North Korea to attend Olympics in the South +++ Syria accuses Israel of military strikes +++ Mueller may interview Trump

9. Februar 2018, 02:00

North Korea to attend Olympics in the South

North Korea is to send a team to next month’s Winter Olympics in South Korea, after the two countries held their first official talks for more than two years. South Korea’s foreign ministry says Seoul has proposed that the two Koreas march together during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Games. South Korea foreign ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk says sanctions may be suspended to facilitate the North’s visit, after consultations with the United Nations sanctions committee and other countries: “North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics is needed to promote the peace Olympics. We will consider lifting sanctions against North Korea if it’s necessary to facilitate the visit of the North Korean delegation.” North Korea has also agreed to restore military communications with the South.

Syria accuses Israel of military strikes

The Syrian military says Israel has launched a series of strikes close to the capital Damascus, targeting military outposts. Israel has declined to comment. The Syrian military has threatened serious repercussions.

Mueller may interview Trump

Lawyers for US president Donald Trump are reported to have held talks with the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is leading the investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Trump's campaign for the presidency in 2016. The Washington Post says Mueller is likely to interview Trump within weeks.

Major government re-shuffle in Poland

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has dismissed government ministers for defence, foreign affairs and the environment, along with others. The move is seen as an attempt to improve relations with the European Union, following EU accusations that Warsaw is subverting standards for the rule of law.

Suspect arrested in Nozdrovska murder

Ukrainian police have announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of lawyer Iryna Nozdrovska, as here funeral takes place in Kiev today. Her killing has sparked protests demanding the reform of Ukraine’s judiciary.

Anti-austerity protests in Sudan, Tunisia

In Sudan, authorities say force will be used to suppress protests after the price of bread was double. At least one person has been killed and schools have been closed since demonstrations started four days ago. In Tunisia, one person has been killed and five injured during clashes between security forces and protesters at a demonstration against austerity policies the government agreed with its foreign lenders.

Iranian tanker blaze continues

Chinese authorities say an Iranian tanker which collided with a freight ship three days ago is continuing to burn in the East China Sea. Difficult weather conditions and the threat of an explosion are hampering efforts to find over thirty crew from the vessel and control the blaze.

The weather

Rain across much of the country, some sun north of the Alps, overcast in the east. Top temperatures 3 to 12 degrees, up to 17 in föhn wind areas.

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