WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, December 18, 2018 to 0800 GMT, December 19, 2018.

Trump's 'charity' that misused funds shut down 

US President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down his personal charity following allegations that it misused funds for his political and business gains. New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood said the Trump Foundation would be dissolved and its remaining assets distributed to other charities under her supervision. Underwood added, there has been a shocking pattern of illegal activities in Trump’s charity including unlawful coordination with Trump’s presidential campaign. The New York State Attorney General had filed a lawsuit against the foundation in June.

Belgian PM resigns

Belgium’s prime minister has decided to step down from his post as head of the government. Charles Michel made the announcement after a debate in the Belgium parliament over support for a United Nations migration pact. The liberal premier lost the backing of his right-wing coalition partners, the New Flemish Alliance, over the move, leaving him with a minority government. The non-binding UN accord promotes a common global approach to migrant flows. Michel insisted the pact provides an opportunity for better European and international cooperation. On Sunday, a number of right-wing demonstrators marched in Brussels against the accord. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the violent crowd.

Iraqi political deadlock

Three more ministerial posts have been voted in by the Iraqi parliament, leaving only five empty seats in the cabinet of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. While this appears to be a progress, there is still a long way to go before rival political parties agree on the remaining vital ministerial posts in the 22-member cabinet.

Lebanon preparing for new government  

Lebanese politicians say they are preparing to form a new national unity government in the next few days. Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said the process was in the last phase and that the government would probably be formed before the Christmas holiday. A pro-Hezbollah MP also said all the problems have been solved and that the new government would be announced in two or three days. Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri has failed to form a new government due to disagreements over the distribution of cabinet seats. But a source close to Hariri said there was reasonable cause for optimism this time. Hariri’s Future Movement also said it was now possible to wager on the government being formed soon.

Brexit deal row

Minor opposition parties in the UK have tabled a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May's government. The Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have jointly made the move. The parties want the government to debate the motion before the Christmas recess. Downing Street has declined to comment. On Monday, the Labour Party lodged its own motion of no confidence in May. Lawmakers are angry at the Prime Minister for delaying a vote on her Brexit deal. Earlier, the government said it’s stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit amid uncertainty over the fate of the premier’s exit plan from the European Union.

Iran nuclear deal

The European Union has once again highlighted the need to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, saying it keeps the door open for further talks with the country. EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini says the European bloc has new chancels to engage with Iran thanks to the landmark agreement. Mogherini says both sides are now cooperating in a constructive manner to address regional issues. She says, however, that any negotiations with Iran on other issues, including its missile program, would be “much more difficult if the deal breaks down”. Iran has said that its missiles are for self-defense and it will not compromise on them in any talks. The EU is trying to keep the nuclear deal up and running by ensuring that Iran receives its economic benefits. This, after the US withdrew from the accord in May and reinstated sanctions on Iran.

Arab League on Brazil and Australia

The Arab League has condemned the decisions by Brazil and Australia to relocate their Israel embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds. During an emergency meeting in Cairo, the organization also decided to send delegations to Brazil and Australia to inform officials there on the need to abide by international law on Jerusalem al-Quds. It also slammed the continuation of Israeli aggression against Palestinians and the regime's “official and organized state terrorism”. Last week, Australia announced its recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying it will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the city after a peace settlement is achieved. Brazil's new president has also pledged to relocate his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds next year.

Greece protest

Greek demonstrators rally in the streets of the capital Athens to protest the country’s first post-bailout budget. They say THEY went through the hardship during the austerity but now the rich are benefiting the new budget. The rally was held after Greek lawmakers approved the 2019 budget which projects a high primary surplus. The budget also forecasts the economy to grow by 2.5 percent, compared to a projected 2.1 percent this year. Addressing the parliament, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras thanked the lawmakers for how they ran the country during the debt crisis.

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