WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, October 20, 2018.

US-China tensions

The United States is pondering about a new operation to send its warships through the Taiwan Strait amid heightening tensions with China. US officials say the mission is aimed at ensuring free passage through the strategic waterway. The US Navy carried out a similar operation in the international waters of strait in July. Any repeat is seen as a fresh expression of support by the US for self-ruled Taiwan. China views Taiwan as one of its own provinces and is concerned about the US policy toward the island. China has warned that the US naval passage could endanger peace and stability in the strait.

White Helmets resettlement  

Canada says it is preparing to resettle members of Syria’s so-called White Helmets aid group, who are accused of working with terrorists and launching false-flag attacks in the Arab country. Canadian officials say the country will host a group of White Helmet volunteers and their families as part of cooperation with its international allies. In July, the Israeli army secretly evacuated 800 White Helmets members and their families from southern Syria at the request of the US and European countries. They were transported to Jordan via the occupied territories. Syria says White Helmets work with anti-Damascus militants and Takfiri terrorists. Russia also questions the group’s humanitarian work, saying it has been helping foreign-backed militants and Nusra Front terrorists in their fake chemical attacks in Syria and then put the blame on Damascus.

Russia’s response to US charges  

Russia has condemned the United States for indicting a Russian national over alleged interference in the upcoming US mid-term congressional elections. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says the US is “fabricating a pretext” in order to impose further sanctions on Russia. Ryabkov also accused certain American politicians of waging what he calls a shameful slanderous campaign to put pressure on Russia. The US Justice Department claims Elena Khushyaynova is the chief accountant for a project to influence the US political system through information warfare. According to the indictment, the Saint-Petersburg woman has managed a so-called troll farm which posts inflammatory content online to defraud the US.

Saudi ‘whitewash’ concerns

After weeks of secrecy and conflicting statements, Saudi Arabia has finally confirmed that dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in its consulate in Turkey. The kingdom says it has arrested 18 people and dismissed two senior officials as part of an investigation into the case. While US President Donald Trump has hailed as credible the Saudi investigation; others, including rights groups question Riyadh’s account of the story.

Anti-Brexit protest

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of London to stage what they call the biggest, loudest and most important anti-Brexit demonstration. The protesters are calling for a second referendum on Britain’s exit from the European Union. Most parliament members support the rally. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set to address the demo. Prime Minister Theresa May has already ruled out a second referendum. Meanwhile, a pro-Brexit rally is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in London. Britons voted to leave the EU by a narrow margin in 2016. London is set to leave the bloc in March 2019. The two sides have not reached a deal over their post-Brexit ties so far.

Kabul explosions

Violence continues to overshadow the polling day in Afghanistan as voters turned out to cast their ballots in parliamentary elections. In the latest episode, at least 15 people, including civilians and police officers were killed in a bomb attack in Kabul. More than two dozen people also wounded. Afghan officials said more than 130 Afghans were killed or wounded in poll-related violence. The voting has also been delayed in Kandahar and Ghazni provinces. Still, the Independent Election Commission has announced that voting hours will be extended in some centers to cope with demand. The election was also marred by widespread allegations of voter fraud.

Khashoggi killing

A media group in Turkey says those behind the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi should be punished. Kislakchi added that those responsible for the killing carry out great terrorist acts and attack free journalism too. A number of European countries have also reacted to Saudi Arabia's confirmation reports of Khashoggi’s death. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has demanded explanation for the death of Saudi journalist. The Spanish government has said it was dismayed by the information from Riyadh about Khashoggi’s death. Khashoggi went missing on October 2. After more than two weeks and several denials, the Saudi prosecutor confirmed that the dissident journalist was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

US-led Syria airstrikes  

Syria has strongly condemned air strikes by the US-led coalition that have killed scores of civilians. The foreign ministry has described the attacks as a heinous crime. In letters addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council, Damascus has demanded a transparent and independent international investigation. The air raids in the al-Bukamal region of Dayr al-Zawr province have killed at least 62 civilians. Dozens more have been wounded. Many of the dead include women and children. Sources say the number of fatalities is expected to rise as most of the injured are in critical condition. Many remain under the rubble. The US-led coalition is operating in Syria without authorization from the government or a UN mandate.

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