News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Uncertainty surrounds start of Syria peace talks

UN sponsored talks aimed at ending Syria's five year civil war are due to get underway today in Geneva, however there is still uncertainty about who will take part. Several opposition groups have threatened to stay away, amid concerns about the bombing of civilians. The former UN Emergency Coordinator Jan Egeland says he's hopeful that the talks can lead to an improvement in the humanitarian situation in Syria. “My appeal has been to Russia, to Iran, to the United States, to Saudi Arabia, to Turkey to tell all of these men fighting in no uncertain terms: stop attacking civilians, and give humanitarians access.”

Tougher asylum regulations agreed in Germany

Germany's ruling coalition has agreed to tighten the country's asylum regulations, following weeks of disagreement. Under the proposal, those granted limited asylum will have to wait two years before they can bring their families to Germany, with deportation procedures also set to be sped up. A new poll shows 40 percent of Germans believe Chancellor Angela Merkel should resign over her refugee policy. There are concerns that the country is struggling to cope with the influx of people.

Brazil’s president makes Zika virus plea

Brazil's president Dilma Rousseff has called on all her countrymen and women to help fight the spread of the Zika virus, which has been linked to brain abnormalities in babies. Experts are warning that up to 4 million people in the Americas could be infected with the virus this year. Rousseff told reporters that efforts would focus on eliminating mosquitoes that carry the disease. “The federal government will guarantee all the equipment and resources for people to prevent and to eliminate the mosquito. We will mobilise our armed forces and all our officials and the same will be done by the states and municipalities. The mosquito is not and cannot be stronger than a country conscious of its threat.”

Two dead in attack on Saudi mosque

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry says at least two people have been killed in a shooting and bombing at a Shia mosque in the east of the country. Eyewitnesses say several people were injured in the attack on the Imam Rida mosque in Mahasen. Saudi Arabia's Shia minority has been targeted in the past by Islamic State militants.

UN peacekeepers face new abuse allegations

The United Nations says it has uncovered six more cases of alleged sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. Georgian troops are accused of raping teenage girls at a refugee camp in Bangui, while children as young as 7 say they were given water and cookies by French soldiers to perform sexual acts.

Trump no show at final Republican debate

US presidential hopeful Donald Trump has boycotted the final Republican debate, as the party prepares to begin the process for choosing its candidate for November's election. Trump decided to attend a fundraiser instead of the debate after a dispute with host Fox news.

The weather

Conditions should become increasingly sunny this afternoon, with rain showers easing. Top temperatures will range from 5 to 12 degrees.

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