News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

EU announces Russia sanctions

The European Union has released the names of 15 officials targeted by sanctions because of their roles in the Ukraine crisis, including the chief of the Russian General Staff, the head of Russia’s military intelligence agency and pro-Russian separatist leaders in Crimea and the eastern Ukrainian cities of Lugansk and Donetsk. They are subject to a travel ban and have had assets frozen. Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak has condemned the EU move and accused the United States of Cold War tactics over its sanctions announced yesterday.

UN urged to defy Syria over aid

Top legal experts from around the world have criticised the United Nations for what they call an "overly cautious" interpretation of its mandate to deliver humanitarian aid in Syria. In a letter published in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, 35 international experts say UN humanitarian agencies have the legal right to defy the Syrian government's refusal to allow food and medical supplies to reach areas under rebel control. Nearly a quarter of a million people are totally cut off by fighting in the Syrian civil war, 80% of them besieged by government troops. Former Australian Chief Justice Elizabeth Everett: “There is no legal barrier to delivering aid. It is not necessary to get consent of the Syrian government and in any event such consent cannot validly be withheld.”

Egypt Islamists call mass protest tomorrow

In Egypt, an Islamist alliance has called for mass demonstrations tomorrow after a court yesterday recommended the death sentence for the leader of the banned Muslim Brotherhood and 682 of its supporters. A Brotherhood statement issued in London said it would use peaceful means to end military rule in Egypt.

North Korea conducts live military drills

South Korean military officials say North Korea has conducted live-fire artillery drills near the countries' disputed western maritime border. South Korea returned fire when North Korea fired shells into its territory in a similar exercise recently. Both Koreas regularly conduct such drills.

Abducted Nigeria girls “sold”

Reports from Nigeria say some of the girls who were abducted from their school two weeks ago have been taken into Cameroon and sold into marriage. Nearly two hundred schoolgirls were seized by suspected Islamist Boko Haram militants in the town of Chibock.

Spindelegger delivers budget speech

Austria's Finance Minister, Michael Spindelegger has delivered his first budget speech to parliament. He said Austria's deficit this year is expected to rise to 2.7 percent of GDP in part due to the government bailout of the Hypo-Alpe Adria Bank. National debt has risen to 79.2 percent of GDP.

The weather

Changeable with scattered rain and thundershowers. Some sunny spells. Top temperatures 11 to 22 degrees.

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