News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

M23 rebels in DRC to disarm

The M23 rebel group has said it is ending its rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo and will disarm and demobilise on terms agreed with the government. The government had earlier declared victory after driving the rebels from their strongholds with the help of United Nations troops. At least ten other rebel groups are still operating in the region, where at least five million people have died in violence since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The US envoy to the DRC, Russell Feingold: ”Under the auspices of the Framework for Hope lead by African nations this is only the beginning of a legitimate peace and development process but it is a valuable beginning.”

India launces space probe

India has launched its first mission to Mars. The scientific orbiter is expected to reach the planet in September next year. Only the US, Europe, and Russia have successfully sent probes to Mars.

Talks open on Syrian peace conference

The international envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, is holding talks in Geneva on trying to set up a peace conference to end the Syrian civil war. He is meeting with officials from Russia and the United States, as well as representatives from countries neighbouring Syria. The peace conference has been delayed for months amid disagreements over who should attend and the agenda.

Death sentences in Bangladesh mutiny

A court in Bangladesh has sentenced more than 150 soldiers to death for their role in a mutiny in 2009 in which over 50 military commanders were killed. More than 150 others, most of them border guards, have been given life in prison.

EU and Turkey open new round of talks

The European Union opens a new round of talks with Turkey today on its membership application. The EU postponed the beginning of this round in protest over police violence against anti-government demonstrators.

Blasio expected to win New York

Elections are being held in the United States today for the mayor of New York City and governors of New Jersey and Virginia. New York city’s public advocate, Bill de Blasio, who is the most left wing candidate in decades, is widely expected to be elected mayor.

Unknown works found in Munich trove

German officials say the trove of Nazi-looted art discovered in a flat in Munich includes some previously unknown works by masters such Chagall and Matisse. They said works from as early as the 16th century are among the 1,400 pieces.

The weather

Overcast with rain in the south east, clearing over the rest of the country to sunny spells. Top temperatures 3 to 11 degrees.

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