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8. April 2017, 21:58

Merkel warns Russia on Ukraine

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel is warning that Russia risks "massive" political and economic consequences if it continues its course in the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has suspended accession talks with Russia, following a request from its members. It´s also agreed to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine. Ukraine's interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk held talks with the US President Barack Obama at the White House on Wednesday. Obama pledged to stand with Ukraine in its dispute with Russia: “If it continues on the path that it is on, then not only us - but the international community, the European Union and others - will be forced to apply a cost to Russia´s violations of international law and its encroachments on Ukraine.” The Ukrainian parliament has appealed to the United Nations to discuss the occupation of Crimea by Russian forces.

No breakthrough six days after plane vanished

The search for the missing Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 is now into a sixth day. 239 people were on board the aircraft, which vanished without a trace on a flight from Malaysia to China. Malaysian officials have dismissed media reports that the plane could have flown on for an additional 3,500 km after contact was lost

Tensions rise between Israel and Gaza

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have fired rockets at Israeli cities for the second day running. The Israeli military bombed 29 sites in Gaza, after at least 60 rockets were fired into southern Israel on Wednesday. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for restraint from all sides.

Military bus attacked in Cairo

Masked gunmen have opened fire on an army bus in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, killing one officer and wounding three others. Egypt's army has blamed the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood for the attack, as Islamist militants expand their insurgency.

Two dead in fresh unrest in Turkey

Turkish officials say two people have died in clashes that erupted in Istanbul and other cities following the funeral of a teenager, who died nine months after being hit by a police tear-gas canister. A 22-year old man died late on Wednesday, as police fired water cannon and tear gas to prevent crowds from reaching Istanbul's main square after the burial of 15-year old Berkin Elvan. A police officer also suffered a heart attack during clashes with anti-government protesters in south eastern Turkey.

Pope marks first year in office

Pope Francis is celebrating his first year in office. Italian opinion polls give Francis the highest popularity rating of any recent pope.

The weather

Sunny and mild. Top temperatures from 13 to 21.

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