WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, March 18, 2019 to 0800 GMT, March 19, 2019.

Venezuela's crisis

Venezuela’s opposition has gained control of three of the country’s diplomatic properties in the United States. Representatives of opposition leader Juan Guaido say two buildings belonging to Venezuela’s Defense Ministry in Washington and one consular building in New York are now in their control. They say the opposition expects to take over Venezuela’s embassy in Washington in the coming days. The move follows the US full backing for Guaido amid a political turmoil in the Latin American country. The United States and its Western allies along with most regional states have recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president. However, Russia, China and many other countries see Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate head of state.

UN staff sex scandal

A new UN report has revealed a significant rise in sexual violence and exploitation at the hands of the staff and affiliates of the world body in 2018. The report shows that over 200 people fell victim to the abuse perpetrated by the organization’s personnel, last year. It also submits that more than 120 people made reports implicating partners and non-UN military forces. The cases involved rape, sexual assault and the purchase of sex. The study also elaborates on improved systems for victims and witnesses to report incidents without fear of retribution or reprisal. In February, an exclusive survey found over 500 reports of sex abuse and harassment by leading aid agencies, including the UN, Oxfam and CARE, a 13 percent increase on 2017.

Israeli water policy

A UN human rights investigator says Israel is depriving millions of Palestinians of access to a regular supply of clean water. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories accused Israel of stealing Palestinian resources. Michael Lynk said Israeli companies are harvesting Palestinian water and minerals in an apparent act of pillage. He said drinking water in the Gaza Strip is now almost entirely unfit for human consumption. According to the UN official, Israeli quarry companies also extract millions of tons of stones each year from the occupied West Bank. Tel Aviv requires Palestinians’ resources particularly water and stones for settlements it has continued expanding despite international outcry. The United Nations deems Israeli settlement on the occupied territories as illegal.

Bouteflika presidency

The Algerian president says he will stay in power beyond his term expiring next month, despite growing calls for him to step down. Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a statement on Monday which confirmed his plan would see him stay in power beyond his tenure. He said he hopes the country will witness a new government and a harmonious transition. While Bouteflika gave no timetable for such transition, he said the shake-up of Algeria’s political, economic and social systems would start in the very near future. Algerians have been protesting for weeks against Bouteflika’s rule and his plan to run for another term. The ailing leader withdrew from his next presidential bid but scrapped the upcoming election. He also said that he would stay in office until a new constitution is adopted.

Fate of New Zealand terrorist

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the man behind the recent deadly terror attacks on two mosques will face the full force of the law. Ardern made the promise to grieving New Zealanders while addressing a special session of parliament on Tuesday. She said the assailant was a terrorist and his name was not worth repeating. Last Friday, an Australia-born white supremacist opened fire at two mosques in the southern city of Christchurch, killing 50 worshipers and injuring dozens of others. Attacker, Brenton Tarrant live-streamed the carnage and posted a racist manifesto online. He has been charged with murder.

Crackdown in Italy

Italy’s far-right interior minister has warned he will take measures against charity vessels which bring ashore stranded migrants from the Mediterranean Sea. Matteo Salvini said Italian ports have been, and shall remain closed to ships which carry out rescue operations on their own initiatives. He insisted that there must be sanctions for those who explicitly violate international, European and national rescue regulations by such conduct. Salvini added, the passage of rescue ships in Italian territorial waters was detrimental to the order and security of the state. He highlighted the risks of migrants involved in terrorist activities. The right-wing politician has already promised to speed up deportations of illegal asylum seekers.

Foreign forces in Syria

A trilateral military summit of Syria, Iran and Iraq has been held in the Syrian capital Damascus. Military chiefs from the three countries met with the aim of boosting joint efforts against Western-backed terrorist groups in the region. Our correspondent Mohamad Ali has the details from Damascus.

More Israeli settler units

The Israeli prime minister has announced the construction of some 8-hundred-forty settler units in the northern occupied West Bank. Benjamin Netanyahu said the new units, which will be added to the existing Ariel settlement, were approved two years ago. He made the remarks while visiting an area where two Israelis including a soldier were killed in an attack on Sunday. An Israeli NGO, Peace Now, has denounced the new project, calling it a shame for Netanyahu’s cabinet. Emboldened by US President Donald Trump’s all-out support, Israel has recently stepped up its settlement activities in the occupied territories. Based on the UN estimates, some 25,000 settlers add up to the current population in the Palestinian territories every year.

Indonesia floods

The death toll from floods and landslides in Indonesia’s Papua province has risen to nearly 90. Officials say the number of casualties is expected to rise further as rescuers are hunting for dozens still unaccounted for. The search is hampered by mountains of debris. Scores have also been injured in the disaster. Many people are still traumatized and scared of more flash floods. The government has issued a 14-day state of emergency in Papua. The flooding was triggered by torrential rain on Saturday.

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