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8. April 2017, 21:58

Russia “respects” east Ukraine vote

Russia has said it respects the results of unofficial referenda organised by pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of east Ukraine yesterday. Separatists have said over 90% of those who took part in the ballot voted for independence from the government in Kiev. Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, speaking through an interpreter, said Russia hopes for dialogue between Ukraine's central government and eastern regions after the vote: “We believe that the political implementation of the outcome of these referenda will be in a civilised manner without any outbreaks of violence.” The interim president of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has dismissed the poll as a farce. British foreign minister William Hague, speaking ahead of a European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said the votes had zero legitimacy in the eyes of the world: “They are illegal by any standards. They don’t meet any standard of objectivity, transparency.” The EU is expected to agree to expand sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine. Meanwhile Russia’s RIA news agency is quoting a separatist leader in Luhansk who says the region will not participate in Ukraine’s presidential election on May 25th and may vote on joining Russia.

Boko Haram demands prisoner exchange for girls

The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has released a video saying the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted in northern Nigeria last month will only be released in exchange for all imprisoned militants. The group leader Abubakar Shekau said the girls shown in the video were some of those kidnapped and that they had converted to Islam.

India completes general election

India is holding the last day of its marathon general election spread over six weeks and involving over 800 million eligible voters. The opposition Hindu Nationalist BJP leader Narendra Modi is seeking a personal mandate in today’s vote in Varanasi. His party is widely expected to win the election, after more than a decade of rule by the Congress party. Results are expected on Friday.

Greek far right to contest EU poll

Greece’s Supreme Court has ruled that the ultra-nationalist Golden Dawn party may run in European parliamentary elections this month. Six Golden Dawn MPs, including its leader, are currently in prison awaiting trial on charges including murder, arson and extortion.

South Sudan “peaceful”

The spokesman for South Sudan’s military has said no fighting is being reported today, after ceasefire violations yesterday. The government and rebels signed a peace agreement on Friday meant to end five months of conflict which left thousands dead and over a million people homeless.

The weather

Changeable with sunny spells, scattered rain and thundershowers, top temperatures 9 to 20 degrees, warmest in the east.

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