WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, March 17, 2019.

New Zealand terror attacks

New Zealanders are mourning the victims of Friday’s terror attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch. The death toll from the attacks so far stands at 50 with 13 people including a 4-year-old in critical condition. Authorities say the bodies of the victims will be soon released to their families for burial. The tribute ceremonies are being held amid the rising threat of right-wing extremists.

West Bank shooting

The Israeli military says shooting and stabbing attacks have left one Israeli dead and two others injured in the northern occupied West Bank. The military says the attacker assaulted a soldier with a knife and grabbed his weapon at a junction near the Israeli settlement of Ariel. The assailant then shot another Israeli, stole his car and fled to a nearby junction. There, he opened fire at a bus stop, wounding a third Israeli. The military has not specified which attack led to the death of one person. It claims the assailant appears to be a Palestinian, and that he’s at large. Meanwhile, Palestinian media say Israeli forces have begun raiding an area near the West Bank village of Burqin in search of the alleged attacker.

Seeking regional ties

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic is determined to foster relations with its neighbors despite pressure from the United States and its allies. Addressing a crowd of people in the southern town of Kangan, Rouhani said the US, Israel and some regional countries are pressuring Iran into isolation. He added, despite their attempts, Iran will develop its ties with neighboring counties. Rouhani, however, noted that Iran seeks to forge friendly relationships with ALL including its southern neighbors, in a vague reference to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Fight against terror

The chief of the general staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says the victories gained against terrorists in Syria have improved the situation in the Arab country. Major General Mohammad Bagheri made the comments upon his arrival in Damascus. The top general said he is to take part in a trilateral meeting with his Syrian and Iraqi counterparts. In the meeting, the three countries are to coordinate their efforts to press ahead with the campaign against terrorism. Also on the agenda are the enhancement of defense and military cooperation and ways of ensuring stability and security in the Middle East. General Bagheri is also scheduled to meet Iranian military advisors in Syria.

US's anti-Iran sanctions

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the US sanctions against the Islamic Republic are crimes against humanity. Rouhani said the sanctions trigger a psychological warfare rather than an economic one. He added that the anti-Tehran measures are aimed at dashing people's hope for the future. The Iranian president noted that Iran has become self-sufficient in producing oil, natural gas and diesel fuel. He said this has discouraged the US from imposing sanctions on such products. Further in his remarks, Rouhani said Tehran seeks to establish close ties with all its neighbors.

Algeria politics

The Algerian prime minister has begun negotiations for forming a new cabinet amid a continued political crisis in the North African country. Officials say the new cabinet will include experts who are not affiliated with any specific political group. They say the new administration will reflect the demographic nature of the country. Algerian cities have been the scene of anti-government demonstrations for weeks, with protesters calling on President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika to step down. Bouteflika has been rarely seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. He says he would stay in power until a new constitution is adopted.

Indonesia floods

The death toll from landslides and flash floods in eastern Indonesia rises to nearly sixty. The disaster was triggered by torrential rains in the Papua province. Hundreds of houses have been submerged in neck-high water and mud and thousands of people have been displaced. Officials say more than 4,000 people have also been accommodated in temporary shelters. The floodwaters have also destroyed roads and bridges, hampering rescue efforts. Papua’s provincial administration has declared a two-week emergency to get assistance from the country’s central government.

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