News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Poroshenko confirms withdrawals

Ukraine’s president Petro Poroshenko has confirmed that pro-Russian rebels have withdrawn a significant amount of weaponry from the front-lines in the east, in compliance with a ceasefire agreed last month. He said Ukrainian government forces have also withdrawn most of their rocket and heavy artillery systems. Attacks have fallen significantly in east Ukraine, but both sides have accused each other of breaking the truce or using it as a cover to regroup.

Iraqi forces make strategic gain

Iraqi security forces say they and allied Shi'ite militia have captured the town of Al-Alam on the northern edge of Tikrit from Islamic State militants. The town is the last Islamic State stronghold ahead of Tikrit itself. The campaign to retake Tikrit was launched last week.

No ransom demand for Austrian IS hostage

Austrian chancellor Werner Faymann has said no ransom demands have been received from Islamic State militants holding the 39 year old Austrian oil company worker who was abducted in Libya last week. The foreign ministry says it has no reliable information on his fate since he was taken hostage.

Obama denounces Republicans over Iran

In the United States, the Obama administration has strongly condemned an open letter to Iran from Republican senators aimed at derailing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. The White House has accused the senators of seeking to circumvent the constitution and provoke a rush to war. The Republican senators suggested any deal reached with the administration could be revoked by the next president. President Obama: “I think it’s somewhat ironic to see some members of Congress wanting to make common cause with hardliners in Iran. It’s an unusual coalition.”

EU investment plan agreed

European Union finance ministers have agreed an over 300 billion euro four year investment plan proposed by commission president Jean-Claude Juncker to help revive the European economy. The European parliament must also approve the plan.

National Front suspected of corruption

European Parliamentary president Martin Schulz has asked the EU anti-corruption agency to look into possible funding abuses by France’s far-right National Front party. National Front leader Marine Le Pen says the accusations are false.

Top French athletes killed in Argentina

Ten people have been killed in a helicopter accident in Argentina among them three top French athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Camille Muffat. Local officials said two helicopters collided in mid-air during filming for a French reality tv show. French President Francois Hollande said there was immense sadness at the deaths.

Simone Gbagbo given prison term

In Ivory Coast a court has sentenced former first lady Simone Gbagbo to 20 years in prison for her role in post-election violence four years ago. She was convicted on charges including organising armed gangs and undermining state security.

The weather

Sunny and mild with top temperatures 7 to 16 degrees.

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