News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Former Lebanese minister assassinated

A large car bomb has exploded in central Beirut killing former Lebanese finance minister Mohamad Chatah and at least four other people. Chatah was an adviser to the former Sunni Prime Minister Saad Hariri and an outspoken critic of the regime of Syrian president Bashar Assad and of his Lebanon-based ally Hezbollah. Hariri has accused Hezbollah of involvement in today’s attack.

East Africa seeks South Sudan peace

East African leaders are meeting in the Kenyan capital Nairobi for a further attempt to broker a peace deal in South Sudan, where more than 1,000 people are believed to have died in nearly two weeks of conflict. The meeting follows talks yesterday between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, and the leaders of Kenya and Ethiopia. One of Kiir's advisers Rebecca Garang says she's optimistic the talks can help end the fighting: “I’m very optimistic and I’m very happy with the regional involvement so that they can see the problem in southern Sudan.” Kenyan officials said Kiir is not at today’s talks.

Syria weapons deadline nears

Representatives from Russia, the United States, Syria and the United Nations meet in Moscow today to discuss the removal of chemical weapons from Syria. Norway and Denmark are providing ships to transport the weapons from the Syrian port of Latakia. Under a UN deal, the weapons are supposed to be removed from Syria by the end of this month.

Thailand’s army calls for restraint

The head of Thailand's army has called on the government and opposition forces to show restraint, after two people were killed and dozens injured in the latest anti-government protests. He did not rule out the army staging a coup. The opposition has vowed to stop an early election called for February, which is widely expected to be won by the party of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Ukraine arrests over Chornovol attack

Ukrainian authorities have arrested three people in connection with the brutal beating of an anti-government activist and journalist, Tetyana Chornovol. She says the attack carried out on Wednesday was connected to her investigative journalism.

Japan approves US base relocation

Japan has approved the relocation of a United States military airbase on the island of Okinawa, after years of negotiations. Many Okinawa residents oppose the presence of the 26,000 US troops on the island.

Pussy Riot declare release a PR stunt

Two members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot at a press conference following their release from prison under an amnesty have said they were freed as a PR stunt ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi next years. They’ve said they want to work for more humane conditions in Russian prisons.

The weather

Cloud and fog clearing in the east to sunny spells over most of the country. Top temperatures 2 to 10 degrees.

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