WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, February 22, 2019 to 0800 GMT, February 23, 2019.

‘Violating Venezuela sovereignty’

The Venezuelan foreign minister has accused the US of violating the Latin American country’s sovereignty. Jorge Arreaza made the comments during a press briefing at the UN in New York. He said the US imperialism is entering a period of extinction. He slammed US President Donald Trump for supporting violence in Venezuela. Arreaza also said his country and the US are in discussions about the status of American diplomats in Caracas.

UNSC demand on Yemen

The United Nations Security Council has called on warring sides in Yemen to immediately implement a deal to withdraw their forces from several key areas. The 15-member council urged the parties to the conflict to pull out their troops from the ports of Saleef, Ras-Issa and Hudaydah as well as a grain warehouse which is under the control of Saudi-backed forces. It called on the two sides to maintain peace by exercising restraint and de-escalating tensions. The UNSC has also expressed concern at what it called continued violations of ceasefire which came into effect last December in Stockholm. Meanwhile, the World Food Program says it needs more resources to tackle hunger in the war-torn country.

Sudan developments

Sudan’s president has dissolved the central and provincial governments in the country amid nationwide anti-government protests. Omar al-Bashir also called on the parliament to delay constitutional amendments that would allow him to run for another term. Hours later, Bashir issued two decrees appointing military and security officials as governors of Sudan’s 18 provinces. He also appointed a new prime minister and announced that five members of the outgoing cabinet will retain their posts. After Bashir’s initial declaration, protest organizers pledged to continue their campaign until he steps down. Sudan has witnessed almost daily protests since December 2018. The demonstrators want an end to Bashir's three-decade rule.

Algeria protest

Algerian police have clashed with anti-government protesters in the capital, Algiers, using tear gas to disperse the crowds.The protesters took to the streets to vent their anger at President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s plans to seek a fifth term. Similar rallies were held in several cities across the African nation. The 81-year-old president seeks to contest the April 18 election, despite concerns over his health. Bouteflika is expected to easily win the vote as the opposition remains weak and divided.

Nigeria elections

Gunmen have launched an attack in northeastern Nigeria hours before elections in the country. The attack took place in Yobe state. Locals say they had to flee the area where the attack happened. Other witnesses said they heard a blast in the town of Maiduguri in the neighboring state of Borno. The violence comes as Nigerians prepare to take part in delayed presidential elections. Nigerian authorities postponed the vote last Saturday for reasons related to acts of violence in the country. Nigeria's northeastern region is a hotbed of militancy by the Boko Haram and Daesh terrorist groups. The militancy has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the region.