News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Gaza truce unravels

Israeli shelling near the southern Gaza town of Rafah has reportedly killed at least 40 people, as a three-day humanitarian ceasefire that went into effect only hours earlier unravelled. Israel and Palestinian militant groups have accused each other of violating the truce, which was brokered by the United Nations and the United States.

Separatists ambush convoy in east Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities say at least 10 government troops have been killed in an ambush by pro-Russian separatists in an area near the site where Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crashed. More than 60 experts from the Netherlands and Australia, along with officials from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, have now begun recovery operations at the site, where it´s believed around 80 bodies remain.

Snowden´s asylum status expires

Edward Snowden's year-long leave to stay in Russia has expired without confirmation that it will be extended. The former American intelligence contractor faces charges in the US after leaking confidential documents about the National Security Agency's surveillance programmes. Snowden´s lawyers say he could stay in Russia while his application for an extension is being processed. Charles Maynes is a Moscow-based commentator: "They looked at Snowden as much more effective if he was seen as an independent actor, at least by the majority of the world, so they´ve really kind of given him a long leash. He writes. He can criticise the US and the US surveillance and the work of the NSA, and that´s so much more effective for the Russians when they are not working directly with him and he´s not seen essentially as a stooge."

Hopes fade of finding Indian landslide survivors

Indian officials say hopes of finding any more survivors from a landslide that buried a village in the western state of Maharashtra on Wednesday are fading. Over 60 bodies have been found, but 130 people are still missing.

Taiwan gas blasts kill 25

Officials say a series of huge gas explosions in Taiwan´s second largest city of Kaohsiung has killed 25 people and injured nearly 300 others. Media reports suggest the death toll is likely to rise sharply.

Argentina blames US for debt default

A US judge has scheduled another round of negotiations between Argentina and a small group of investors, whose unwillingness to accept partial repayment has forced the country into default. The bond-holders are demanding a full pay-out of $1.3bn. Argentina has blamed the US for the default. It´s called the mediator in the failed talks "incompetent" and says it´s considering opening proceedings at international tribunals in The Hague.

The weather

Some sunshine, but also showers or thunder storms, especially at higher elevations. Highs today from 19 to 29.

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