News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Japan resolves WW2 sex-slave dispute

South Korea and Japan have reached a deal to resolve a decades-long dispute over Korean women forced into Japanese military brothels during the Second World War. Japan is to set up a compensation fund worth over 8 million dollars. At a meeting in Seoul, Japan’s foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, offered a full apology for the sexual slavery the women suffered: “Prime minister Abe expresses anew his most sincere apologies and remorse to all the women who underwent immeasurable and painful experiences and suffered incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women.”

Evacuations begin in Syria

In Syria, humanitarian teams have entered the rebel-held town of Zabadani to evacuate fighters and civilians. The town has long been under siege by government forces. Under a deal brokered by the United Nations around 400 fighters, some of them wounded, have been promised safe passage to Beirut, then on to Turkey. At the same time, around 300 families in two besieged Shi'ite towns in the mainly rebel-held province of Idlib are being given safe passage to Lebanon.

Iraq fully liberates Ramadi

The Iraqi army has announced the full liberation of the city of Ramadi from Islamic State militants. An army spokesman said counter-terrorism forces have raised the Iraqi flag above the central government complex in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province. A number of IS fighters have been arrested.

Filmmaker murdered in Turkey

In Turkey an activist and filmmaker who documented abuses by Islamic State in Syria has been shot dead by assassins in broad daylight. Naji Jerf was the director of Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently.

Burundi talks open

Representatives of Burundi’s government, opposition and civil society are in Uganda for negotiations aimed at ending political violence. President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose decision to run for a third term triggered the bloodshed, wasn't present at the opening ceremony.

Security talks in Vienna

Police in Vienna hold two security meetings today following warnings to a number of European capitals about the possibility of a terror attack between Christmas and New Year. Police say internal discussions were held before a meeting with railway and public transport officials.

Weather warnings in US

New weather warnings have been issued in southern and mid western parts of the United States where floods and tornadoes that killed over 40 people in the last week. The governors of Missouri and New Mexico have declared a state of emergency for their states.

The Weather

Mainly sunny, fog lingering in low lying areas. Top temperatures 4 to 14 degrees.

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