News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Russia bans food from EU and US

The Russian government has been giving details of a food import ban that it's imposing on the EU and the US, as well as Australia, Canada and Norway. The move is in response to international sanctions on Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says the ban will include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy imports.

Jail sentence for Khmer Rouge leaders

A United Nations-backed court in Cambodia has sentenced two former Khmer Rouge leaders Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan to life in prison for their roles in the terror that swept the country in the 1970s. Lawyers for the pair, who are in their 80s, say they will appeal. Leakhena Nou, the founder of the Applied Social Research Institute of Cambodia, explains the significance of the ruling: "historically, it does set a precedent in terms of sending a message in terms of accountability and for educational purposes that individuals who commit violent political crimes against humanity will be held accountable."

Militants extend gains in Iraq

Islamic State militants have extended their gains in northern Iraq, seizing three more towns. One of them - Qaraqosh - is home to thousands of Christians and there've been reports that many of them have fled. The militant advance followed the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from the area.

Ebola emergency declared in Liberia

The President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has declared a state of emergency because of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. The outbreak has also affected Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, killing more than 930 people. World Health Organization experts are meeting in Geneva to discuss the crisis.

Efforts to extend Gaza truce

Mediators in Egypt are trying to extend the 3-day truce between Israel and Hamas which runs out tomorrow morning. Indirect talks have been taking place between Israeli and Palestinian officials in Cairo. The US President Barack Obama said efforts must be made towards a longer-term agreement: "I think there are formulas that are available but they're going to require risks. But the US goal right now would be to make sure that the cease-fire holds, that Gaza can begin the process of re-building and that some measures are taken so that the people of Gaza feel some sense of hope."

Russia extends Snowden residency

A lawyer for the former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden says the Russian authorities have given him a three-year residence permit. Last year, Snowden was granted temporary asylum in Russia which ran out on August 1st.

The Weather

Occasional sunshine, but some cloud about and showers and thunderstorms are forecast especially in the mountains and hilly areas in the West. Highs are ranging between 18 and 26 degrees, in the east and southeast up to 29.

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