News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Homs evacuation reportedly underway

Syrian state TV says the evacuation of civilians from the besieged area of Homs has begun. Around 200 people are expected to be taken out of the area today. The development is the result of a ceasefire deal which should also allow aid to get into the old city. Parts of Homs held by rebel forces have been under siege by the army for 18 months. The governor of Homs says the first group to leave will include children, women and the elderly. Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad: "finally we found the possibility to bring out these people and to provide those who are in need inside old Homs with humanitarian aid." In another development, the Syrian government has announced that it will be taking part in a second round of peace talks scheduled for next week in Geneva. The Syrian opposition has also said it will take part.

Sochi prepares to open Winter Games

Final preparations are underway for the opening of the Winter Olympics in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. The event - which has been described as the most expensive Olympics in history - will see 16 days of sporting action with 98 medals to be won. Nearly 3,000 athletes from over 80 countries are taking part in the games, including 130 from Austria. The build-up to the event has been overshadowed by human rights issues and security concerns.

US apologises over EU insult

The US administration says its Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has apologised after a voice said to be hers insulted the EU whilst discussing the crisis in Ukraine with another senior American diplomat. In the apparently bugged conversation - which was posted online - she uses a graphic swear word to describe her frustration at the way that Brussels has been handling the issue. U.S. officials say they suspect Russian involvement in the leak. White House spokesman Jay Carney: "you know I would say that the video was first noted and tweeted out by the Russian government - I think it says something about Russia's role. But the content of the conversation is not something I'm going to comment on."

Clashes at Rio fares protest

In Brazil, hundreds of people have clashed with police during a protest against increased public transport fares. The unrest happened during rush hour at Rio de Janeiro's Central Station. Riot police fired tear gas and tried to disperse the crowd, while activists hurled stones and petrol bombs.

South Africa elections set for May

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has set May 7th as the date for the country's general election. The ANC is expected to win the vote, although it has faced accusations of failing to tackle poverty.

The weather

There'll be a mix of fog and occasional sunshine. There’ll be rain in the West which will spread across the country tonight. Highs ranging between 2 and 10 degrees, where there's a föhn up to about 15.

Übersicht

• News In English