News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Ukraine Ceasefire Still Intact

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says a ceasefire agreed between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists appears to be intact but remains shaky amid reports of fighting over the weekend in the east of the country. In a further confidence building measure, the two sides are preparing for an exchange of prisoners. But, in an effort to increase pressure on Russia, the EU is to announce new sanctions against Moscow later today and the US and Ukraine are to begin three days of military exercises in the Black Sea.

Obama to Outline Offensive Against Islamic State

US President Barack Obama is to publicly outline his strategy for defeating Islamic State militants. After briefing lawmakers today and tomorrow, he will deliver a major speech on Wednesday, the eve of the anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks. Obama faced criticism last week after admitting he did not have a clear plan to defeat the IS group, but he is now building a coalition of partner nations and defining clear objectives in the offensive: "What it's about is an organization that, if allowed to control significant amounts of territory, to amass more resources, more arms, to attract more foreign fighters - including from areas like Europe - who have visas and can then travel to the United States unimpeded, that over time that can be a serious threat to the homeland."

Ebola: US Scientists Announce a Breakthrough

Researchers in the United States say they've successfully tested a new Ebola vaccine on monkeys which gives the animals immunity from the deadly disease for up to 10 months. It's hoped that the vaccine could eventually be used to tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which has killed over 2000 people. Human trials are set to begin this week on the vaccine, which combines a cold virus with Ebola DNA. Dr. Antony Falchi is the leader of the research team: "A vaccine candidate against ebola was developed and tested in monkeys and the results are fairly straightforward. The monkey that were vaccinated with this vaccine were challenged with live ebola virus and they were protected. All of them. Whereas the monkeys that did not receive the vaccine all died."

Rogue Trader Goes Being Released From Prison

After just five months in prison, French rogue trader, Jerome Kerviel, has been released to serve the rest of his 3-year prison sentence under house arrest - where he will be monitored with an electronic ankle tag. Kerviel was convicted of forgery and breach of trust after his unapproved trades lost his bank, Société Générale, nearly 5 Billion euros in 2008. He argued that Société Générale managers had known what he was doing but portrayed him as a lone operator to save their own jobs and reputations.

The weather

Mostly sunny and warm this afternoon with highs ranging from 20 to 28 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English