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The van who ploughed into the crowd, killing at least 13 people and injuring around 100 others is towed away from the Rambla in Barcelona on August 18, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, August 17, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, August 18, 2017.

 

Terror in Spain

At least 13 people have been killed and over 100 others injured after a van plowed into people in the Spanish city of Barcelona. The regional police of Catalonia say the driver of the vehicle is still on the run. They, however, say two people suspected of being involved in the attack have been arrested. Meanwhile, Spain's royal palace condemned the assault saying criminals would not be able to terrorize the country. The Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Since July 2016, large vehicles have been used frequently for similar attacks against people in Europe. The acts of terrorism have killed scores of people.

Syria peace talks

The UN Special Envoy for Syria says he is hopeful to launch substantive peace negotiations between the Syrian government and the foreign-backed opposition. Staffan de Mistura stressed that the opposition requires more time in order to come up with a more pragmatic approach to end the years-long crisis in Syria. He added that there will be a major opportunity for the warring sides to take account of the realities on the ground and make concessions. De Mistura said Syria’s next round of peace talks will be held in October, possibly in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

British PM slammed for hiding report on Saudis' 9/11 role

The UK prime minister has dismissed an appeal from survivors of the 9/11 attacks to make a report about Saudis’ role in funding extremists public. Theresa May’s reaction came as UK Labor and Green parties supported the US citizens’ appeal. The UK government said the review report was classified due to the volume of personal information it contained. However, the opposition parties in the UK said that the government previously also covered up other controversial issues such as Saudi Arabia’s arms deal with Britain’s BAE Systems. Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed in New York on behalf of the 9/11 victims including those killed or injured. The lawsuit accused Saudi Arabia of supporting al-Qaeda and other extremist groups.

Israeli violation of children's rights

A prominent rights advocacy group has warned of a “worsening child protection crisis” brought on by decades of Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory. Save the Children said over two million Palestinian children faced increasing violations of their rights. It added that the violations included displacement, demolition of homes and schools, arbitrary detention, and frequent violence when students are trying to reach school or when they are at school. Save the Children also called on world leaders to take action to protect the children’s right to safe access to education, and to guarantee the special protection afforded to children in areas of conflict. Israel has been under fire for its harsh measures against Palestinian minors, including deliberate use of firearms, detention, severe beating and forced confession.

Syria international trade fair

For the first time since the start of Syria’s conflict in 2011, the government has reopened an international trade fair near the capital Damascus. The government has hailed the event as a victory amid the army’s ongoing gains during their anti-terror operations. Press TV’s Zahraa al-Derzi attended the fair and filed this report.

Slamming Trump’s reaction to bigotry

A senior Republican senator has added his voice to the chorus of condemnation of the US president for failing to condemn white supremacists for the weekend violence in the city of Charlottesville. Bob Corker says Donald Trump needs to understand that he represents all Americans and that he must condemn whatever that polarizes the US. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee says he believes some radical changes are needed. Corker says Trump’s words and actions jeopardize the United States. Earlier, republican senators Jeff Flake and Lindsey Graham lashed out at Trump for his response to the Charlottesville events. Trump has dismissed their criticisms, saying his comments were distorted.

Iran condemns terror attack in Spain

Iran has strongly denounced a deadly car-ramming incident in the Spanish city of Barcelona. In a statement, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman stressed that terrorists have now resorted to killing innocent civilians after suffering numerous defeats in the Middle East. Bahram Qassemi noted that no country, not even supporters of the terrorists, can walk away unscathed from such a global threat. He also called for an international coalition against violence, insecurity and terrorism. World leaders have also reacted to the deadly incident. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the victims of the attack. The office of German Chancellor Angela Merkel slammed the incident as revolting. British Prime Minister Theresa May said the U-K stood by Spain against terror and Russian President Vladimir Putin called for global fight against terrorism.

Support rises in America for Trump's impeachment

A new poll shows that four in ten Americans support the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The survey conducted by Public Religion Research Institute indicates that 40 percent of Americans support the impeachment, compared to the 30 percent who backed removing the president in February. Most of those in favor of Trump’s impeachment were among Democrats and Independents. The poll precedes the racist attack in the city of Charlottesville. Trump’s controversial reaction to the incident is expected to have further worsened his popularity rating.

 


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