WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, December 9, 2018 to 0800 GMT, December 10, 2018.

Trump impeachment?

US Democratic lawmakers say President Donald Trump could face impeachment and imprisonment over possible campaign finance violations. Trump is suspected of instructing six-figure payments to an adult film star and a former playboy model during the campaign to keep quiet about affairs. Federal prosecutors have sought prison time for longtime Trump fixer Michael Cohen. Cohen is accused of paying hush money at Trump's behest, evading taxes and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Organization building in Moscow. Trump could face impeachment if the payments are proven to be felony campaign finance violations. Under US law, campaign contributions, defined as things of value given to a campaign to influence an election, must be disclosed.

Huawei & the US

The detained chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei has denied accusations of fraud against her over what Washington calls breaching anti-Iran US sanctions. According to Canadian court documents, Meng Wanzhou said Huawei’s Iran operations were in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions of the United Nations, the United States and the European Union. Wanzhou insisted the company communicated with US government agencies regularly to obtain professional guidance on trade compliance. The embattled CFO also asked the court to grant her bail due to health problems. Wanzhou vowed to remain in Canada to contest US allegations and extradition demand. The 46 year-old executive was arrested in Vancouver over charges of conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions.

Khashoggi killing

Saudi Arabia has rejected Turkey’s demand to extradite suspects connected to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The top Saudi diplomat made the remarks after Istanbul's chief prosecutor filed warrants for the arrest of two former senior Saudi officials over the issue. He declined to confirm or deny whether the officials are currently detained. Turkey says there is strong suspicion that the two men were among the planners of Khashoggi's killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October the second. Ankara has repeatedly called on Riyadh to hand over those involved in the murder. The CIA has already concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered in the killing.

Armenia snap elections

Near-final results from Armenia's snap parliamentary elections show acting premier Nikol Pashinyan’s electoral bloc winning by a landslide. According to the central election commission, the two-party bloc led by Pashiniayn's Civil Contract has secured over 70 percent of the votes. Results from 90 percent of precincts also show the Prosperous Armenia party in the second place with over 8 percent. Sunday's elections were triggered by Pashinyan who is seeking to consolidate his political authority. The 43-year-old former journalist became prime minister in May after weeks of protests that ousted twice Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Nearly 49 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots in the polls, which saw nine political parties and two electoral blocs vying for 101 parliamentary seats.

US arms trade

A recent study by a leading research group says the United States remains the top arms producer and trader in the world. The study has been conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. It says American companies hold more than half of the world market share for military equipment. Among US firms, Lockheed Martin tops the world’s one-hundred largest companies by making a profit worth 44 billion dollars in 2017. The study cites arms race with China and Russia as the reason for the big business. According to the study, Russia has also made significant growth in arms production, now ranking second in the world. In western Europe, the study says, Britain remains the largest weapons manufacturer, followed by France.

Boko Haram militancy

A leading rights group says the International Criminal Court should start a full-blown probe into atrocities committed by Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria. Amnesty international has also accused the government of Nigeria of failing to bring those responsible to justice. The ICC chief prosecutor opened a preliminary examination in 2010 into eight potential cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the African country. The cases include the killing of civilians, mass kidnapping and attacks on schools. But now, Amnesty international says Abuja is keeping the investigation in limbo by giving the impression of domestic action, but in reality doing very little.

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