News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syria talks open in Switzerland

A conference aimed at finding a solution to the three-year conflict in Syria is underway in Montreux, Switzerland. The Syrian government, the main opposition and 40 foreign leaders are among those attending the summit. In opening statements, opposition leader Ahmad Jarba accused President Bashar al-Assad of war crimes and called on the government to sign up to a plan for a transition of power. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said his country was engaged in a war against terrorist groups and that Assad would not bow to outside demands. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told delegates they faced a huge challenge, but added that it was a chance to make up for lost time and to demonstrate unity: "this conference is your opportunity to show unity behind the need for a political solution. It is an opportunity to encourage and support the Syrian delegations to negotiate in good faith in order to save their country and embark on a new future."

3 killed in Ukraine clashes

In Ukraine, three people have died in clashes between police and protestors in the capital Kiev. The latest unrest began after police moved in to dismantle a protest camp. The demonstrations began two months ago when President Viktor Yanukovych pulled out of a treaty which would have seen closer ties with the EU.

State of emergency in Thailand

A 60-day state of emergency has come into force in Thailand's capital Bangkok and three surrounding provinces. The move follows attempts by thousands of anti-government protestors to block parts of Bangkok in a bid to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down. In another development, a leader of a pro-government group has been shot and wounded by gunmen at his home.

EU proposes climate change measures

The EU Commission has proposed a new package of measures aimed at reducing the impact of climate change. They include a target for lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 which will be binding. It's also recommending an EU-wide goal for renewable energy. Critics say the plan doesn't go far enough

Davos conference starts

Business and political leaders are gathering in the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. This year's event comes amid calls for delegates to address the gap between rich and poor. Ricardo Fuentes-Nieva is the head of research at the aid agency Oxfam: "it's the responsibility of the governments to make sure that the decisions they make actually benefit the larger share of society and not only a small group that might have an undue influence because of the wealth they possess."

The weather

It'll be cloudy in the north and east with just a bit of rain or snow. Elsewhere it’ll be sunny but with some persistent fog in some of the valleys and basins. Highs will be ranging between minus 1 and plus 9 degrees.

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