News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Gaza leaders agree reconciliation pact

Palestinian leaders in Gaza have reached a milestone reconciliation pact after seven years of operating under rival administrations. It will see Fatah and Hamas form a national consensus government under president Mahmoud Abbas. Israel has accused Abbas of turning his back on peace and talks that had been scheduled for later today have been called off. Mark Regev is the spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “By embracing these extremists he´s turned his back on the hopes for peace and reconciliation. Mustafa Barghouthi is a Palestinian politician who helped to negotiate the agreement between Fatah and Hamas: “It has become clear that Israel has no intention of achieving peace with Palestinians. Mr. Netanyahu prefers settlements to peace, prefers to keep occupation and apartheid system.”

UN warns on Syrian aid

The UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon has accused the Syrian government and opposition of committing flagrant violations of international law over the delivery of humanitarian aid. He has called on the Security Council to take urgent action.

Ukraine troops move on Slaviansk

Ukraine´s interior ministry says that its forces have killed "up to five" militants during an "anti-terrorist" operation in the eastern city of Slaviansk, which is under the control of pro-Russian separatists. Earlier the Ukrainian government announced that it had regained control of the city hall in the eastern port of Mariupol from pro-Kremlin militants.

US medics killed in Afghanistan

US officials have confirmed that three American doctors have been killed by a security guard at an international hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul. The guard then reportedly turned the gun on himself. The motive for the attack is unclear.

Obama reaffirms support for Japan

The US President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his support for Japan in its territorial dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Speaking after talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, he warned against escalation in the dispute and said he wanted to see the row resolved peacefully. President Obama is on a four-nation Asia tour. He is not going to Beijing but relations with China are expected to dominate his meetings with regional leaders.

Architect Hans Hollein dies

The renowned Austrian architect and designer Hans Hollein has died after a long illness. He was 80. Hollein was responsible for the Haas-Haus and the Albertina in Vienna, as well as prestigious projects in Europe, the United States, South America and Iran.

The weather

Changeable in the east with the chance of thundery showers. A mix of sunshine and showers in the west. Highs today from 15 to 23.

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