News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syrian army retakes Golan crossing

The Austrian defence ministry says the Syrian army has recaptured a border crossing on the Golan Heights briefly taken by rebel forces. The ministry says none of the 380 Austrian soldiers in the UN's observer force patrolling the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria has been involved in the current incident, and the situation is being constantly monitored.

US demands Hisbollah withdraw from Syria

The United States has demanded that the Lebanese militant group Hisbollah withdraw its forces from Syria where they have played a key role in the capture of the rebel stronghold of Qusair. White House spokesman Jay Carney: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the regime’s assault on Qusair. It is clear that they are dependent on Hisbollah and Iran to do their work for them.” Russia has meanwhile warned that reports chemical weapons have been used in Syria should not be used to justify foreign military intervention.

Flood alert in force in Lower Austria

Water levels on the Danube in Lower Austria remain critical. Dams are being reinforced to try to contain flooding. Across central Europe, at least 16 people have died since the beginning of the flooding last week, with a number still missing.

Erdogan return to Turkey and protests

Anti-government demonstrators in Turkey have demanded the dismissal of police chiefs responsible for a fierce crackdown on protests across the country. Opposition parties say 25 people have been arrested in Izmir for tweeting comments on the demonstrations. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a major target of protestors’ discontent, returns to Turkey today from a tour of North Africa.

North and South Korea to hold talks

North and South Korea have agreed to hold talks on reopening the jointly run Kaesong factory complex, which the North closed in April amid escalating tensions on the peninsula. Pyongyang proposed the talks, a day before a summit between the United States and China at which North Korea is expected to be a key topic.

NSA monitoring millions in the US

The British newspaper, the Guardian, has published what it says is evidence the United States National Security Agency is collecting the telephone records of millions of US citizen, regardless of whether they are suspected of any wrongdoing. Under a top secret court order issued in April, the telecom provider Ver-izon is required to deliver the records to the NSA on a daily basis.

IMF admits mistakes in Greece

The International Monetary Fund has admitted it made significant mistakes in its handling of the Greek financial bailout and failed to realise the damage austerity policies would do to Greece. Officials in Athens have welcomed the report.

The weather

Changeable with cloud in the east and scattered rain and thundershowers. Sunnier in the west. Top temperatures 17 to 25 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English