WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, May 2, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, May 3, 2018.

Trump’s new lawyer

The White House says US President Donald Trump’s lead lawyer in the investigation into Russia’s alleged role in the 2016 election is to quit at the end of May. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Ty Cobb will be replaced by Emmet Flood to represent the president and the administration against what she called the Russia witch-hunt. Flood represented former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment proceedings in 1998 and 1999. The outgoing lawyer did not hold the position for long. He joined the White House after his predecessor quit in March, saying Trump did not listen to him. The alleged collusion between Trump’s election campaign and Russia has caused troubles for the president. Special Counsel Robert Mueller says he wants to interview Trump. A White House lawyer says any possible interview should be limited in scope and length.

Venezuela presidential election

Campaigning is underway in Venezuela for the May 20 presidential election. The country’s economic challenges are the main topic discussed by the candidates including former governor Henri Falcon who’s considered the main rival to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.

Bahrain ‘unfair’ trial

Amnesty International voices deep concern over a trial in Bahrain in which four men saw their death sentences upheld by the Military Court of Cassation. Three of the defendants are civilians. They, along with 14 others, are the first civilians to be tried by a military court since 2011. Bahrain’s King has commuted their sentences to life imprisonment. But Amnesty International remains concerned that these sentences were issued following unfair trials. The Al Khalifah regime has killed dozens of people, revoked the citizenship of hundreds, and jailed thousands of others since the beginning of pro-democracy demonstrations in Bahrain in February 2011.

Trump legal woes

More headaches for US President Donald Trump. His legal team now says Trump knew hush-money was paid to an adult film actress after an alleged affair she had with him. This is contrary to what Michael Cohen and Trump have said all along. The US president recently said he had no knowledge of Cohen's 130, 000 dollar payment to Stormy Daniels in 2016. The FBI recently raided Cohen’s home and office; documents and other material in connection with a criminal investigation were seized.

China-North Korea ties

China’s foreign minister says Beijing fully supports North Korea’s effort to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear arms. Wang Yi made the remake during a meeting with his North Korean counterpart Ri Yong Ho, on a rare visit to Pyongyang. The top Chinese diplomat also said his country is willing to strengthen ties with Pyongyang and continue to play a positive role in seeking a political solution to the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. China supported a series of UN sanctions against the North over its nuclear and missile programs.

Anti-Erdogan alliance

Turkey’s main opposition parties have announced the formation of an alliance ahead of the country’s general elections in June. The alliance is expected to introduce a candidate who could challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the elections.

Syria seizes weapons

The Syrian army has foiled an attempt by terrorists to smuggle weapons from southern Syria to the western province of Homs. Syrian forces discovered a large cache of arms during their operation in desert areas. The weapons included several types of heavy, medium and light firearms. Among the discoveries were also Israeli-made medicines. Elsewhere in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta, government forces discovered computers, communication devices and cameras with Al Jazeera TV channel logos on them. The Syrian government has stepped up its operations against terrorists across the country in the past year, retaking many strategic areas from armed groups.

Iran nuclear deal

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterresh has urged US President Donald Trump not to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and the P5+1 group. Speaking to British media, the UN chief warned that there is a real risk of war if the agreement is not preserved. Guterresh said Iran’s regional influence is a separate matter and is not related to the nuclear deal. The US president has been a strong critic of the accord, calling it “ridiculous and insane”. Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to keep the deal. He has threatened to withdraw from the accord unless Washington’s European allies come up with a better agreement that includes Iran’s ballistic missile program as well as its regional influence.

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