World News Briefs -- October 12, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting in Moscow, Russia, July 15, 2016. REUTERS/SERGEI KARPUKHIN

Reuters: Kerry and Lavrov to resume talks on Syria despite war crimes row

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified.

The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow.

Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that the United States and France said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible.

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MIDDLE EAST

Air strikes hit eastern Aleppo, including market, kill 25: rescue service.

Russia, US to discuss possible steps for Syria crisis settlement in Lausanne on Saturday – Moscow. Russia announces Syria talks with US, regional powers in Lausanne.

Syria conflict: Rebels set up internment camp for IS defectors.

Hezbollah vows at mass Beirut rally to keep up 'jihad' in Syria.

Turkish army says Islamic State putting up 'stiff resistance' in Syria.

IS conflict: Booby-trapped drone kills Kurdish fighters in Iraq. New challenges in Syria as militants weaponize drones.

Turkey says its troops to stay in Iraq until Islamic State cleared from Mosul.

Erdogan: Hillary Clinton is a 'political novice' and Turkey will delay extraditing US citizens.

Turkey defends purge of government officials to Council of Europe.

Top military brass among those killed in Yemen funeral strike.

Saudi-backed Yemeni troops open new front in northern Yemen: officials.

Egypt, Saudi to meet for talks on Syria, Yemen.

ASIA

Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly mosque attack in Afghan capital.

Indian army kills 2 gunmen ending Kashmir standoff.

Rakhine unrest leaves four Myanmar soldiers dead.

North Korea slams U.S., South Korea for naval exercises -- UPI

North Korea plagued by serious levels of hunger,think tank says.

Japan protests over signs of renewed Chinese gas exploration.

China rebuffs South Korea over sinking of coast guard vessel.

China confirms Duterte visit amid strained U.S.-Philippine ties.

Health of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej 'not yet stabilised'.

AFRICA

Nigeria deadly clashes at banned Shia march.

About eight people killed by car bomb in Nigeria's Maiduguri.

Suspected female suicide bomber kills eight in Nigeria.

S. Sudan rebel leader heads to S. Africa for medical tests.

DR Congo stability at extreme risk, UN warned.

Child hunger costs Chad almost $1 billion a year: African Union, U.N..

Chad president says EU needs broader approach to curb migration.

Burundi moves to quit the International Criminal Court.

Congo warlord surrenders five years after escape from prison.

Police, students clash in South Africa capital in fees protest.

EUROPE

Putin denies Russia behind hacking, says 'hysteria' aims to distract U.S. public. Russia concerned over deteriorating ties with US — Putin.

Lavrov denies Russian influence over US election.

Putin heralds bounceback in Russia’s economy.

Moscow has no legal, moral reasons to extradite Snowden – Russia envoy to US.

Kremlin tells Britain: You have to keep our diplomats safe.

Germany plays down prospect of early four-way summit on Ukraine.

Italy's PM Renzi calls for funding cuts for EU states which refuse to take in refugees.

Multiple petitions lodged at top German court against EU-Canada trade deal.

AMERICAS

US election: FBI investigating hacking of Clinton campaign chief.

Colombia and ELN rebels announce historic peace talks.

Colombia's FARC rebel leader sees solution to peace impasse soon.

Hurricane Matthew: Haiti risks 'real famine', says interim president.

Narcos in Mexico: new cartel challenges drug lord El Chapo’s domination.

Venezuela's Supreme Court lets Maduro bypass Congress in budget process.

Key Venezuela-Brazil football match interrupted by power cut.

Mexican governor offers to resign to face corruption charges.

French MEP Jose Bove denied entry into Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Spain and Morocco arrest four suspected of links to Islamist militants.

IS confirms death of propaganda chief Abu Mohammed al-Furqan.

Paris attacks: Lawyers for main suspect, Salah Abdeslam, quit.

'Crime-terror nexus': Europe's former criminals, future terrorists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Samsung slashes profit forecast over Galaxy Note 7 crisis.

Oil price may remain in 'Goldilocks' range as OPEC output cuts look likely.

David Bowie and Prince new entries on Forbes dead celebrity list.