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This file photo taken on August 12, 2017 shows US President Donald Trump speaking to the press about protests in Charlottesville at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Photo by AFP)

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, August 15, 2017.

Trump’s Threats

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security of its Asian allies against any threat or actions taken by North Korea. In a phone conversation with Japan’s prime minister, Trump told Shinzo Abe that the US stood ready to defend itself and its allies in the region. After the phone call, Abe praised Trump for giving him assurances over the country’s security in the face of heightened tensions in the region. He also said the two leaders achieved a consensus that halting Pyongyang’s missile launches was a priority.

South Korea anti-War Rally

Anti-war protesters have held a rally in the South Korean capital, Seoul. The demonstrators expressed opposition to the deployment of the THAAD missile system and US president’s remarks about possible military action in the Korean Peninsula. They called for a peaceful resolution of the situation. Seoul and Washington agreed last year to install the missile battery in Seong-ju. Parts of the system have already been deployed. But the new South Korean administration, which came into office in May, has said the missile system should go through a legal and environmental process before being deployed.

Brexit Talks

The British government says London could seek a temporary customs union with the European Union after leaving the bloc. The Department for Exiting the EU says it wants to agree with the bloc on a time-limited period of implementation to provide certainty for businesses and allow for new customs arrangements to be set up. The department noted that it has an ambitious plan in place for the most frictionless possible trade with the rest of Europe after leaving the EU. The statement comes ahead of UK’s first published detailed proposals on the future partnership. Britain’s membership of the EU customs union will end along with its membership of the single market when it leaves the bloc in March 2019.

Iran Confidence Vote

The Iranian parliament starts vote-of-confidence debates on President Hassan Rouhani’s proposed cabinet. The president himself has addressed the parliament. Rouhani said Iran’s 12th administration faces great challenges and that the government needs people’s participation in its plans. He stressed that his administration is determined to fight corruption. Hassan Rouhani submitted the list of his proposed ministers last week prior to the legal deadline. Seventeen candidates were presented to the parliament whose qualifications will be debated. Rouhani is yet to announce his pick for the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Portugal Wildfires

Raging wildfires in Portugal have injured 55 people as thousands of firefighters struggle to put out the blazes across the country. Firefighters supported by air units are trying to extinguish a large blaze near the central town of Vila dei Rei. Some of the residents were evacuated as large swathes of forest near the town scorched. Another batch of firefighters is focused on controlling a second large fire also in the interior of the country. Officials say persistent hot and dry weather has stoked the flames in various regions. Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Officials say 90 percent of the fires were either intentionally or accidentally started by people. The worst fire in Portugal broke out in June killing 64 people.

‘US No Good Partner’

Iran’s President accuses the US of failing to respect its international commitments. Rouhani says Washington is neither a good partner nor a reliable negotiator.

India Can Defend Itself

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, says the country can defend itself against any hostile act amid territorial disputes with China and Pakistan. Modi made the comment in a speech to mark India’s Independence Day from Britain seventy years ago. Press TV’s Sanjay Sethi has been at the ceremony there and sent us this report from the Indian capital.


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