News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Channel Tunnel security to be increased

Britain and France have announced new measures to prevent undocumented migrants entering the Channel Tunnel, including British-funded fencing, CCTV and other security equipment to protect the tunnel entrance. Both countries are to establish a shared police "command and control" centre in the French port city of Calais, which will target people-smuggling networks. Tony Smith is the former head of the UK Border Force: "This idea of a joint central command structure will enable us to gather greater intelligence, I think, on some of the networks that are operating in and around Calais, and try to bring more people to justice who are involved in this sort of illicit activity."Thousands of migrants are living in makeshift encampments in Calais, hoping to reach the UK.

Greece receives first bailout payment

Greece has received the first 13 billion-euro payment of its new bailout, enabling it to repay a 3.2 billion euro debt instalment to the European Central Bank. The new three-year bailout is worth 86 billion euros.

Turkey prepares for new elections

The High Election Board in Turkey has reportedly proposed November 1 as a date for possible snap parliamentary elections, paving the way for a break in the political deadlock after the collapse of coalition talks. On Wednesday gunmen fired on police outside the Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul and a bomb killed eight soldiers in south eastern Turkey, heightening the sense of crisis in the country.

The IS claims responsibility for Cairo bomb attack

The Egyptian interior ministry says 29 people have been injured, including six policemen, in a massive car bomb attack near a national security building in a residential neighbourhood of Cairo. The Islamic State group has reportedly claimed responsibility.

Thailand seeks Interpol help after shrine blast

The Thai government says Monday's deadly bombing in central Bangkok was quote "unlikely" to have been the work of an international terror group. The attack on the Erawan Shrine killed 20 people and injured scores of others. Police say that at least 10 people are suspected of involvement in the attack. Thailand has appealed to Interpol for help in tracking down a man believed to be the prime suspect.

New tensions between North and South Korea

It is being reported that North Korea has shelled a South Korean military unit on the western section of the inter-Korean border. South Korea says artillery rounds were fired back in response. The official Yonhap news agency says Seoul will hold an emergency National Security Council meeting later today over the incident.

The weather

Rain should ease in the north and east. More showers or thunder storms in the mountains. Highs today from 14 to 24.

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