WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, January 8, 2019 to 0800 GMT, January 9, 2019.

US government shutdown

In the US, a new survey has revealed that a majority of Americans blame President Donald Trump for a partial government shutdown that has left thousands of employees in limbo. The national Reuters/Ipsos poll finds that 51 percent of citizens believe Trump deserves most of the blame for the ongoing impasse. The census also indicates that only 35 percent of Americans support a congressional spending bill to fund Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico. The US president, however, is stepping up pressure on Democrats to get the funding. He is going to deliver a primetime address on immigration in an apparent move to garner public support. The shutdown was triggered by Trump's demand for 5.6 billion dollars to build the wall. The Democrats have pledged to exclude wall funding in any legislation.

Iran's response to EU

Iran’s top diplomat has condemned the EU sanctions imposed on Tehran for allegedly planning to carry out attacks in Europe. In a tweet, Mohammad Javad Zarif said the sanctions will not absolve Europe of its responsibility for harboring terrorists. Zarif added that European countries, including Denmark, Holland and France have given shelter to the Mojaheddin-e Khalq terrorist organization. The MKO is one of several EU-based anti-Iran groups that have carried out terrorist attacks inside Iran. The MKO alone has killed thousands of people in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. On Tuesday, the EU froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit.

Brexit uncertainty

The British parliament has voted to limit the government’s powers to amend laws that would allow smooth taxation after a no-deal Brexit. The vote requires the government to obtain parliamentary approval before changing tax laws. That’s unless Brexit is cancelled or a deal is reached with the European Union. The government of Prime Minister Theresa May says the vote does not change the fact that the UK has to leave the European Union in March. The Downing Street says it will work with the parliament to make sure the tax system works properly in all Brexit scenarios. Earlier, Germany warned British lawmakers that the EU would NOT reopen Brexit negotiations if they rejected the deal agreed in November. The deal faces opposition from May’s political allies and rivals.

Trump blames Democrats for government shutdown

The US president has blamed congressional Democrats for the partial government shutdown which has caused political turmoil in Washington for over two weeks. Trump said the only solution to resolve the deadlock is for Democrats to pass a spending bill which would include funding for a border wall with Mexico. He insisted that the wall is essential to safeguard US national security by stopping the influx of drugs, criminals and illegal immigrants who are a burden to the country’s economy. The US president accused Democrats of acting against their own approach to border security just to oppose him. Trump urged Congress to rise above partisan politics and approve his administration’s proposal to ease the suffering of those affected by the impasse and keep the country safe.

Global economy slowdown

The World Bank has warned about the consequences of a trade war between the US and China for the global economy. The international financial institution said trade tension between the world's two largest economic powers is inflicting collateral damage. In a report, the World Bank expressed concern over the potential threat of further harm to an already slowing global growth. It noted that the rate will likely fall to 2.9 in 2019 and 2.8 in 2020 from the 3 percent in 2018. The report called for urgent and critical action in the face of the alarming realities. The Sino-American trade row has sent stock markets tumbling in recent months with bilateral tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars of goods.

Syria refugees in Lebanon in dire need of help

Aid workers say thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon are in need of emergency assistance after heavy rainfall and snow wrecked their makeshift camps. The severe freezing storm that is battering the country is called Norma. More than one meter of snow has been recorded. The roofs of rudimentary shacks have been caved under the snow. One of the areas worst affected is the Arsal region, where a majority of Syrian refugees live.

INF treaty talks

A senior Russian official says his country is ready for talks with the United States about their nuclear treaty, IF the US is ready. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says Moscow is ready for dialog at the diplomatic and military levels. But, he stressed that the negotiations should be on the basis of equality of rights. Washington and Moscow have been in a dispute over the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty since October last year. That’s when President Donald Trump threatened to pull out from the treaty over what he called Russia’s violations. Moscow has rejected the claim, and said it will retaliate, if Washington quits. The treaty, in place since 1988, bans the two countries from using nuclear arms.

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