News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Increased tensions between US and Russia

The Russian foreign ministry has advised President Vladimir Putin to expel 35 US diplomats in retaliation for the expulsion of the same number of Russian diplomats from the US. The move comes amid a bitter dispute over alleged Russian interference in the recent US presidential election. President Barack Obama had vowed to take action against Russia following accusations that Moscow orchestrated cyber-attacks on the Democratic Party. Russia has denied any involvement. Putin's spokesman is Dmitry Peskov: "we think that these decisions by the outgoing administration, which will be in office for three more weeks, pursue two aims: to irrevocably spoil US-Russia relations and obviously to have an impact on the foreign policy of the future administration of the President-elect."

Syria ceasefire mostly holding

A new nationwide ceasefire between Syrian government forces and rebel groups appears to be holding for the most part, although clashes are being reported, particularly near the capital Damascus. A truce - brokered by Russia and Turkey - came into effect at midnight last night. The deal does not include the so-called Islamic State, or the Kurdish YPG group. If the ceasefire holds, peace negotiations could take place within a month. Andrew Tabler from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy says it's not clear what might come out of those: "the regime and the opposition forces that will be sitting at the table do not agree on anything.... The question is: are the regional powers - and the international powers - going to pressure their different clients into some sort of peace agreement at the table."

Plans for stronger Turkish presidency pass first hurdle

In Turkey, a parliamentary commission has cleared a set of draft constitutional amendments that would greatly expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move paves the way for a vote in the full assembly next month with a possible referendum in the spring. Critics say they fear the proposed changes will allow Erdogan to rule with limited checks and balances.

9 killed in India mine accident

At least nine miners have been killed and around 17 thought to be trapped following a disaster at a mine in eastern India. According to reports, the tragedy was caused by a build-up of mine waste which collapsed.

Romania's new Prime Minister confirmed

The Social Democrat politician Sorin Grindeanu been confirmed as Romania's new Prime Minister, paving the way for a government to be formed next week. The Social Democrat party, which was driven out of office a year ago following anti-corruption protests, was the winner of this month's general election.

The weather

A mainly sunny afternoon but with some persistent and freezing fog around in parts of the Danube region in Upper and Lower Austria as well as in the Rheintal and around the Bodensee in Vorarlberg. Highs ranging between minus 3 and plus 7 degrees.

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