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8. April 2017, 21:58

Maduro claims victory in Venezuela

Electoral authorities in Venezuela say the hand-chosen successor of the late leader Hugo Chavez, the Socialist candidate Nicolas Maduro, has won the presidential election by a narrow margin. Maduro won 50.7% of the vote against 49.1% for opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. Capriles has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, saying there were widespread irregularities in the voting process, and has demanded a recount.

North Korea marks founder’s anniversary

Celebrations have been taking place in North Korea to mark the 101st birthday of the country's founder Kim il Sung. There has been speculation Pyongyang could use today’s anniversary to carry out another missile test. Meanwhile, United States secretary of state John Kerry on a tour of east Asia, has said North Korea must take real steps to end its nuclear programme as a condition for serious talks. He said China, the main ally of Pyongyang, may be reassessing its relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after his recent bellicose behaviour. “What we’re hoping is that China is recognising the heightened levels of instability to the region that Kim Jong Un’s actions are creating. That hopefully will change everybody’s calculation.”

Iraq suffers terror attacks

Officials in Iraq say terrorists have killed over 30 people and wounded more than a hundred in a series of explosions in cities across the country. Two attacks were carried out on the airport in Baghdad. The latest attacks come ahead of provincial elections in Iraq on Saturday, the first in the country since 2010.

Cyprus offers citizenship to calm investors

Cyprus says it will relax requirements for citizenship to try to keep foreigners interested in investing in the island. President Nicos Anastasiades, in remarks to the Russian business community, said investors who lost at least 3 million euros in the recent bailout deal with the EU and IMF would be eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship.

French ministers must declare personal wealth

French President Francois Hollande has ordered government ministers to publish information on their personal wealth on their government websites by today. Hollande is attempting to regain public confidence after a tax fraud scandal involving his former budget minister.

Scientists grow a working kidney

Scientists in the United States say they have grown a functioning rat kidney in the laboratory and transplanted it successfully into a living animal. The work is considered an important step towards the goal of growing personalised replacement organs for people.

The weather

Generally sunny, light to lively winds. Top temperatures 22 to 25 degrees, warmest in the west.

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