News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Increased tensions between Turkey and EU

The Turkish government has warned it could withdraw its cooperation over the migrant deal with the European Union because of the ongoing row over its EU membership talks. Yesterday, the European Parliament voted in a non-binding resolution in favour of suspending the negotiations because of Ankara's crackdown in the wake of the failed coup. In response, the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has accused the EU of dishonesty and betrayal and says the country could open its borders to allow refugees and migrants to leave: "look here, if this goes any further those border gates will be opened, you should know that. Neither I nor this nation cares about empty threats."

Malta sees Brexit delays

The Prime Minister of Malta says there's doubt across the European Union that Britain will be able to start formal exit negotiations as intended by the end of March. In an interview with the BBC, Joseph Muscat - whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency in January - said legal proceedings over the role of the British parliament in Brexit could end up causing delays. Muscat said European leaders were determined that Britain would not get a better deal outside the EU than within: "it won't be a situation where one side gains and the other side loses. We are all going to lose something. But I don't see and there will not be a situation where the UK will have a better deal than it has today. It simply cannot be."

New Colombia peace deal signed

The Colombian government and the country's largest rebel group, the Farc, have signed a revised peace deal. The previous accord was rejected by voters in last month's referendum. But this latest agreement, which is aimed at ending five decades of conflict, will be submitted to Congress for approval.

Mass graves discovered in Mexico

Mexican authorities have discovered 32 bodies and nine severed heads hidden in mass graves in a southern region plagued by violence from drug cartels. Security officials say the graves were discovered following an anonymous tip. No arrests have been made so far.

Lufthansa strike continues

The airline Lufthansa has cancelled over 800 flights today because of a continuing strike by pilots over pay. One of Europe's biggest airlines, Lufthansa has cancelled over 2,600 flights since the industrial action started on Wednesday.

The weather

Mostly overcast through fog or cloud with some drizzle or light rain in the south. Occasional sunshine in the northern Alps. A lively wind. Highs ranging between 3 and 9 degrees, where there's a föhn wind up to 15.

Übersicht

• News In English