News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Nuclear talks likely to be extended

A midnight deadline for an agreement between Iran and six major powers is expected to be extended. Foreign ministers and their diplomats have been meeting in Vienna at talks aimed at a deal which would ensure Iran cannot make a nuclear weapon in exchange for the lifting of sanctions against Tehran. But now sources at the talks say the deadline will be extended and that talks will resume next month in either Oman of Vienna. US President Barack Obama says Americans would accept an effective agreement: “If we reach a deal that is verifiable and assures that Iran does not have breakout capacity, that not only can I persuade Congress, but I can persuade the American people that it’s the right thing to do.”

Juncker expected to survive no-confidence motion

The European Parliament will meet this evening to discuss a no-confidence motion against the European Commission and specifically its president, Jean-Claude Juncker: This comes after it was revealed that large multi-national companies were provided a tax haven in Luxembourg during the 18 years Juncker served as prime minister. The motion is expected to fail as Juncker has the support of most members of the European Parliament.

Experts warn of new malware

A newly-discovered form of malicious software, or malware, has been spying on businesses and governments since 2008. The malware is known as “Regin” and has mainly targeted computers in Saudi Arabia and Russia, although Austria is among the ten countries most affected. Vikram Thakur is with the IT security firm Symantec: “We don’t believe that this tool is actually being used to target individuals at home. The big powers behind it, or the nation-state which may have created this is only interested in specific individuals and businesses out there, and not mass surveillance of any sort.”

Museum to accept controversial art collection

The Bern Art Museum in Switzerland says it will accept the art collection willed to it by the late Cornelius Gurlitt. Gurlitt inherited the collection from his father who was an art dealer for the Nazis. The museum says it will work to ensure that any art stolen from Jewish owners is returned to the heirs and families of the rightful owners.

World Banks issues report on climate change

A new report by the World Bank says some forms of climate change are unavoidable even if governments act fast to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but the document also says the worst outcomes could be prevented if emissions are brought under control. The report comes ahead of next year’s UN summit on climate change in Paris.

Iraqi army makes gains against IS

Officials in Baghdad say the Iraqi army and Shiite militias have recaptured two towns in Diyala province from Islamic State militants. The towns had been under the control of the militants since June of this year.

Lithuania to help arm Ukraine

Lithuania is to provide Ukraine with military aid to help the Ukrainian army fighting Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Seven Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the latest battles between government troops and the rebels near the cities of Lugansk and Donetsk.

The weather

The afternoon will be mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers. The may be some sunny periods in the mountains. Highs today are ranging from 2 to 10 degrees and getting up to 17 degrees in the Alps.

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