News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Poland threatens EU summit blockade

A European Union summit opening in Brussels is being overshadowed by Poland’s opposition to the reappointment of Donald Tusk as president of the European Council to a further two and half year term. Poland’s government has said it will hold up all business at the summit if Tusk’s appointment comes to a vote. Tusk is a former Polish prime minister and Warsaw accuses him of interference in its domestic affairs. Polish media report that Britain supports Warsaw’s position. Tusk has widespread support within the EU.

Merkel rejects Turkish Nazi comparison

German chancellor Angela Merkel has reiterated criticism of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his remarks comparing modern Germany to the Nazi regime. Speaking before parliament in Berlin, she said the comments would not be tolerated and had to stop. The controversial comments were made after several German cities banned Turkish campaign rallies.

US sends marines to Syria

United States officials say hundreds of marines have been deployed to Syria ahead of the battle to oust the Islamic State terror group from its stronghold of Raqqa. Monitors say at least 14 civilians have been killed in overnight air strikes around Raqqa.

Aid agencies appeal to South Sudan

Aid agencies have called on the South Sudan government to clarify reports it intends to increase the cost of work permits for foreign aid workers, from $100 up to $10, 000. David Shearer is the United Nations representative in South Sudan: “There’re 11.5 million people in this country. Half of that population is going to be needing food aid. 80% of all health facilities are supplied by the international community.”

US investigates Wikileaks release

In the United States the CIA and the FBI are co-ordinating a criminal investigation into the Wikileaks release of documents detailing CIA hacking tools and methods. The files claim the CIA can listen in on smartphone and smart TV microphones on devices anywhere in the world.

Hawaii opposes Trump travel ban

Hawaii has become the first state in the US to take legal action against the revised travel ban imposed by president Donald Trump. Hawaii says the ban, which prevents people from six mainly Muslim countries from entering US, is incompatible with freedom of religion and will harm its economy.

Guatemala mourns child fire victims

Guatemala is observing three days of mourning after at least 21 teenage girls died in a fire at a government run children's home. Police say some of the girls set fire to mattresses in a protest over conditions at the home. Congress has called for an investigation of the disaster. There have been allegations of sexual abuse and beatings at the overcrowded centre.

The weather

Mainly overcast. Rain in the west, some sunny spells in the east and south. Top temperatures 3 to 15 degrees.

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