News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Hungary may use army at Serbia border

The Hungarian government says it's considering using the army to secure its southern border with Serbia which is being used by refugees and migrants as a crossing point. Thousands of people, many of them fleeing the conflict in Syria, have crossed into Serbia in recent days before heading north towards Hungary which is building a fence along its border. Earlier tear-gas was used to quell unrest at a reception centre in the border region. Francois Crepeau is the UN's rapporteur on the human rights of migrants. He says EU politicians need to be realistic and start planning for the arrival of refugees: "the fact is that migrants are coming and will be coming no matter what. They are refugees, we know they are refugees, and they will come. And unless we take control of that movement it'll be controlled by the smugglers."

Kosovo and Serbia sign accords

Kosovo and Serbia have signed a series of agreements in a major step towards normalising relations. Serbs in northern Kosovo will enjoy greater rights while Kosovo will get its own international dialling code. The EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has described the accords as "landmark achievements". Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic says the move should make the way clear for further EU membership negotiations: "this is a big achievement for the whole of Serbia. And it means there are no longer any obstacles - nothing stands in Serbia's way towards Europe."

China shares fall again

An attempt by China's central bank to stabilise the country's main stock market has failed to prevent further losses. The bank cut interest rates yesterday to stimulate lending. But after volatile trading in Shanghai, share prices have closed more than 1% down.

Foiled train attack suspect faces charges

The suspect in a foiled attack on a high-speed train in France is facing terrorism charges. French authorities say 26-year old Ayoub El-Khazzani watched a jihadi video on his cell phone moments before his attack and faces charges of multiple counts of attempted murder, possession of weapons and conspiracy. The suspect was tackled and tied up by several passengers.

S Sudan President under pressure to sign deal

The UN Security Council has threatened to take action if South Sudan's President Salva Kiir fails to sign a peace deal with rebel forces. The US has circulated a draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo and sanctions if Kiir doesn't agree to the deal by September 1st. Fighting between government and rebel forces has displaced over 2 million people.

The weather

It’ll be mainly sunny and warm with a lively wind at times in the low-lying areas. And highs are ranging between 21 and 30 degrees with the warmer temperatures in Tyrol.

Übersicht

• News In English