News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

UN launches Philippines relief appeal

The United Nations has launched an appeal to raise 301 million dollars for the relief effort in the Philippines, as the country struggles to recover from typhoon Haiyan. At least 10 thousand people are feared dead, hundreds of thousands have been displaced and cities and towns flattened in the storm, which struck central regions of the country on Friday. Earlier UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon urged the international community to do all it could to help. “We have all seen the heart breaking images of the impact of this huge storm, one of the largest to ever make landfall. Almost 10 million people have been affected. Let us all show our solidarity with the people of the Philippines at this time of need.”

Agreement reached on new EU budget

After months of wrangling, EU member states have reached agreement with the European parliament over a new budget for 2014. Under the deal, spending will be cut by 6 percent from 144 to 135.5 billion euros, with a supplementary payment of 400 million euros this year to help with disaster relief. It is expected to pave the way for the approval of a new long term EU budget, for the years 2014 to 2020.

World powers close to Iran nuclear deal

US secretary of state John Kerry says six world powers came extremely close to reaching agreement with Iran over its nuclear program, at talks over the weekend in Geneva. Speaking to the BBC, he said he remained optimistic that a deal could be struck, when negotiators meet again on November 20th. “I think we were separated by, you know, four or five different formulations of a particular concept, but none, none so terribly that I don’t think it’s possible to be able to reach agreement.” The west has been trying to get Iran to limit its nuclear activities, amid concerns that it may be trying to develop nuclear weapons.

China’s leaders unveil long term reform plan

China's ruling Communist party is set to unveil a new reform plan for the next 10 years, following four days of closed door talks in Beijing, known as the 3rd plenum. In a brief statement issued after the conclusion of the talks, China's leaders said they wanted to increase the role of the free market in the country's government dominated economy.

Congo peace deal delayed

Congolese rebels have reportedly delayed signing a peace agreement with the government, after asking for more time to study the document. The M23 group agreed to end its 20 month uprising last week after being driven from its remaining strongholds in the east of the country.

EU leaders attend summit on youth joblessness

EU leaders are attending a summit today in Paris, which is looking at strategies for tackling youth unemployment. Almost a quarter of people aged between 15 and 25 are currently out of work in the EU and not attending any form of education or training.

The weather

Overcast conditions will continue in the south east, with some fog lingering in Upper Austria, but elsewhere it should be sunny. Top temperatures today will range from 4 to 11 degrees.

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