WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, April 21, 2019.

Unpopular president

Bad news for French President Emmanuel Macron- a new opinion poll suggests his popularity remains weak even after his handling of the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire. According to the ee-fop poll for a French newspaper, only 29 percent of those surveyed said they are satisfied with Macron’s performance. A whopping 69 percent expressed their dissatisfaction with the president and the way he has been ruling the country. The poll was published at the end of a dramatic week for Macron which saw him address the nation in the wake of a devastating cathedral fire. The president vowed to rebuild the Paris landmark in just five years, which some observers have described as over-ambitious. Macron enjoyed sky-high approval ratings of over 60 percent after coming to power in 2017.

Deadly Sri Lanka blasts

The Sri Lankan government has declared a nationwide curfew with immediate effect and shut down major social media networks after two fresh explosions rocked the capital, Colombo. The explosions happened hours after a string of blasts ripped through churches and hotels, most of them in the capital. The churches were targeted while worshippers were attending Easter services. Medical officials say nearly 160 people have lost their lives and more than 500 have been injured. Almost three dozen foreigners are among the dead. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinge says the bombings were aimed at destabilizing the South Asian nation.

Reactions to Sri Lanka blasts

Condemnations are pouring in after a series of deadly blasts hit several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. Iran’s foreign minister said the Iranian government and people are saddened by the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Mohammad Javad Zarif described terrorism as a global menace, calling on all countries across the world to confront it. India called the attacks barbarism, while Pakistan denounced them as horrific terrorist raids. Pope Francis slammed the attacks as cruel violence.

Libya conflict

The World Health Organization says at least 227 people have been killed during the ongoing conflict in Libya, which broke out earlier this month. The UN health agency says more than 1,100 others have also been injured as fierce fighting continues between the UN-backed government’s troops and forces of renegade general Khalifa Haftar, near Tipoli. The WHO also says the conflict has displaced more than 30,000 people. Meanwhile, several airstrikes and explosions have reportedly rocked the Libyan capital. The attack forced authorities to briefly close the city’s only functioning airport. General Haftar ordered an offensive more than two weeks ago to seize Tripoli, despite international outcry. He claims his forces are advancing toward the city on all fronts.

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