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8. April 2017, 21:58

EU leaders warn on US spying allegations

European Union leaders on the second day of a summit in Brussels have warned that distrust of the United States over its spying activities could harm the fight against terrorism. They called for a new code on intelligence gathering to be negotiated by the end of the year. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said there must be significant change in the way spying agencies operate, after allegations the US National Security Agency monitored her private mobile phone and millions of French phone calls. However European Council president, Herman Van Rompuy said the importance of the EU-US relationship was also affirmed: “Heads of state and government underlined the close relationship between Europe and the United States and the value of that partnership. They expressed their conviction that the relationship must be based on respect and on trust.” Meanwhile the Guardian newspaper is reporting that the NSA monitored the phone conversations of 35 world leaders, according to a classified document provided by whistle blower Edward Snowden.

More boat migrants reach Lampedusa

Italian authorities say around 800 boat migrants were picked up around the island of Lampedusa last night. The EU’s refugee policy is under discussion at the Brussels summit, after hundreds of people fleeing North Africa for Europe drowned in recent weeks.

Bo XiLai loses appeal

A court in China has rejected an appeal by the disgraced politician Bo Xi Lai, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption. The former Communist party boss in Chongqing, Bo Xi Lai fell from power after a scandal involving his wife’s conviction for the murder of a British businessman.

South Koreans repatriated

Six South Koreans have been repatriated by North Korea. Their names were not released nor details on why they were detained in the North.

Kenya’s Ruto “must attend trial”

Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that Kenya's deputy president, William Ruto, must attend most sessions of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity. The ruling overturns an earlier decision which allowed Ruto to return to Kenya to deal with the aftermath of the terror attack on a shopping mall in Nairobi last month.

Norway rejects request on Syria weapons

Norway has rejected a request from the United States to help destroy Syria's chemical weapons. The government in Oslo said Norway lacked suitable staff, equipment and regulations to undertake the task.

Czech Republic votes

The Czech Republic is holding an early election today and tomorrow after the collapse of the center-right coalition government of Prime Minister Petr Necas, amid allegations of corruption. Polls suggest the Social Democrats may emerge the strongest party.

The weather

Partly sunny over much of the country, overcast with heavy fog in parts of the east and north. Top temperatures 12 to 23 degrees.

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