News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Ukraine weapons withdrawal delayed

The Ukrainian military says it will not begin withdrawing heavy weapons from the frontline in the east until pro-Russian separatists stop attacking government positions. Both sides had said agreement had been reached over the weekend to begin withdrawing weapons, as required by the ceasefire that came into effect on February 15th. French diplomatic sources say the foreign ministers of Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France will meet tomorrow in Paris to try to reinforce the peace deal agreed in Minsk.

Greece to present reform plans

The Greek government has reportedly begun discussions with its partners on a series of economic reforms required in return for a four-month bailout extension. Its international creditors have set a deadline of this evening for the reforms to be presented. Germany has said Eurozone finance ministers will discuss Greece’s proposals in a telephone conference call tomorrow.

Egypt activist gets prison term

A court in Egypt has sentenced a prodemocracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah to five years in prison for breaking protest laws, after a retrial. Abdel-Fattah played a prominent role in the 2011 revolution. Meanwhile the retrial of two Al-Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohammed on terror-related charges has been postponed to March 8.

France deploys aircraft carrier to Gulf

France has deployed its only aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf in what is viewed as a significant increase in its involvement in the battle against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. French aircraft have been taking part in the United States led bombing campaign against IS since last September.

Hungarian government loses supermajority

In Hungary the Fidesz party of prime minister Viktor Orban has lost the two-thirds supermajority it held in parliament since 2010, in a by-election defeat yesterday. Orban had used the majority to pass a new constitution and other laws, in moves his critics say threatened Hungary's democracy.

Clashes in Myanmar

Intense fighting is reported from the Kokang region of Myanmar, where more than 140 government troops and rebels have died in clashes in the last two weeks. An unknown number of civilians have also been killed and tens of thousands have fled across the border into China.

British ministers deny “cash for influence”

In Britain, two former senior government ministers have been secretly filmed apparently offering a fictitious Chinese company access to politicians and diplomats in return for cash. They have denied any wrongdoing.

Birdman takes Oscar best picture

The film Birdman has won best picture at this year’s Oscars in Hollywood. The film is a satire on the movie industry.

The weather

Partly sunny with foggy patches in the east and south east. Rain showers in the west. Top temperatures 3 to 13 degrees.

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