News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Iraq holds elections

People across Iraq are voting in the country’s first parliamentary elections since US troops withdrew three years ago. The current Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, is seeking a third term in office. Iraq is experiencing its worst sectarian violence since 2008 and security has been stepped up for the vote. The authorities have banned cars for the day in an effort to stop suicide attacks and car bombers.

Top EU Court rejects transaction tax challenge

The European Court of Justice has rejected a challenge to the introduction of an EU financial transactions tax… at least for now. The tax will be adopted by a total of 11 member states… among them Germany, France and Austria… and aims to discourage speculative trading. The failed challenge was lodged by the United Kingdom which said the tax would damage the City of London, Europe’s biggest financial hub. But Europe’s top court said the UK’s claim could only be proved once the tax had yet been fully introduced and it said London could still challenge it at a later stage.

Kerry warns Russia over Ukraine

As tensions increase in Ukraine, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has accused Russia of failing to abide by the terms of a de-escalation agreement. Kerry has urged Russia to "leave Ukraine in peace" and warned that all territory in neighbouring NATO states will be defended if threatened: “We have to make it absolutely clear to the Kremlin that NATO territory is inviolable. We will defend every single piece of it.”

Protests over missing Nigerian schoolgirls

A demonstration is being held today in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, calling for more action to rescue about 200 schoolgirls who were abducted by Islamist militants more than two weeks ago. To San is one of those taking part in today’s march. She says the government isn’t doing enough: “Nothing is being done and parents are not going to be sending their kids to schools anymore because of the fear. So we have to do something about it and let them know that we’re not happy with what is happening.”

US Basketball scandal ends with lifetime ban

The US National Basketball Association has imposed a lifetime ban on the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, for racism. Sterling, who was secretly recorded making racist remarks, will be forced to sell his interest in the team and the NBA has imposed the maximum fine allowed of $2.5 million. The Clippers’ head coach, Doc Rivers, has welcomed the move. “I told the players about the decision. I think they were just happy that it was a resolution and it’s over. I think… we’re all in a better place because of this.”

Fresh elections for Thailand

Thailand has announced that it will hold a fresh election, after the country’s Constitutional Court invalidated a snap poll held in February. The new polls will be conducted on July 20th, in an agreement reached between the Election Commission and the prime minister Yin-gluck Shina-watra.

The Weather

Unsettled with rain-showers in the west and sunshine in the east.Top temperatures will range from +7C in the far west to +23C in eastern Austria.

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