WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, November 28, 2018.

UN Yemen resolution

The United States has asked the UN Security Council to put on hold a draft resolution that aims to take action on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The US mission says it wants to take into account, the results of the upcoming peace talks on Yemen, in order to offer comments to the draft resolution. UN diplomats say they do not expect a vote on the draft text this week, because of the US reluctance to pressure the Saudi-led coalition. Britain presented the draft text last week. Among other things, the text calls for an immediate truce in Yemen’s port city of Hudaydah. That’s the main entry point for humanitarian aid to Yemen where the population is dependent on the aid for survival.

Racism in Europe

A new report says black people in EU countries continue to face widespread prejudice and racist harassment in many areas of their lives. EU Agency for Fundamental Rights published the report based on a survey conducted in 2015 and 2016. Thirty percent of respondents said they had experienced some form of racist harassment at some point in the five years before the survey. Five percent of them had experienced a violent attack. Law enforcement officers were among the perpetrators. EU Agency for Fundamental Rights urged governments to combat discrimination and racial profiling by police and to ensure that victims of abuse are able to seek compensation.

Trump border wall call

American President Donald Trump has renewed demand for US taxpayer funding of his proposed border wall between the United States and Mexico. This has once again threatened to bring on a budget standoff and a partial government shutdown. While Congress has eleven days to act, Trump and Republican leaders of the US House of Representatives huddled at the White House to discuss the matter. Congress is divided over Trump’s proposed 32-billion-dollar wall as many Republicans are in favor and most Democrats are against. Trump had already asked Mexico to bankroll the construction of the wall, a demand that the Mexican government had rejected.

Iran defense power

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has called for boosting military capabilities and readiness in order to scare off enemies. Speaking to the military top brass, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran has no intention to start a war with any country. The Leader, however, urged the armed forces to keep up their readiness to eliminate threats. Ayatollah Khamenei said the military should depend on the abilities of its qualified personnel to overcome issues.

Russia Crimea deployment

Russia says it plans to deploy more of its advanced S400 air defense systems to Crimea, amid growing tensions with Ukraine. Russian military officials say the deployment will be by the end of the year, joining three other S400 systems already on the peninsula. Russia and Ukraine are embroiled in their biggest crisis in years. Ukraine imposed a martial law in some areas of the country and Azov Sea on Wednesday, after Russia seized its ships. Now Russian navy officials say country’s vice-admiral ship is sailing from the Black sea towards the Azov.

EU supports JCPOA

The European Union foreign policy chief has reiterated the bloc’s commitment to preserving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal despite US pressures. Federica Mogherini made the statement after meeting with Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Geneva. Mogherini underlined the need for full and effective implementation of the joint comprehensive plan of action by all parties. EU’s top diplomat noted that Iran should be able to enjoy economic benefits arising from the nuclear accord. The EU has announced that it will establish a mechanism for direct payments to Iran to offset the US sanctions on financial transactions with the country. The so-called Special Purpose Vehicle will assist and reassure economic operators pursuing legitimate business with Iran.

Afghan civilians killed

The United States has carried out fresh airstrikes in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand. At least 30 Afghan civilians were killed in the air strikes which targeted residential areas in Garm-sir district. Eyewitnesses say women and 16 children are among the dead. Stricken by frequent militant attacks, Afghanistan has been the scene of US-led deadly ground and airstrikes. Civilian casualties have long been a controversial issue, since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

Foreigners behind instability in Afghanistan

Iran says the presence of foreign troops has accelerated instability in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Islamic Republic is ready to continue its help to promote peace in Afghanistan. He noted that a comprehensive strategy, which includes Afghanistan’s economic development, is needed to fight terrorism and drug trafficking in the country. Zarif said Iran can play a key role in boosting Afghanistan’s development. The Iranian foreign minister, however, said that unlawful unilateral US sanctions against Tehran have impeded cooperation in this regard.

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