News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syriza claims anti-austerity mandate

Greece’s radical leftwing party Syriza has claimed a clear mandate to end the country’s austerity programme imposed by international creditors, after winning a resounding victory in yesterday’s election. Syriza, led by 40 year old Alexis Tsipras, fell just short of an absolute majority and has agreed a coalition with the populist right wing Independent Greeks party which also strongly opposes the terms of the EU- IMF bailout. Independent Greeks leader Panos Kommenos spoke briefly to reporters: “We are in Europe and now the Greek nation is in one government together. All the Greeks will be together in Europe.” The euro plunged briefly on currency markets to an 11 year low on fears Greece could default on its debt. The president of the German central bank, Jens Weidmann, has warned that the new Greek government should not make promises the country can’t afford.Anti-austerity parties have welcomed the Syriza victory, saying it would change the debate in Europe and put more emphasis on investment and growth.

NATO and Ukraine call special meeting

Ambassadors from Ukraine and the 28 NATO allies hold a special meeting today to discuss the escalation in fighting in east Ukraine. Germany has called on Russia to give a clear warning to pro-Russian rebels to halt their offensive.

Obama attends India Republic Day

US President Barack Obama on a visit to India has become the first US leader to attend the country’s Republic Day celebrations. A breakthrough on a pact that will allow US companies to supply India with civilian nuclear technology has been announced.

LRA commander faces ICC

A former top commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army Dominic Ongwen appears today at the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face war crimes charges. This is the first time a member of the LRA which is accused of abducting and enslaving children has faced international justice. Ongwen is reportedly himself a former child soldier.

New York braces for massive blizzard

Meteorologists in the United States have warned that a massive blizzard is bearing down on the north east of the country. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has told residents the snow storm could be the worst the city has yet seen with hurricane level winds.

First female bishop in England

The Church of England today consecrates a woman as bishop for the first time. The Reverend Libby Lane becomes the bishop of Stockport.

The weather

Cold and changeable with snowfalls in central regions and the west. Some sun in the south. Top temperatures minus 3 to plus 5 degrees.

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