News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Flight MH17 hit by „numerous objects“

Experts from the Netherlands say Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine after being hit by "numerous objects" that "pierced the plane at high speed". The Dutch Safety Board, which is leading an international investigation, said there was "no evidence of technical or human error". All 298 people on board died when the plane crashed in July, amid reports it was shot down by pro-Russian separatists. The report does not attribute blame or liability for the crash but prosecutors in The Hague are conducting a separate criminal investigation.

EU delays new Russia sanctions

The European Union has formally adopted new, tougher sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis. But their implementation is being delayed to assess whether a ceasefire is holding in eastern Ukraine. Russia is threatening to respond with further sanctions of its own and has signalled it might ban Western airlines from flying over its territory.

US hail new Iraqi government

The US Secretary of State John Kerry has hailed the creation of a new government in Iraq as a major milestone and a crucial step towards defeating the militant group, Islamic State. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's cabinet includes members of the Shia Arab majority, Sunni Arabs and Kurds. Kerry is heading to the Middle East as part of efforts to build a coalition to confront the Islamic State or ISIL: "I will travel to the Middle East to continue to build the broadest possible coalition of partners around the globe to confront, degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL".

WHO warns of huge surge in Ebola cases

The World Health Organization is warning that Liberia faces a huge surge in new cases of Ebola in the next three weeks. The WHO says conventional methods to control the latest outbreak in West Africa were "not having an adequate impact." At least 2,100 people infected with Ebola have died in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

CO2 levels rise at fastest rate since 1984

The World Meteorological Organisation says concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached record levels in 2013, rising at their fastest rate since 1984. The organisation says that it highlights the need for a global climate treaty.

Death toll in South Asia flooding tops 400

The death toll from floods in Pakistan and India has reached 400, as both countries warned of more flooding in the days ahead. The floods have affected more than half a million people and left thousands homeless. Pakistani and Indian troops have been using boats and helicopters to drop supplies for stranded families and evacuated victims.

The weather

Showers and thunderstorms will spread into the east and south of the country. Highs today from 15 to 26.

Übersicht

• News In English