WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, April 20, 2019 to 0800 GMT, April 21, 2019.

Iran floods

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has called for a quick compensation to the residents of the flood-hit areas. Rouhani made the comments in the southwestern province of Khuzestan during a meeting held to discuss relief operations and people’s needs. The President visited three flood-hit provinces of Lorestan, Ilam and Khuzestan aboard a helicopter. Unprecedented floods triggered by heavy rains have hit two dozen Iranian provinces since mid-March. Some areas are still grappling with the impacts of the deluge, amid overflow of dams and rivers.

Sudan protest

Several top members of Sudan’s former ruling party have reportedly been arrested. Those detained include the acting head of the National Congress Party, ousted president’s former first deputy, his former aide, the secretary general of the Islamic movement al-Zubair and the former parliament speaker. Two others have also been placed under house arrest. On Saturday, people again took to the streets to call on coup leaders to hand over power to a civil administration. They want the military to establish a timetable for the transfer of power.

France arrests

For the 23rd consecutive weekend, the Yellow Vests have marched across France, despite almost certain state repression. The disastrous fire at Notre Dame Cathedral has not unified the nation which is still waiting for President Nicolas Macron to propose his solutions to quell the unrest. Ramin Mazaheri reports from Paris.

Libya airstrikes

Several airstrikes and explosions have reportedly shaken the Libyan capital, Tripoli where fierce fighting continues between the UN-backed government’s troops and forces of renegade general Khalifa Haftar. Tripoli residents said they saw and heard aircraft opening fire and launching missile strikes on the city. They said at least one missile hit a military camp of a force allied to the UN-backed government in Sabaa area, south of the capital. Authorities have closed Tripoli’s only functioning airport after the attacks. Haftar claims his forces are advancing toward the capital on all fronts. Over two-hundred people have lost their lives since the conflict began two weeks ago. Fighting started after Haftar ordered his forces to capture Tripoli, despite an international outcry.

Sri Lanka blasts

The death toll continues to rise after multiple explosions struck several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. According police officials, over 150 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured. At least 35 foreigners are among the dead. The blasts struck three hotels and three churches as worshipers were attending Easter services. One of the churches is located in the north of the capital, Colombo, and one in the adjacent town of Negombo. The hotels are located in Colombo. Police had issued a nationwide alert ten days ago, warning that suicide bombers were planning to hit prominent churches. There has been no claim of responsibility yet. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinge has called an emergency national Security Council meeting to discuss the situation.

Ukraine election

Ukrainians are voting in the presidential runoff between incumbent Petro Poroshenko and a political novice, Volodymyr Zelensky. Opinion polls show that Zelensky is set to win the race against Poroshenko. A survey by the Rating pollster suggests that the comic actor will win 73 percent of the votes. Zelensky secured nearly twice as many votes as Poroshenko in the first round held on March 31. His supporters insist that only a brand new face can clean up what they call a political mess.

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