WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian government forces overseeing the evacuation by bus of militants and their family from the towns of Ruhaiba in the Eastern Qalamoun region in the Damascus countryside, Syria, on April 21, 2018. (Photo by AP)

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, April 21, 2017.

 

Fight against terror

Several buses carrying militants and their families have left Syria’s Eastern Qalamoun region following an evacuation deal with the Syrian government. According to Syrian media, Daesh terrorists will also clear Jirood and Naaseriyah areas near the capital Damascus under the deal. The agreement also requires the terrorists to hand over their heavy weapons and ammunition depots before heading to Idlib province. Meanwhile, government forces have targeted Daesh positions in al-Hajar al-Aswad district, south of Damascus. This after the terrorists refused to leave the area following a 48-hour deadline. Syrian forces have launched all-out operations over the past weeks to clear areas around Damascus from terrorists and other armed groups.

Denouncing US-led strikes

An independent German parliamentary report says the US, the UK and France violated international law by launching airstrikes on Syria. The report said the use of military force to punish a country for infringing an international convention violates the prohibition of force under international law. The report also said that the UK's argument in support of the attacks was not convincing. London had said it was “right and legal” to launch strikes to alleviate humanitarian suffering. Germany’s Left lawmakers have called the report a "slap in the face" for the German government, which had helped erode international law by supporting the airstrikes. Germany did not join the US-led attacks on Syria, but Chancellor Angela Merkel called the military action necessary and appropriate. The coordinated attack on Syria was launched on April 14, over an alleged chemical attack in a Damascus suburb.

North Korea nuclear tests halt

Russia has urged the United States and South Korea to reciprocate North Korea’s policy shift on its nuclear and missile programs. The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Washington and Seoul to reduce their military actions, including joint drills, on the peninsula. Russia also welcomed Kim Jong-un’s order to halt North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests as a constructive step. Kim reportedly made the decision because the country’s nuclear weapons program has reached its targets. The North Korean leader has also announced the shutdown of a nuclear test site to guarantee the suspension of nuclear tests. The decision was received positively by neighboring countries as a move to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. US President Donald Trump also posted a tweet describing the development as a big progress.

OPCW inspectors in Douma

Russia says experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have arrived in the Syrian town of Douma, where a suspected gas attack took place on April 7. The Russian Foreign Ministry made the announcement, saying the OPCW agents are at the sites suspected of having toxic substances. Two weeks ago the US, the UK and France launched a missile and air attack on Syrian government positions, accusing Damascus of having attacked Douma with chemical arms. The trio said they launched the operation based on investigations done by their own intelligence services. The Syrian government and Russia vehemently denied any such attack had ever taken place.

Nicaragua protests

At least 10 people are killed in Nicaragua in violent protests against proposed reforms by the government. This comes as demonstrators have taken to the streets of the capital Managua and nearby cities for a third day. Nicaraguans are angry over a plan to change the country’s pension system. Under the plan, workers and employers would have to pay more toward the retirement system. Moreover, the proposed law would cut the overall pension amount by five percent. The government of President Daniel Ortega has announced it is ready to hold a dialog with the protesters.


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

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku