WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, April 22, 2019.

China opposes US sanctions on Iran

China has once again rejected unilateral US sanctions against Iran, amid reports that Washington is planning to end sanctions waivers to any country that is currently importing Iranian oil. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Beijing has consistently opposed Washington’s anti-Tehran measures. Geng Shuang added that China's bilateral cooperation with Iran is in accordance with the law. The remarks came after the US media quoted State Department officials as saying that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will soon ask all countries to completely end their imports of Iranian oil, or face sanctions. Last November, Washington issued six-month sanctions waivers to eight countries including China. The plan to end waivers is part of US President Donald Trump’s long-time threat to bring Iran’s oil exports to zero, following his pull out of the nuclear deal last year. Meanwhile, oil prices have hit 5-month high over the sanctions waivers report.

US Iran sanctions

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington has decided NOT to reissue Iran oil sanctions waivers that will expire in May. Pompeo said the United States has been in constant discussions with its allies to help them move from Iranian crude to other alternatives. The top diplomat said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have assured Washington that they will provide an appropriate supply for the markets. The decision comes after President Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal last year, accusing Tehran of violating the agreement. Washington also re-imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. This comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly reaffirmed Tehran’s compliance with the landmark agreement.

Libya turmoil

Libya's unity government has criticized France for its stand in the offensive on Tripoli by the forces of Khalifa Haftar. The Government of National Accord, GNA, accused Paris at least tacitly of backing the military strongman. Unity government interior minister Fathi Agha charged that France was supporting “the criminal” Haftar, and announced the GNA was cutting security ties with Paris. The comments received denial from the French embassy, describing the allegations as unfounded. In early April, Haftar's forces launched their assault on Tripoli, seat of the internationally-recognized GNA, pledging to clear the capital of what they call mercenaries and terrorists.

Sri Lanka terror attacks

A new explosion rips through Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, as police were trying to defuse a bomb. The bomb was found in a van near a church in Colombo. There are still no reports of casualties. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has declared a nationwide emergency, amid rising tensions following a string of bomb attacks across the South-Asian country. He is also expected to officially ask for foreign assistance to help track international links to the attacks. Sri Lanka’s cabinet spokesman says the attacks have been carried out with the help of an international network.

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