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8. April 2017, 21:58

Vice-President Pence holds talks with EU officials

The US Vice-President Mike Pence has told senior European Union officials that the Trump administration is committed to working with the EU towards the common objectives of peace and prosperity. Pence has been holding talks in Brussels with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini , Donald Tusk, the head of the European Council and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. At a press conference, Pence said there was a lot that united the US and the EU: "whatever our differences our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all, the same purpose to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law. And to those objectives we will remain committed."

Tensions between Malaysia and North Korea

Malaysia has recalled its ambassador in North Korea in an escalating row over the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Jong-nam died after an apparent poison attack last week at Kuala Lumpur airport. Malaysian police say they are now looking for four North Koreans suspected of involvement in his death.

Iraqi offensive in Mosul continues

An offensive by Iraqi forces aimed at re-capturing the western part of Mosul from Islamic State militants is continuing. Thousands of troops are involved in the assault, backed by artillery and helicopter gunships. Tom Robinson from the aid agency Oxfam says conditions for civilians in the area are dire: "civilians are fleeing horrific conditions. They're having to cross front lines. Quite often they're coming out with nothing more but the clothes on their back. Very much caught up in the crossfire between ISIS and the Iraqi security forces. So it's a very dangerous situation for civilians to be fleeing."

Famine declared in South Sudan

A famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan.
The South Sudanese government and 3 UN agencies say it's the result of a prolonged civil war and an economic crisis. The fighting has prevented many farmers from harvesting their crops. And hyperinflation reached more than 800 percent last year, putting the price of imported food beyond the reach of many people. Parts of the country have also been hit by drought.

Hundreds of migrants cross into Ceuta

The Red Cross says over 350 African migrants have managed to get past the border fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. About 500 people broke through the barrier on Friday. The authorities in Ceuta say they've requested tents to house the latest arrivals. It's thought most of them are likely to be returned to Morocco or their country of origin.

The weather

Cloudy but also a bit of sunshine. A lively wind and highs ranging between 4 and 12 degrees.

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