News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

New lead in search for missing plane

Australian officials say they're investigating two objects seen on satellite images that might be linked to the missing Malaysia Airlines plane. Planes and ships from Australia, New Zealand and the US are heading to the area which lies 2,500 kilometres south-west of Perth in the southern Indian Ocean. John Young is from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority: "the indication to me is of objects that are a reasonable size. The largest image that I've seen is assessed as being 24 metres. There's another one that's smaller than that and a number of other images in the general area of the biggest one."

EU discusses sanctions against Russia

EU leaders are due to meet in Brussels to discuss further sanctions against Russia. The EU and the US have denounced Moscow's annexation of Crimea, describing it as a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and a breach of international law. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Russia could face more penalties: "in the coming days we'll see what the consequences are for political relations between the EU and Russia, as well as for relations between the G7 and Russia." In other developments, Ukrainian officials say the commander of the country's navy has been released after being held by pro-Russian forces in Sevastopol. Ukraine has announced plans to withdraw its military personnel from the region. And later today, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is to hold talks with Russian leaders in Moscow where he's expected to push for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Half of Syria's chemical weapons removed

Nearly half of Syria's declared chemical weapons have now been shipped out of the country according to the international team overseeing the disarmament process. The UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons say nearly 46% of the weapons had been taken away for destruction outside the country. Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons programme last year but has been behind schedule.

Greece on track in rescue deal targets

Greece's international lenders say the country is on track to meet the targets set out in the rescue package deal with the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the IMF. The development should pave the way for the next tranche of loans to be released.

9 killed in train and bus collision

In Turkey, at least 9 people have been killed and five injured in a collision between a passenger train and a minibus. Local officials say the train slammed into the vehicle at a level crossing near the port city of Mersin. Investigations are underway.

Khushwant Singh dies aged 99

One of India's best known authors and journalists Khushwant Singh has died at the age of 99. His novel "Train to Pakistan", based on the partition of India, was made into a film.

The weather

It’ll be sunny and warm with some cloud about in the East. A lively wind at times and a light föhn wind. Highs are ranging between 14 and 24 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English