Daily News Brief for Tuesday, May 21st:

*)New Zealand charges Tarrant with terrorism

Police in New Zealand have charged the man who carried out the Christchurch shootings with "engaging in a terrorist act".

Brenton Tarrant, a self-confessed white supremacist, already faces 51 murder and 40 attempted murder charges for the March massacre.

The Australian opened fire on worshippers at two mosques during Friday prayers and livestreamed his attack on social media.

*)Maduro proposes early elections

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has proposed early elections for the opposition-run National Assembly.

The opposition, headed by Juan Guaido, won a majority in a 2015 vote. The next congressional elections are scheduled for 2020.

Although the US recognises Guaido as the country’s interim leader, Maduro retains control of the army with the backing of Turkey, Russia, China and Cuba.

*)Ukraine’s political establishment gets shaken up

Ukraine’s new President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dissolved the country’s parliament shortly after taking the oath of office.

In his inauguration speech, Zelenskiy called snap parliamentary polls – a move not popular with the political establishment.

The 41-year-old former TV star also said he wants to end the war with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east.

*)Iran not ready to talk to US

Iran’s President Rouhani says while he favours talks with the US, current conditions are not acceptable for dialogue.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif earlier dismissed a threat by US President Trump to end Iran as a “genocidal taunt.”

Iran has reportedly increased its production of low-enriched uranium after pulling out of some commitments to the nuclear deal.

*)Niki Lauda passes away at 70And finally,

Three-time Formula One champion Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70.

The champion died in his sleep, eight months after receiving a lung transplant.

Lauda is remembered for his remarkable recovery and return to racing after being badly burned in a crash in the 1976 German Grand Prix.