WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, March 2, 2017.

EU-US trade row

Germany urges the European Union to give a determined response to US President Donald Trump's plan to slap steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel called Trump's move unacceptable and demanded he rethink his decision. Gabriel said Washington should have no doubt that Brussels will respond to punitive measures that threaten thousands of jobs in Europe. However the German politician insisted that the US and the European bloc should do everything possible to avoid an international trade war.

Targeting civilians

Terrorist groups have once again fired rockets toward the eastern fringes of the Syrian capital, Damascus. The terrorists, based in Eastern Ghouta, launched mortar attacks on corridors set up by the Syrian government for the exit of civilians. The terror groups, who are mostly members of Nusra Front and its affiliated groups, continue to prevent civilians from leaving the region, claiming they don’t want to leave the area. It is estimated that tens of thousands of civilians are still living in Eastern Ghouta. Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution demanding a 30-day truce across Syria. The agreement excludes terrorist groups like Nusra Front.

Israeli corruption scandal

Israeli police have interrogated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time as part of an investigation into a corruption case. According to Israeli media, investigators from Israel’s Financial Crimes Unit and Securities Authority questioned Netanyahu at his residence in Jerusalem al-Quds. The interrogation was related to a corruption case involving Israel’s telecommunications giant Bezeq. Police suspects that Netanyahu acted to benefit the company in return for favorable media coverage. Reports say Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, was also questioned at another location. Israel’s police have already recommended that the premier be indicted for similar corruption cases. Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in at least 2 other cases. Reports say he’s also expected to testify about a scandal involving a hefty purchase of military naval vessels from Germany.

Trump’s trade threats

The US President reacts defiantly to global criticism of his plan to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. In an early morning tweet, Donald Trump welcomed the idea of trade wars, saying they are good and easy to win. He also defended his highly controversial plans, claiming the US is losing billions of dollars on trade. Earlier, Germany called Trump's move unacceptable and urged the European Union to give a decisive response to the US. German Foreign Minister said Trump's measures threaten thousands of jobs in Europe. Sigmar Gabriel, however, called on the US and the EU to do all they can to avoid an international trade war.

WTO warning

US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have drawn global condemnation. The World Trade Organization has warned that the US president is risking an economically damaging trade war if he makes good on his threats. The WTO’s Director General, Roberto Azevedo, said the agency is concerned over the US plans and will be watching the situation very closely. The European Union has also said it’s considering retaliatory tariffs. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire says the EU will retaliate with a firm joint response if the Trump administration goes ahead with the “unacceptable tariffs”.

US-Russia tensions

Russia has postponed strategic talks with the United States to protest against Washington’s refusal to discuss cyber-security in February. The Russian ambassador to the US says Washington's last-minute pullout from the talks in Geneva was an unfriendly step that gave the impression of being pre-planned. Anatoly Antonov says Russia’s inter-agency delegation had already arrived in Switzerland for the talks, adding that the Americans refused to participate over baseless allegations against Moscow. The Russian diplomat says the US withdrawal from the talks has worsened tensions between the two sides and made the upcoming negotiations impossible. Moscow and Washington were set to discuss bilateral issues and strategic stability next week.

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