Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, Nov. 14

Somalia National Army (SNA) backed by AU forces recaptured El-Garas village in Bakool region of southwest Somalia on Sunday without resistance from the militant group of Al-Shabaab, officials said.

Information Minister for Southwest State in Somalia, Ugas Hassan told Xinhua by phone that the operations were still underway to liberate more areas still under Al-Shabaab control including Tiyeglow town where Ethiopian troops quit in October. (Somalia-AU)

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WELLINGTON -- Further casualties beyond the two confirmed deaths from a severe earthquake that rocked New Zealand early Monday cannot be ruled out, says Prime Minister John Key.

Police confirmed the two deaths, saying emergency services were still working at the scenes. (New Zealand-Earthquake)

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CHISINAU -- Socialist candidate Igor Dodon led in Moldova's presidential runoff on Sunday, gaining 55.03 percent of votes, while his rival Maia Sandu got 44.97 percent, after 97.21 percent of the votes were counted, according to the Central Election Commission.

The voter turnout at the presidential polls, which ended at 9:00 p.m. local time in the country, was over 53 percent of the eligible voters, with some 5 percent more than at the first round two weeks ago. (Moldova-Presidential Runoff)

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WASHINGTON -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has named Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff, according to an official statement released Sunday.

Trump's campaign manager Stephen Bannon will serve as his chief strategist and senior counselor, the statement said. (US-Trump) Endi