News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

East Ukraine rebel vote to go ahead

Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern region say they've decided to go ahead with controversial referendums on independence on Sunday in spite of an appeal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay the vote. Putin had said that postponing the referendums would help create conditions for dialogue between Kiev and the eastern region. But a spokesman for the self-declared government in Donetsk and separatists in Luhansk say they will go ahead as planned. The Ukrainian government and the EU have warned against holding such votes, saying they would have no democratic legitimacy.

Blast hits hotel in Aleppo

A large explosion has destroyed a hotel in the Syrian city of Aleppo. Unconfirmed reports say opposition fighters had detonated a bomb and that the hotel was being used by government troops as a military base. There's no clear indication yet of casualties. Aleppo, which was Syria's commercial centre, is divided between rebel and government forces.

ANC takes lead in vote count

In South Africa, the ruling African National Congress has taken a clear lead as votes are counted after yesterday's general election. According to election officials, the ANC has won nearly 60% of the vote with a third of ballots counted. Its nearest rival, the opposition Democratic Alliance, has around 27%.

Violence continues in Nigeria

More details have been emerging over the last 24 hours of an attack on a border town in north-eastern Nigeria by suspected members of the Islamist group Boko Haram. There have been reports of gunmen opening fire on a busy market place. Nigerian officials say around 150 people were killed. Meanwhile, the search is continuing for over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by the group.

Ferry disaster investigations continue

Prosecutors in South Korea have detained the head of a company that owned the ferry that sank last month with the loss of more than 300 lives. Kim Han-sik was taken into custody earlier today. Investigators believe the vessel was overloaded with cargo, which could have contributed to the boat capsizing. Prosecutors say he faces possible charges including manslaughter and breaking maritime law.

World War Two anniversary events

Events are taking place in Austria to mark the 69th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. Senior officials and politicians are taking part in a number of ceremonies which will include a concert on Vienna's Heldenplatz by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

The weather

There’ll be occasional sunshine this afternoon, but also some heavy showers, especially in the region between Upper Austria and Styria. It’ll stay dry in the West. Highs are ranging between 14 and 22 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English