News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Ukraine MPs seek constitutional change

Ukraine´s parliament reconvenes today, with opposition leaders stepping up the pressure on President Viktor Yanukovych after weeks of anti-government unrest. Opposition MPs are expected to push for laws that will reduce the power of the president. They also want a return to an earlier constitution that would give parliament more say and a broader amnesty for those arrested in protests. Meanwhile, the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton returns to Kiev today - her third visit since the crisis began in November.

Syria to ship more chemical agents abroad

The Russian Foreign Ministry says Syria plans to send a large shipment of chemical agents out of the country this month and can complete the removal process by March 1. The operation to dispose of Syria´s chemical stockpile is way behind schedule. The US and other permanent members of the UN Security Council or P-5 have accused Damascus of dragging its feet. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former commander of Britain's specialist bio-security forces, says the international community is losing patience: "We have heard virtually all major players in the P-5 say this, and the Americans most recently have again told the regime they need to pick their game up and move forward, the UN and the OPCW as well."

Thai opposition wants election annulled

Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party has petitioned the Constitutional Court to annul Sunday´s elections. The Democrats, who boycotted the vote, argue it was unconstitutional on several grounds. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called elections in a bid to defuse anti-government protests.

Rwanda genocide trial opens in Paris

A former Rwandan intelligence chief has gone on trial in France for his role in the 1994 genocide that killed more than half a million people. Pascal Simbikangwa is appearing before a Paris court on charges of complicity in genocide and in crimes against humanity. Activists hope the landmark trial will mark the end of an era in which France provided a haven for those who committed atrocities abroad.

World stock markets see sharp falls

Stock markets in Europe opened lower today, following sharp falls in Asia and on Wall Street amid worries of a slowdown in the United States and weaker growth in emerging economies. Investors have been rattled by weak factory data from both the US and China.

WHO warning on cancer

The World Health Organisation is warning of what it calls a global "tidal wave" of cancer. WHO scientists predict the number of cancer cases will increase from 14 million a year to 24 million by 2035. But they say 50% of those cases could be prevented by tackling smoking, obesity and drinking.

The weather

More snow in east Tyrol and Carinthia, overcast with freezing drizzle in the south and east, some sun and Föhn conditions from Vorarlberg to the Mostviertel. Top temperatures minus 4 to plus 12.

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