24.02.2016

News in English

Austria meets Balkan ministers on migration crisis / Trump continues winning streak / Obama presents plan to close Guantanamo / Bolivia´s present cannot seek fourth term / Mars orders recall in 55 countries / The weather

24.02.2016

Austria meets Balkan ministers on migration crisis

Austria is hosting a meeting of ministers from nine west Balkan states to discuss the refugee and migrant crisis. The Greek government has issued a formal complaint because it was not invited to the talks. It says thousands are now stranded in Greece, following Austria's decision to cap asylum applications and limit the number of people passing through the country. The gathering has been criticised by the European Commission, amid concern over countries acting outside agreed EU policy. The United Nations refugee agency has also raised concerns about border restrictions, saying they're placing extra hardships on asylum seekers. UNHCR spokeswoman Karin de Gruijl: "Our primary concern is really that all these measures are aimed at keeping refugees out and we call on Europe to have a unified approach based on solidarity and on international principles."

Trump continues winning streak

The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has easily won the US state of Nevada, cementing his lead in the race for the party nomination. The billionaire businessman now has three consecutive wins in early nominating contests, after victories in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida came in second, ahead of Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Obama presents plan to close Guantanamo

President Barack Obama has presented a plan to the US Congress to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba, one of his long-standing goals. He wants to transfer the remaining 91 detainees to their home countries or to US military or civilian prisons. But Congress is deeply opposed to terror suspects being held on US soil and is expected to block the move.

Bolivia´s present cannot seek fourth term

People in Bolivia have narrowly rejected changing the constitution so President Evo Morales can run for a fourth term. Just over 51% voted against the move in a referendum on Sunday. Morales has said he will respect the result.

Mars orders recall in 55 countries

The confectionary manufacturer Mars has ordered a recall of products in 55 countries, after a customer in Germany found pieces of plastic in a chocolate bar. The plastic was traced back to the Mars factory in the Netherlands. The company has not said how many bars are affected or how much the recall will cost.

The weather

Plenty of sunshine, but also scattered rain, snow or hail showers. Top temperatures from zero to 10.

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