YEREVAN/BAKU (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as fighting in and around the mountain enclave entered a second month on Tuesday, defying a ceasefire brokered in Washington.
Armenia acknowledged overnight that Nagorno-Karabakh forces had withdrawn from a strategic town between the enclave and the Iranian border, an apparent military gain for Azerbaijan. Both sides accused each other on Tuesday of striking targets outside Nagorno-Karabakh itself in defiance of a truce brokered by Pompeo at the weekend.
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MIDDLE EAST
Russian strike on Syria’s Idlib fighters a ‘message’ to Turkey.
Iran would hail US return to nuclear deal - with 'guarantees'.
Iran says US needs to ‘kick the sanctions habit’.
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Israel's Gantz praises 'positive voices' from Lebanon.
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ASIA
US senators seek to declare China 'genocide' against Uighurs.
Hong Kong activist detained attempting to seek asylum at US consulate.
China moves forward with digital currency plans.
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AFRICA
UN Security Council ratifies Libya ceasefire deal.
Sudan to organise week of talks on Ethiopia dam feud.
Nigeria launches inquiry into Lagos protest shootings.
Ivory Coast's Ouattara touts economy in contentious bid for third term.
Rights groups call for cease-fire in Cameroon.
American citizen kidnapped in Niger.
EUROPE
Armenia, Azerbaijan keep fighting despite cease-fire deal.
Armenian diaspora pitches in as Nagorno-Karabakh truce crumbles.
New protests loom as Europeans tire of virus restrictions.
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Calls for UK national lockdown grow as coronavirus death toll passes 60,000.
Belarus workers, students start nationwide strike in new challenge to Lukashenko.
France encourages EU allies to take measures against Turkey after Erdogan's boycott calls.
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AMERICAS
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Biden vows to back Belarus opposition in removing Lukashenko.
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower evacuated in terror alerts amid Muslim anger over Mohammed cartoons.
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BUSINESS/ECONOMY/FINANCE
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