News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Juncker delivers state of the union address

The President of the European Union Commission Jean-Claude Juncker says he's concerned about growing populism in Europe. Delivering his first state of the union address since the UK's vote to leave the EU he also warned the British government that there could be no access to the single market without the free movement of people. But he added that the bloc was not about to break up because of Brexit: "allow me to state here and today that we respect and at the same time regret the UK decision. But the European Union as such is not at risk."

UN Syria envoy reports drop in violence

The U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura says if the cessation of hostilities holds in the country it could pave the way for a conference aimed at ending the conflict. Mistura also said there had been a significant drop in violence since the latest cease-fire which was brokered by the US and Russia. Meanwhile the UN is waiting for security assurances so that it can deliver supplies. David Swanson is a spokesman for humanitarian affairs: "the challenge that we face as an organisation is ensuring that all parties to the conflict are now on the same page. The UN is working closely with all parties to make this a reality. But this takes time. Talks are ongoing as are logistical arrangements. But when the green light comes, we'll be ready to move."

UK report on Libya intervention

A British parliamentary report has severely criticised the military intervention by Britain and France that led to the overthrow of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The foreign affairs committee accused the then Prime Minister David Cameron of lacking a coherent strategy for the air campaign and that it had led to the rise of so-called Islamic State in North Africa. The government has said it had been an international decision to intervene.

Suu Kyi visits the US

The foreign minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi is visiting Washington where she'll be holding talks with President Barack Obama. It's her first visit to the US since her party won a sweeping victory in last year's election. Obama is expected to consult with Suu Kyi over whether to further ease sanctions against the country after decades of military rule.

Peres “critical but stable” after stroke

The former Israeli president Shimon Peres is said to be in a "critical but stable" condition after suffering a major stroke. The 93-year old Nobel Peace laureate was rushed to hospital in Tel Aviv earlier this week.

The weather

Mainly sunny. Some cloud in the mountains and isolated thundery showers in the southeast. Highs ranging between 23 and 31 degrees.

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