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8. April 2017, 21:58

Last ditch talks on Ukraine conflict

The US President Barack Obama has warned Russia that it will face greater costs if it continues its "aggressive actions" in Ukraine. Obama urged his Russian counterpart to seize the opportunity at top-level talks planned later in Belarus, where Vladimir Putin is to meet with the leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine. Germany says the summit offers "a glimmer of hope but not more" in the effort to defuse the conflict.

Greece to present EU with bailout plan

The new Greek government has won a vote of confidence in parliament over its plans to renegotiate the terms of the country´s international bailout. The vote was called ahead of today´s emergency meeting of euro zone finance ministers in Brussels, when Greece is to present concrete proposals on the way forward. Greek economist Dr Michael Arghyrou: "It is clear that Greece needs European money more than European countries need Greece in the Euro. Having said that of course, the Grexit is a prospect that everybody wants to avoid. So my prediction is that the new Greek government could get some concessions."

300 feared drowned in the Mediterranean

The United Nations refugee agency says an estimated 300 people have probably drowned after attempting to reach Italy from Libya in three inflatable boats in recent days. That´s according to interviews with survivors rescued by the Italian coast guard.

Sharia4Belgium members on trial

A Belgian court has sentenced the head of the Islamist group Sharia4Belgium, Fouad Belkacem, to 12 years in prison, ruling that his group was a terrorist organisation which convinced young Muslim men to join Jihadist fighters in Syria. Only seven of the 46 accused in the case were present in the court in Antwerp for one of Europe´s largest ever terror trials. Others are believed to be fighting in Syria or to have died in combat.

US confirms death of aid worker in Syria

The United States has confirmed the death of aid worker Kayla Mueller, the last American hostage known to be held by the Islamic State group in Syria. The militants claim she died in a Jordanian air strike, but the Pentagon says there is "no doubt" IS killed her.

Yemen: security concerns force embassy closures

The United States, Britain and France have announced they are closing their embassies in Yemen, after Shiite Houthi rebels seized power there. Embassy staff are being evacuated from the country, amid growing concerns over the security situation.

Austria triumphs at the World Ski Championships

Austria has triumphed in the team event at the World Ski Championships in the US, taking their gold medal tally to four. Austria have always claimed the gold since the event was introduced to the World Championships programme back in 2005.

The weather

Mostly overcast but plenty of sunshine in the mountains. Top temperatures from minus 1 to plus 11.

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