Press TV's news headlines

'Contrary to internatrional human rights' 

A large number of asylum seekers embarking on dangerous journeys to Europe either die or face deportation. The total number of asylum applications in the EU hit 960,000 last year. According to human rights groups, around 25,000 migrants lost their lives while trying to get to Europe by boat since 2014. Migrants who are mainly fleeing wars and insecurity in their home countries are facing more and more crackdown by the authorities in Europe. In Britain, the government intends to prohibit illegal asylum seekers from applying for UK citizenship. A proposed bill gives the authorities the power to detain and deport those who attempt to enter the UK by crossing the Channel on small boats. Also in Italy, the government plans to impose tough deterrents against illegal immigration. Europe is facing accusations of double standard and racism for welcoming European migrants like Ukrainian while blocking Asylum seekers from other parts of the world.

'No Israel presence in Caucasus' 

Iran’s foreign minister is on a trip to Turkey. During a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned against the Israeli presence in the Caucasus region, calling it a serious threat to regional peace and stability. Amir-Abdollahian also extended his condolences to the people and the government of Turkey over a devastating earthquake that hit the country last month. During their meeting, Amir-Abdollahian and Mevlut Chavusoglu discussed international and regional developments as well as bilateral relations. Trade, customs, and transportation well as fighting terrorism were other issues of discussions. The top Iranian diplomat said Tehran insists on cooperation rather than competition between regional countries. Chavusoglu, for his part, thanked Iran’s quick response in sending aid to Turkey following the earthquake. He said he will travel to Iran in the near future. 

Battle for Bakhmut

Russia has taken control of the entire eastern part of the flashpoint Ukrainian town of Bakhmut. That’s according to the head of the Wagner Group, a Russian private military force fighting in Ukraine. Yevgeny Prigozhin said the only area left to capture is the river which bisects the town. Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in a fierce battle in Bakhmut over the past few weeks. Kiev has repeatedly asked for more Western ammunition and military equipment to defend its positions in the current epicenter of the war. Capturing Bakhmut would be a strategic gain for Russia as it would enable it to seize the rest of the Donbas region. Earlier, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned against the fall of the town, saying it would create a 'open road' for Moscow into eastern Ukraine.

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