News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Obama unveils new Islamic State strategy

President Barak Obama has authorised the US military to carry out airstrikes in Syria as well as Iraq, in an effort to tackle the Islamic State militant group, which has seized control of large swathes of territory in the two countries. In a televised speech, Obama outlined his strategy for defeating the Islamic State, or ISIL as it is also known. “It will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil. This counter-terrorism campaign will be waged through a steady, relentless effort to take out ISIL, wherever they exist, using our air power and our support for partner’s forces on the ground.” Syria's main opposition group, the western backed Syrian National Coalition, has welcomed the new US strategy, which includes plans to arm and train moderates fighting in Syria.

John Kerry holds talks with key Arab leaders

US secretary of state John Kerry has arrived in Saudi Arabia, for talks with key Sunni Arab leaders. Kerry has been touring the region, trying to secure political, military and financial support for the new US strategy to defeat the Islamic State.

Verdict due in Pistorius trial

A judge in South Africa has begun delivering her verdict in the trial of the disabled athlete Oscar Pistorius. The 27 year old is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He says he shot her accidently after mistaking her for an intruder. Judge Thokozile Masipa has ruled out finding Pistorius guilty of premeditated murder, saying the prosecution has failed to make its case. “The state clearly has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding.”

EU seek unity on Russian sanctions

Representatives from the 28 EU member states are holding talks today in Brussels, in an effort to resolve a disagreement over new sanctions against Russia. EU leaders agreed to adopt the sanctions on Monday, in response to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine crisis, however some member states want to delay implementing them while a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine continues to hold.

Amnesty criticises repression in Thailand

Amnesty International has called on Thailand's military government to end what it describes as a disturbing pattern of repression, following its seizure of power in May. The rights group says hundreds of people have been detained arbitrarily by the regime, and it has received credible reports of detainees being tortured.

Ozone layer recovering says new UN report

A new UN report says the earth's ozone layer, which protects humans from ultra-violet radiation, is showing signs of recovery after years of depletion. Scientists say the ozone hole over Antarctica has stopped expanding but it could take a decade before it begins to shrink. Ozone depleting chemicals have been phased out under an international protocol signed in 1987.

The weather

Rain will spread across the country this afternoon with the chance of thunderstorms. Top temperatures will range from 11 to 19 degrees.

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