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8. April 2017, 21:58

Egyptian forces launch major operation near Cairo

A major gun battle has reportedly erupted on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo in the town of Kerdasa, a stronghold for supporters of the deposed president Mohammed Morsi. Egypt's security forces say they've launched an operation to arrest criminal and terrorist elements in the town. State media are reporting that a senior policeman has been killed in the violence

Assad vows to destroy chemical weapons

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says he's committed to a Russian brokered plan for securing his country's stockpile of chemical weapons. Speaking in an interview with the US Fox news network, Assad said he was determined to destroy the arsenal but that it could take up to a year. “Part of this agreement is to get rid of those chemical materials so, of course, when we are part now of this agreement we have to agree on that chapter.” Assad also blamed rebel forces for a chemical weapons attack near the capital Damascus last month.

EU police officer killed in Kosovo

An EU police officer has reportedly been shot dead, while on patrol in a mainly Serb area of northern Kosovo. The EU mission to Kosovo says the man was killed when a convoy of vehicles came under fire on the outskirts of the city of Mitrovica. The area has been a flashpoint, since Kosovo declared independence unilaterally from Serbia in 2008.

Iran’s leader hints at improving ties with the US

In his first interview with the western media since taking office last month, Iran's president Hassan Rouhani has hinted at a thaw in relations with the United States, saying he'd received a positive and constructive letter from President Barak Obama. Rouhani also told the US broadcaster NBC that his country would never seek to develop nuclear weapons. “The answer to this question is quite obvious. We have, time and again, said that under no circumstances would we seek any weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, nor will we ever.”

Berlusconi faces losing his Senate seat

An Italian parliamentary committee has recommended that former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi be stripped of his Senate seat, following his conviction for tax fraud. The ruling must still be confirmed by a parliamentary vote next month and Berlusconi has vowed to fight on. The row is threatening Italy's centre left government, which relies on the support of Berlusconi's People of Freedom party.

Mourners gather for funeral of slain Greek musician

Hundreds of people have gathered at a cemetery in the Greek capital Athens for the funeral of the left wing musician Pavlos Fyssas, whose murder on Tuesday night sparked violent protests across the country. Police say a man with links to the far right Golden Dawn party has been arrested in connection with the attack.

The weather

Conditions should improve this afternoon with some sunshine, but showers will continue between Salzburg and northern Burgenland. Top temperatures today will range from 10 to 21 degrees.

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