30.03.2016

News in English

UN urges countries to resettle Syrian refugees / Myanmar's new President sworn in / Brazil's political crisis intensifies / Court orders detention of plane hijacker / Rouhani cancels Austria visit / The weather

30.03.2016

UN urges countries to resettle Syrian refugees

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has opened a conference in Geneva on re-settling Syrian refugees by appealing to the international community to do more. He said countries neighbouring Syria were bearing the burden of the refugee crisis and that the global community must give them more support. Those views were echoed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi: "the onward movement of refugees from the countries surrounding the Syrian Arab Republic has created another set of challenges as they head towards Europe in unprecedented numbers. We must find a way to manage this crisis in a more humane, organised and equitable manner."

Myanmar's new President sworn in

The new president of Myanmar, Htin Kyaw, has been sworn in - becoming the first elected civilian leader to hold the post in more than 50 years. The development follows last November's elections which resulted in a victory for the National League for Democracy. The party's leader Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from the presidency. Addressing parliament, Htin Kyaw promised to press ahead with democratic reforms: "as the new government, we will try to establish a constitution that reaches these principles: national reconciliation, the country's peace process and the establishment of a democratic federal union. And we will try to work to develop the livelihoods and the living standards of the people."

Brazil's political crisis intensifies

The largest party in Brazil's ruling coalition has voted to leave the government of President Dilma Rousseff. Observers say the move by the PMDB could hasten impeachment proceedings against her. Opposition MPs want to remove Rousseff over allegations that she manipulated the country's account books to hide a growing deficit.

Court orders detention of plane hijacker

A court in Cyprus has order the detention of a 59-year old Egyptian man following yesterday's hijacking of an EgyptAir plane which landed on the island. His motives appeared to be personal and Cypriot officials said the incident was not terrorism-related. The drama ended with all of those on board being released unhurt.

Rouhani cancels Austria visit

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has postponed a two-day visit to Austria which was meant to begin yesterday evening. Iranian officials cited security concerns, but without giving details. A planned visit to Iraq by Rouhani was also been cancelled on security grounds.

The weather

A warm afternoon with a mix of sun and cloud and the possibility of isolated showers on the northern side of the Alps. Highs are ranging between 11 and 21 degrees.

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