WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, April 29, 2019 to 0800 GMT, April 30, 2019.

Iran slams US decision

Iran’s ambassador to United Nations has slammed the US decision to recognize the Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. In an address to the UN Security Council, Majid Takht Ravanchi said the US move was a direct violation of binding Security Council’s resolutions. He stressed that the Golan is and will remain an integral part of Syria. The Iranian diplomat also blasted Washington for moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the occupied Jerusalem Al-Quds. He called on the international community to continue their supports for the Palestinians cause, in particular, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem Al-Quds as its capital. President Donald Trump moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv in May 2018 and recently signed a proclamation on the Golan Heights, part of which Israel seized from Syria in 1967, in a move that is not recognized internationally.

Spain bans Puigdemont

Spanish authorities have banned the former president of Catalonia from running in the European Parliament elections in May. Carles Puigdemont slammed the ruling as a flagrant violation of his rights. Puigdemont fled Spain in 2017 after Madrid imposed direct rule on Catalonia, which had unilaterally declared independence following a referendum. Two other allies of Puigdemont, who also live in self-exile, were also banned from running in EU polls. They have vowed to take legal actions in Spain and Europe. Leading Spanish newspaper, El Pais, said the move against the former Catalan leader was based on the fact that he is not registered as Spanish citizen residing abroad.

Sudan protest

Sudan’s protest leaders have called for civil disobedience and a general strike as their talks with the ruling military council fail to bring any results. The Sudanese Professionals Association, which has been spearheading the recent protests, called on more civilians to join the sit-in outside the defense ministry in the capital Khartoum. It also called on them to erect barriers to protect themselves. This comes after the SPA’s talks with military rulers failed to achieve a breakthrough on the formation of a joint civilian-military transitional council. The opposition group says the military is not discussing the make-up of the council. The military council has been ruling the country following the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11.

US troop deployment

The United States Defense Department has announced a plan to deploy hundreds of additional troops to the country’s border with Mexico. The Pentagon said it will send 320 more soldiers until the end of September to the southern border to support immigration officials. A Pentagon official said the troops will not be tasked with performing any law enforcement functions. They will add to around three thousand active duty military personnel and some two thousand National Guard members currently posted to the border with Mexico. They are there to prevent the influx of migrants. In recent months, thousands of migrants have arrived in Mexico, mostly Central Americans fleeing poverty and violence at home. US President Donald Trump has described them as a threat to national security.

Mueller report aftermath

US Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein has handed his resignation to President Donald Trump, ending his nearly two-year turbulent tenure. Rosenstein says he will leave the post on May 11. He was targeted by Trump, particularly after appointing Special Counsel Robert Mueller in 2017. Mueller was tasked with probing links between Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential election. Meanwhile, the chairman of the US House Judiciary Committee says Attorney General William Barr must testify before his panel on Mueller's investigation on Thursday. Jerrold Nadler said if Barr were to skip the hearing, the panel will take whatever actions it deems necessary. Barr has threatened that he won’t attend the hearing over the proposed format.

Iran oil exports

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic will continue its oil exports despite US pressures. Rouhani said the US may close one way for exports but there are other methods Iran can use to sell its oil. The Iranian president described resilience and resistance against Washington as the main duty of the government. He also noted that the Islamic Republic exports over 40 billion dollars of non-oil products annually. Last week, the US said it will not reissue Iran oil sanction waivers that will expire on May second. It threatened to impose harsh punitive measures against those that will continue to buy Iran’s oil.

New Zealand security threat

New Zealand police say an explosives disposal team has rendered a suspicious package safe in the city of Christchurch. The package containing a suspected explosive device and ammunition was found at a vacant property in the Phillipstown area of the city. A man was arrested following the incident. Details are sketchy at this point and police have declined to provide more details. Earlier, a local newspaper said police were called due to threats of an explosive device, and that, residents were evacuated from nearby homes. Back in March, a lone gunman opened fire at worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people.

Hondurans protest

Honduran police have clashed with students protesting against the government’s proposed health and education reforms. The students took to the streets of the capital Tegucigalpa to express their anger at the planned reforms. The police used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters who responded by throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails. The students say the proposed reforms will eventually lead to privatization and job losses.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk