Rising concern over Yemen conflict +++ Macron and Conte hold talks amid tensions +++ China vows fast response to US tariffs

16. Juli 2018, 02:00

Rising concern over Yemen conflict

In Yemen, forces of the Saudi-led coalition are reported to be continuing their assault on Hudaydah airport which is under Houthi rebel control. However Yemen's foreign ministry is insisting that a broader operation to capture the sea port has been put on hold. The port is a key entry point for humanitarian aid. David Milliband from the International Rescue Committee says there must be a cease-fire: "only a ceasefire and only a determined drive to a political settlement - there's a new UN's special representative who's been appointed precisely for this task - can give hope to the Yemeni people and frankly hope to the wider region."

Macron and Conte hold talks amid tensions

The French President Emmanuel Macron and the new Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte are meeting today amid tensions between the two countries over migration. Earlier this week, Macron accused Rome of "irresponsible" behaviour over its refusal to let a migrant rescue ship dock in Italy. The vessel, which has over 600 people on board, is continuing its voyage to Spain which has said it will take it in.

China vows fast response to US tariffs

The US President Donald Trump has approved a plan to impose tariffs on 50 billion dollars' worth of Chinese goods. Trump has long promised to fulfil a promise to clamp down on what he considers unfair Chinese trading practices. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says Beijing will retaliate: "if the US takes unilateral protectionist measures harming China's interests, we will react immediately and take the necessary steps to protect our legitimate rights."

24-hour strike in Nicaragua

Anti-government campaigners in Nicaragua have stepped up their protests with a 24-hour general strike which brought much of the country to a standstill. They've been demanding the resignation of President Daniel Ortega. Fresh talks aimed at ending the stand-off are due to take place later today. The protests began in April after the government introduced cuts to pensions and social security programmes.

Hawking's ashes to be buried in Westminster Abbey

The ashes of the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking will be buried today in London's Westminster Abbey alongside other distinguished names of British science, politics and culture. Hawking died in March after a career spent examining the origins of the universe, the mysteries of black holes and the nature of time.

The weather

A mix of cloud and sunny spells with most of the sunshine in Vorarlberg and Tyrol as well as parts of Salzburg and Carinthia. Windy and highs ranging between 17 and 26 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English