News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Trump insists his campaign is united

The US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has insisted that his campaign is united despite reports of deep divisions and growing frustration. US media outlets said it was in turmoil after Trump repeatedly attacked the parents of a Muslim American Army Captain who was killed in Iraq. An opinion poll conducted by the Fox News network gives Trump´s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton a nationwide lead of some 10 points.

Austria challenges Turkey´s EU aspirations

The Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern says the idea of Turkey becoming a member of the European Union is nothing more than "diplomatic fiction." Kern said Turkey's membership could not be justified on economic grounds and he described the country´s democratic standards as inadequate. Kern added that he would raise the issue with the European Council and call for an alternative concept. Turkey's European Affairs Minister Omer Celik told reporters in Ankara that the comments came disturbingly close to the rhetoric of the far right.

Protests mar Olympic torch arrival in Rio

Brazilian police have used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse hundreds of demonstrators as the Olympic torch arrived in Rio de Janeiro. They were protesting at the high cost of hosting the Games and tried to extinguish the flame. Washington Post journalist Dom Phillips is in Rio: "One of the problems around these Olympics is that the state government of Rio is broke and had to be bailed out with a federal government pay out. It has been unable to pay teachers´ salaries, police salaries, doctors´ salaries, nurses. It´s been late on a lot of things. So that´s caused a lot of resentment."

London knife attacker charged with murder

Extra police are being deployed on the streets of London, after an American woman died and five other people were injured in a knife attack near the British Museum on Wednesday night. A 19-year-old man was arrested by armed police at the scene and has been charged with murder. The Metropolitan Police say the suspect´s mental health is a significant factor, but terrorism may also be a possible motive.

Militants target tourists in Afghanistan

It´s being reported that 11 foreign tourists being escorted by an army convoy in western Afghanistan have been attacked by suspected militants. Six are said to have been wounded. Local officials say they are from the United States, Britain and Germany.

Chinese lawyer jailed for subversion

The founder of a Chinese law firm known for representing cases against the government has been sentenced to seven years in prison for subversion. Zhou Shifeng's conviction is the latest development in a government crackdown on legal activism.

The weather

Sunny and humid, with isolated showers or thunder storms. Highs today from 23 to 33.

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