News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Memorial service held for Nelson Mandela

In South Africa, tens of thousands of people, including several dozen heads of state and government, are attending a memorial service for Nelson Mandela at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg. Opening the event, the deputy leader of the ANC Cyril Ramaphosa paid this tribute to the anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate: "we will reflect on the life of a man who took the pain of millions of South Africans. He took their humiliations and the dignity they were stripped of, and made them his very own. And with the weight of burden on his shoulders, he worked to free us all." Among others addressing the service were some of Mandela's grandchildren, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the US President Barack Obama who paid this tribute: "his struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life and your freedom. Your democracy is his cherished legacy." South Africa is observing a series of commemorations leading up to Mandela's funeral in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.

Talks in Ukraine over political crisis

Following weeks of pro-EU demonstrations, the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych is expected to discuss the crisis with three former Ukrainian presidents today: Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko. He's also expected to hold talks with the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton either today or tomorrow. The protests began when Yanukovych refused to sign a deal on closer ties with the EU.

Thai PM makes plea for election participation

The Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra has pleaded for anti-government demonstrators to clear the streets and take part in elections which she's announced for next Feburary. However, protest leaders have called for her to step down within 24 hours. They say they want her to be replaced by an unelected people's council.

Two French soldiers killed in CAR

French officials have confirmed that two French soldiers have been killed in overnight fighting in the Central African Republic. France has sent 1600 troops to its former colony which has seen an upsurge in sectarian violence in recent months.

EU ministers discuss banking controls

Finance ministers from the European Union are meeting today for more discussions on creating centralised controls over banks. One major hurdle has been the question of how to finance a rescue fund for banks in trouble or those that have failed. Germany is in favour of each country taking care of its own banks. France is seeking a single EU-wide rescue fund.

The weather

This afternoon will be sunny in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia. The East will be mainly overcast. Highs are mostly between 2 and 11 degrees.

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