Russia security document calls NATO "Threat"

1. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has slammed US plans to sanction more individuals and firms over the Islamic Republic’s missile program. Rouhani said the oppressive sanctions are part of Washington’s hostile policy and illegal interference in Iran’s defense program. Rouhani ordered the Defense Ministry to speed up the production of various missiles.

2. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an updated national security document which brands NATO's eastward expansion as a threat. The document has accused the US and its allies of striving to dominate global affairs. It says NATO’s recent military build-up around Russia's borders violates the international law.

3. Israeli forces abduct nine Palestinians in the West Bank as Tel Aviv presses ahead with its crackdown across the occupied territory. Most of the abductees were taken away during house-to-house search operations. The latest arrests come shortly after Israeli forces detained more than two dozen other people in the West Bank.

4. Pakistan’s military courts have sentenced nine militants to death for terrorism-related offences. The Pakistani army described the killings as quote-heinous crimes. Some of the convicts were found guilty of having carried out a series of terrorist operations which mainly targeted Shia Muslims in Pakistan.

5. Chinese authorities have arrested 11 people over their alleged role in last month’s deadly landslide at a waste dump in the southern city of Shenzhen. Prosecutors say a dispatcher and supervisor as well as the chief and deputy manager of the company in charge of the landfill are among the detainees.

6. European countries beef up security amid fears of terrorist attacks during the New Year celebrations. German police evacuated two train stations in Munich. In Belgium, police questioned three people regarding an alleged terrorist attack in Brussels. Meanwhile, police were on high alert in Paris, London, Madrid and many other capitals.

7. A road space rationing plan has gone into effect in the Indian capital in a bid to help tackle severe air pollution in the metropolis. Under the scheme, private cars with odd and even license plate numbers will be allowed on the streets of smog-choked New Delhi on alternate days.

8. Rwanda’s president announces his intention to seek a third term in office in 2017, worrying many that the African nation could descend into chaos similar to what has gripped neighboring countries. Paul Kagame has been president since 2000 but a recent change in constitution allows him to run for re-election until 2034.

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

www.presstv.co.uk