News Wrap: Biden in Peru for APEC Summit, one of his final appearances on world stage

Geoff Bennett:

Meantime, protesters called on leaders to — quote — “Weed out the snakes.” They’re referring to some 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists present at this year’s conference.

Also at the COP talks today, new data was made public showing the world’s most-polluting cities. Shanghai topped the list in producing the most heat-trapping gas. Two U.S. cities, that’s New York City and Houston, came in at numbers three and four.

In Pakistan, authorities in the eastern province of Punjab declared a health emergency today due to severe smog. A toxic haze has engulfed the densely populated region for weeks, sickening nearly two million people. Schools are closed until further notice. Officials have ordered lockdowns in the cities of Multan and Lahore, where the average air quality index topped 600 today. Any number over 300 is considered a health risk.

Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has asked Iran to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Those comments came during talks in Beirut with Ali Larijani, a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. According to Lebanese media, the U.S. gave Lebanon a draft of a cease-fire proposal for Israel and Hezbollah. Iran is the main backer of the militant group.

And at a news conference today, Larijani was asked if he came to Lebanon to undermine the U.S. truce plan.

Ali Larijani, Adviser to Iranian Leader (through interpreter): We are not after disrupting anything. We are after solving problems. We will support the Lebanese people under any circumstances. It’s Israel’s prime minister and his mob that are after disrupting things.