WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, June 1, 2018 to 0800 GMT, June 2, 2018.

Another US veto

The United States has vetoed a United Nations’ draft resolution that condemned Israel's use of force against Palestinians and called for the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Out of the 15 Security Council members, ten voted in favor of the Kuwait-backed resolution while four including Britain abstained. US envoy to the UN, Nikki Haley, called the resolution grossly one-sided view of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. She also described Hamas as a major impediment to peace. Following the vote, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN denounced the perpetual use of veto power by the US to shield the Israeli regime.

Challenging US tariffs

The Canadian government has filed complaints with the World Trade Organization after the US imposed tariffs on imports of Canadian steel and aluminum. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland described the tariffs as illegal and inconsistent with the US' international trade obligations and WTO rules. Canada's top diplomat also said the US made the decision under what she called a false pretext of safeguarding its national security. Canada has imposed proportional duties on US steel and aluminum which will take effect next month. US tariffs have also targeted imports from Mexico and the European Union.

Argentina protest

Tens of thousands of people have marched in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires to protest the government’s economic policies and its talks with the International Monetary Fund. The protesters rallied on the iconic Plaza de Mayo calling on the government to create jobs and halt controversial hikes in utility bills. The so-called Federal March is the latest of several demonstrations since May 8 when the government began talks on a credit line from the International Monetary Fund. Argentines are skeptical about any results, blaming the IMF-imposed austerity measures for their country’s economic collapse in 2001 and 2002.

Trump-Kim summit

The US Defense Secretary says the presence of American troops in South Korea is not on the table during an upcoming summit with North Korea. James Mattis was speaking at a security summit in Singapore. He said the ultimate goal of the US-North Korea meeting is denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This, shortly after US President Donald Trump said he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on June 12. The announcement followed Trump’s talks with the North Korean leader’s top advisor. Meanwhile, the Japanese defense minister has said it was important not to reward North Korea for only agreeing to dialogue. Itsu-nori Ono-dera said Pyongyang should dismantle all of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Jordan protest

Jordanian protesters have converged on the premier's office in the capital Amman, chanting anti-government slogans and calling on the government to resign. This was part of a new wave of protests against price hikes. Earlier this week, similar rallies and public anger forced the government to put an imminent increase in gasoline prices on hold. Prime Minister Hani Mulki announced he had revoked the decision to raise gasoline prices, which had been due to go into effect just after midnight on Friday. Public frustration has been growing since the cabinet sent a new draft tax bill to parliament last month that doubles the tax base.

Inequality in US

Regressive policies by US president Donald Trump are sending the country toward greater inequality. A UN report warns. The report was prepared by Philip Alston, the UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. He said Trump’s policies seem deliberately designed to remove basic protections from the poorest, while rewarding the rich. Alston said, this is a systematic attack on the US welfare program, and forces millions of Americans into financial ruin. In his report, the UN monitor named some measures by the Trump administration which he said added to inequality. The measures included a tax cut bill, new work requirements for welfare recipients, and cuts in the food stamp program. Alston warns that Trump’s policies will affect the middle class as well.

US blasted at G7

The United States’ move to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is drawing fire from its closest allies. Criticism of the new tariffs has left Washington isolated at a 3-day meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized countries. The six other G7 members which are subject to the US tariffs expressed fear that the move could trigger a trade war. Canada which is hosting the meeting called the tariffs absurd and said they were imposed under a false pretext of safeguarding the US national security. The French finance minister said his country along with Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy and Canada was trying to talk the Trump administration back to good reason. Canada and the European Union have already filed challenges with the World Trade Organization. Elsewhere, Brazil described the US action as unjustified but said it remained open for negotiations that benefit industries in both nations.