WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, January 13, 2019.

US Venezuela campaign

The US secretary of state has described Venezuela's government under President Nicolas Maduro as illegitimate. Mike Pompeo said the United States would work with like-minded countries in Latin America to restore democracy there. Washington has targeted Caracas with harsh economic and political sanctions since 2014 under the pretext of alleged human rights abuses and threats to US national security. Washington accuses Maduro’s government of stifling democracy by jailing opposition leaders. The US has also slapped sanctions on several Venezuelan officials. Maduro, however, blames the economic crisis in his country on the US, saying Washington is plotting to topple his government.

Israel Syria attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed carrying out airstrikes on the Syrian capital on Friday. Netanyahu said the attack hit warehouses containing Iranian weapons in Damascus international airport. Netanyahu added that Israel is more determined than ever to act against Iran in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel’s outgoing army chief also confirmed that Tel Aviv has conducted thousands of airstrikes inside Syria over the past two years, without claiming responsibility. Gadi Eisenkot claimed that the attacks mostly hit Iranian targets. Tehran has yet to react to the Israeli claims. Iran has repeatedly said that it only deploys advisers in Syria at the country's request. On Saturday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry wrote to the United Nations to condemn the latest Israeli attacks, describing them as an attempt to prolong the war on Syria.

Sudan deadly unrest

The death toll from protests in Sudan that began last month has risen to 24. That was announced by the Sudanese government’s fact-finding committee. However, Amnesty International estimates that at least 40 people have been killed in the unrest. Sudan's National Human Rights Commission has condemned the killing of protesters by live ammunition, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. Anti-government protests broke out in December over rising food prices and cash shortages. Demonstrators are demanding an end to the nearly 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir.

Corbyn warning

The head of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party has warned that exiting the European Union without a deal would be catastrophic. Jeremy Corbyn noted that he prefers an agreement over a second referendum. He said he will table a motion of no-confidence in the government soon if Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal is rejected by the parliament. Leader of the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable also said the parliament will act to stop a no-deal Brexit from happening. He said the parliament plans to take control of the Brexit process away from the prime minister with a view to suspend or delay the withdrawal. Lawmakers are set to vote on the divorce agreement on Tuesday.

Greece confidence vote

The Greek prime minister calls for a confidence vote in his government after Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, who is head of his main coalition ally, stepped down. Alexis Tsipras said he has informed the parliament about his decision. The confidence vote is expected to take place later this week. Kammenos resigned in protest at a deal ending a long running dispute with Macedonia over its name. The right-wing minister said his party is quitting the government. This will leave the premier’s Syriza party bereft of a parliamentary majority and raise the possibility of snap elections. Greece and Macedonia struck a deal in June agreeing that the Balkan country will be renamed the Republic of North Macedonia. This will distinguish it from Greece's northern region, also called Macedonia. Greek nationalists argue that the name Macedonia can only refer to the Greek province of the same name.

Yemen retaliation

Yemeni forces have carried out a fresh retaliatory attack against Saudi forces inside the kingdom. According to Yemeni media, the drone attack was conducted by the Yemeni army and popular forces. The offensive targeted a gathering of Saudi soldiers in Jizan region. The attack reportedly left a number of soldiers killed and injured. Yemen’s Ansarullah movement had previously threatened to carry out more retaliatory attacks against the Saudi-backed forces.

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