News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

UN court ruling on genocide

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has ruled that neither Serbia nor Croatia committed acts of genocide against each other during the Croatian war of independence in the 1990s. Croatia and Serbia had filed claims against each other. The court said that many crimes had been committed by both sides' forces during the conflict, but that the intent to commit genocide by "destroying a population in whole or in part" had not been proven against either country. Judge Peter Tomka addressed Croatia's claim against Serbia first: "Croatia has failed to substantiate its allegation that genocide was committed."

Intense fighting in eastern Ukraine

Intense fighting is continuing in eastern Ukraine for control of the town of Debaltseve which pro-Russia separatists are trying to take from government forces. The town is a railway hub which lies between the rebel-held cities of Luhansk and Donetsk. Michael Bociurkiw is a spokesman for the OSCE, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He says there's increasing concern over the impact of the conflict on civilians in the region: "we're seeing all over the conflict zone there's massive damage to civilian infrastructure. Schools, kindergartens, hospitals have been badly hit. And even supply lines - for example medicines to supply hospitals. Doctors have told us that they have little to work with. "

7 killed in attack in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, at least 7 people have died in a petrol bomb attack on a packed bus. The attack happened on the third day of a nationwide strike called by the opposition. It's not clear who carried out the bombing.

Al-Jazeera reporter gives up Egyptian passport

One of two al-Jazeera journalists still being held in Egypt, Mohamed Fahmy, has given up his Egyptian citizenship in a bid to secure his release. The reporter also has Canadian citizenship. It's being speculated that he could be freed soon. Fahmy's Australian colleague Peter Greste was released on Sunday, but the status of their Egyptian colleague Baher Mohamed remains unclear. The 3 were arrested in 2013 and tried on charges that included spreading false news and aiding the Muslim Brotherhood.

South Korean soldier gets death sentence

A South Korean soldier who shot dead five of his colleagues and injured seven others has been sentenced to death by a military court. The sergeant opened fire in June of last year at his post near the North Korean border and fled. He was captured two days later.

Italy's new President takes office oath

Italy's new President Sergio Mattarella has taken the oath of office with a vow to fight corruption and organized crime. The head of state has also promised to use his 7-year term to push for economic and institutional reforms backed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

The weather

Sunny in much of the country. But some cloud will develop with some isolated light snow showers, especially in the south. Highs ranging between minus 5 and plus 3 degrees - in the east up to 5.

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