News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syrian Kurds flee to Turkey

Turkey says over 130,000 Syrian Kurdish refugees fleeing Islamic State militants have crossed into the country in the last three days. Turkey has already taken in over 1.3 million refugees from the Syrian civil war. United Nations humanitarian official Carol Batchelor: “People are arriving very traumatised. We very much need support and assistance. We’re headed into winter. Children need clothing.” Turkish security forces have clashed with Kurds at the south east border, after Kurdish militants from the banned PKK called on followers in Turkey to join the fight against Islamic State. Officials say some border crossings to Syria have now been closed.

Australia warns potential jihadis

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has warned that any citizens fighting with Islamic State will face lengthy jail terms when they return home. Abbott said his government will seek to make it a crime for an Australian citizen to travel to any area overseas officially declared off limits.

Ukraine conflict parties begin withdrawal

Ukraine’s military says it is preparing to withdraw heavy weaponry from the line of conflict with pro-Russian rebels, in the east of the country. Officials said the rebels had also begun their withdrawal of heavy artillery. The two sides signed an agreement last week to withdraw from frontline positions and create a buffer zone as part of moves to resolve the conflict.

Climate change protests

Demonstrations were held at over 2,000 locations worldwide yesterday to call for urgent action on climate change. The protests were held ahead of a UN climate summit with 125 heads of state and government opening in New York tomorrow.

Hong Kong students protest

In Hong Kong students have begun a week-long strike to demand greater democracy. They are protesting against China’s plans to vet candidates for the next leadership elections in Hong Kong in 2017.

Sierra Leone curfew “success”

Health authorities in Sierra Leone have declared a three day curfew imposed to try to contain the Ebola virus a success. They said at least 22 new infections were identified and over 60 Ebola victims buried during the curfew, which ended last night.

ÖVP loses Vorarlberg majority

In Austria, in provincial elections in Vorarlberg yesterday, the People's Party lost its absolute majority, taking just under 42% of the vote. Freedom Party support fell to around 23 per cent. The Greens vote increased, to 17%. Social Democrat support fell to 8.8 percent, while the NEOS enter the assembly for the first time with 6.9 percent.

Maven reaches Mars

NASA's Maven spacecraft has successfully entered orbit around Mars. Its mission is to study the planet’s upper atmosphere in order to understand the past and present Martian climate.

The weather

Cool and changeable. Rain showers mainly north of the Alps. Some sun in the east and south. Top temperatures 9 to 21 degrees.

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