WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, March 29, 2019.

Brexit uncertainty

The European Union’s Brexit negotiator says it is crucial for London to focus on agreeing a new relationship with the European Union. Michel Barnier said the future of UK’s trade negotiations with the bloc is more important than agreeing divorce terms for the country. He added that the stalled divorce agreement was the best compromise for both sides. Barnier’s comments come ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on part of the Brexit deal. The lawmakers will vote on the withdrawal agreement. If passed, Friday’s vote will secure a delay for Brexit until May 22. Prime Minister May has already lost two votes on the full deal. The voting takes place on the day the UK was initially due to leave the bloc. May has vowed to resign if the deal is passed.

Israel Gaza deployment

Israel deploys military reinforcements near the Gaza Strip, on the eve of the first anniversary of the start of anti-occupation rallies by Palestinians. Troops and tanks are deployed at the so-called buffer zone, as Palestinians are preparing for mass protests there. Organizers have called for a million-strong demonstration on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the rallies known as the Great March of Return. Palestinians in Gaza began the weekly rallies on March 30 last year to protest Israel’s occupation of their land. The rallies also protest Israel’s years-long siege of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians continued the weekly protests despite an Israeli crackdown that left scores of Palestinians dead. Civilians including children were among the victims.

Turkey-US missile row

Turkey says the purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system will proceed according to the plan despite US opposition. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the military deal with Moscow will be honored. The top diplomat underlined that Turkey has no intention of selling the missile defense system to another country. Cavusoglu made the remarks at a press conference with his Russian counterpart in the Turkish city of Antalya. He added that Ankara and Moscow are discussing delivery times for the surface-to-air rockets. The 2-billion-dollar agreement was signed between the two countries in September 2017. The US has warned that the deal presents a national security problem for NATO. Turkey, however, maintains that the move is essential for the country's security.

Algeria politics

Algerians have once again taken to the streets of the capital Algiers as anti-government demonstrations in the North African country enter their sixth week. The protesters reiterated their call for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down immediately and put an end to his 20-year-old rule. The demonstrators said they want a new generation of leaders to create jobs, fight corruption and provide greater freedom. Algerians launched their protests on February 22, after Bouteflika announced he would seek a fifth term in office. The president, however, bowed to the rallies by reversing his re-election bid. But he has refused to quit, saying that he would stay in office until a new constitution is adopted.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir