News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

21 acquitted in Turkey “plot” trial

A court in Turkey is starting to deliver its verdict in the trial of over 270 people accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Among the defendants is a former army chief, army officers, lawyers, academics and journalists. The so-called "Ergenekon" plot allegedly aimed to topple the administration which is ruled by the AK party because of its Islamist roots. The opposition says the case is politically motivated. 21 of the defendants have been acquitted.

Iran's new President sworn in

Iran and the US have signalled a willingness to hold talks in a bid to end the dispute over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme. The move follows the swearing in of Hassan Rouhani as Iran's new president at the week-end. Rouhani has called for dialogue over the issue. In response, Washington said it would be ready to work with his government if it was serious about engagement. Former American diplomat John Limbert says talks between the two sides are inevitable: "we're going to have to do it - eventually. Both sides are going to have to bite the bullet and sit down. I don't see it happening tomorrow."

US extends closure of embassies

US embassies and consulates in 19 cities in North Africa and the Middle East are to remain closed this week following security concerns cited by the State Department which warned on Friday that al-Qaeda or its allies might target either US government or private American interests. Officials say the decision to extend the closures was down to an "abundance of caution".

´Berlusconi says coalition must continue

Italy's centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi says the country's coalition government must continue in spite of tensions over last week's decision by the Supreme Court to uphold his conviction for tax fraud. A rally was held outside the politician's home in Rome yesterday evening to protest against the confirmation of a jail-sentence for the 76-year old who'll probably serve it under house arrest. The move had threatened to bring down the coalition - which includes Berlusconi's PDL party. Addressing his supporters, he insisted he was innocent: "I tell you this looking into your eyes. And I would say this looking straight into the eyes of my judges. I am innocent! "

Australia election date set

In Australia, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of the Labour Party has called the country's general election for September 7th. Rudd is being challenged by opposition leader Tony Abbott, the head of the conservative Liberal Party. The economy is expected to dominate the campaign.

The weather

It'll be mainly sunny and hot with a few storms developing towards the evening in the mountains. Highs will be ranging between 29 and 35 degrees

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