World News Briefs -- January 6, 2017 (Evening Edition)

New York Times: Trump Nods to D.N.C. Hack but Says It Had ‘No Effect’ on Election

■ President-elect Donald J. Trump declared that the hacking of “the Democrat National Committee” had “absolutely no effect on the outcome of the election” after the nation’s intelligence chiefs briefed him at Trump Tower.
■ Mr. Trump called for an investigation into leaked information about Russia’s efforts to help him win the presidency.
■ The president-elect acknowledged that Mexico will not be paying for that wall, at least not for now.

Trump: Hacking had ‘absolutely no effect’ on election

Emerging from a 90-minute briefing with the nation’s intelligence chiefs, Mr. Trump issued a statement acknowledging the hacking of “the cyber-infrastructure of our governmental institutions, businesses and organizations including the Democrat National Committee.” But he said it had “absolutely no effect on the outcome of the election.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army, allies press assault to secure capital's water supply. UN warns of war crimes over disruption to water supply north of Damascus. Syria aircraft strike rebels near water source.

U.S.-backed force seizes Syria citadel from Islamic State.

Turkish-backed forces fighting street battles in Syria's al-Bab: defense minister.

Recalling Syria 'red line,' Kerry says U.S. didn't back down. John Kerry blames Britain for derailing Obama's plan for intervention in Syria.

Mosul battle: Iraqi troops 'take key district' from IS. In renewed push, Iraqi forces enter Mosul from north for first time.

Jordan says moving U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem is 'red line'.

US House condemns UN resolution on Israeli settlements.

Turkey to naturalise Syrian, Iraqi migrants: Erdogan.

ASIA

Taiwan President heading to the Americas to protect fragile foreign relations.

North Korea's nuclear capability growing every day, top US diplomat warns.

100 Chinese ships sailed near disputed Japan islands in 2016, report says.

N. Korea holds mass rally after Kim Jong-un’s New Year’s ‘nuke’ message (PHOTOS).

South Korea to build database of North Korea rights violators.

South Korea to form brigade to remove North's leadership in war.

Bangladesh police kill 'mastermind' behind cafe siege.

UN rights envoy to probe Myanmar Rohingya violence.

Duterte hopes Russia will become Philippines' ally and protector.

Indonesia's military chief threatens Chinese refugees, will 'watch them be eaten by sharks'.

Japan recalls ambassador, suspends talks with South Korea over comfort woman statue. Japan recalls South Korea envoy over 'comfort women'.

AFRICA

W. African leaders plan 'major decision' on Gambia, Nigeria says.

Power struggle risks tipping Libya deeper into crisis.

South Sudan foreign minister contests Abyei belonging to Sudan.

Tallying the deaths in Libya in 2016.

Chad shuts border with Libya, deploys troops amid security concerns.

Drought in E. Africa leaves millions in need of aid.

Ex-soldiers seize arms, take positions in Ivory Coast. Violence erupts in Ivory Coast as ex-soldiers demand pay. Ivory Coast's Bouake and Daloa hit by shooting.

Namibian tribes sue Germany in NY over century-old genocide. Namibian tribes sue Germany alleging colonial genocide. Berlin unruffled by US lawsuit on colonial-era genocide.

Kenya doctors reject offer as strike hits second month.

EUROPE

Le Pen to push for 'Frexit' if EU refuses to cede powers.

Hundreds of US tanks, trucks arrive for NATO mission in Europe.

Greek minister says most migrants no longer are refugees.

Arrivals of migrants to EU by sea two-thirds lower in 2016: Frontex.

German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel calls for ban on Islamist mosques.

Austrian minister calls for headscarf ban for public servants.

Merkel's conservatives gain support despite Berlin attack: poll.

Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May to meet in spring.

France's Le Pen dismisses Ukraine blacklisting threat Over Crimea comments.

AMERICAS

Trump says hacking had ‘no effect’ on election outcome.

Fort Lauderdale shooting: Five killed at airport shooting, gunman ID'd as Esteban Santiago.

Key US-Canada border crossing reopens after bomb threat.

Classified report on Russia, election hacking going to Trump.

Trump election: US 'identifies agents behind Russian hack'.

US election hacking claims: Joe Biden tells Donald Trump to 'grow up' over social media attacks.

Top prosecutor, state officials assassinated in Mexican border town.

A suspected terrorist and drug trafficker just became Venezuela's vice president.

Venezuela opposition seeks new polls, military help, against Maduro.

UN removes four peacekeepers from Colombia for dancing with rebels.

Cuba arbitrary arrests soared in 2016, dissidents say.

Guy Philippe, Haiti's former rebel leader, arrested after radio show.

Drugs gang 'kills 33 inmates' in Brazilian jail.

Canadian 'detained in Turkey for allegedly insulting Erdogan'.

California braces for major storms, hopes for drought relief.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS propaganda king killed: Coalition airstrike in Syria kills ISIS leader in charge of the terror group's finances and intelligence.

Pentagon: Islamic State leader Baghdadi 'still alive and leading'.

Al-Qaida leader denounces Islamic State 'liars' in new message.

Pentagon: Airstrikes kill 20 or more al Qaeda fighters in northern Syria.

US adds Bin Laden's son to terror blacklist.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon worth more than Sears, Macy's and Target combined.

Apple cuts CEO Tim Cook's pay, citing performance.

Trump says Toyota will face tariffs on cars made in Mexico.

US jobs growth slows to 156,000 during December.

China ready to step up scrutiny of U.S. firms if Trump starts feud: Sources.

Samsung profits up despite Galaxy Note 7 disaster.