News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Russia to supply fighter jets to Syria

The Russian manufacturer of MIG fighter jets says it is signing a contract to deliver at least 10 fighter aircraft to Syria. Analysts have said Syria is seeking the aircraft in case Western powers attempt to impose a no fly zone and in response to the European Union decision to end its arms embargo. Meanwhile arms industry sources say the anti-aircraft missiles Russia has contracted to supply to Syria are unlikely to be delivered before autumn. Syrian president Bashar al Assad has said the system will be used to attack any Israeli aircraft attempting to intercept weapons deliveries from Syria to the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. At the United Nations, the Security Council has added the al-Qaida linked al-Nusra force to a terror blacklist. Al-Nusra is regarded as one of the most effective opposition forces fighting the Assad regime in Syria.

Fifa votes new anti-racism rules

Football’s governing body Fifa has voted in favour of proposals meant to eliminate racism in the game. Under Fifa’s new rules teams or players could be expelled from competitions or relegated for serious incidents of racism or discrimination. National teams could be banned from future world cups. South African minister and delegate Tokyo Sexwale. “I would like to believe that the voting of this resolution is going to send a very powerful, a very strong statement of our commitment as the Fifa family to the stand against racism.”

Eurozone unemployment hits new record

Eurozone unemployment reached a new record high of 12.2% in April. Eurostat says over 19 million people are now out of work across the zone.

China’s president Xi denounced

China’s new president Xi Jinping has faced public criticism for failing to initiate political reform. Xi was denounced in an open letter published by the Tiananmen Mothers, a high-profile group of relatives of people who died when pro-democracy protests were crushed in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989.

Obama receives threatening letter

United States officials say a threatening letter sent to President Barack Obama is similar to two letters containing the poison ricin sent to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week. Bloomberg is one of the most prominent proponents of stricter gun control laws in the US.

Clashes at Kyrgyzstan goldmine

Kyrgyzstan has imposed a state of emergency on a northern district after clashes between riot police and protesters around the Canadian owned Kumtor mine. About a thousand people have been camped out at the mine calling for a bigger share of the profits.

Japan suspends US wheat imports

Japan has suspended some imports of wheat from the United States after a genetically engineered version of the grain was found on a farm in Oregon. No genetically engineered wheat has been approved for US farming.

The Weather

Cold and wet with heavy rainfalls north of the Alps. Lively winds and top temperatures 4 to 14 degrees.

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