News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Egypt’s security forces clear protest camps

Egyptian security forces are clearing protest camps in Cairo of supporters of the ousted President Mohammed Morsi. There are reports of live ammunition and tear gas being used after armoured vehicles moved in early this morning. Authorities say the smaller camp in Nahda Square in western Cairo has been cleared, and the operation is ongoing at the larger camp outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque in the north-east of the city. Egyptian journalist Shahira Amin: “Police are saying they’re using legal means, tear gas and water cannon, saying they’re being very careful not to shed blood. But the pictures tell a very different story. We’ve seen heavily armed police, some with Kalashnikovs, and tents being set on fire and pictures of dead bodies.” There are unconfirmed reports from field hospitals of over 120 killed and several thousand injured. Official sources say seven people have been killed including two members of the security forces. The Muslim Brotherhood has called on its supporters to take to the streets and clashes are reported in other parts of Cairo. Pro-Morsi protests are also taking place in cities across Egypt and train transport around Cairo has been stopped to prevent Muslim Brotherhood supporters converging on the capital. Egypt’s interior ministry says a number of Brotherhood leaders have been arrested but released no names.

Mid-East peace talks open

Israeli and Palestinian representatives begin peace talks in Jerusalem today, the first direct negotiations in three years. United States mediator Martin Indyk is also present at the talks. The Israeli army has said it carried out an air strike on Gaza this morning in response to rocket fire into Israel yesterday by militants from the area.

Tunisia’s Islamist coalition under pressure

The secretary general of Tunisia’s governing Islamist party has called for the creation of a non-partisan cabinet to run the country. Around 40,000 people joined a rally in Tunis last night calling for the departure of the Islamist-led ruling coalition.

Eurozone recession ends

The latest figures for the Eurozone show it back in growth in the second quarter, ending an 18 month recession. Eurostat says Eurozone economic output grew by 0.3% in the April to June period compared to the previous three months.

Kaesong to re-open

North and South Korea have agreed to resume normal operations at the Kaesong joint industrial complex located on the North Korean side of the border. Pyongyang halted operations in April amid heightened tensions on the peninsula.

The weather

Mainly sunny. Rainshowers in mountain areas and the south. Top temperatures 16 to 25 degrees.

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