News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Historic nuclear deal reached with Iran

Iran and six world powers have reached an historic agreement on Iran's nuclear program, following months of negotiations. Under the deal, Iran will limit its nuclear activity and open sites for inspection, in exchange for a lifting of international sanctions. The agreement, which is designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, faces opposition from within Iran and the US and has been denounced by Israel. The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says the deal sends a signal of hope. “It is a decision that can open the way to a new chapter in international relations, and show that diplomacy, coordination, cooperation can overcome decades of tensions.”

Greek government faces battle over bailout

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is trying to sure up support for a new bailout deal offered by the eurozone, ahead of a key parliamentary vote. Greek lawmakers must approve reforms by tomorrow, including changes to pensions, tax revenue and labour laws, to secure loans of up to 86 billion euros over the next three years. Tsipras may have to rely on the support of opposition parties, with some members of his coalition threatening to vote against the measures. Notis Mitarachi is an MP for the opposition New Democracy party. “There are two critical issues here, one is accepting the deal, the second, how do you get it implemented, because if you do not have a pro-reform government, even if you vote for some reforms then they will get stuck on implementation.”

Mexico offers reward for drug boss

The Mexican government is offering a 3.8 million dollar reward for information leading to the recapture of the country's most wanted drug lord. Joaquin Guzman, also known as El Chapo, escaped from a maximum security prison on Saturday through a 1.5 kilometre long tunnel. Three prison officials have been dismissed over the incident.

Spacecraft approaches Pluto

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft is due to fly by Pluto today, passing within 12,500 kilometres of the dwarf planet. Pluto is the last of the 9 classical planets to be explored. Planetary scientist Alan Stern says the flyby will transform our understanding of Pluto. “You often hear that a given space mission is going to re-write the textbooks because it has such a powerful impact on what we know. In this case we’re writing the textbook essentially from scratch.”

Controversial defamation trial in Thailand

Two journalists have gone on trial in southern Thailand, charged with defaming the navy. Australian Alan Morison and his Thai colleague Chutima Sidasathian published an article online in 2013, alleging that Thai naval officers had profited from people smuggling. If convicted they face up to 7 years in prison.

Over 20 die in stampede in India

Officials in India say at least 27 people have been killed in a stampede in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The stampede occurred as pilgrims gathered to bathe in a river at the start of a Hindu festival.

The weather

Showers are set to continue in the north and east but elsewhere it should be partly sunny. Top temperatures will range from 20 to 31 degrees.

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