News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Greece wants EU unity on migrants

A senior Greek official has called on central and northern European countries to take more responsibility for the migrant boat crisis in the Mediterranean. Deputy Defence Minister Kostas Isichos was speaking as investigations continue into Sunday's tragedy in which at least 800 people drowned after their boat sank. He said a collective effort was needed to help rescue and shelter migrants who make the dangerous crossing: "the most important question after saving these people’s lives is to have them reach other countries than Greece and Italy and Malta. Germany and Austria - the countries of central and northern Europe - they have to accept these migrants and they have to give them shelter."

Saudi Arabia resumes Yemen strikes

Hours after Saudi Arabia announced the end of its bombing campaign in Yemen, the BBC is reporting that the Saudi-led coalition has resumed air strikes against Houthi rebels amid continued fighting on the ground. Yesterday, Riyadh declared its month-long campaign had achieved its goals, but it warned that it would continue to take action against the Houthis if it thought it was necessary.

France says its foiled church attack plot

Officials in France say they're holding a man suspected of planning an armed attack on at least one church. A 24-year old man was arrested on Sunday in Paris. Handguns and other weapons were seized. The French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the suspect had previously come to the attention of the authorities as it was believed he was planning to go to Syria.

Iran talks continue in Vienna

International negotiators are resuming talks in Vienna on Iran's nuclear programme. Earlier this month, a broad framework agreement was reached which is aimed at reducing Tehran's sensitive nuclear work in return for an easing of international sanctions. The parties are trying to work out the details of a final agreement ahead of a June deadline.

Hong Kong poll proposals unveiled

The government in Hong Kong has unveiled proposals for electing the territory's next leader in 2017. In spite of street protests earlier this year, the guidelines are in compliance with Beijing's plans for candidates to be screened. Claudia Mo from the Liberal Democratic Civic Party has dismissed the package: "all the Democrats in Hong Kong have vowed to vote down this so-called political reform package decreed by Beijing because it's all a sham, it's a cheat. Beijing is essentially saying that one man one vote is allowed, but only after Beijing has vetted all the candidates."

Call for action at climate talks

A group of scientific research institutions are calling on international leaders to sign up to an 8-point plan of action at the forthcoming climate conference in Paris. The Earth League says bold action to combat global warming must be taken at the UN meeting in December. Among their demands are the safeguarding of ecosystems such as forests and oceans.

The weather

Mainly sunny with some cloud about and warm with highs between 16 and 24 degrees.

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