News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

EU debates Mediterranean mission

EU ministers are meeting in Brussels where they're expected to approve a naval mission to destroy the boats used to smuggle migrants to Europe from Libya. The development is part of the EU's response to the vast numbers of people from Africa and the Middle East who try to cross the Mediterranean. Nearly 2,000 migrants have died so far this year. The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says they plan to start the operation soon: "today the main point will be taking the decision to establish the EU operation at sea to dismantle the criminal networks that are smuggling people in the Mediterranean. I would expect this decision to be taken today so that we can move forward with the planning and possibly launch the operation in the coming weeks."

Southeast Asia boat crisis continues

A migrant boat crisis is continuing in the seas off Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The three nations have been criticised by the international community for turning vessels away. Many of those on the boats are Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

Militias sent to Ramadi

The Iraqi government is sending Iranian-backed militias to Ramadi in a bid to recapture the city, which was seized by Islamic State militants over the week-end. The militias were instrumental in helping the Iraqi army recapture Tikrit earlier this year. Ramadi is just over 100 kilometres west of Baghdad. Security analyst Paul Beaver says the city is extremely significant: "we're talking about a substantial regional capital. Anbar province - of which it's the capital - is the largest province in Iraq. It's the one that borders on Saudi Arabia. So this is a disastrous situation."

Protests in Macedonia

In Macedonia, demonstrators in the capital Skopje say they'll continue their anti-government protest until Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski resigns. Tens of thousands took part in a rally yesterday and hundreds have remained, putting up tents overnight. The government denies allegations of corruption and abuse of power and says the opposition is trying to destabilise the country.

Unrest in China over rail link

Officials in south western China say nearly 40 civilians and around 30 police officers have been injured in protests over plans for a new railway. According to reports, local residents have been demanding that the railway go through their town, saying they urgently need their first rail link. Railway authorities say the route has yet to be finalised.

The Weather

Mainly sunny but some isolated thundery rain showers are forecast for western mountain areas later on. Highs are ranging between 18 and 28 degrees.

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