WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, March 5, 2019 to 0800 GMT, March 6, 2019.

Ties to Israeli settlements

The United Nations has delayed the publication of a list of companies with business ties to Israeli settlements. The creation of such a list was agreed by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said despite making progress since launching the study, further work is needed. Activists voiced anger over the move saying it had already been delayed for too long. Human Rights Watch said each delay further entrenches corporate involvement in the systematic rights abuses stemming from illegal settlements. Companies appearing in such a database could be hit by the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The movement aims to cut off international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and end its occupation of Palestine.

US Turkey warning

A top US general says Washington should not sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey if Ankara buys Russian-made air defense system. Curtis Scaparrotti, who oversees US forces in Europe, told a Senate hearing that NATO ally Turkey should not buy the Russian S-400 system. He said the S-400 cannot be integrated into NATO air defense system. He warned the US cannot stand idly if allies buy weapons from “our adversaries”. The top general also called for more US troops in Europe to counter what he called the growing and increasing threat of Russia.

Venezuela crisis

The Venezuelan president has called on the nation to hold an anti-imperialism march at the weekend. Nicolas Maduro made the remarks during a ceremony to mark the sixth anniversary of the death of his predecessor Hugo Chavez. The call for rallies comes as opposition leader Juan Guaido had already called for a protest march on the same day. Maduro said he would defeat those who are determined to destabilize the country. Meanwhile, Guaido said he was negotiating with unions to call for strikes that would paralyze the public sector. Guaido is trying to muster support after returning home on Monday from a regional tour in violation of a court order barring him from leaving the country. President Maduro has vowed that Guaido will eventually face justice.

US sanctions threat

The United States has threatened to impose more sanctions against North Korea if it doesn’t end its nuclear program. US national security adviser John Bolton made the announcement. Meanwhile, South Korea has reported some activity at nuclear site by the North that Pyongyang began to dismantle after the first summit between the US and North Korean leaders. Seoul says there is a rebuilding work taking place at the Tongchang-ri launch site. Last week’s meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un broke down with no results over differences on denuclearization and easing US sanctions.

Trump’s demands  

US media reports indicate President Donald Trump had pressured former White House officials to grant his daughter and son-in-law security clearances. CNN says Trump pushed for John Kelly, his chief of staff at the time, and Donald McGahn, who was then his White House counsel to do so. Both officials are said to have refused after expressing concern. Donald Trump ultimately awarded the privilege to his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Last week, the New York Times published a similar report, showing Trump ordered his chief of staff to grant Kushner a top-secret security clearance. Ivanka Trump has denied his father has had an involvement in the security clearance issue.

Saudi royal rift

British media suggest there are growing signs of a destabilizing rift between Saudi Arabia's king and the kingdom's crown prince. King Salman has reportedly disagreed in recent weeks with Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Salman over important policy issues. The unease is said to have been escalating since the murder in Turkey of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, the report states tensions increased dramatically when the Saudi king visited Egypt last month. According to a source, advisors to the king warned him about potential threats against his authority. The reports say the king's entourage was so alarmed that it replaced his security team. Egyptian security personnel guarding the king are also said to have been dismissed.

Afghanistan bomb blasts

Afghanistan wakes up to another day of bloodshed. Bomb explosions have rocked the eastern city of Jalalabad. Local officials say two bombers blew themselves up outside the office of a private construction company near the city's airport. Security forces rushed to the scene following the blasts and exchanged fire with two other militants there, killing both. The attack is feared to have left casualties. There’s no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault. But Taliban militants usually carry out such attacks.

US ‘failed plots’

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the US has failed to achieve‎ its goals through its economic and psychological war due to the Iranian nation’s resistance. Addressing a crown of people in the northern city of Lahijan, Rouhani said the US wants to bring to Iran to its knees but to no avail. He said the Iranian nation’s perseverance has thwarted all plots by its arch foes. Rouhani added that Iran will continue on the path of independence and progress as it did since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rouhani called on the nation to stand united during the time of hardship created by the US sanctions.

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