News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Strike in Turkey over mine disaster

In Turkey trade unions have called a one day strike after the worst mining accident in the country’s history. Over 280 bodies have been recovered from the coal mine at Soma in the west of Turkey. Rescue efforts to reach around 150 other miners have been hampered by fires burning underground. Union leaders say privatisations carried out in recent years have worsened safety standards at mines. Kemal Özkan is from the Industrial Global Union: “Turkey is not one of the major mining countries but when we look at the fatality rate it is the champion in Europe. This is not acceptable.” Turkish president Abdullah Gul is at the accident scene, after Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was heckled and jeered on a visit to the mine yesterday. Protests are being held in a number of Turkish cities as anger over the accident is directed at the government.

Thai army chief warns of intervention

Thailand’s military chief has warned that the army may intervene in the country’s political crisis if violence escalates. At least three people have been killed and more than twenty injured in a grenade and gun attack on anti-government protestors in the capital Bangkok.

Ukraine separatists deliver ultimatum

The Ukrainian government says its troops have destroyed two military bases of pro-Russian insurgents in overnight operations in Kramatorsk and Slavyansk. Separatists have said they will launch an offensive if Kiev’s troops are not withdrawn within 24 hours.

South Korea ferry crew charged

The captain and three senior crew members of a ferry which sank off South Korea a month ago have been charged with homicide. The accident left more than 300 people dead or missing.

Anti-China riots continue in Vietnam

In Vietnam, anti-China riots and an attack on a foreign-owned steel mill have left at least one Chinese worker dead. There are unconfirmed reports of up to twenty deaths in the latest demonstrations in Vietnam over China’s deployment of an oil rig in a disputed area of the South China Sea.

Syria group meets on rebel support

The Friends of Syria group of western and Arab nations is gathering in London to discuss stepping up efforts to support moderate opposition forces in the Syrian civil war. They are also to consider ways to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

European debate premiere

A live televised debate between candidates vying to be the next President of the European Commission takes place in Brussels tonight. This is the first time such a debate has been held in the course of European Parliamentary elections and is being carried live on public broadcasters.

The weather

Rain north of the Alps and in the east, with storm level winds in the east this evening. Some sun in the south. Top temperatures 3 to 16 degrees.

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