News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Greek deal agreed "in principle"

Senior Greek officials say the substance of a third bailout deal has been agreed with the country's international lenders. Speaking after another round of talks in Athens, they said only a few minor issues had to be resolved. A spokesperson for the EU Commission has said there is a deal "in principle" but that a political assessment still needs to be made. Any accord would have to be ratified by the Greek parliament and then examined by Eurozone finance ministers at the end of the week. Economist Vicky Pryce says it's important that a deal is struck soon: "there had to be some agreement very quickly - not only because Greece needs to repay on August 20th 3.2 billion Euros to the European Central Bank - but also because the situation in the banking system overall had become quite desperate."

Japan restarts nuclear plant

Japan has reactivated one of its nuclear reactors for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. All of the country's nuclear plants were shut down following the tsunami and earthquake. The re-start at the Sendai plant is taking place under new safety regulations. There's been public opposition to the move.

Iraq's parliament approves reforms

In a rare show of unity, Iraq's parliament has unanimously approved a major reform plan put forward by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The measures include cutting spending and eliminating a layer of senior government positions, as well as reducing officials' benefits and re-opening corruption investigations. The development follows mass protests across Iraq against corruption and poor governance.

Australia sets new emissions target

The Australian government says it plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26% of 2005 levels by the year 2030. The announcement comes ahead of negotiations on a global climate deal in Paris in December. However, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said economic growth would remain the top priority: “we have got to reduce our emissions in ways which are consistent with continued strong growth. And the last thing we want to do is strengthen the environment and at the same time damage our economy.” The announcement has been criticised by environmental groups and the opposition. They say the measures lag behind those announced by other advanced economies.

Nigeria to fight corruption

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a committee to advise him on tackling corruption and reforming the legal system. Buhari was elected in May. Part of his campaign was based on fighting corruption.

The Weather

A mainly sunny afternoon, but with some thick cloud in the west where there’ll be isolated showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the west between 25 and 32 degrees and in the east between 30 and 37.

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