News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Renewed violence erupts in Kiev

At least 20 civilians have reportedly been killed in renewed clashes between police and anti-government protestors in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. There have been reports of explosions and live gunfire including from government snipers around the main protest site at Independence Square. The intense clashes erupted hours after President Viktor Yanukovich and top opposition leaders had met and called for a truce and negotiations.

EU to consider Ukraine sanctions

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland are in Kiev for talks with Yanukovich and opposition leaders. They are due to report to an emergency meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels later today which will consider imposing sanctions on those held responsible for the violence in Ukraine. United States president Barack Obama has sharply criticised Russia for supporting the crackdown and accused Russian president Vladimir Putin personally of failing to respect basic freedoms.

Iran talks “very productive”

The European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has said talks this week in Vienna between six world powers and Iran on its nuclear programme have been very productive and will resume on March 17. She said the two sides had identified the issues that would need to be addressed in negotiations on a final settlement. “There is a lot to do. It won’t be easy but we’ve made a good start. In addition to the political discussions we’ve started the technical work.”

Egypt tries 20 journalists

In Egypt the trial begins today in Cairo of 20 journalists, including several employees of the Al Jazeera network. They face charges of joining and aiding a terrorist organisation, and endangering national security. Al Jazeera has rejected claims its staff were aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Nigeria bank governor suspended

Nigeria's central bank governor Lamido Sanusi has been suspended by the president after he alleged that 20 billion dollars in oil revenue had gone missing from state funds. President Goodluck Jonathan has accused Sanusi, an internationally respected figure, of far-reaching irregularities.

Korea reunions begin

Dozens of families from North and South Korea separated since the Korean War sixty years ago are holding brief reunions at a site north of the border. More reunions are planned over the next five days.

Indian government halts releases

India’s supreme court has halted the release of three of the seven prisoners serving life sentences for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Tamil Nadu state, where they are held, ordered the release of all seven yesterday.

Austria scores bronze in Sochi

Austria has won a bronze medal in the Nordic combined team event at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The weather

Mainly sunny north of the Alps and in the east. Cloudy in the south. Top temperatures 3 to 13 degrees.

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