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8. April 2017, 21:58

No end in sight to Europe´s migration crisis

Austrian police say around 8,000 people crossed the border from Hungary on Thursday. Thousands more are expected to enter the country today, as they head for Germany and other destinations in northern Europe. Police say it´s becoming increasingly difficult to provide food, shelter and transport at the Nickelsdorf crossing. Austria´s railway company, the OeBB, has announced that the suspension of train services to and from Hungary will continue over the weekend because it lacks the capacity to deal with the influx. Thousands of people are reportedly making their way towards Vienna on foot and the A4 motorway has been partially closed for safety reasons. The United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, has announced that it sending emergency supplies for 95,000 people to Hungary, Serbia, Macedonia and Greece.

US Democrats clear way for Iran deal

A Republican-backed measure to derail the nuclear deal with Iran has been blocked by Democrats in the US Senate, securing a major foreign policy victory for President Barack Obama. Obama will not now have to veto any measures against the deal, which was reached in Vienna in July. US Senate Democrat leader Harry Reid: "There´s now no doubt whatsoever that the Congress of the United States will allow this historic agreement to go forward. Efforts by opponents to derail this scheme were soundly rejected and by margins much larger than people thought."

UN to raise Palestinian flag

The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a motion allowing the Palestinian flag to be flown in front of United Nations buildings. The motion was passed by 119 votes, with Israel and the United States among eight countries that voted against.

Russia confirms military deliveries to Syria

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has, for the first time, confirmed that Russian aircraft flying into Syria are delivering military supplies in addition to humanitarian aid. He also says Russia will continue to supply weapons to Syria to help maintain its military capability in the fight against the Islamic State group.

Catalan separatists take to the streets

Advocates of independence for Spain's north eastern region of Catalonia have launched their campaign to try to elect a majority of secessionists in regional parliamentary elections on September 27. The launch coincides with the Catalan National Day holiday that separatists have used for years to rally hundreds of thousands of people in Barcelona.

Venezuela opposition leader jailed

The prominent Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been sentenced to almost 14 years in prison, after being convicted of inciting violence during protests last year in which over 40 people were killed. He had denied the charges, saying he only called for peaceful demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro.

The weather

Some sunshine with isolated thundery showers in the west. Highs today from 14 to 23.

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