WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, May 27, to 08:00 GMT, May 28, 2017.

Ayatollah Khamenei on Saudi Arabia 

The multi-billion dollar arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the US has drawn condemnation from Iran’s leader. Ayatollah Khamenei says the Saudis think they can cozy up to the US by spending money but to no avail. He has stressed there is no such intimacy as the US is treating Saudi Arabia like a milk cow and manipulating it. Rights groups have also criticized the weapons deal.

No to austerity 

Thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets of the capital Madrid to denounce the government’s austerity measures.

People voiced their discontent at low wages and lack of job security during the rally called March of Dignity. Protesters also chanted slogans against Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his policies. Demonstrators from all over the country participated in the march carrying banners reading-bread, work, roof and equality. Organizers claimed at least 200,000 attended the event while the local prefecture put the turnout at only six thousand.

British general elections

A new poll shows that British Prime Minister’s party’s lead over Labour has been cut by 6 percentage points less than two weeks ahead of the June 8 general elections.

The poll conducted by ComRes shows that the lead of the Conservatives has fallen to 12 percentage points. The poll was carried out between Wednesday and Friday. A comparable poll showed that May’s party had a lead of 18 percentage points about two weeks ago. The results come after a poll by YouGov on Friday, which showed that the advantage had been reduced to only five percentage points.

Deadly US strikes

Syria has once again called on the US led coalition to cease its illegal activities in the country after another US airstrike killed dozens of civilians in the east.

In a letter to the UN Security Council, the Syrian foreign ministry said the latest US assault only contributed to chaos and destruction that benefits terrorist groups. The letter also emphasized the so called anti-terror coalition’s actions are in direct contradiction of UN Security Council resolutions and international law. The ministry also noted that US attacks are occurring simultaneously with those conducted by Daesh and Nusra front terrorists. Over the past few months US airstrikes have killed scores of civilians in Syria, the latest of which claimed 35 lives in Deir Ezzor province.

Iran-Qatar relations

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has branded sectarianism and terrorism as major causes of regional insecurity.

In a phone conversation with the Qatari emir, Rouhani highlighted the importance of cooperation among regional countries in promoting peace and stability. Rouhani noted that Iran and its Persian Gulf Arab neighbors can strengthen their bonds of brotherhood. He also expressed Iran’s readiness to help settle regional issues through talks. Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hailed relations with Iran as strong and historic, saying his country is willing to further improve them. Sheikh Tamim added that the only way to resolve problems is dialog.

Sri Lanka deadly flood 

The death toll in Sri Lanka’s floods and landslides has risen to 122 while more than ninety people are still missing.

The unprecedented disaster affected more than 400-thousand people in most parts of the country. Military choppers as well as rescue teams are struggling to reach inaccessible areas to help stranded people. People still wade through floodwaters when commuting. India has dispatched forces to help with the relief operations. Unusual heavy rain on Friday triggered a series of mudslides, causing rivers to burst their banks.

Libya clashes

Fierce clashes have flared up again in Tripoli amid a power struggle between rival forces over control of the Libyan capital.

Fighters loyal to the unity government and militia groups exchanged fire in an effort to advance in the restive city. The shelling and sporadic gunfire took place in southern Tripoli after a day of bloodshed which left dozens dead there. The internationally recognized government has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli. Libya plunged into chaos when former dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in an uprising and NATO military intervention six years ago.

'Irresponsible G7 statement'

China has expressed disappointment with the seven wealthy nations, known as the G-7 for raising the issues of East and South China Sea, during their summit in Italy.

A foreign ministry spokesman says Beijing hopes the G-7 and other nations will refrain from taking sides and stop making irresponsible remarks. Lu Kang added that China was committed to resolving disputes with all nations while maintaining peace and stability in the region. The statement followed the G7 communiqué in which leaders expressed concern over the situation in the disputed waters and called for demilitarization in the South and East China Seas. China has territorial and maritime disputes with Japan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The United States has long been taking the side of its allies in their dispute with China.

Philippines unrest

There seems to be no end in sight to bloodshed in the Philippines; Daesh-linked terrorists have killed nearly 20 civilians in the south.

Women and children are among the victims. The deaths bring to 85 the number of people killed in nearly a week of unrest in the city of Marawi. The army said Abu Sayyaf militants attacked the civilians while they were locked in street-to-street battles with security forces. Meanwhile, bodies of nearly ten people apparently executed by the terrorists have been found near the city. The clashes began on Tuesday when terrorists from the Abu Sayyaf militant group raided the city and beheaded a police chief. A large number of people have fled Marawi. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the south.

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