G20 Summit: World Leaders Gather In Brisbane -- BBC

World leaders are arriving in Australia for this weekend's G20 summit in the Queensland city of Brisbane.

The two-day summit, attended by the US, Chinese and Russian leaders among others, will focus on promoting growth.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said leaders would discuss job creation, identifying tax cheats and strengthening the global economy.

Tensions with Russia over Ukraine will also draw attention, while campaigners want climate change on the agenda.

In Brisbane, local government workers have been given a day off because of the number of travel restrictions in place. Thirteen world leaders are due to arrive in the city on Friday.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. says it has targeted Khorasan Group again in Syria with airstrike. US hits al-Qaida militants in Syria for third time .

Islamic State’s taunt raises spectre of US-led ground war .

ISIL fighters driven out of Iraq's Beiji . Iraq troops 'push Islamic State from oil town of Baiji'.

ISIS leader purportedly says coalition 'terrified, weak' .

Islamic State leader Baghdadi urges attacks in Saudi Arabia .

Yemen Shi'ites capture key district from al Qaeda, 35 people dead . Houthis gain ground against Yemen's al-Qaeda.

Lawmakers try, but fail, to force vote on Iran sanctions bill .

Israel, Palestinians agree to steps to calm Jerusalem tensions, Kerry says . Jerusalem tension: Israel ends age limit on holy site access .

Perpetrators of U.S. sailors' assault will 'pay the price': Turkish Foreign Minister .

ASIA

Taliban on Afghan president’s mind as he visits Pakistan . Afghan leader aims to repair ties in Pakistan .

Pakistan says security 'inextricably linked' with Afghanista n.

Pakistan airstrikes kill 30 militants, military says .

With new team in place, India's Modi tightens grip on power.

North Korea's Kim to send special envoy to Russia .

Troops clash with Muslim militants in Philippines, 15 dead .

Obama visits bizarre heart of Burmese military regime .

China bans sex, murder and ghosts from TV streaming services .

Beijing police bust 'underground banks' that funneled $23 billion overseas .

AFRICA

Algeria's Bouteflika, clinging to power despite ill health .

Reports: Nigeria's Chibok falls to Boko Haram . Boko Haram militants 'seize Chibok' .

'Full-fledged war' across Egypt as navy attacked for first time, experts say .

Sudan warplanes bomb South Sudan border zones: reports.

Burkina Faso factions approve transition plan .

S. Africa riot police in parliament as Zuma insults fly .

Three killed in Nigeria military helicopter crash .

Officials say US threatens aid cuts to Somalia .

Mali reports suspected Ebola death, more cases monitored .

Liberians rejoice but Ebola still a threat, says WHO .

EUROPE

Young girl among six killed in east Ukraine .

Putin berates U.S. over sanctions before G20 meeting . G20 summit: Russia sanctions 'undermine trade' - Putin . Putin: We are guided by interests rather than feelings in dealing with our partners.

Russia's Putin denies a rift with German's Merkel .

Kiev has no plans to launch offensive in the east — Ukraine’s foreign minister .

Ukraine's Poroshenko says army able to repel attack if needed. Ukraine's PM says main task is to build army to stop Russia .

Moscow says it wants to prevent renewed fighting in Ukraine .

Sweden confirms submarine violation . Sweden says has proof of foreign submarine intrusion in October .

Scotland may seek new independence vote if UK delays devolution, Salmond says .

Eurozone clings to meagre economic growth as large economies struggle . Eurozone growth sluggish as Germany avoids recession .

Thousands protest in Romania ahead of presidential run-off vote .

AMERICAS

Hagel outlines overhaul of U.S. nuclear program due to 'systemic problems' .

US to grant refugee status to some children . Obama vows to move forward with plans for U.S. immigration system .

Obama to pledge $3 billion for international climate fund .

Report: U.S. state budgets fudge numbers to hide massive debt .

Thousands in fresh Mexico protest over student massacre .

Mexican police play havoc with president's security pledge .

With goods scarce in Caracas’s stores, street sales boom and officials glower .

Canadian gunman toured Parliament weeks before attack .

Secret Service blunders eased White House intruder’s way, review says .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State, al-Qaida reach accord in Syria .

Islamic State commanders liable for mass war crimes: U.N. .

Airstrikes fail to slow ISIS' Iraq killing spree, database suggests .
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Virgin America soars in market debut .

Global leaders meet for G20 summit in Australia LIVE UPDATES

Twitter's debt assigned 'junk' status .

Halliburton and Baker Hughes in merger talks .

Oil prices likely to fall further, says IEA .