News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

IMF attacks EU over Greek bailout

As the Greek parliament prepares to vote on the terms of a bailout package agreed with euro zone leaders on Monday, the International Monetary Fund has severely criticised the deal as unrealistic. The IMF is also warning that Greek government debt will reach a peak of 200% of GDP or national income over the next two years, which it regards as impossibly and unsustainably high. The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is said to be struggling to persuade leftist lawmakers to vote for a package of austerity measures and economic reforms to secure a new bailout. Greek unions have called a 24-hour strike in protest at the Eurogroup´s demands. Tsipras told state television he did not believe in the bailout offer but was willing to implement it to quote "avoid disaster for the country" and the collapse of the banks: "I signed a text I do not believe. However I am obliged to implement this text. I shall not escape from my duties. I shall not escape from my responsibilities because right now I must guarantee that the country and the social groups shall not face destruction."

Auschwitz guard an “accessory to murder”

A 94-year-old former SS sergeant who served at the Auschwitz death camp has been found guilty on 300,000 counts of being an accessory to murder and sentenced to four years in prison. Oskar Groening testified during his trial in Lueneburg, Germany, that he guarded prisoners' baggage after they arrived at the camp in Nazi-occupied Poland and collected money stolen from them. The charges relate to a period from May to July 1944.

US Republicans condemn Iran deal

Republicans in the United States have condemned the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers in Vienna on Tuesday. Congress has the power to reject the deal. But President Barack Obama has said he will veto any attempt to block it. The UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon has welcomed the agreement, saying it paved the way for peace and stability. The UN Security Council could vote as early as next week on a resolution to endorse the accord.

Afghan Taliban leader backs peace talks

The reclusive leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Omar, has given his backing to peace talks with the Kabul government. In a rare message distributed to media today, he said the goal of the efforts is an "end to occupation" by foreign forces.

New Horizons survives historic Pluto mission

NASA scientists say their New Horizons spacecraft has survived its historic flyby mission to Pluto. The US craft sailed past Pluto on Tuesday, capping a journey of nearly five billion kilometres that began over nine years ago.

The weather

A mix of sunshine and cloud, with isolated showers and the chance of thunder storms in the south. Highs today from 24 to 32.

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