Reuters: Myanmar army, president endorse Suu Kyi victory, vow stable transition
Myanmar President Thein Sein and the powerful army congratulated democratic champion Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, after her party trounced the ruling camp in the first free election in 25 years and was closing in on an absolute majority in parliament.
Thein Sein reiterated that the government would accept the results of the election and agreed to Suu Kyi's request to hold reconciliation talks soon, although the two are still to agree on the time and location of the negotiations.
Suu Kyi's opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) has won over 80 percent of the seats declared so far in the lower house and is well ahead in the upper house and regional assemblies.
MIDDLE EAST
Global push for end to Syria war seen as most serious yet.
U.S., allies conduct 11 strikes in Syria, 17 in Iraq: U.S. military.
Russia says flew 85 sorties, hit 277 targets in Syria in last 48 hours: Interfax.
Hezbollah expands military presence in Syrian war.
Syria conflict: Russia 'peace plan' revealed ahead of key summit.
Syrian opposition rejects Russian peace plan with Assad stumbling block. Assad's opponents dismiss Russian ideas for solving Syria crisis.
Iran has yet to decide on going to next round of Syria talks in Vienna.
Middle eastern powers have to 'uphold arms embargo against ISIL'.
Hundreds of Sudanese troops arrive in Yemen's Aden.
First Qatari soldier killed in Yemen conflict.
Iran signs deal doubling gas exports to Iraq.
Iran must stop intimidating journalists, UN experts say. U.N. rights experts urge Iran to release journalists.
EU issues guidelines on labelling products from Israeli settlements.
Arab, LatAm states seek 'just' Palestinian peace.
ASIA
Chinese commenters are spamming Taiwan’s pro-independence candidate on a website that’s blocked in China.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi wins seat, demands military meeting.
Afghan Hazara killings spur thousands to march in Kabul. Afghan protest at beheadings puts pressure on Ghani government.
Anxiety grows as conditions worsen In Afghanistan.
China corruption fight extends to top officials in Beijing and Shanghai.
China says Philippines must heal rift over South China Sea as Indonesia speaks out.
S. Korea, Japan hold first post-summit talks on 'comfort women'.
Indonesia won’t slide back into military rule, Security Minister says.
New Zealand female MPs thrown out of parliament after disclosing sexual assaults.
AFRICA
Angola marks 40 years of independence amid rights criticism.
France's Hollande: Eritrea 'becoming empty' as residents leave.
UN peacekeepers in C. Africa hit by new sex allegations.
US offers millions in rewards for info on al-Shabab leaders. U.S. offers $27 million in rewards for information on al Shabaab commanders.
UN makes plans to send peacekeepers to Burundi.
Specter of civil war haunts Burundi as violence escalates.
Congo's Kabila should receive immunity, says main opponent Katumbi.
Heavy fighting in Libya's Benghazi, 16 killed: official.
Kenyan forces say flush out suspected Islamist militants in forest.
In Egypt, angry talk of Western conspiracy over plane crash.
Russia says ban on flights to Egypt will last for months.
Police fire stun grenades at striking South African parliament staff.
El Nino threatens 'millions in east and southern Africa'.
EUROPE
Putin calls for investigation of Russian doping allegations.
EU leaders meet in Malta on migration as refugees continue to come, die.
'Like a war': Calais residents terrified over 3rd night of clashes between police & migrants. 27 officers injured after two nights of unrest at Calais refugee camp.
Slovenia starts building fence to control flow of refugees.
Danish prime minister plans tighter controls on refugees, migrants.
Radio reports say Germany spied on FBI, UN bodies and French foreign minister.
Russia widens net in hunt for 'foreign agents'.
Spanish PM Rajoy challenges Catalan secession bid. Court move deepens Spanish standoff over Catalan secession.
Portugal's government ousted amid austerity backlash.
AMERICAS
Venezuelan opposition asks ICC to probe Maduro ahead of polls.
Obama visits Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans.
Donald Trump, Marco Rubio won GOP debate, poll finds.
US Congress passes bill giving lethal aid to Ukraine.
Macri has 8-point lead in Argentina's presidential race: poll.
Colombia's Farc rebel group 'ordered to stop buying guns'.
Two-thirds of Mexicans against decriminalizing marijuana: poll.
Anger at burst dams in Brazil focuses on Vale, mining code.
Pope Francis to visit Mexican capital, 3 states in 2016.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Jordanian killer was on a journey to 'paradise or hell'.
Jihadis cheer killing of Americans in Jordan, call for new 'lone wolf' attacks.
Counter-terrorism: Unrecognized terrorists states.
France arrests 'Islamic State' supporter for plotting Toulon naval base attack.
Islamic State militants' wives tell their story.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Rare blue diamond sells for record $48.5 million at auction.
Islamic finance can promote stability: IMF chief.
China's Alibaba breaks Singles Day record as sales surge.
U.N. agrees on radio spectrum for global flight tracking.
Bezos overtakes Slim as world's fourth-richest on Amazon rally.