News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Clashes reported in Mariupol

Reports coming out of Ukraine say Ukrainian forces have clashed with pro-Russian separatists in the port town of Mariupol. 8 people are reported to have died in the latest unrest which happened when police tried to re-take control of their headquarters. They came under fire from separatists who'd taken over the local interior ministry building.

Russia holds parade on WW2 anniversary

Around 11,000 Russian troops have been marching in Red Square in Moscow for their annual Victory Day parade to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. The ceremony comes amid continuing international tension over the situation in Ukraine. In his address to the crowds, Russian President Vladimir Putin focussed on the anniversary: "the 9th of May was, is and will be our main holiday. It's a day of national triumph, of people's pride."

South Sudan peace talks

Peace talks between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar are due to begin today in Ethiopia. It'll be the first time they've met since fighting broke out in the country last December. The conflict has left thousands of people dead and more than one million homeless. The UN has accused both sides of carrying out atrocities.

US team arrives in Nigeria

The US Secretary of State John Kerry says a specialist team is set to start work in Nigeria to help find more than 200 schoolgirls who were abducted last month by Boko Haram militants. He said the US team, working with the Nigerian government, would do everything possible to free them: "they are going to be working in concert with President Goodluck Jonathan's government to do everything that we possibly can to return these girls to their families and their communities. We are also going to do everything possible to counter the menace of Boko Haram."

Protests continue in Thailand

Police in Thailand have fired tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of anti-government protesters in Bangkok. The move comes two days after a court ruling to remove the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra over charges of abuse of power. Whilst Yingluck is being replaced as prime minister, her party is still represented in the caretaker government.

Berlusconi starts community service

The former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has started a year of community service at a care home near Milan. Last year he was sentenced to four years in prison for tax fraud which was commuted to four hours work a week working with elderly dementia patients. Berlusconi chose community service rather than house arrest to serve out the sentence.

The weather

A mix of cloud and sunshine with most of the sun in the east where it should stay largely dry. A few thundery rain showers forecast for the West and highs ranging between 15 and 24 degrees.

Übersicht

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