News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Wallonia continues to block CETA

The Belgian region of Wallonia has rejected the latest concessions by the European Union aimed at salvaging CETA – the bloc’s lucrative free-trade deal with Canada. All 28 EU members must approve the pact but it’s under threat because Belgium’s federal constitution stipulates that all five regions must agree to it. The government of Wallonia opposes it because it fears that small businesses could be destroyed by competition from North American multi-nationals.

Obama calls Trump remarks “dangerous”

In the United States, President Barack Obama has sharply criticized the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for saying that he might not accept result of the election on November 8th. Trump shocked political observers when he made the statement on Wednesday during his third and final debate with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Speaking at a campaign rally for Clinton in Miami, President Obama called Trump's comments outrageous. “That is dangerous. Because when you try to sow the seeds of doubts in people’s minds about the legitimacy of our elections, that undermines our democracy.”

Trump booed at charity gala dinner

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have appeared together at a white-tie charity gala in New York that every four years features the presidential candidates. The Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner is normally a light-hearted and non-partisan affair. But after a series of well-received jokes early in his speech, Trump was booed by guests for delivering a number of strongly personal attacks on Clinton. "Hillary believes that it's vital to deceive the people by having one public policy... (boos and jeers)... and a totally different policy in private." Clinton's speech was more light-hearted and better received but she still took a few digs at her Republican rival: "Donald really is as healthy as a horse... you know... the one Vladimir Putin rides around on."

I.S. militants attack Kirkuk

Suspected Islamic State militants have attacked several government buildings and a power station in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. The assaults coincide with the intensified push by Iraqi government and Kurdish forces to recapture the city of Mosul from I.S. Meanwhile the United Nations says that Islamic State militants have taken around 550 families from villages around Mosul and are holding them as human shields.

South Africa withdraws from I.C.C.

South Africa has told the United Nations that it’s withdrawing from the International Criminal Court. In its letter to the U.N., the South African government raises concerns about the Court’s role and actions. Several countries have accused the I.C.C. of focusing on Africa and ignoring the rest of the world.

The Weather

Increasing rain to the east of Vienna and Villach. A few showers in western Austria while the middle of the country should see the most of any sunshine. Top temperatures are ranging from 3C to 12C. The outlook for the weekend is warmer with more sunshine.

Übersicht

• News In English