News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Mandela´s condition worsens

The South African President Jacob Zuma has reportedly cancelled a trip to Mozambique after visiting the country´s former leader Nelson Mandela, who remains critically ill in a Pretoria hospital. Zuma's spokesman, Mac Maharaj, says Mandela´s condition has deteriorated in the past 48 hours: "President Zuma was briefed by the doctors, who are still doing everything they can to ensure his wellbeing. He has reiterated his gratitude on behalf of the government to all South Africans and people throughout the world, who continue to support Madiba and his family." South Africa's first black president, who is often referred to by his clan name, Madiba, has been in hospital since June 8 with a recurring lung infection. He is 94.

Obama begins Africa tour

The American President Barack Obama has arrived in Senegal on the first leg of a week-long tour of Africa. He is hoping to boost economic ties and promote good governance. Obama will also be visiting South Africa and Tanzania.

EU budget deal

The European Commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, says a compromise deal has been reached between EU member states and the European Parliament on the EU budget for 20-14 to 20-20, which totals 960 billion euros. The announcement in Brussels follows months of difficult negotiations.

New EU rules for bank bailouts

Meanwhile, EU finance ministers have reached a draft agreement on new rules to tackle troubled banks, in an effort to end the practice of funding bailouts with taxpayers’ money. EU leaders turn their attention to record levels of unemployment across much of Europe at a summit beginning later on Thursday.

Morsi marks one year in office

The Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has warned that continuing unrest is "threatening to paralyse the country". In a speech marking his first year in office, Morsi acknowledged making some "mistakes" and offered opponents a say in amending the new constitution. Troops have been deployed in cities across the country ahead of planned weekend protests demanding his removal.

Rudd sworn in as Australian premier

Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister of Australia for a second time, a day after he ousted Julia Gillard as leader of the Labor Party. The leadership change comes ahead of an election scheduled for September, which polls suggest Labor will lose.

UN chemical team arrives in Turkey

The United Nations says a team of inspectors has arrived in Turkey to gather information about the possible use of chemical weapons in the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

The weather

Sunny across much of the country, but remaining overcast in the west with the chance of showers. Highs today are ranging from 13 to 21.

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