Damascus 'evaluating' whether to join the alliance that binds Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Syria considering entry into Mecca defence pact, says foreign minister
Original reporting
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More than 5,000 die from Ebola in DR Congo's deadliest outbreak
Government data shows that more than 10,000 people have contracted the rare virus.

Chelsea beat Man United as Martinez sent off to pile pressure on Carrick
Lisandro Martinez was sent off as Manchester United sank to a 2-0 loss at Chelsea to plunge Michael Carrick further into trouble.

Protests under way in Germany and France as minister warns against use of Halloween masks – Europe live
France’s interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, has warned protesters that covering their faces with Halloween costumes could result in fines Protesters in Paris have begun marching from Porte de Bagnolet, with demonstrations also taking place in Lille and Lyon . Crowds of people have gathered in Paris for the protests, where two French student unions have called for a blockade of schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday. Continue reading...

Evacuees from Russia-occupied city where residents ate weeds arrive in Ukraine
Residents left the devastated city on Friday following a ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump.
Iran FM says US outreach a ‘positive step’ as delegation in Qatar for talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells Al Jazeera Tehran doesn't rule out attack, is ‘prepared for all scenarios’.

Ethiopian PM puts ministers through military training
The prime minister has previously emphasised military preparedness as central to his government's ambitions.