Global Beat is your weekly stop for news from around the world. Join us every Friday morning for important stories you should know about.

This week, South Korea's highest court rules unanimously to remove its first female president from office, sparking chaotic protests; Mexico opens migrant defense centers across the United States to provide legal aid to U.S.-based migrants; Air India makes history by flying the first all-female crew around the world; and more.
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Americas

Mexico has opened migrant defense centers at its 50 consulates across the United States to provide free legal assistance to U.S.-based Mexican nationals facing deportation or harassment. Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said that $54 million had been set aside and 320 temporary workers would be hired to support the effort. The move was requested by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto after U.S. President Donald Trump issued executive orders in February calling for tougher deportation procedures.

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• Thousands of protesters in Guatemala demand president's resignation – Sofia Menchu, Reuters

Central & South Asia

Air India on Monday made history when it became the first airline to fly around the world with an all-female crew. The crew flew from New Delhi across the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco, and then made its way back to New Delhi over the Atlantic. The entire flight staff, from the captains and cabin crew to the check-in and ground workers, was comprised of women. According to an Air India spokesman, "even the engineers, who certified the aircraft, and air traffic controllers, who cleared its departure and arrival, were women."

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• Chinese troops appear to be operating in Afghanistan, and the Pentagon is OK with it – Shawn Snow, Military Times

China & East Asia

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to uphold a December impeachment by lawmakers of the country's first female president, immediately removing President Park Geun-hye from office. The former president will also lose her presidential immunity and could face criminal charges on alleged corruption and bribery. The historic ruling triggered chaotic protests in the capital city of Seoul, where two protesters have died. A snap presidential election is required by law to take place within 60 days.

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• North Korea bans its overseas missions from accessing Internet to prevent spread of Kim Jong Nam – The Strait Times

Europe & Russia

The House of Lords voted against a second Brexit referendum this week by a margin of 336 to 131. The defeated amendment called for "letting Britain vote again on whether to leave the EU at the end of divorce talks in 2019." Amendment proponent and Labour politician Peter Hain argued the referendum was not about disputing the initial vote to leave the EU, but that it would have ensured voters had a final say in the outcome of the eventual negotiations. Parliament is likely to support an amendment forcing Prime Minister Theresa May to give them "a more meaningful vote on the UK’s final deal at the end of two years of negotiations."

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• Sweden resumes draft to prepare for potential conflict with Russia – Dominic Hinde and Daniel Silberstein, The Washington Times

Middle East & North Africa

Top American, Russian, and Turkish military commanders held a surprise meeting in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday to deliberate how the countries can avoid unintended military confrontation in the ongoing Syrian civil war. According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the main purpose of the meeting was to discuss "the fight against all terrorist organizations in Syria." General Dunford and Russian General Valeriy Gerasimov also met in Azerbaijan in early February.

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• U.S. Navy ship changes course after Iran vessels come close: U.S. official – Idrees Ali, Reuters

Southeast Asia & Oceania

China on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire between ethnic rebels and Myanmar security forces in northern Myanmar after clashes in the Kokang region left about 30 people dead. Beijing is supplying humanitarian aid to thousands of Kokang residents who have fled to China to escape the fighting. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang urged all relevant parties to "adopt peaceful means in resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation." This latest conflict has dealt a blow to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who failed to reach a peace deal with ethnic rebel groups last week. 

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• Malaysia blames North Korea for Kim Jong Nam's death – Joshua Berlinger, CNN

Sub-Saharan Africa

After Nigerians were advised by the government not to travel to the United States, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs said on Wednesday that a travel ban had not been issued and maintained that U.S.-Nigeria relations are strong. The warning was initially reported on Monday after some Nigerians with valid visas had been refused entry into the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement that while possessing a visa has never automatically guaranteed entry, "Nigerians with a valid visa and a legitimate purpose are certainly welcome to visit the United States."

Also check out:

• South Africa Reverses Withdrawal From International Criminal Court – Norimitsu Onishi, The New York Times

Stay informed. We’ll see you here again next week.