WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, August 31, 2018 to 0800 GMT, September 1, 2018.

Aid no more paid for UNRWA

The UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, says it is disappointed and surprised by the US move to end its funding of relief efforts in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. An UNRWA spokesman also rejected in the strongest terms the US State Department’s claim that the agency’s aid programs are irredeemably flawed. A spokesman for the Palestinian president blasted the announcement saying this is a flagrant assault against the Palestinian people. Palestinian resistance movement Hamas also condemned the move as a grave escalation against the Palestinians, vowing not to surrender to the unjust demands of the US. UNRWA provides basics to five million Palestinians forced from their lands.  

Iran responds to rhetoric

Iran’s foreign minister hits back at the US president after Donald Trump claimed that the Iranian government may collapse because of his policies. In a tweet, Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Islamic Republic will remain a stable, powerful and responsible actor in the Middle East. He added that the US demonization of Iran is indicative of Washington’s cognitive disorder and demagoguery. In an interview with Bloomberg, Trump also claimed that Tehran sought to take over the Middle East before he took office and now just wants to survive.  

New NAFTA?

The Canadian foreign minister has expressed confidence that her country could reach a deal with the US on a renegotiated trade pact known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Chrystia Freeland made the remarks as the NAFTA talks between Canada and the US broke off without reaching a deal after three days of talks in Washington. The negotiations are expected to resume next week. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said a pact would be on Washington’s terms and Ottawa stood firm against signing "just any deal." Meanwhile, Trump admitted making off-the-record remarks saying the US is in total command of NAFTA talks and that it will make no compromises to reach a deal with Canada.

Iraqis hold anti-US protest in Baghdad 

Hundreds of people have rallied in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to condemn the US interference in their country’s internal affairs. The protesters at Firdos Square chanted anti-US slogans and called on their fellow citizens to condemn Washington’s intervention. They urged the US not to meddle in Iraq’s government formation process. The Iraqi parliament is set to meet next week to elect a speaker and start forming a new government. This comes after much-delayed election process in which the country witnessed a vote recount following fraud allegations.

Russia reacts to assassination of Donetsk leader 

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has accused the Ukrainian government of involvement in an explosion that killed the leader of pro-Russia forces in Ukraine’s east. Maria Zakharova also warned the international community about Kiev's behavior. President Vladimir Putin said the killing of Alexander Zakharchenko was a dastardly act that aimed to destabilize peace in the region. Meanwhile, the pro-Russia forces said they have arrested several people linked with the Ukrainian government after the deadly blast in Donetsk. They accused Kiev of launching an obvious act of aggression and pledged to respond in kind.

Fitch says Italy credit outlook 'negative' 

The International credit ratings agency Fitch has revised its outlook for Italy’s long-term debt from stable to negative citing the country’s untested coalition government. The New York-based organization says it expects fiscal loosening from the new populist government. It says the measure could possibly leave Italy's high level of public debt more exposed to potential shocks. The lowered outlook comes three months after the new coalition secured power in Italy. Main partners of the coalition have different approaches to economic issues. Fitch says such inconsistencies have fuelled doubts about how the coalition is going to reduce public debt.

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