News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Ukraine warns of state of emergency

Ukraine's justice minister has warned anti-government protesters occupying her ministry that she will call for a state of emergency if they do not leave. Olena Lukash told local media she would ask the National Security and Defence Council to introduce the measures. Protesters seized the building in Kiev late last night and set up barricades outside. The demonstrations were sparked two months ago when President Viktor Yanukovych pulled out of a deal which would have seen closer ties with the EU.

Homs on Syria conference agenda

The UN is pressing the Syrian government and opposition to move swiftly to help hundreds of civilians who've been trapped for months by fighting in the city of Homs. Further negotiations are expected today at the Syria conference in Geneva on the movement of humanitarian aid convoys into the city. Yesterday a tentative agreement was reached to let women and children leave. UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi: "hopefully women and children will be able to leave the old city in Homs. And I hope the rest of the civilians will be able to leave soon after that." The Syrian peace talks taking place in Geneva are expected to move onto the divisive issue of the transfer of power in the country.

Tunisia adopts new constitution

The parliament in Tunisia has adopted a new constitution. The development comes three years after the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. Observers say politicians are hoping it will send out a message of stability after months of deadlock between the country's Islamist party and its secular opposition. In another development, Prime Minister-designate Mehdi Jomaa says he's formed a new caretaker government which is expected to run the country until fresh elections are held.

Japan reports record trade deficit

Japan has reported a record annual trade deficit of over 11 trillion yen for 2013. The development is being put down to a weak currency which has pushed up the cost of energy imports. Those imports rose after Japan decided to shut down all of its nuclear reactors in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Survivors of Auschwitz and Israeli officials are marking 69 years since the liberation of the NAZI concentration camp. A ceremony has been held to mark the anniversary which takes place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day which was established by the United Nations.

Austria announces Olympic team

The Austrian Olympic Committee has announced its team for the Sochi Winter Olympics. It's made up of 130 athletes in total - a record number for Austria's participation in the Winter Games.

The weather

Snowfall, especially in the west and southwest, but it should be easing off in the East. Highs ranging between minus 5 and plus 5 degrees.

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