WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, October 23, 2018 to 0800 GMT, October 24, 2018.

Saudi Arabia under pressure

The Saudi regime attracts unprecedented criticism from EU lawmakers over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Members of the European Parliament are demanding honest answers from Riyadh. Khashoggi disappeared while visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul three weeks ago.

Nukes treaty tensions

The United States says it intends to withdraw from a nuclear arms control pact in due course despite objections from Russia and China. US National Security Advisor John Bolton made the announcement following a 90-miniute meeting with the Russian president. Bolton noted that the treaty is outdated because other countries are free to make intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Washington had earlier accused China of making such missiles. The US wants to pull out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty claiming that Moscow is violating the agreement. Beijing condemned Washington’s move and urged it to think thrice before any act. Russia also slammed the US decision, warning that it will be forced to respond in kind to restore the military balance.

Britain harassment crisis

A research by a British parliament committee says sexual harassment has become commonplace for women living in the UK. According to the research the issue of harassment has become so widespread that almost every woman has been affected and it can occur almost anywhere.

US-Saudi ties

The US president has criticized the Saudi operation to cover up the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Donald Trump said killing Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was a very bad idea that was executed poorly. The US president added that the Congress would coordinate with his office to determine the consequences for Riyadh. However, Trump insisted that Saudi Arabia has been a very good ally for his country and invested billions of dollars in the US. He stressed that Washington would be hurting itself if it imposed sanctions on Riyadh. Meanwhile, the US secretary of state said Washington would revoke the visas of Saudis found to be involved in the killing of the journalist.

Migrant arrests

The United States has intensified its crackdown on undocumented migrants trying to enter the country through its southern borders. US officials said nearly 17,000 people attempting to cross the US border with Mexico in September were arrested. Washington underlined that the 31 percent increase compared to August is indicative of a border crisis. US authorities noted that the change in the makeup of migrants to families with children is due to immigration laws protecting minors. The US administration applied a zero tolerance immigration policy, separating thousands of children from their migrant parents. The controversial practice stirred a firestorm of rebuke.

Italy budget row

The European Commission has rejected Italy’s 2019 draft budget over spending plans. Dombrovskis noted that Italy’s clarifications did not allay the commission’s concerns over Rome’s non-compliance with EU rules. He criticized the Italian government for openly and consciously going against its commitments. The EU official added that the bloc’s executive body expects a constructive and open-minded dialog with Rome to resolve the issue. Italy's far-right deputy prime minister, however, maintained that the Eurosceptic government in Rome stands by its budget. Matteo Salvini noted that the commission was angering Italians even more and eroding faith in the bloc. The European Commission has warned Italy with disciplinary action, should Rome fail to comply with its request.

Agony of a handshake

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have met with the family of murdered Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The meeting took place in the capital Riyadh on Tuesday. Salah bin Jamal Khashoggi, the critic journalist’s eldest son was among the attendees in the reception. The crown prince and the son of Khashoggi exchanged brief cold-eye contact before Mohammed bin Salman offered his condolences to the saddened young man. Salah Khashoggi has reportedly been banned from leaving the country since 2017.

Israeli aggression

Israeli soldiers kill a Palestinian man during a dawn raid in the occupied West Bank. 23-year-old Mahmoud Basharat died in hospital over the severe wounds he sustained in the raid. It happened in the city of Tubas where three other Palestinians were injured. The reason behind the raid is not clear yet. Israeli troops periodically storm the West Bank, making arrests and abducting Palestinians. The raids occur over different pretexts, including taking part in anti-Israel demonstrations or having roles in alleged attacks against Israeli soldiers.

Greece rally

People in Greece have staged a protest rally in capital Athens to denounce proposals for the creation and expansion of NATO bases in the country. The demonstrators marched from the Ministry of Defense to the US embassy in Athens, chanting slogans against capitalism and NATO. Addressing the crowd, the General Secretary of the Communist Party said the military bases are used to launch war and kill people. Earlier this month, the Greek defense minister met with his US counterpart, James Mattis, in Washington DC. At the meeting, Panos Kammenos proposed the establishment of three new NATO bases in Greece.

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