News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

IS threatens to kill Japanese hostages

A masked man, claiming to represent the Islamic State militant group, has threatened to kill two Japanese hostages, if a ransom of 200 million dollars isn't paid within the next 72 hours. In a video posted online, the man criticises Japan for giving financial assistance to countries fighting against IS. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the threat, saying Japan would not give in to terrorism. “They’ve released a video which threatens to kill Japanese citizens. It is unforgiveable and I feel strong resentment towards this threat against human life. I strongly demand that the group does not harm the two Japanese and releases them immediately.”

French terror suspects to appear before judge

Four men are set to appear before a judge in France today, in connection with the recent terror attacks in Paris, which left 17 people dead. The suspects, who are aged between 22 and 28, are expected to be placed under formal investigation.

IMF cuts its global growth forecast

The International Monetary Fund has cut its forecast for global economic growth over the next two years. The IMF predicts growth of 3.5 percent this year, rising slightly to 3.7 percent in 2016. The Director General of the International Labour Organisation Guy Ryder, meanwhile, says the number of jobless will increase by 11 million over the next 5 years as a result of the weak economic outlook. “The global economy is not growing fast enough to create the jobs that we need. In 2015, just to give the immediate prospects, we think there’s going to be 3 million more joining the ranks of the unemployed in just one year, with the medium term prospects for more of the same. So this is really quite a worrying situation.” China meanwhile says its economy grew by 7.4 percent in 2014, the lowest level in 24 years.

Ukraine fighting threatens summit

Russia says renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian separatists has undermined plans for a summit on ending the conflict, involving Russia, Germany and France. The Ukrainian government has reportedly ordered the mobilisation of up to 50 thousand troops, following heavy clashes around the airport in the eastern city of Donetsk.

Argentina says death of prosecutor not suspicious

Officials in Argentina say there is no evidence of any outside involvement in the mysterious death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman. The 51 year old had accused President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of attempting to cover up Iran's role in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish Centre in Buenos Aires.

Vaccine prices too high says charity

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres has accused pharmaceutical companies of overcharging for vaccines. In a new report MSF says a standard immunisation for children in the world's poorest countries costs almost 70 times more than it did in 2001.

The Weather

Party sunny conditions have been forecast for most of Austria this afternoon except in the east and in parts of Styria where it will remain overcast. Top temperatures will range from -2 to +7 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English