Reuters: Canada PM says will press Saudi Arabia on rights, offers olive branch
MONTREAL/RIYADH (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said he would keep pressing Saudi Arabia on civil liberties amid a major diplomatic dispute but also offered an apparent olive branch, saying the kingdom had made some progress on human rights.
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir - infuriated by Canada's demand last week that jailed rights activists be released immediately - said earlier on Wednesday that there was no room for mediation, adding that Ottawa knew what it needed to do to "fix its big mistake."
Riyadh on Sunday froze new trade with Canada and expelled the Canadian ambassador. It also ended state-backed educational and medical programs in Canada.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran vows to continue oil exports despite Trump's threats. Iran sanctions: US can't stop our oil exports, says minister.
Iran ambassador: Trump's sanctions violate UN security council resolution.
Iraq caught in crossfire of US sanctions on Iran.
Cost of Syria war destruction at $388 billion: UN.
Syrian first lady Asma al-Assad treated for breast cancer.
Saudi air defense system intercepts Houthi missile targeting Jizan - Reports.
Saudi Arabia: 'There is nothing to mediate' in dispute with Canada.
Injuries are reported on both sides as Israeli missiles strike Gaza after dozens of rockets are fired into its territory from the enclave.
Israeli opposition challenges controversial nation state law.
No sign of breakthrough as Turkey delegation holds talks in Washington.
Purged Turkish NATO officer risks Erdogan's retaliation.
ASIA
US commander: No need for major change in Afghan war plan.
U.S. 'not willing to wait too long' for North Korea to act: U.N. envoy.
Report: More demolition seen at North Korea rocket launching station.
North Korea: South's military spoiling 'peace' mood on peninsula.
Pakistan opposition parties protest election results.
Pakistan defends its economic partnership with China.
Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak pleads not guilty to more corruption counts.
Historic dry spell in Australia engulfs all of New South Wales in drought.
Winnie the Pooh movie Christopher Robin banned in China after comparison to President Xi Jinping.
AFRICA
Zimbabwe opposition figure fleeing arrest denied asylum in Zambia.
DR Congo's Joseph Kabila to step down ahead of key elections.
South Sudan: Juba residents jubilant over new peace deal.
UN plans talks on Western Sahara before end of 2018.
Niger looks to capitalize on oil wealth.
Italy's PM Conte sees no rush for Libyan election.
Ebola vaccinations begin in Congo’s latest deadly outbreak.
EUROPE
Trump admin to hit Russia with new sanctions. U.S. imposes sanctions on Russia for Skripal poisoning.
Britain welcomes U.S. sanctions for Russia over Skripal poisoning.
US senator presents letter from Trump for Putin.
Georgia protesters demand Russia end its 'occupation'.
Armenian security service arrests ex-prime minister's brother: statement.
Portugal says major wildfire will take days to put out.
Germany: Man arrested for spying on mosque for Jordan.
Police say Sicily gangsters crushed limbs in insurance fraud.
UK prince, prime minister mark centenary of Battle of Amiens.
AMERICAS
Gates, star witness against Manafort, concludes testimony.
Trump's lawyers reject Mueller's latest terms for interview: report.
Venezuela cracks down on opposition in wake of 'attack'. Venezuelan president vows to punish 'terrorists' behind alleged drone attack.
Canada PM does not back down on rights defense in Saudi spat.
More than 606,000 people overstayed visas to remain in the U.S. illegally in 2017 – with the largest numbers from Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela.
Crews getting control of colossal California fire that's torched 300K acres.
Report: Chile's Bachelet to be next UN human rights chief.
Presidential regalia stolen from car in Bolivia.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US doubles reward for info on al Qaeda leaders in 1998 embassy attacks.
Iraq: Families of ISIL members fear attacks if they go home.
Afghan forces target al Qaeda commanders in Helmand and Nangarhar.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stock indexes dip as oil prices sink energy companies.
Tesla board says there are buyout talks with Elon Musk.
Iran proposes extraordinary OPEC meeting.
Trade tensions catch up to oil prices.
China to hit US with tariffs on US imports worth $16bn.
