News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Four die in Jerusalem synagogue attack

At least 4 Israelis have been killed and 8 injured in an attack on a synagogue in West Jerusalem. Two Palestinians reportedly stormed the building, armed with a pistol, knives and axes, before being shot dead by police. The violence comes amid tensions over access to a disputed holy site. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the attack, while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to respond with a heavy hand.

NATO warns Russia over military build-up

NATO says a significant military build- up is taking place on both sides of the Russian-Ukrainian border. The head of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, has urged Moscow to pull back its troops and abide by a ceasefire deal. “We see the movement of equipment, of tanks, of artillery and also advanced air defence systems. And this is in violation of the ceasefire agreements.” Germany's foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier meanwhile is travelling to both Ukraine and Russia today in an effort to calm tensions.

Japan to hold snap election

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called a snap election for December, amid concerns about the economy. Figures released on Monday showed Japan slipping back into recession. Abe has also delayed a planned sales tax increase, which economists fear could dampen spending.

Final round of Iran nuclear talks begin

Iran and six world powers are beginning a final round of nuclear negotiations today in Vienna, ahead of a November 24 deadline for a comprehensive deal. The world powers want guarantees that Iran will not be able to easily develop nuclear weapons, in return for lifting crippling sanctions. Iran insists that its nuclear program is purely peaceful. The two sides have moved closer together but diplomats say key differences still remain. Analyst Mark Fitzpatrick from the Institute for Strategic Studies says a deal appears unlikely. “The gaps are just too wide between the parties and the variables too complex. It’s conceivable that they could agree to an overall framework and then fill in the details in the weeks and months to come but even that, I think, will be difficult.”

Hong Kong protest camp broken up by police

Police in Hong Kong have dismantled a camp used by pro-democracy activists in their long running protest against the government. The protestors did not resist the move, which follows a ruling by the High Court. Activists have been occupying parts of the city since early October, in protest against plans by Beijing to vet candidates for the territory's next election.

Spike in deaths from global terrorism

There has been a sharp rise in the number of deaths from terrorist attacks, according to a new international report. The Global Terrorism Index says more than 18,000 people were killed in 2013, that's 61 percent more than in 2012.

The Weather

Changeable conditions have been forecast for this afternoon with showers easing. Top temperatures will range from 3 to 14 degrees.

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