News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Cameron makes case for British IS strikes

British Prime Minister David Cameron has been setting out his argument for Britain to begin airstrikes against the so called Islamic State militant group in Syria. In a speech to parliament, Cameron said it was wrong for Britain to let other nations fight IS when its own security was under threat. “ISIL have attacked Ankara, Beirut and of course Paris, as well as the likely blowing up of a Russian plane with 224 people on board. They’ve already taken the lives of British hostages and inspired the worst terrorist attack against British people since 7/7 on the beaches of Tunisia.” Cameron is due in Vienna later this afternoon for talks with Austrian leaders, focussing on Britain's planned referendum on whether to remain in the European Union.

Hollande and Putin discuss Syria cooperation

French President Francois Hollande is holding talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today in Moscow, as he seeks to coordinate efforts against Islamic State in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. France and Russia have been carrying out airstrikes independently against IS. The two countries have signalled a desire to work together however key differences remain, including Moscow's support for Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

Turkey releases audio of Russian jet warning

Turkey has released an audio recording of what it claims are warnings issued by the Turkish Airforce to a Russian military jet, which was shot down near the Turkish Syrian border on Tuesday. “This is Turkish Airforce speaking en garde. You are approaching Turkish airspace. Change your heading south immediately.” Ankara says the recording proves that the aircraft strayed into Turkish airspace, something that the Russians deny. Moscow says it is not planning to impose sanctions against Turkey over the incident.

North and South Korea hold talks

North and South Korea have held rare high level talks in the demilitarised zone between the two countries. The two sides are trying to improve ties, following a military standoff in August, prompted by the wounding of two South Korean soldiers. Observers say the talks are unlikely to produce any major breakthrough. The two Koreas remain technically at war, following a conflict in the 1950s.

Pope Francis begins first Africa visit

Pope Francis has celebrated mass in the Kenyan capital Nairobi at the start of his first visit to Africa as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Earlier he met other religious leaders, where he called for greater interfaith dialogue to stop young people from becoming radicalised in the name of religion.

African Union seeks to end child marriage

The African Union begins a two day conference today in Zambia, which aims to find ways to end child marriage on the continent. The children’s charity UNICEF says one in three African girls currently marry before they are 18, with the number expected to more than double by 2050 if nothing is done.

The weather

Snow showers are set to continue this afternoon in areas north of the Alps, with some sunshine expected in the south. Top temperatures will range from -2 to +6 degrees.

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