News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Demonstrations continue in Ukraine

Demonstrations are continuing in Ukraine to call for the resignation of the government and President Viktor Yanukovych. Thousands of protestors have blocked entrances to the government building in Kiev. The latest unrest follows a major rally in the capital over the week-end. The protests were triggered by the president's refusal to sign a deal on closer ties with the European Union. Opposition politician Vitaly Klitschko says the majority of Ukrainians are in favour of a strengthened relationship with the EU: "it's the wish of every Ukrainian to have a better life. And right now we have a great chance to develop our country in a European direction."

Thailand's PM rejects resignation demands

The Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra has rejected demands from anti-government protesters that she step down. The protestors want to replace the government with an appointed "People's Council". They allege that Yingluck's administration is controlled by her brother, the ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra. The prime minister says the demands being made are not possible under the constitution but that she remained open to negotiation

4 killed in Afghanistan bomb blast

Officials in Afghanistan say a suicide bomber driving a truck has killed four police officers in the east of the country. The attack happened near a police headquarters. 17 people were injured in the blast. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.

Croatia referendum backs gay marriage ban

Voters taking part in a referendum in Croatia have backed a move initiated by Roman Catholic groups to oppose same-sex marriages. Two thirds of those who participated in yesterday's vote approved changes to the country's constitution defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic says he regrets the outcome of the vote: "this is a sad and pointless referendum. Already next week - or the week after - we plan to pass a bill on common law partnership. So there will be no negative consequences in that regard."

9 dead in Glasgow helicopter crash

The death toll from a helicopter crash in the Scottish city of Glasgow has risen to 9. The aircraft crashed into the roof of a packed pub on Friday night. Investigations into the cause of the disaster are continuing.

4 killed in New York train derailment

In New York, four people have been killed and over 60 injured in a train derailment. Investigations are underway amid questions over whether mechanical problems or human error may have played a role.

The weather

The weather: developing into a mainly sunny afternoon in much of the country. There’ll be a few clouds about in the North and East. There'll be a lively wind at times and highs will be ranging mostly between minus 2 and plus 8 degrees.

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