News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Greek PM to present new debt plan

The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to present new proposals on his country´s growing debt crisis at an emergency summit of euro zone leaders in Brussels later today. The plan is said to include a demand for Greece's debt to be cut by up to 30%, following the "No" vote in Sunday´s referendum. Greek banks are to remain closed today and tomorrow, after the European Central Bank refused to increase emergency lending and ordered them to provide more security for existing loans.

Iran talks´ deadline nears

Talks between Iran and six world powers are continuing in Vienna, amid speculation that today´s deadline for a nuclear deal could be extended again. Negotiators say serious differences still remain, although progress has been made.

US to “intensify” campaign against IS

President Barack Obama says the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group is "intensifying" its campaign in northern Syria. Speaking at the Pentagon, Obama said the US would not send additional troops to Syria but would increase support for the country's moderate opposition: "We´ve taken out thousands of fighting positions, tanks, vehicles, bomb factories and training camps. We´ve eliminated thousands of fighters, including senior ISIL commanders, and over the past year we´ve seen that - when we have an effective partner on the ground - ISIL can be pushed back."

Hungary moves to restrict migrants

Hungary's parliament has passed new legislation tightening asylum rules, and approved plans to construct a four-metre-high fence along the border with Serbia to keep migrants out. The new law allows the detention of migrants in temporary camps, the speeding up of the asylum application review process and limiting the possibility for appeal. The move has been criticised by the United Nations and human rights groups.

Death on Channel Tunnel freight train

The operator of the Channel Tunnel, Eurotunnel, says a migrant has died trying to reach Britain on a freight train travelling from France. The circumstances are not yet known. A section of the tunnel has been closed for investigation and both freight and passenger services have been severely disrupted.

Britain remembers the 7/7 terror attacks

People in Britain have been observing a minute´s silence to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks targeting London´s public transport system. Fifty-two people were killed. Relatives of the victims, survivors, royalty and senior politicians gathered to remember those who died. Prime Minister David Cameron said the threat from terrorism continued to be real and deadly, describing the recent killings of 30 British holiday-makers in Tunisia as a brutal reminder. But he added the UK would never be cowed by terrorism.

The weather

Very hot and sunny, with heavy showers or thunderstorms in the mountains. Highs today from 30 to 39.

Übersicht

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