News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Juncker calls for EU action in refugee crisis

The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, has called on EU countries to agree to a compulsory scheme that would re-settle 160,000 refugees across the Union. Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Juncker warned that Greece, Italy and Hungary can no longer cope alone with the current influx. He said Europe must maintain its good reputation: “It is Europe today that represents a haven of stability in the eyes of women and men in the Middle East and in Africa. This is something to be proud of and not something to fear.”

Islamists seize key Syrian airbase

Syrian rebels linked to al-Qaeda have seized control of a key airbase in the north-western province of Idlib after a long battle. Syrian state television says government troops have pulled out of Abu Duhur airbase following a two year siege by the Islamist insurgents, who have captured most of the province.

Hillary Clinton apologises over email scandal

Hillary Clinton has apologised for using a private email account during her time as the U.S. Secretary of State. The front-runner to be the Democratic candidate for next year's U.S. presidential election has been accused by her Republican opponents of jeopardising national security. Speaking to ABC news, Clinton continued to deny that she had broken any government rules or laws but said the move had been a mistake: “I should have used two accounts: one for personal, one for work-related emails. That was a mistake. I’m sorry about that. I take responsibility and I’m trying to be as transparent as I possibly can.”

Anti-gay marriage clerk released from prison

A county clerk in the U.S. state of Kentucky, who was jailed last week for refusing to issue marriage licences to gay couples, has been released from prison. Kim Davis, an elected official whose salary is paid by the state, has claimed that her Christian faith should exempt her from signing the licences. Speaking after her release, Davis urged her supporters to continue opposing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States: “I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied and you are a strong people! Just keep on pressing. Don’t let down. Because He is here.”

Queen Elizabeth: longest-reigning monarch

Queen Elizabeth II today becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch. She has passed the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 216 days. When Queen Elizabeth, who’s now 89, came to power in 1952, Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister, Harry Truman was President of the United States and Josef Stalin ruled Russia.

The weather

This afternoon’s weather: Mostly cloudy with rain in north-eastern Austria which will spread to the south-east. Highs are ranging from 10C to 21C – with those warmest temperatures in the west.

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