News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Austrian minister visits Macedonia

Austria's foreign minister Sebastian Kurz is visiting Macedonia which has developed into a transit country for thousands of people, many of whom are fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Kurz says the countries in the region are unable to cope and need help from the rest of Europe. The UN's refugee agency, the UNHCR, says more than 7,000 people had reached Serbia from Macedonia over the week-end.

IS destroys Palmyra temple

Syrian officials and activists say Islamic State militants have blown up the ancient temple of Baalshamin at Palmyra. The ruins are regarded as among the most important archeological sites in the Middle East. IS took control of Palmyra in May, sparking fears that the World Heritage site would be destroyed. Amr Al Azm is an expert on Syrian antiquities: "the Baalshamin temple is to the north of the city, it stands on its own. In itself it's an important temple and some would consider it the second most important temple in the city. We don't know why that particular temple was chosen."

Fears over China's economy hits markets

Asian stock markets have fallen sharply today as concerns continue over China's economy. At one point, Shanghai's main share index was down by more than 8%. Tokyo and Hong Kong also recorded heavy falls.

France honours 4 men over foiled train attack

Three Americans and a British national who foiled an attack on a high-speed train have received France's top honour from President Francois Hollande. Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler and Chris Norman were presented with the Legion of Honour medal at the Elysee Palace. The passengers overpowered a heavily armed gunman last Friday. Hollande praised their courage: "we are here together to pay tribute to 4 individuals, 4 men, who thanks to their bravery managed to save lives. They showed us what could be done in such terrible circumstances."

Protests in Lebanon

The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tammam Salam, has threatened to resign following protests in the capital Beirut. Demonstrators have been voicing their anger over the failure by the authorities to remove uncollected rubbish from the streets. Police used water cannon and tear gas to try to disperse the crowds over the week-end and dozens were injured.

Ukraine marks independence anniversary

The Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko has attended a parade in the capital Kiev to mark the 24th anniversary of independence from the former Soviet Union. Addressing the event, he referred to the situation in eastern Ukraine where government forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists, saying Ukraine was facing a "precarious" year.

The weather

Warm and sunny in much of Austria with a strong wind and a föhn. But the west and southwest will have some rain. Highs will be ranging between 17 and 31 degrees.

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