WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, March 4, 2019 to 0800 GMT, March 5, 2019.

‘US, Israeli lies’

The Iranian foreign minister says the UN nuclear watchdog’s verification of Tehran’s adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal contrasts the US and Israeli lies about the Islamic Republic. In a tweet, Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized Washington for what he called its illegal violation and unilateral pull-out of the nuclear agreement. The top Iranian diplomat also warned that the Islamic Republic’s patience is wearing thin. The comments came after the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed for the fourteenth time that Iran is living up to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

Canada political scandal

The Canadian prime minister suffers a blow as another top minister of his cabinet steps down amid an escalating political scandal. Treasury Board President Jane Philpott said in her resignation letter that she had lost confidence in the government of Justin Trudeau over his handling of a corruption inquiry. The prime minister and senior staff of his office are accused of making consistent efforts to help a major construction company evade trial on bribery charges. Trudeau has denied the allegation. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould who resigned last month had also testified to political interference in the trial. The revelation prompted opposition Conservatives to call for Trudeau to resign. A number of opinion polls indicate that the premier’s popularity is slipping in the run-up to the elections scheduled for October.

Pakistan-India tensions

India has reportedly shot down a Pakistani drone intruding into its airspace amid high tensions between the two neighbors. Indian media say a Sukhoi-30 fighter downed the pilotless aircraft with a missile near the northwestern city of Bikaner. They say it is the second Pakistani drone the Indian air force has targeted in the past six days. There has been no official comment from either side over the latest incident.

Algeria protests

Anti-government rallies continue in Algeria, a day after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika defied protesters’ demand for him to step down and confirmed he will run for a fifth term in office. Students in the capital Algiers boycotted classes on Monday to vent their anger at Bouteflika’s move. Several cities in the African nation have also been the scene of fresh demonstrations against the 82-year-old leader. Marches also took place in solidarity in the French cities of Paris and Marseille. Meanwhile, a lawmaker from the ruling party who earlier served as minister has resigned in a show of discontent with Bouteflika’s decision. Anger is simmering despite Bouteflika’s pledge not to serve a full term if re-elected.

Alabama monster tornado

A search operation is underway to find possible survivors of a deadly tornado that ripped through the southeastern US state of Alabama on Sunday. Rescue teams are using dogs and heat-detecting drones to search for victims. Officials say dozens of people are still missing a day after the tornado hit the state. It has killed 23 people while the death toll is expected to rise. The giant twister has also left a path of destruction and thousands of people without power.

Trump criticized over Khashoggi case

Republican and Democratic senators in the US have strongly criticized the Donald Trump administration’s continued silence on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have vowed to push for a stronger response from the government. They made the comments after a closed-door briefing session with government officials. Senior Republican Senators Mitt Romney and Lindsey Graham described the session as frustrating and offering nothing new. The committee’s ranking Democrat, Bob Menendez also called for sanctions against Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi’s murder. The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman probably ordered the murder of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. President Trump, however, has been reluctant to blame the Saudi Prince.

Refugees’ misery in Australia

A man has died at an immigration detention center in Australia, the second death in less than two months. The man is said to be an Iraqi refugee who took his own life at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney. The incident is under investigation. The latest death comes six weeks after another detainee, reportedly from Sierra Leone, died at Villawood. He was also believed to have committed suicide. Australia’s tough immigration policy has been under the spotlight in recent years. The UN has criticized Canberra over its disregard for international human rights law. Rights groups have also repeatedly slammed Australia’s inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.

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