WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, April 10, 2019 to 0800 GMT, April 11, 2019.

Brexit delay

European Union leaders have agreed to delay Britain’s exit from the bloc until the end of October, preventing a potential no-deal departure at the end of the week. Tusk called on Britain not to waste the time to sort out Brexit. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has also agreed to the extension. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has expressed confidence that Britain would honor the sincere cooperation obligation. The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European parliament elections.

Response to US threats

Iran’s foreign minister has met with top commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in the capital Tehran. Mohammad Javad Zarif sat down with the military commanders in the wake of the US move to formally designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization. Zarif said the United States’ “stupid and ridiculous decision” is a sign of its failure in the region. He insisted that Washington’s move has only reinforced unity and sympathy in Iran. IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari also noted that the US doesn’t dare to take a military action against Iran.

Libya fighting

The United Nations has called for a ceasefire in Libya as fighting intensifies near the North African country’s capital. Guterres made the remarks after briefing the UN Security Council in a closed-door session. The council met to consider how to address raging clashes near Tripoli. The meeting came a day after the UN postponed a Libyan national conference aimed at organizing elections in the country. Heavy clashes were reported Wednesday on the southeastern outskirts of Tripoli. The fighting started after renegade General Khalifa Haftar ordered his forces to march on Tripoli to seize control of the capital from the UN-backed unity government.

India elections

Indians are casting their ballots in the first phase of general elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a second term in office. Because of the vastness of India, the election will be held in seven phases until May 19. About 900-million people are eligible to vote. The parliament has 543 elected seats and any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a government. Modi’s nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has been campaigning to retain a commanding majority. However, it faces challenges from strong regional parties and a resurgent Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi. The results are due to be announced on May 23.

North Korea vows ‘blow’

The North Korean leader says Pyongyang must deliver a serious blow to those imposing sanctions on the country. Kim Jong-un said hostile forces were mistakenly trying to bring the North down with sanctions. He called on government officials to reach a high level of self-reliance based on the country's technology and resources. Tensions between North Korea and the West picked up once again after failed talks between Kim and US President Donald Trump in February. The second Kim-Trump summit collapsed after Washington turned down Pyongyang’s offer of major concessions in return for partial sanctions relief. North Korea has expressed frustration at the US insistence on keeping its sanctions in place.

US Venezuela intervention

Venezuela has described the US vice president as arrogant after Mike Pence called on the UN Security Council to recognize Juan Guaido as the country's new head of state. In a televised speech, President Nicolas Maduro said Pence made “a fool of himself” at the UN Security Council. Maduro said he couldn’t understand Pence’s arrogance, self-importance and his racial supremacism. During an emergency Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Pence said Washington was preparing a resolution to legitimize Guaido. The remarks drew reaction from Russia's UN ambassador. Vassily Nebenzia accused Washington of provoking an artificial crisis in Venezuela to overthrow the country’s legitimately elected leader and replace him with its own pawn.

Sudan crisis

Sudanese government sources say the country’s president, Omar al-Bashir, has stepped down and consultations are underway to form a transitional council. Witnesses also say soldiers raided the headquarters of the Islamic movement led by Bashir. The development comes as thousands have taken to the streets of the capital, Khartoum to stage an anti-government protest. According to the country’s state media, the army is due to make an important statement. Witnesses say military vehicles have been deployed to key roads and bridges, and Khartoum’s international airport has been closed. Several high profile arrests were also reported including Minister of Defense. Sudan has been gripped with anti-government protests since last December over a planned hike in bread and fuel prices. Officials say nearly 40 people have lost their lives in the protests so far.

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