WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, April 3, 2019.

Iran Leader calls for cooperation

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has urged people to work in tandem with officials to ease the suffering of those affected by floods across the country. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the call in a meeting with a host of officials, ambassadors of Islamic countries and people from all walks of life. The Leader said the Iranian people have always volunteered to help their compatriots at times of natural disasters. Ayatollah Khamenei said people’s participation could further encourage the government to press ahead with relief operations. The Leader said the damage inflicted to homes and agricultural fields should be repaired and compensated for.

Palestinian killed

A Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained in an attack by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army said the shooting happened near a village south of the city of Nablus. Israeli authorities have accused the victim of attempting to carry out a stabbing attack. Israeli soldiers and settlers regularly open fire on Palestinians over alleged knife attacks. Human rights groups have repeatedly slammed Israel for its shoot-to-kill policy. They say a large number of the victims have had no threats to them.

Najib Razak trial

Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him as he stood trial on Wednesday over his alleged role in a financial scandal. The 65-year old arrived at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Wednesday. He faced charges relating to the looting of the state investment fund 1MDB. The fund is a vehicle that he himself founded in 2009 to create long-term economic development in Malaysia. The corruption scandal contributed to the downfall of Najib’s long-ruling coalition last year. It also cost him a re-election bid as a wave of public anger grew against his premiership. The former premier says the charges against him are politically motivated.

Iran warning

Iran’s president has warned the US and Israel against separating the occupied Golan Heights from Syria, saying any such attempt would be doomed to failure. Hassan Rouhani also described Israel as a regional cancer. Late last month, US President Donald Trump formally recognized Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. The move triggered a global outcry. The EU said it will never recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the strategic plateau. The UN also called for maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity. Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and effectively annexed it in 1981.

Brexit crisis

The European Union says the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal on April 12 is increasing. The EU’s Economic Affairs and Tax Commissioner said that the bloc would deploy customs controls immediately in case of a no-deal Brexit scenario. Earlier, the British prime minister offered to work with opposition Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, to end the Brexit impasse. Corbyn welcomed the move but most Tories have warned that a pact with Corbyn will destroy the Conservative party. Meanwhile, the UK’s Brexit secretary has admitted that the government will abide by parliament’s decision for a so-called soft Brexit that will allow the country stay within the EU customs Union and have access to the single market.

Russia Algeria stance

Algeria's Constitutional Council has officially accepted the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika amid mass protests against his rule. State media say the council has informed parliament of the declaration and the vacancy of the presidential office. On Tuesday, Bouteflika announced he is stepping down after two-decades in power. However, protesters have vowed to continue staging demonstrations until the entire government is ousted. Meanwhile, Russia has called on the international community to refrain from meddling in the North African nation. The Kremlin says events taking place in Algeria are exclusively the country’s internal affairs.

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