In short

A roundup of today's other world news in brief

UN to cut Congo support due to abuses 

KINSHASA – The United Nations said yesterday it would cut support for some units of Congo’s armed forces amid allegations that the UN-backed soldiers had killed, raped and mutilated hundreds of civilians.

A UN force has been helping President Joseph Kabila’s troops against Rwandan rebels in eastern Congo despite complaints from rights groups about abuses.

It said the cut in support would not affect anti-rebel operations as a whole.

– (Reuters)

Slovenia deal will aid Croatia EU bid 

ZAGREB – Croatia’s parliament backed a border arbitration agreement with Slovenia yesterday, helping prime minister Jadranka Kosor’s efforts to lift a major obstacle to Croatia’s European Union bid.

Slovenia blocked Zagreb’s EU accession talks last December because of a border dispute. In September, the two prime ministers agreed to resort to international arbitration and Slovenia lifted its veto, allowing Zagreb to resume membership talks. – (Reuters)

Waiter kills six over work grudge 

JERUSALEM – An Israeli waiter, nursing a two-year grudge over his dismissal, took revenge by killing six members of his former employer’s family spanning three generations.

Police said 38-year-old Damian Kerlik had stabbed to death his ex-employer and the restaurant owner’s wife, two children and two parents on October 17th.

Kerlik, whose victims included a four-month-old boy and three-year-old girl, had confessed to the killings, police told a news conference. – (Reuters)

Coleen Rooney gives birth to boy 

LIVERPOOL – England striker Wayne Rooney’s wife, Coleen, yesterday gave birth to a baby boy.

The child, whom the couple have named Kai Wayne Rooney, was born at 2.20pm at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, their spokesman said.

“Mother and baby are both absolutely fine. Wayne and Coleen are thrilled with the wonderful addition to their family life,” the spokesman added. – (PA)