News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

UK Iraq war inquiry critical of government

The chairman of a UK inquiry into the Iraq war and the subsequent occupation, Sir John Chilcot, says Britain joined the US-led invasion before peaceful options had been exhausted. Announcing the long-awaited findings, Chilcot said the threat posed by Iraq´s weapons of mass destruction were presented with a certainty that was not justified: "Despite explicit warnings, the consequences of the invasion were underestimated. The planning and preparations for Iraq after Saddam Hussein were wholly inadequate. The government failed to achieve its stated objectives." The decision in 2003 by Prime Minister Tony Blair to commit British troops was one of the most controversial and divisive foreign policy moves of the past 50 years.

Baghdad blast death toll now 250

The Iraqi health ministry says that the death toll from Sunday´s massive suicide bombing in central Baghdad has reached 250, making it the deadliest attack since the US-led invasion. The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

Obama joins Clinton on the campaign trial

The US President Barack Obama has vigorously vouched for Hillary Clinton in his first appearance on the campaign trail with the former secretary of state at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina. The FBI Director James Comey earlier announced he would not recommend criminal charges against Clinton for her email practices. But he criticised what he said was her "extremely careless" handling of classified information.

Oscar Pistorius jailed for six years

The former South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius was facing a possible 15-year jail term for shooting Steenkamp at his home in 2013, but the judge said there were substantial and compelling circumstances to give him a lesser sentence. Defence lawyers say they will not appeal.

Austria´s parliament debates Brexit vote

The Austrian parliament meets today to debate the consequences of the UK's vote to leave the European Union. Fifty-two percent of people voted in favour of a Brexit, plunging the country into turmoil. The pound slumped to a new 31-year low today, falling below $1.28 at one point in Asian trading. European stock markets also fell sharply.

EU states to ratify CETA deal

The European Commission says the national parliaments of all member states will be given the chance to ratify a controversial new trade deal with Canada. Austria, Belgium, France and Germany have all voiced doubts about the doubts about the deal, known by its acronym CETA.

The weather

A mix of cloud and sunshine, with isolated showers or thunder storms in the mountains and the south. Highs today from 18 to 28.

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