News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Aid convoys dispatched to Madaya

Aid convoys carrying a month's supply of food, medicine and winter clothing have set off from the Syrian capital Damascus for the town of Madaya which has been besieged by government forces. Some residents are reported to have starved to death with others eating pets and grass to survive. A similar aid operation is underway for two northern towns besieged by rebel forces. Matthew Hollingworth is a spokesman for the World Food Programme: "what we're sending in is a month's ration. Clearly what we want to be able to do is get in more than once. The key issue is to have constant access to these people so that we never see a situation like this happen again."

"El Chapo" extradition process starts

The Mexican authorities say formal extradition proceedings against the drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman have started. Guzman was arrested in north western Mexico after a months-long manhunt which followed his escape from a maximum security jail. He's expected to be transferred to the US to face charges of smuggling vast amounts of drugs into the country.

Musician David Bowie dies at 69

Tributes have been flooding in for the British singer David Bowie who's been described as one of the most influential musicians of his time. He was 69 and had been suffering from cancer. His first big hit was "Space Oddity" in 1969. His career, which also incorporated acting and fashion, lasted five decades with his 25th album "Blackstar" being released just last week. Tributes have been paid by musicians, politicians, authors, actors and astronauts. Bowie biographer Paul Trynka explains what made him so extraordinary: "he took his musicians out of their comfort zone but he took himself out of his comfort zone as well. And that is what made him very special as a creative entity."

New Catalonia leader pledges secession

In Spain, the new leader of the government in Catalonia has promised to continue plans for the region to become independent within 18 months. Carles Puigdemont was speaking in the regional assembly ahead of a vote that confirmed him in office. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed to block any separatist moves.

Andreas Khol named as presidential candidate

In Austrian news, the junior coalition partner the ÖVP has announced that Andreas Khol will be the party's candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections. The 74-year old was a longtime parliamentary party leader for the ÖVP and was also parliamentary president.

The Revenant triumphs at Golden Globes

"The Revenant" has triumphed at this year's Golden Globes, winning the prize for best dramatic film with its lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio taking best actor in a drama.

The weather

Mostly cloudy and rainy with highs between 1 and 11 degrees.

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