News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Turkey suffers worst-ever industrial accident

A coal mine explosion and a fire in western Turkey that has so far killed more than 200 people is likely to be the country's deadliest mining disaster ever. The confirmed death toll in the mine in the town of Soma has now risen to 205, but hundreds more are still trapped underground. Even though rescue efforts are still underway, protesters are gathering at the scene and mine safety expert, Andrew Watson, says such accidents are completely preventable: "They are not held in high regard around the world as regards their safety standards. The world can control the major mining hazards and obviously something's gone wrong at this mine. Culture is the most difficult thing to change and also the most important thing to drive change and it's the attitude towards safety. It's giving miners the confidence that they don't have to take shortcuts, that they don't have to break the rules to produce coal."

Pistorius to undergo psychological evaluation

A South African court has ordered Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius to undergo psychological evaluation for mental illness. Pistorius is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year. The Judge ruled that a mental assessment would ensure that Pistorius gets a fair trial: "An application of this nature is ever taken lightly as it is an integral part of a fair trial. Having regard to the above, I am satisfied that a case has been made out for the application." State prosecutors requested the evaluation after a psychiatrist testified that Pistorius suffers from an anxiety disorder. An evaluation now will prevent him from trying to appeal later on the basis of a disturbed mental condition.

Brahimi resigns as Special Envoy for Syria

The United Nations special envoy for Syria is resigning. Lakhdar Brahimi says he has been unable to mediate a peace deal to end the civil war in Syria because of an international deadlock...over how to end the country's three-year conflict. He says he is saddened by the failure and the tragedy he is leaving behind: "It is very sad that I leave this position and leave Syria behind in such a bad state."

Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna

Iran and six world powers have started a new round of nuclear negotiations in Vienna. After three months of broad discussions between negotiators, they will now begin drafting the text of a final accord that could put an end to years of hostility and mistrust. Western powers fear Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb and are urging Tehran to alter its program to prevent weapons capability.

The weather

While regions in the east and south will experience only isolated rainshowers and partly sunny skies, the rest of the country can expect heavy rain and thundershowers.

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