WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, February 3, 2017.

US nuclear policy

Critics and arms control groups have raised the alarm over US President Donald Trump’s nuclear weapons policy. The Union of Concerned Scientists says Trump's Nuclear Posture Review released Friday shows greater willingness to use nukes. The group says the new policy is a sharp departure from the current policy, and that Trump is “embarking on a reckless path”. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has also denounced Pentagon’s new strategy, saying it softens up the norm with respect to nukes. It says the move increases the risk of a nuclear conflict. Washington’s Nuclear Posture Review calls for the development of new low-yield nukes and says the US will strengthen the integration of nuclear and non-nuclear military planning.

Iraq operation

Iraqi forces have launched an operation to purge the remaining pockets of Daesh terrorists from the deserts of western Anbar province. The Iraqi army and police forces are taking part in the operation along with the Popular Mobilization Units. The troops will sweep the area as far as the Saudi border with the support of the Iraqi air force. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of fight against Daesh on December 9. The terror group invaded Iraq in 2014 and overtook around a third of the country’s expanse in exceptionally brutal attacks.

UN praises Sochi talks

The United Nations has praised the outcome of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held recently in the Russian city of Sochi. Guterres said UN Special Envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, will now draw on the outcome of the talks to work toward full implementation of the Security Council Resolution 2254. The resolution calls for a ceasefire and a political settlement in Syria. The Sochi congress, held on January 29 and 30, brought together delegates from the Syrian government and opposition groups. The talks, however, were boycotted by two strands of the opposition, namely the Saudi-backed Syrian Negotiation Commission and the anti-government Kurds. In a final statement, the parties attending the congress said they had agreed on a proposal to form a constitutional committee. The committee will draft constitutional reforms as a contribution to the political settlement under UN auspices.

US nuclear plans

Russia says the United States is using a scaremongering campaign against Moscow to justify its own military spending hike and nuclear buildup. Antonov made the remarks after the Pentagon published a document on American nuclear policy on Friday. The review called for the diversification of the country’s atomic weapons. Antonov further added that the New Nuclear Posture Review requires careful study and analysis. The top Russian diplomat expressed hope that there will be meetings between Russian and American specialists to clarify many nuclear statements in the document. Touching on the issue of international treaties observance, the Russian Ambassador to the US also stated that Moscow is clearly and fully responsible for and fulfilling all international obligations.

US child abuse fatalities

The US Department of Health and Human Services says the number of child abuse fatalities in the country has sharply increased, especially in the states of Indiana and Texas. According to a report by the department, 1,700 fatalities resulting from child maltreatment were reported in 2016, showing a seven percent increase compared to the previous year. 70 percent of the victims were younger than 3, while fatality rates were higher for boys and African-American children. In Texas, fatalities jumped from 162 to 217, while in Indiana, the death toll more than doubled from 34 to 70. Two years ago, Congress concluded that the US lacked coherent, effective strategies for reducing the number of children who die from abuse and neglect.

Turkey under spotlight

Human Rights Watch has asked Turkey to stop using “lethal force” against Syrians trying to cross into the country. The rights groups called on Turkey to open its border to those fleeing the conflict in northern Syria rather than “force the asylum seekers to return through bullets and abuse”. It also reported several instances of people being detained, beaten and prevented from seeking medical attention as well as at least 10 cases of people being killed by fire from the Turkish border guards. The United Nations says more than 270,000 have been displaced due to the violence in northern Syria since mid-December. The HRW says Ankara's operations in Afrin have contributed to the surging numbers.

Germany politics

Germany’s two main political parties are negotiating to form a coalition government after more than four month of political deadlock. Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democrats, the SPD, are battling over healthcare and labor issues. The two parties are trying to find solutions and seal a deal by the end of Sunday. This is while many SPD members prefer their party to revamp itself rather than form another alliance with Merkel who seeks a fourth term as chancellor. Germany is in a political deadlock following an inconclusive general elections held last September. If the talks with the SPD fail again, Merkel has to either form a risky minority government or trigger a second federal election.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir