approvals come after Israel last week advanced plans for more than 2,600 settlement homes in various areas of the occupied West Bank.
Abadi meets Erdogan for talks on Kurd vote
AFP, Ankara
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation as ties between their two countries warm amid shared opposition to the Kurdish independence vote. “We are part of a region suffering from conflict and instability, and it is time to cooperate to end these conflicts,” Abadi said in a televised press conference after the two leaders met in Ankara.
NZ new leader Ardern promises govt for all
AFP, Wellington
Jacinda Ardern was officially sworn in as New Zealand prime minister on Thursday, pledging to lead a government for all despite her Labour Party falling well short of a majority in last month’s general election.
The 37-year-old was only confirmed as the new leader last week after stitching together a three-way coalition four weeks after the September 23 poll.
UN Syria envoy to meet Tillerson
AP, Geneva
The office of the U.N. envoy for Syria says he’ll meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Geneva.
Staffan de Mistura wasn’t expected to make any comments after Thursday’s meeting because he is to speak later to the U.N. Security Council later by videoconference. That’s according to de Mistura’s adviser Michael Contet.
Tillerson is stopping in Geneva on the way home from a trip to Asia and the Middle East.
Boko Haram kills 6 Nigerian soldiers
AFP, Kano
At least six soldiers were killed in heavy fighting when Boko Haram raided a military base and looted food from villagers in northeast Nigeria, the military and locals said on Wednesday.
Jihadists in six pick-up trucks stormed the base in Sasawa village, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the Yobe state capital, Damaturu, at about 5:00 pm on Tuesday.
