WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, February 22, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, February 23, 2018.

Russia slams support for terrorists in Syria

Russia says the terrorists in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta are using civilians as human shields, urging an end to what it calls the campaign of disinformation about the besieged district. Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations says the recent media reports on the situation in Eastern Ghouta ignore the fact that there are still several thousand irreconcilable militants in the area who hide in medical and educational facilities. He said the international community’s silence has encouraged militants to press ahead with their aggression against civilians. Nebenzya made the statements in a meeting of the UN Security Council, which had been convened to debate a draft resolution calling for a month-long ceasefire across Syria. The Syrian ambassador to the UN also spoke at the meeting.

NEA opposes Trump proposal

The National Education Association in the United States has strongly rejected President Donald Trump’s idea of arming educators to prevent school shootings. Pringle insisted the idea is quite impractical as more guns would lead to more fatal accidents. NEA's vice president said the union will stand up against any legislation that proposes such a plan. The American Federation of Teachers also condemned the proposal as an arms race which turns schools into militarized fortresses. On Tuesday, Trump endorsed the idea of teachers being armed if they have special training in the wake of the recent shooting at a school in Florida. Despite widespread outcry, the White House maintains that the idea is a serious step in solving the problem.

Nigeria protest

Supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have staged yet another protest to demand the release of their leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. Press TV Correspondent Danjuma Abdullahi has covered the protest and reports from Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

Palestinians’ anger at US decision

Palestinian demonstrators have pelted a US delegation visiting the occupied West Bank with eggs, saying they are not welcome. The mission including New York City Council members set foot on the territories amid Palestinians’ anger over US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Qud as Israel’s capital. Palestinian security forces protected the Americans as protesters swarmed to show their disapproval of the visit. They even chased the delegation’s bus holding signs which read the US is part of the problem, and not the solution.

European army closer to having own army

Members of a European Parliament committee vote in favor of establishing a new body which critics argue would bring the European Union one step closer to creating an army. Analysts say EU leaders are in favor of a new army due to deteriorating relations with the US and Britain. From Brussels, Jerome Hughes reports.

Syria 'not to succumb to pressure'

The Syrian ambassador to the United Nations says Damascus will never succumb to those who support terrorism in the Arab country. Bashar Ja'afari made the comments during a UN Security Council meeting to debate a draft resolution calling for a month-long ceasefire across Syria. Ja’afari dismissed as deeply flawed the draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in Syria. He added that the Syrian delegation was not at all involved or consulted in the drafting process, which is set to be put up for voting later on Friday. The Syrian diplomat also accused some members of the Security Council of political hypocrisy. Meanwhile, the UN aid chief has called for a sustained cessation of hostilities in Syria’s militant-held Eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus.

Australia sex scandal

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announces his resignation over a sexual scandal. The announcement came following weeks of pressure over Joyce’s affair with former staffer and now partner Vikki Campion. The woman is pregnant with his child. Meanwhile, another woman has made sexual allegations against the deputy premier and filed a complaint to the National Party. Joyce has rejected the accusation as spurious and defamatory, saying he could not continue as party leader while the case is being investigated.

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