WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, March 31, 2019.

Guterres Syria remarks

The UN Secretary General has reiterated the call for the need to guarantee the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Syria including the Golan Heights. Guterres called for the unity of the Arab world as a fundamental condition for peace and prosperity in the region. He also called for avoiding vulnerable interference of foreign parties with destabilizing effects. His comments come days after the US President Donald Trump recognized Israeli’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. The move sparked widespread international outcry. In a reaction to the decision, United Nations Security Council member states condemned Washington's decision as an apparent violation of UN resolutions. The European Union has rejected Israel’s sovereignty over the territory.

Brexit dispute

Britain’s justice secretary says Prime Minister Theresa May will have to accept a softer Brexit deal if the measure is passed by the parliament this week. David Gauke said leaving the EU without a deal is not the responsible thing to do for the government. The minister said he could not remain a member of the government if it tried to leave the bloc with no deal. May is poised to bring back her Brexit deal to the parliament again this week after it was rejected for a third time by the MPs on Friday. At least six pro-EU members of the cabinet are expected to resign if Theresa May pushes forward with a no-deal Brexit. This comes as more than 100 Tory MPs have called on the premier to leave the EU even without a deal.

Turkey local elections

Turkish voters are casting ballots in the local elections that are seen as a test for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 57 million people are eligible to vote to choose the mayors and other local officials across the country. It’s the country’s first local elections since adopting a new presidential system and new changes in elections’ procedure and campaigning. The vote is seen as a test for President Erodgan, as his government is under fire over its economic performance. Many Turks are critical of a decline in the value of the lira, which has affected their livelihood. Erdogan has described the vote as a matter of survival for Turkey. Opinion polls show that the AK ruling party may lose the control of the capital Ankara and Istanbul.

Independent Palestinian state

The Tunisian president says the Arab countries must underline the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state. Beji Caid Essebsi made the call in the Arab League summit which is underway in his country’s capital Tunis. He said regional and international stability should come through a just and comprehensive settlement that includes the rights of the Palestinian people. Essebsi added that the Palestinian state must be established with the city of Jerusalem al-Quds being its capital. His comments were echoed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who said establishing a Palestinian state is imperative.

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