WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, January 16, 2017.

Slamming Israeli occupation

Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani, says the Israeli occupation of Palestine is behind instability of the Middle East. Rouhani made the comment in an address to the 13th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Tehran. He slammed the US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli capital. Rouahni stressed that Iran, along with other Islamic countries, will leave no stones unturned to help establish the Palestinian state. He said certain states have chosen a wrong path under the US and Israeli influence, and are sowing the seeds of discord among Muslim countries. Rouhani also hailed Iran’s role in defeating terrorism in the Middle East. He stressed that Iran’s advisory presence in Syria and Iraq is at the official requests of Damascus and Baghdad to help them bring terrorism to its knees.

US meddling in Syria

Iran has condemned a US decision to build a new border force in Syria’s northeast. Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, said Washington’s plan is an overt and flagrant interference in Syria’s internal affairs. Qassemi stressed that the move will further fan the flames of the Syria crisis and foster instability in the war-ravaged country. He said the US announcement came as Damascus and its allies have dealt a crushing blow to terrorists in Syria. Qassemi said it is the time for the US to change its destructive and interventionist policy in the Middle East. This, after Washington said it is planning to set up a 30,000 strong border force inside Syria to protect territory held by US-backed Kurdish forces.

Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh says it has agreed with Myanmar to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims recently displaced by an army crackdown. A statement by Dhaka did not specify when the process would begin. But it said the process would be completed within two years from the commencement of repatriation. Bangladesh said Myanmar has promised to provide temporary shelters for those returning before rebuilding houses for them. The agreement was finalized in Myanmar’s capital this week after a meeting of the neighbors. Meanwhile, the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, has warned about the situation of half a million Rohingya children in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Yemen suffering

The United Nations has once again sounded the alarm about a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen following Saudi Arabia’s devastating war. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says more than three-quarters of Yemenis are in urgent need of aid. It says some 8.4 million people are at risk of famine. The OCHA says more than 22 million people are dependent on assistance. The world body has, on multiple occasions, warned about the looming famine in Yemen amid Saudi Arabia’s aerial and naval blockade on the country. Much of Yemen’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble in more than three years of war. More than 13,700 Yemenis, many of them civilians, have also been killed.

Rohingya refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says the Myanmar government must guarantee the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya Muslims. UNHCR spokesman, Andrej Mahecic says major challenges have to be overcome including informing the refugees about the situation in their areas of origin and consulting them about their wishes. He says the Myanmar government has not given full access to the areas where refugees are to return. Earlier on Tuesday, Bangladesh said it has agreed with Myanmar to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims recently displaced by an army crackdown. It said the process would be completed within two years but it did not specify when it will begin. Meanwhile, the United Nations children’s agency has warned about the situation of half a million Rohingya children in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Al-Quds Palestine’s capital

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has called Saudi Arabia and certain countries as traitors for collaboration with the United States and Israel. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the enemies of Islam are seeking rift, conflicts and bloodshed in the Muslim world in order to shield Israel and the Zionists. He urged unity among Muslims as a key factor that could foil enemy plots. The leader stressed that Jerusalem al-Quds is undoubtedly the capital of Palestine. He also predicted the failure of US plots hatched against the Palestinian people. Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Yemen and Bahrain have turned into deep and open wounds of the Muslim world whose situation has to be addressed. The leader made the remarks in a meeting with participants at a conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Famine in Yemen

Aid agencies have warned that Yemen risks tipping into famine this year if food aid imports through the Red Sea are disrupted. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network that projects food needs has predicted that hunger will be on the rise this July compared to the same month last year. Concerns have been growing as Saudi Arabia may once again close the Hudaydah port it temporarily opened for a month. More than 85 percent of humanitarian and medical supplies required for the country’s 28 million population is imported through the port city. The director of the World Food program in Yemen says restrictions on ports could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. The World Health Organization says Yemen is already struggling to cope with a spreading diphtheria outbreak that’s claimed 48 lives so far.

‘Pain & shame’

The pontiff asked for forgiveness and vowed to make every effort to support the victims. Pope Francis also underlined his commitment to preventing such scandals. Chileans are furious about the 2015 appointment of a bishop close to Reverend Fernando Karadima, who the Vatican found guilty in the historic abuse cases of minors. They demand action against both abusers and anyone who helped cover up their actions.

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