News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Tight race in British parliamentary elections

Voters in the United Kingdom are going to the polls today to choose a new parliament, in what is expected to be one of the closest elections in recent years. Opinion polls show Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party neck and neck, with neither party expected to be able to form a government outright. Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on Britain's EU membership if he wins a second term.

Afghan forces battle for control of key city

The Afghan government has launched an offensive against Taliban fighters, who have been advancing on the north-eastern city of Kunduz. Tens of thousands of people have fled the fighting, which has cut off access to the city. The governor of Kunduz Province Mohammed Omer Safi says foreign jihadists trained by Islamic State are fighting alongside the Taliban. “They are technically supporting the Taliban, financially supporting the Taliban, and giving training to them and trying to build the capacity of Taliban for a bigger and modern fight.”

Last minute coalition deal in Israel

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a deal to form a new coalition government, just hours before a deadline. The right wing Bayit Yehudi or Jewish Home party will join four other parties in the coalition, giving them a majority of just one seat. Netanyahu has been struggling to form a coalition since his Likud party won elections seven weeks ago.

Chile’s president dismisses cabinet

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet has dismissed her entire cabinet, amid a slump in her approval ratings following a series of political scandals. She told reporters that she would decide within 3 days which resignations to accept. “A few hours ago I requested the resignation of all the ministers and I will take 72 hours to decide who will stay and who will go. They have been notified, they will have to give an account of themselves.”

Yemen asks for international military assistance

Yemen's Ambassador to the United Nations Khaled Alyemany has called on the international community to send ground forces to his country to assist in the fight against Shia Houthi rebels. A Saudi Arabian led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis, who've seized control of large areas of the country, including the capital Sanaa.

EU ministers discuss controversial trade deal

European Union trade ministers are holding talks today in Brussels about the proposed TTIP free trade agreement between the EU and the United States. One of the most controversial aspects of the agreement is the use of private arbitration tribunals for settling trade disputes. The ministers will discuss a proposal by the EU's Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström to give the tribunals similar powers to courts.

The weather

Partly sunny conditions will continue this afternoon, with the chance of some thundery rain showers, particularly in mountainous areas. Top temperatures will range from 13 to 24 degrees.

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