WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, April 15, 2018 to 08:00 GMT, April 16, 2018:

Denouncing US-led Syria attacks

People have held rallies in Iraq and several other countries to condemn Saturday’s US-led missile strikes on Syria. Demonstrators in the US city of New York carried signs and chanted slogans against Washington’s war-mongering policies. Indians burned an effigy of US President Donald Trump during an anti-war march in Kolkata. In the Pakistani city of Karachi, protesters held anti-US and anti-Israeli signs to denounce the raids. In Crimea, demonstrators set the posters of the US and French presidents on fire. In Cyprus, protesters marched to the British Royal Air Force Base to denounce the strikes.

US strategy on Syria

Washington keeps sending mixed signals over its military presence in Syria. In the latest development, the White House has said the US doesn’t plan to keep its troops in the war-torn country for the long run. The White House spokesperson stressed that the US mission in Syria hasn’t changed and that President Donald Trump still wants American forces there to return home as soon as possible. Sarah Sanders said the US expected its allies to take greater responsibility both militarily and financially to secure the region. She was apparently responding to French President Emmanuel Macron, who earlier said he had convinced Trump to keep US troops in Syria for the long term. Meanwhile, Washington’s UN Ambassador Nikki Haley on Sunday insisted that the United States won’t pull its troops out until its goals are accomplished.

Saudi ‘destructive’ policies

Iran has strongly criticized the final communique of the 29th Arab League Summit, saying the statement was influenced by Saudi Arabia’s destructive policies. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said some clauses of the statement were just repetition of the past sheer lies and unsubstantiated allegations against the Islamic Republic. Bahram Qassemi said the summit could have taken steps in the right direction to help restore stability and peace in the region. Qassemi stressed that Iran’s policies are based on respect for sovereignty of other states, and good neighborly relations. During the summit, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz criticized Iran’s influence on Arab countries, saying it violates the principles of international law and the values of good neighborliness. The Saudi King stopped short of speaking about the US airstrikes on Syria.

Comey attacks Trump

Former FBI director, James Comey, says President Donald Trump is morally unfit to be the leader of the United States. In his first controversial televised interview since being fired, Comey told the ABC news that Trump is a dangerous president who does tremendous damage to institutional norms. Comey described Trump as a mob boss who demands absolute personal loyalty rather than oath of duty to the people and the country. Referring to allegations of Russian meddling in the US 2016 presidential election, Comey said he was not sure whether the allegations were true due to lack of substantiated evidence. The shocking interview comes as Comey’s new book is due to be released this week. In the book, Comey has reportedly portrayed Trump as an egomaniac and unethical person who is untethered to truth and institutional values.

France protest

Protesters take to the streets in Paris to condemn the government's draft asylum and immigration bill. The protest rally was held on the eve of a debate at the National Assembly on the controversial bill. The proposed law seeks to differentiate between economic migrants and asylum seekers. It would also shorten the timeframe during which refugees arriving in France can apply for asylum. The bill seeks to increase the detention period of those who have been denied asylum while awaiting deportation. Rejected applicants would no longer be able to apply for another residence permit under the proposed law, which would also shorten the appeal period. French President Emmanuel Macron has been widely criticized for his stance on immigration.

Israel crackdown on West Bank

Israeli forces continue their crackdown against Palestinians, detaining more people in the occupied territories. According to Israeli media, 30 Palestinians were detained in overnight raids in the West Bank on Sunday. Tel Aviv says those apprehended are suspected of participating in activities against Israeli soldiers. More than 7,000 Palestinians are reportedly held at Israeli jails. Israel has intensified its crackdown against Palestinians since the United States recognized Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital last December.

Unseen slavery in UK

A modern slavery helpline in the United Kingdom says it identified nearly 5,000 potential victims in 2017. The helpline called, Unseen, says it has received over 3700 calls from public and victims, reporting people being victims of forced labor or sexual exploitation. The anti-trafficking charity reported that last year’s calls led to about 1450 referrals to anti-slavery groups, UK’s National Crime Agency and police forces. The British authorities say at least 13,000 people across the UK are victims of modern slavery. The police, however, say the true figure is much higher as slavery operations are on the rise.

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