News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Greek finance minister resigns after „no“ vote

The Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has resigned, a day after a resounding no vote in a referendum on austerity. Varoufakis, who infuriated many with his unconventional style, said it was felt his departure would be helpful in finding a solution to the country's debt crisis. In a televised address, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Greeks made a "brave choice" in voting to reject the terms of an international bailout. The final result was 61% for a "No", with just under 39% voting "Yes." Martin Schulz is the president of the European Parliament: "I hope the Greek government will make - in the coming hours -meaningful and constructive proposals, allowing that it is possible to renegotiate. If not, we are entering a very difficult, even dramatic, time."

Eurozone calls emergency summit

The German chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet the French president Francois Hollande in Paris later today to seek a joint response ahead of an emergency summit of euro zone leaders in Brussels on Tuesday. The governing council of the European Central Bank is holding a conference call to decide whether to maintain its financial lifeline to Greece. There are fears Greek banks could collapse within days unless they receive additional emergency liquidity assistance. Leading banking analysts say a Greek exit from the euro zone is now the most likely scenario.

Iran nuclear deal possible, but differences remain

The US Secretary of State John Kerry says that an agreement on a deal with Iran on its disputed nuclear programme could be sealed this week. Speaking in Vienna, where Iran is negotiating with the United States and five other world powers, he warned that differences remain but said genuine progress had been made. Negotiators have given themselves until Tuesday to reach an agreement.

Austria takes Britain to EU over nuclear plant

Austria today formally lodged a legal complaint with the European Court of Justice over plans by the British government to build a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point. The European Commission last year approved plans to support the construction of a new reactor with a 23 billion euro subsidy. Austria claims the subsidy constitutes illegal state aid and argues the money could be better spent on renewable energy projects. Hinkley Point is the first new nuclear reactor constructed in Britain in 20 years.

The Pope begins South America tour

Pope Francis has arrived in Ecuador on the first stop of a seven-day tour of South America. He will also travel to Bolivia and Paraguay. The Vatican says the pontiff will focus on the issue of poverty and inequality.

The weather

Some sunshine, but also the chance of showers or thundertorms, especially in the west. Highs today generally from 26 to 30, up to 36 in the east and south east.

Übersicht

• News In English