News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

UN readies Syria aid

The United Nations is preparing to deliver aid to more than 150,000 people in besieged areas in Syria in the next five days, with the help of partner organisations. Greg Barrow from the UN’s World Food Programme says there are hopes the temporary ceasefire in Syria may allow help to get to many more people: “There are about half a million people across the country who are behind the lines in besieged areas. And I think the ceasefire really gives us an opportunity to test the limits in terms of how far we can go in getting into those areas.” The truce remains generally intact despite dozens of reports of violations from the opposition and from the Syrian government.

Merkel criticises Austrian refugee policy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that the European Union cannot let Greece slip into chaos by allowing other countries to impose limits at their borders on refugees and migrants. Merkel said the European Union must act together to cope with the crisis and criticised unilateral action by Austria and other countries, which has left thousands of people stranded in Greece. Austria has rejected the criticism. Meanwhile reports from the Macedonia-Greece border say Macedonian police have fired tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of migrants who broke through a border fence.

France dismantles the Jungle

In France, demolition teams have begun dismantling part of the Calais migrant and refugee camp known as the Jungle. The government plans to relocate migrants to official reception centres.

Moderates win in Tehran

Election results in Iran show President Hassan Rouhani and his moderate allies have won 15 out of the 16 seats for Tehran in the 88 member Assembly of Experts, the body that chooses the country's supreme religious leader. In the parliamentary elections, allies of Rouhani have won all 30 seats allocated to the capital.

Swiss reject anti-immigrant measure

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to automatically expel foreigners convicted of even low-level crimes, in a defeat for the anti-immigrant Swiss People's Party. The measure was opposed by the government, business leaders and activists who said it would violate human rights.

AU calls for Somalia boost

Nations involved in the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia have called for an urgent review of their mission, after attacks in recent days by the al Shabaab terror group. They have called for improved logistical support for their operations and more to be done to bolster Somalia’s army.

Oscar for di Caprio

At the Oscars, the drama Spotlight which deals with journalists investigating sexual abuse by Catholic priests has won best picture. Best actress went to Brie Larson for Room. Best actor Leonardo di Caprio, winning for Revenant, used his acceptance speech to warn of the dangers of climate change.

The weather

Overcast and wet especially in the north and west. Top temps zero to 11 degrees.

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