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Members of the Iraqi federal police dance in celebration in the Old City of Mosul on July 8, 2017, as their part of the battle has been declared accomplished, while other forces continue to fight Daesh in the city. (Photo by AFP)

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, July 8, 2017.

Old Mosul ‘liberated’

Iraqi forces have taken full control of the Old City area in Mosul following an intense fighting with Daesh terrorists. Iraqi army says dozens of terrorists were killed and several arrested while trying to flee the area. Old City was a major challenge for Iraqi troops since it is a densely populated area and planted with numerous amounts of explosive devices. According to Iraqi media, security forces expect to declare the full liberation of the flash point city in the next hours. The major operation to recapture Mosul was launched in October.

Kashmir curfew

Indian forces have once again violently clashed with Kashmiris marking the first anniversary of the killing of a pro-independence leader. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse stone-throwing protesters in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-controlled Kashmir. New Delhi has already put the disputed Himalayan region on lock down with tens of thousands of armed soldiers and police forces on the streets. Authorities have cut off all internet services and sealed the home-town of Burhan Wani who was killed along with two other activists by Indian forces last year. The disputed region has seen an explosion of protests against Indian rule since the incident. Nearly 100 people have died in the months that followed and many more sustained serious injuries after government forces resorted to live fire and pellet guns to quell the protests.

All but US

All G20 countries except the United States have reportedly affirmed their commitment to implementing the landmark Paris climate deal. An EU official close to the G20 summit in the German city of Hamburg has been quoted as saying that the final communiqué affirmed commitment of 19 countries to the deal. He said the US desire to have a reference to fossil fuels in the joint statement remains an unresolved issue. According to the official, there are critical mass of countries that object to such a reference. Countries attending the summit have already called for swiftly bringing the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to full implementation. US President Donald Trump's decision to leave the Paris agreement has put him at odds with other world leaders including the G20 host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

United against North Korea

The US, South Korea and Japan have conducted an aggressive military exercise in what they call a direct response to North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Two US bombers, along with fighter jets from South Korea and Japan, practiced a bombing run conducting the simulated destruction of an enemy ballistic missile launcher and underground facilities. US military officials described the mission as a show of force and unity, claiming Pyongyang's actions are a threat to the US allies and homeland. On Tuesday, North Korea said it successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a large and heavy nuclear warhead. North Korea's Foreign Ministry said the missile is meant to enable the country to "strike the very heart of the US".

Backing nukes destruction

Iran has expressed support for a recently adopted UN treaty regarding the total destruction of nuclear weapons. Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency Reza Najafi says the country backs the treaty’s goal of banning ownership, use or threatening to use nuclear weapons. The legally binding treaty was adopted with 122 votes in favor and only one vote against. The United States and other nuclear powers boycotted the negotiations, saying their stockpile of nuclear weapons acts as a deterrent. The treaty was concluded after three weeks of negotiations. It applies to developing, stockpiling and threatening to use nuclear arms.

Denouncing intervention

Iran’s envoy to the UN says foreign intervention is the main reason for violent extremism in the Middle East . In an exclusive interview with Press TV, Gholam Ali Khoshroo said world powers invade countries under the pretext of maintaining peace but the result is only destruction. He added corrupt ideologies, marginalization and dictatorship are other reasons for the emergence of violent extremism in the region. Khosroo also said that Iran has offered a comprehensive plan of action to counter extremism but many regional countries are not willing to uproot extremism since they support it. Khoshroo’s full exclusive interview with Press TV will be aired in Face To Face program.

G20 climate division

The German Chancellor says all G20 member states, except the US, have agreed on the fact that the Paris climate accord is irreversible. Angela Merkel said that the summit's final statement takes account of the US position rejecting the deal. She noted that the US could not reverse its decision to leave the accord and called the position regrettable. The German chancellor further hailed the G20 decision to keep markets open and fight protectionism. Merkel condemned the violent protests that took place at the time of the G20 summit in Hamburg. She further praised what she called the excellent work by German security forces and noted that the government looks to help people affected by the violence.


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