WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, July 12, 2017.

US-Romania Missile Deal

The US State Department has approved a nearly four-billion-dollar Patriot missile deal with Romania. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement that the sale will boost the defensive capabilities of the Romanian military. Congress has 30 days to object to the deal, but it is not expected to do so as Romania is an important NATO partner. The agreement comes as the US military deployed a Patriot battery in Lithuania as part of multinational NATO exercises in the country. Russia has expressed concerns over Romania’s hosting of a US missile shield, calling it a threat to Russian security.

Brazil Labor Overhaul

Brazil’s Senate has approved controversial reforms to labor laws. Opposition lawmakers are vehemently against the bill and have pledged to repeal it. The bill was passed 50 to 26 after opposition lawmakers blocked it for several hours. This is the country’s first major overhaul of labor rules for seven decades. Trade unions were also against the reforms, saying they will reduce the scope of legal action in labor disputes. Proponents, however, say the reform package will regulate the outdated laws and protect the rights of workers as stipulated in the constitution.

Iran on Qatar Crisis

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says terrorism and foreign interference have further fueled tensions in the Middle East. In a meeting with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi, the president said Iran welcomes any efforts that would help end conflicts and divisions in the region. He urged closer regional cooperation to ease the unrest and fight terrorism. President Rouhani also called for an end to the Qatar crisis, saying countries that have imposed a blockade on Doha will be the first losers of such policies. The Omani official, in turn, described Iran-Oman ties as very strong, friendly and cordial. He further called for the settlement of regional conflicts and standoffs through diplomatic channels. Bin Alawi also met separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, discussing bilateral and regional issues.

Kashmir Tensions

Tensions are running high in Indian-controlled Kashmir, following the death of three pro-independence fighters at the hands of Indian troops. Protesters poured out onto the streets of Srinagar, the main city of the disputed Himalayan region, in defiance of a curfew. The angry demonstrators carried the bodies of the slain fighters as they marched through the old parts of the city, calling for an end to India’s rule. Clashes flared up during the funeral with some mourners hurling rocks at security forces. The fighters were killed during a gun battle after Indian troops stormed a village near Srinagar. Kashmir has been the scene of violent protests over the past weeks, which have so far left some 60 people dead.

Nigeria Deadly Attacks

Nigeria has once again been the scene of terror attacks. Boko Haram terrorists have killed at least 19 people and injured over 20 others in the country’s northeast. Boko Haram bombers detonated their explosives at four locations in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. Police say 12 of those killed in the bombings were members of a civilian self-defense force on duty while seven others were targeted as they had gathered for mourning. Last year, the Nigerian government said its armed forces had crushed the terrorist group in its last forest stronghold in the country’s north. There have been on-and-off attacks despite the claim.

Turkey Emergency Rule

Turkish President Rejep Tayyip Erdgoan has ruled out an immediate end to the country's state of emergency. Erdogan said it was out of the question under current circumstances to lift the state of emergency that was imposed following a failed coup attempt, last July. Without going into details, he said the emergency will finish when the business is completely out the way and in the not-too-distant future. A post-coup purge has seen over 40,000 people, including soldiers, police and teachers, arrested and 120,000 others sacked or suspended. Rights group say the state of emergency has granted Turkish authorities sweeping powers, which they say, has plunged the country to new lows. Human Rights Watch says Ankara has taken deeply repressive measures, including media crackdown, under the ongoing state of emergency.

EU-Britain Row

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator has set out tough conditions for Britain to meet during the first months of talks before both sides can start looking at a future relationship. Barnier said Britain needs to make sufficient progress on all initial issues before talks can move to the next stage. He added that there were many differences with Britain on citizens' rights that need to be sorted out before talks on a trade deal could start.

Dismissing Allegations

Russia has warned that it’s running out of patience in its diplomatic row with the US over its closure of the Russian diplomatic missions and the expulsion diplomats. The Kremlin spokesman says Moscow is unable to put up with the situation for a long time without taking reciprocal measures. Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects the US to show some kind of political will to correct its violations of international law. On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Minister also warned that his country would retaliate if the US fails to release its diplomatic properties. Sergey Lavrov slammed the former US president for imposing punitive measures against Russia. Late last year, the US closed two Russian diplomatic compounds and expelled 35 diplomats.

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