News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Thai army summons ousted PM

Thailand´s military has summoned ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to a meeting at an army centre in the capital, Bangkok, a day after seizing power in a bloodless coup following months of turmoil. Yingluck is one of more than 100 political figures to be summoned. It´s not clear if she´s been detained. There has been international condemnation of the coup. The United Nations secretary general Ban Ki Moon has led calls for a speedy return to democratic rule. Stephane Dujarric is Ban´s spokesman: "The secretary general is seriously concerned by the military takeover in Thailand. He appeals for a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule and an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand."

Rebels target Syrian election rally

Over 20 people have reportedly been killed after Syrian rebels shelled a pro-Assad election campaign rally in the southern province of Deraa. The death toll is expected to rise. Syria is holding an election next month that looks all but certain to give President Bashar al-Assad a third seven-year term. His opponents have dismissed the vote as a farce.

Russia to pull back from Ukraine´s border

Russia´s Deputy Defence Minister, Anatoly Antonov, says that Russia will pull back all forces deployed to regions near the Ukrainian border "within a few days", a move that if carried out could ease tensions before Sunday´s presidential election in Ukraine.

Shock for Dutch far-right in EU poll

Exit polls in the Netherlands show the far-right Freedom Party of Eurosceptic politician Geert Wilders slipping to fourth place in elections for the European Parliament, which began on Thursday. It is trailing three pro-European parties, the Christian Democrats, Democrats 66 and the centre-right VVD. If confirmed, it would be a major upset for Wilders, who had been leading opinion polls for months. Austria and the majority of the other 28 EU member states are going to the polls on Sunday.

Two die in clashes in Istanbul

Turkish officials say a second person has died after clashes overnight between protestors and police in Istanbul. Police reportedly fired live rounds after coming under attack. The demonstration followed last weeks' deadly mine disaster.

Congolese warlord sentenced to 12 years

The International Criminal Court has sentenced a Congolese warlord to 12 years in prison. Germain Katanga had earlier been convicted of aiding and abetting crimes, including the massacre of hundreds of villagers in eastern Congo in 2003. Katanga is only the second person sentenced by the court in The Hague. He could soon be free, as he already has been in detention for almost seven years.

The weather

Mostly sunny, but changeable in the west with some showers or thunder storms. Highs today from 14 to 32.

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