WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, January 1, 2017.

Rouhani’s reaction

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for unity among the three branches of government to tackle people’s problems. Rouhani said officials should heed the grievances of protesters in some Iranian cities. The president added that economic issues are just part of the protesters’ demands, noting that they also want a more open atmosphere. But he blasted those who are exploiting the situation and provoking violence. Rouhani stressed that criticism should be made through lawful means. The president also said some foreign governments, including the US, are trying to fuel the protests. He argued that this is what Washington openly pledged a few months ago. But he warned that the Iranian nation will firmly respond to a small number of lawbreakers who act against the will of the people and the law and insult the values of the nation. Some Iranian cities have witnessed protests over the past few days. Sporadic violence has erupted during the protests, causing a number of deaths.

Macron reforms

President Emanuel Macron says he is determined to push Europe towards reform through dialogue with France's partners in the continent. In a televised New Year’s speech on Sunday, the 40-year-old president also promised to implement swift political and economic changes in France, including an overhaul of unemployment benefits. He also touched upon the influx of asylum seekers, urging the European nations to be welcoming to those who have “taken refuge” in their countries. In 2017, France was the scene of mass protests against Macron’s reform plans and controversial state of emergency decree law. High unemployment and labor laws were among the issues which triggered the protest rallies.

Saudi war on Yemen

Saudi Arabia steps up its aerial attacks against its southern neighbor, killing more Yemeni people as the world witnesses New Year celebrations. Saudi fighter jets carried out multiple airstrikes targeting a gas station near a popular market in the Jerahi district in the western province of Hudaydah. At least 20 people were killed in the raid and several others wounded. Meanwhile, another airstrike in Hudaydah's Jabal Ra’as district left three civilians dead. Saudi Arabia and its allies started their deadly war campaign against Yemen in March 2015. At least 13,700 Yemenis, including many women and children, have lost their lives since then.

US sex harassment

US Chief Justice, John Roberts, has announced a plan to evaluate sexual misconduct policies in the country’s courts. Roberts said the standards of investigations into inappropriate behavior by US judges and court staff will be re-assessed. He noted that events in recent months have shown that the judicial branch is not immune. Last month, high-profile federal judge, Alex Kozinski, announced his immediate retirement following sexual harassment accusations made by at least 15 women. Kozinski was accused of subjecting former female clerks and staffers to inappropriate sexual conduct or comments.

Trump Pakistan threat

US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will cut off aid to Pakistan, saying Washington has “foolishly” given Islamabad 33 billion dollars over the past 15 years. In his first tweet of 2018, Trump said the US has only received lies and deceit from Pakistan in return for the monetary aid it had provided. Trump also said the US operations in Afghanistan are being hampered by the “safe haven” that Pakistan was providing to terrorists. Ties between the US and Pakistan have deteriorated under Trump. In August, the US president accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists.

Hong Kong rally

In Hong Kong, thousands of people have begun the first day of the New Year by attending a rally in support of the island’s political system. According to organizers, around 10,000 people took part in the rally in which they reaffirmed their support for the principle of one country two systems. China has been pursuing the policy since it retook the former British colony in 1997. The principle allows Hong Kong to have some degree of autonomy and self-rule. But the new generation of Hongkongers is now demanding the total split of the island from mainland China. Hong Kong’s governor has said citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and the territory’s constitution guarantees that right.

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