News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Russia to Change its Military Strategy

Russia says it is to alter its military doctrine in Europe to reflect the ongoing Ukraine crisis and Nato's growing presence in eastern Europe. The Russian announcement follows confirmation from the UNHCR that fighting in eastern Ukraine has displaced more than a quarter of a million people in the past three weeks and just hours before US President, Barack Obama, arrives in Europe to visit Russia's neighbours and attend a NATO Summit. Nick Whitney of the European Council for Foreign Relations, says, with Ukraine poised to become a NATO member, Russia will be getting clear warnings: "The message will be...our commitment to NATO and NATO allies is absolute and we all have work to do to ensure that there is no tiny space of room left for doubt or miscalculation on the Russian side."

More War Crimes Attributed to Islamic State

The human rights group Amnesty International says it has uncovered new evidence that Islamic State jihadists have been carrying out a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing in northern Iraq. It says several mass killings have been carried out in recent weeks. Amnesty's Donatella Rovera was the senior investigator for the report: "The Islamic State Group rounded up men and boys and just murdered them in cold blood. And at the same time they have taken thousands of women and children hostages and they have been holding them for a full four weeks now. And we have absolutely no idea what they intend to do with these women and children."

Ebola Epidemic Is Causing Food Shortages

The world's worst Ebola epidemic has now put harvests at risk and sent food prices soaring in West Africa. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation has issued special alerts for Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the three countries most affected by the outbreak, and warned the problem will intensify in coming months. The E-Bola Virus has killed more than 1,500 people since it was detected in Guinea in March. Restrictions on people's movements and the establishment of quarantine zones to contain the spread of the hemorrhagic fever have led to panic buying, food shortages and price hikes in countries trying to absorb the shock.

North Korea Airs Interviews With US Detainees

Three American citizens who've been detained in North Korea have spoken to US media outlets in rare interviews set up by the authorities in Pyongang. Kenneth Bae, Jeffrey Fowle and Mathew Miller called on Washington to send a high-ranking representative to negotiate their release. Bae is serving a 15-year sentence on charges of trying to overthrow the North Korean government. The other two men are awaiting trial on unspecified charges.

Gap Closes in Scotland Ahead of Referendum

With just over two weeks to go before the referendum on Scottish independence, a new poll suggests that the gap between the two sides has narrowed considerably. The campaign for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom had maintained a substantial lead over those wanting independence. But a new poll carried out by YouGov says that only 53 percent are in favour of keeping the union together... a lead of six points.

The Weather

While parts of the west will be drier with some sunny periods, most of the country can expected continued rainfall.

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