News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Greek shares plunge as market reopens

The Greek Stock Exchange has fallen by over 20% as trading resumed after a five-week closure. Trading in Greek stocks was stopped at the height of the financial crisis when banks were closed and the government imposed controls on cash withdrawals. Although Greece secured a third bailout last month, political in-fighting over the conditions could still result in early elections. The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Constantine Michalos, says a negative mood is expected throughout the day, but he´s hopeful of a return to normality: "I think with good will and with the government proceeding as quickly as possible to the signing of the main loan agreement with our EU partners and lenders that slowly towards the end of the month, beginning of September - keeping our fingers crossed - we will be returning back to normality as far as the real economy is concerned."

Obama to unveil Clean Power Plan

President Barack Obama is set to unveil what he says is the biggest, most important step the United States has ever taken in tackling climate change. The aim of the revised Clean Power Plan is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from US power stations by 32% within 15 years. The measures will place significant emphasis on renewable energy sources. Opponents in the energy industry have vowed to fight the plan.

Syrian warplane crashes into a market

It´s being reported that at least 27 people have been killed after a Syrian army fighter jet crashed into a busy market place in the rebel-held north western town of Ariha. According to the UK-based Observatory for Human Rights, most of the dead were civilians on the ground in the town in Idlib province. Scores are said to have been injured.

Nigeria frees Boko Haram captives

The Nigerian army says it has rescued 178 people held by the Islamist group Boko Haram group in Nigeria's Borno state in raids that destroyed several camps in the country's northeast. Over 100 of those freed were reportedly children. The army says a Boko Haram commander was also captured in the raids on camps around the town of Bama.

Israeli girl dies after gay pride stabbing

Hundreds of people in Israel gathered on Sunday evening to remember a 16-year-old girl, who died from her wounds after being stabbed at a gay pride parade in Jerusalem on Thursday. Shira Banki was one of six people attacked at the event. An ultra-Orthodox Jew, who carried out a similar attack in 2005, was arrested at the scene. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there´ll be zero tolerance against "fanaticism."

IOC warning over new doping allegations

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, has warned that the IOC will take action against any athletes found guilty of doping. British and German media reported on Sunday that one-third of medals in major endurance events from 2001 to 2012 were won by athletes who recorded suspicious blood tests.

The Weather

Plenty of sunshine, but some cloud and the chance of isolated thundery showers in the eastern half of the country. Highs today from 23 to 31.

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