WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, November 16, 2018 to 0800 GMT, November 17, 2018.

‘MBS behind journo killing’

The CIA has reportedly concluded that Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman personally ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Washington Post citing people familiar with the matter said US officials have high confidence in the assessment that was reached after examining multiple sources. It said this includes a phone call that prince’s brother Khalid bin Salman had with Khashoggi. According to the US daily, the call was made at Mohammed bin Salman’s order. It said Khalid told Khashoggi he should go to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so. Khalid, who is also the Saudi ambassador to the US, has denied the allegations. The latest development contradicts Riyadh’s claims that the crown prince was not involved in the killing.

Yemen peace talks

The UN special envoy for Yemen has expressed serious concern over the continuation of fighting in the Yemeni city of Hudaydah. Addressing members of the United Nations Security Council, Martin Griffiths called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He noted that warring sides have given firm assurances that they are committed to attending upcoming peace talks in Sweden. The UN envoy stressed that parties should attend talks without condition. During the session, Britain’s ambassador said the UK will push the Security Council to back a humanitarian truce in Yemen. Meanwhile the World Food Program has blamed warring sides in Yemen for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Arab country.

Syrian refugees return home

Russia says nearly 270,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their homeland in recent months. A Russian general made the announcement during a Defense Ministry session in the capital Moscow. A senior Defense Ministry official also slammed the US for being responsible for what he called the horrifying conditions in the Rukban refugee camp in southern Syria on the border with Jordan.

California fire fatalities

The death toll from the already most lethal wildfire in the US state of California continues to rise. California authorities said eight more bodies were found in the western state which brings the total number of deaths to at least 71. He added that more than one-thousand people are missing. Rescue workers are searching to help find those who are unaccounted for. The inferno is just partially contained with wind conditions expected to worsen in the weekend. The developments come as President Donald Trump is set to visit California on Saturday to meet with victims of the wildfire. The blaze which started last week allegedly began after a high voltage transmission line failed, sparking a vegetation fire.

Clashes in Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, clashes between rival militias have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians. United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the CAR, Najat Rochdi, put the death toll at 37. She said the violence in the central town of Alindao, also forced thousands to flee their homes. The UN official condemned repeated attacks against civilians as unacceptable. The clashes broke out a day after Christian militiamen, known as anti-balaka, killed a number of Muslims in the town. The Central African Republic has been the scene of sectarian violence since 2013.

Iraqi president in Iran

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has officially welcomed his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih in the capital Tehran. Salih is in Iran on his first official visit to the country since assuming office last month. He is accompanied by several high-ranking officials. Salih will hold talks meet with President Rouhani and other top officials to discuss regional and bilateral issues. The two sides are also expected to sign memorandums of understanding in different fields. Iran and Iraq are close regional allies and have extensive trade ties.

US China threats

China and the United States have once again exchanged barbs over trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea. Beijing and Washington have been at odds over trade issues for months now. The dispute began earlier this year, after US President Donald Trump imposed hefty tariffs on imports from China and a number of other countries, in line with his protectionist policies. The dispute has seen both sides imposing tit-for-tat measures. The Sino-US dispute has also raised concerns about the stability of the global economy.

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