News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Parliamentary elections in Iran

Iranians are voting in the country's first elections since a landmark international deal was signed over its nuclear programme. It's also the first nationwide vote since President Hassan Rouhani was elected in 2013 with promises to boost the economy and improve ties with the outside world. Voters are electing a new parliament as well as selecting members of the Assembly of Experts, the committee of clerics that will eventually choose a successor to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He's urged people to cast their ballots: "we have enemies who have cast an evil eye on us, so this election should be such that it disappoints our enemies. People should vote with their eyes open and with insight. Every Iranian who loves Iran, the Islamic Republic and the glory and honour of the nation should participate in these elections."

Putin: groups ready to comply with Syria truce

Russian news agencies are reporting that the Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that all parties expected to take part in a cessation of hostilities in Syria have said they are ready to do so. A truce announced earlier this week by the US and Russia is due to come into effect at midnight tonight. The Islamic State terror group the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front are not included in the truce agreement.

Greece Austria tensions over refugee crisis

In a further sign of tension between Greece and Austria over the refugee crisis Athens has turned down a request from Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner to visit Athens next week. Greece has already recalled its ambassador to Austria in response to the government's tightening of border controls which has restricted the movement of people along the Balkan route, leaving thousands stranded in Greece.

Elections in Ireland

Parliamentary elections are underway in Ireland. Prime Minister Enda Kenny is asking voters to keep his 5-year-old coalition government in power. He says it deserves another term because of the country's return to economic growth. The opposition has strongly criticised the administration's austerity programme.

FIFA backs reforms

Football's world governing body FIFA has passed a package of reforms aimed at fighting corruption. Delegates meeting in Zurich are also voting for a new president to replace Sepp Blatter. One of the candidates is the President of the Asia Football Confederation Sheikh Salman: "the first and most important thing is the reforms. No matter who is elected, reform has to be approved and it's only the beginning. I'm sure that the process is a long process but it's a good start in showing to the people and the rest of the world that we are serious in making those necessary changes."

The weather

A mix of cloud and sunshine this afternoon, with some thick cloud in the south and southeast. A lively wind and highs are ranging between zero and 9 degrees.

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