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8. April 2017, 21:58

Syria peace moves begin in Kazakhstan

New efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict have got underway in Kazakhstan´s capital, Astana. The talks are being brokered by Russia and Iran, which back the Syrian government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition. Organisers have played down expectations of a breakthrough, and rebel commanders say there will be no direct negotiations with the government. But Kazakstan´s foreign minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov says no stone will be left unturned: "It is now upon each of us to make the real breakthrough that Syrian people rightfully deserve.”

Vienna terror suspect has links to IS

The Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka says a 17-year-old terror suspect, who was arrested in Vienna on Friday, had pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State and was someone with quote "weight" in radical circles. He´s reported to be an Austrian citizen with an Albanian background. Meanwhile, German Special Forces have arrested a 21-year-old suspected accomplice in the state of North-Rhein Westphalia.

Gambia “missing” $11 million after Jammeh exile

It´s being reported that the former Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh, withdrew over $11 million from the country´s central bank in the past two weeks. Luxury cars and other items were reportedly loaded on to a cargo plane as Jammeh flew into exile in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday. He had refused to accept defeat to opposition challenger Adama Barrow in last month´s election but finally left after mediation by regional leaders and the threat of military intervention.

Israel to build 566 homes in East Jerusalem

Israel has approved the construction of 566 new settlement homes in occupied East Jerusalem, days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly delayed approval given the opposition of Barack Obama, who allowed a UN resolution against Israeli settlements to pass. Trump reportedly invited Netanyahu to Washington in February during a telephone call on Sunday. He´s also said to be considering relocating the US embassy to East Jerusalem.

Search continues for avalanche survivors in Italy

A search operation is continuing in central Italy, five days after a hotel was buried by an avalanche. Nine people, including four children, were rescued on Saturday. Six bodies have been recovered and 23 people are still missing.

The weather

A mix of sunshine, mist and freezing fog, with top temperatures from minus 8 to plus 1.

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