News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syria peace talks resume in Geneva

The two sides in the Syrian conflict are holding a second round of peace talks today in the Swiss city of Geneva. UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says the government and opposition delegations will meet separately over the next few days, in an effort to improve the atmosphere. They are expected to discuss national reconciliation and reforming state institutions, as well as extending a ceasefire in the besieged city of Homs. The former Syrian Ambassador to Sweden, Mohammad Bassam Imadi, says the government team is unlikely to give much ground. “Most of them were previous colleagues of mine in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the most important thing is that they are very experienced in, not only negotiation, but in having negotiations with no results.”

EU scrutinises Swiss ties after immigration vote

The European Union says it will reassess its relationship with Switzerland, following a referendum over the weekend, in which Swiss voters narrowly approved the re-introduction of immigration quotas. The vote reverses an agreement with Brussels, signed 12 years ago, permitting the free movement of EU citizens, in exchange for economic and trade benefits. EU spokesman Olivier Bailly says the vote fundamentally alters the relationship between Brussels and Bern. “This is clearly a breach of free movement of people and this principle that was enshrined in our relationship with Switzerland for the past 12 years.”

Anti- government protests continue in Bosnia

Protest leaders in Bosnia say they plan to continue their campaign against alleged government corruption and high unemployment, despite outbreaks of violence that have left dozens injured. In the north eastern city of Tuzla, protestors are expected to present their demands today to the regional parliament. The opposition Social Democrats and the muslim SDA party have now joined the protestors in demanding fresh elections.

Congolese rebel leader goes on trial in The Hague

The former Congolese rebel leader, Bosco Ntaganda, is appearing before the International Criminal Court today in The Hague. He is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the slaughter of civilians, recruiting child soldiers and keeping women as sex slaves. He denies the charges.

Thai protest leader arrested

Police in Thailand have arrested one of the leaders of the protest movement, which has been occupying parts of the capital Bangkok for the last three months and demanding the resignation of the government. Sonthiyarn Cheunruethainaitham is a well know media figure. Arrest warrants have also been issued for 19 other protest leaders

Bushfires ravage south eastern Australia

Firefighters in south eastern Australia say at least 20 homes have been destroyed in a series of bushfires in the state of Victoria. Conditions have reportedly improved but residents are being urged to evacuate areas north of the regional capital Melbourne.

The weather

Overcast conditions will dominate today, with rain and snowfall increasing in the south west. Top temperatures will range from 0 to 14 degrees.

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