News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

26 killed in Ukraine clashes

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych has accused opposition leaders of trying to seize power by force after clashes between demonstrators and police left at least 26 people dead and hundreds injured. In the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations began 3 months ago, riot police armed with stun grenades and water cannon stormed the main protest camp in the capital Kiev whilst some of the demonstrators responded with petrol bombs, fireworks and stones. In international reaction, the EU has called for an extraordinary meeting of the bloc's 28 foreign ministers for tomorrow to discuss the crisis. The EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has urged both sides to find a solution to the crisis through dialogue: "this violence and bloodshed must stop immediately. I call upon President Yanukovych, the government, together with the leaders of the opposition to find an immediate way out of this deepening crisis and to continue the work to find a way to solve the political crisis through dialogue." The anti-government protests began in November after Yanukovych rejected a deal with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia.

4 killed in Beirut bomb blasts

Two large bomb blasts have hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut killing 4 people. Officials say the explosions happened near an Iranian cultural centre and caused heavy damage to shops and other buildings. A militant group linked to al Qaeda has reportedly has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Protests continue in Thailand

In Thailand, thousands of anti-government protestors have surrounded Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's temporary office in Bangkok and are demanding her resignation. The development comes a day after violent clashes between demonstrators and riot police which left 5 people dead.

Venezuela opposition leader hands himself in

Venezuela's opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has handed himself over to the authorities after holding a speech to thousands of his supporters. Lopez is wanted on charges of inciting violence during recent street protests which have left at least four people dead. He says he hopes his arrest will draw attention to corruption and an economic crisis in the country.

Czech government wins confidence vote

The Czech Republic's new coalition government has won a vote of confidence in parliament. The previous centre-right administration collapsed last year over a corruption scandal. The new administration, led by the Social Democrats, says it wants to focus on boosting economic growth following a long recession.

The weather

This afternoon's weather - cloudy with occasional rain in much of the country - especially in Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia. Snowfall in the higher elevations. Highs will be ranging mostly between 2 and 11 degrees.

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