News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Obama to address the Greek people

Barack Obama is preparing to deliver a keynote speech to the Greek people, as he winds up the first leg of his final foreign tour as US president and heads from Greece to Germany. Speaking in Athens on Tuesday, Obama described Donald Trump's election victory as a reaction against economic uncertainty, suspicion of elites and the excesses of globalization: "Sometimes people just feel as if we want to try something to see if we can shake things up." Obama´s words are being watched closely by world leaders who see parallels between Trump's election and the rise of far-right and populist movements in their own countries.

Assad sees Trump as possible “ally”

The Syrian President Bashar al Assad says that Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fulfils his pledge to fight "terrorists." But Assad also says he´s unsure the US President-elect will be able to keep his word and step up the fight against jihadists. Trump has indicated that he will focus on fighting the so-called Islamic State in Syria rather than attempting to oust the Assad regime.

Ancient Iraqi city suffers extensive damage

The scale of the damage done by Islamic State militants to the ancient city of Nimrud is beginning to emerge, three days after it was retaken by Iraqi forces. Photographs show that much of the area has been reduced to rubble, with shattered statues and monuments in ruins. Iraqi government forces recaptured Nimrud as part of a wider assault on Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq.

Europe plans new security checks for foreigners

The European Commission meets today to consider plans to tighten controls on foreigners who do not need visas to enter the EU´s Schengen zone. The Commission is expected to back the move, which would involve an online security check for millions of tourists and business people visiting Europe from some 60 countries, including the United States and Japan. It hopes the screening will identify violent militants, criminals and would-be illegal immigrants.

E. Macron launches bid for the French presidency

The former French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron has ended months of speculation by announcing that he will stand in next year´s presidential election. Macron resigned from the unpopular Socialist government in August, having earlier founded the centrist En Marche or onward movement.

Quake-hit New Zealand town evacuated

Military officials in New Zealand say they have almost completed the evacuation of over 700 tourists and residents from the coastal town of Kaikoura, after a series of powerful earthquakes cut off road and rail access. Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States are on their way to the town, with water, fuel and other supplies and equipment.

New survey of Austria´s “Generation What”

The largest-ever youth survey conducted in Austria has revealed interesting insights into 18 to 34-year- olds in the so-called "Generation What." The interactive online study found that Generation What feels it is taking longer and longer to feel and be treated like an adult. It also found that they are pessimistic about the future, distrustful of institutions like politics, the Church and the media, and are dissatisfied with the education system.

The weather

Widespread cloud and rain with top temperatures from 3 to 11.

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