News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Renewed fighting in Ukraine

In eastern Ukraine, fresh fighting is being reported between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists in the city of Slaviansk. At the same time, Kiev is sending special forces to Odessa, where dozens of people have been killed over the past four days between pro-Kiev and pro-Moscow groups. One resident has said the crisis threatens the city’s history as a cosmopolitan center of peaceful coexistence: “I want Odessa to remain a Ukrainian city with a Russian dominant language and culture. It’s a city of many nationalities who live peacefully (together for) many decades.”

Search for survivors in Aegean Sea

Two boats crammed with immigrants have sank in the Aegean Sea in the waters between Turkey and Greece. Greek ships have rescued 36 people, while 30 others are missing.

Slovenia’s PM resigns

Slovenia will hold early elections next month. This follows the resignation today of Prime Minister Alenka Bratusek. She told parliament she was resigning after losing the leadership of her Postive Slovenia Party to Zoran Jankovic, the mayor of the capital Ljubljana.

Portugal exits bailout guidelines

The government of Portugal has announced it has fulfilled the requirements imposed by creditors under the terms of 78 billion euro bailout from the European Union and International Monetary Fund. The rescue three years ago prevented the country from going bankrupt, but it had to impose tax increases and make deep cuts to pay, pensions and welfare rights. Portugese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho: “Our strategic returns to the markets has been successful because we made great progress on budget consolidation and because we have regained our credibility”.

Earthquake shakes Tokyo

A strong earthquake shook central Japan today. 17 people were slightly injured in Tokyo, but no major damage has been reported.

Panama elects new president

Voters in Panama have elected a new president. Vice President Juan Carlos Varela won the most votes to replace President Ricardo Martinelli, who was barred from the constitution from seeking a third term.

Gerry Adams reasserts innocence

Police in Northern Ireland have released Gerry Adams, the leader of the political party Sinn Fein. Police had questioned him since Thursday about the 1972 murder of Jane McConville, who is thought to have been killed by Sinn Fein’s former military wing, the Irish Republican Party. Gerry Adams has denied any connection to the crime: “I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill, or bury Mrs. McConville.”

Pistorius trial resumes

The trial of former Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius resumed today in South Africa. He faces charges of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp early last year. Pistorius claims he shot her because he mistook her for a burglar.

The weather

The afternoon will be mostly sunny with highs between 10 and up to 21 degrees in the west.

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