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8. April 2017, 21:58

Spanish Priest dies of Ebola

A Spanish missionary priest being treated for Ebola has died in a Madrid hospital, amid a worldwide ethical debate over who should receive experimental drugs to treat the disease. 75-year-old Miguel Pajares had reportedly been receiving the experimental US-made serum ZMapp after being airlifted from Liberia last Thursday. A World Health Organisation expert panel ruled today that it is ethical to offer experimental drugs or vaccines to patients infected with the Ebola virus. The WHO says that over 1,000 people have now died after contracting the virus in West Africa.

Confusion over Russian aid mission to Ukraine

A convoy of 280 Russian trucks is reportedly heading for eastern Ukraine, a day after President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was launching a humanitarian mission in co-operation with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Russian media say the aid cargo will go to civilians trapped by fighting in the area held by pro-Russian separatists. But a Ukrainian security spokesman says the convoy will not be admitted into the country because it is not certified by the ICRC and could be a covert military operation.

Obama welcomes Iraq´s “promising step forward”

The US President Barack Obama has described the nomination of Haider al-Abadi as the Iraqi prime minister-designate as a "promising step forward". He urged Abadi to form an inclusive government to unite the country and battle jihadists from the Islamic State group: "The only lasting solution is for Iraqis to come together and form an inclusive government - one that represents the legitimate interests of all Iraqis and one that can unify the country´s fight against ISIL."

No progress in Mideast truce talks

Israeli officials say talks to end the month-long conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza have made no progress so far, as a 72-hour ceasefire held for a second day. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are expected to reconvene later in the day in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

Actor Robin Williams dies

Tributes are being paid to the American actor and comedian Robin Williams, who was found dead at his home in California on Monday, in an apparent suicide. He was 63. He´d struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and had reportedly been battling severe depression. The cause of death is still under investigation and a post mortem will be conducted later today. Williams was famous for such films as Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society and won an Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting.

The weather

Overcast with some rain, especially in the south. But it should stay dry in the west. Highs today from 15 to 23.

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