Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, June 27, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, June 28, 2018.
Syrian army retakes Dayr al-Zawr desert
The Syrian army says it has fully recaptured the desert of eastern Dayr al-Zawr province from Daesh terrorists. In a statement, the army said government forces managed to liberate 5,800 square kilometers in Dayr al-Zawr. The statement added that Syrian forces inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists during clashes. Meanwhile, a UK-based war monitoring group says government forces have launched deadly airstrikes on areas held by Nusra Front terrorists in the southern province of Dara’a. There is no word on possible casualties so far. The southern province is the main stronghold of the terrorists. Syria has been fighting different foreign-sponsored terror groups since March 2011.
US immigration bill fails
The US House of Representatives rejects a bill that would overhaul the country’s immigration system. 301 lawmakers voted against the legislation while 121 supported it. The compromise bill addressed the controversial family separations and the so-called dreamers. The legislation backed by President Donald Trump also provided 25 billion dollars in funding for the US-Mexico border wall. Trump had told Republican lawmakers to either pass an immigration bill or propose a different one. Trump is under pressure over his zero tolerance immigration policy. On Tuesday, a US federal judge ordered the government to reunite over 2,300 refugee children split up from their detained parents within 30 days.
Nigeria violence
Nigeria’s president is under pressure to improve security or resign, after over 200 people were killed in clashes between cattle herders and farmers in the central state of Plateau. The resurgence of violence in the long-running clashes between cattle herders and farmers has become a key issue as Muhammadu Buhari seeks re-election in February next year. The violence is rooted in tensions over access to land. Buhari came to power in 2015 on a promise to curb insecurity across the country, in particular by Boko Haram terrorists. But the clashes between herders and farmers have put that under scrutiny as elections approach in February next year.
Hold US accountable: Iran
The Iranian mission to the United Nations has again condemned the US for leaving the 2015 nuclear agreement and failing to implement its commitments under the deal. In a statement, the Iranian mission said the latest UN Security Council meeting showed Washington’s isolation. The statement described the US withdrawal from the deal as unlawful and said Washington is responsible for breaching its obligations under the accord. It called for the US to be held accountable for the consequences of its “reckless and wrongful decision”. The Iranian mission at the UN further warned that if Iran’s benefits under the deal are not fully guaranteed, Iran is entitled to treat the re-imposition of nuclear-related sanctions by the US as grounds to cease fulfilling its commitments under the accord.
Reshaping US Supreme Court
US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy says he has decided to retire. Kennedy says he will leave the high court at the end of July to spend more time with his family. He took his oath of office in 1988. Kennedy has been known as the swing vote of the US Supreme Court. Now President Donald Trump has to name his pick for the post at the court that wields high influence in the US. The new justice will need the approval of Congress. US Democrats, who seek to retake control of Congress in the November elections, say they will push for their OWN pick. Kennedy’s replacement will impact the court for decades.
Ukraine ceasefire
Warring sides in eastern Ukraine call a new ceasefire, raising hopes for an end to the four-year fighting between Kiev and pro-Russian forces. A Ukrainian official says the truce will go into effect on Sunday. The two sides reached an agreement at a meeting of the Contact Group for Ukraine. The group brings together all relevant parties to the conflict. Earlier the Ukrainian army said it lost four soldiers in clashes with pro-Russian forces over the last 24 hours. The conflict began in March 2014. 10,000 people have died ever since.
Syria refugees returning home
The first group of Syrian refugees from Lebanon is returning to their country. 400 asylum seekers are in the convoy. They are heading to the southern Qalamoun region in Syria. The refugees were living in the Lebanese border town of Arsal. Officials say the UN refugee agency has been notified of the move in a letter. Lebanon says some 3,200 refugees have volunteered to return. They will be sent back in six or seven installments. The issue has been a hot topic in Lebanon. The United Nations says just under one million refugees have registered with the body. Lebanese officials estimate the real number at roughly 1.5 million.
US troops in South Korea
The US defense secretary assures South Korea of Washington’s commitment to its security even as diplomats seek a deal on the denuclearization of North Korea. Jim Mattis, who is on a brief visit to Seoul, said that the US will use the full range of capabilities to uphold its commitment to South Korea, including keeping current American troop levels unchanged. Mattis also defended US president’s decision to cancel the upcoming war games between the two countries. He said the suspension of the drills create increased opportunity for diplomats to negotiate a peaceful solution on the Korean Peninsula.
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