Other news from around the world
Berlusconi threat to workings of EU
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday threatened to block the workings of the EU unless commissioners and their spokespeople were prevented from speaking out on “any subject”.
His demand came after European Commission spokesman Dennis Abbott, from Britain, said the body would ask the Italian government for clarification of an incident on Sunday in which migrants trying to reach Italy were turned back to Libya. Mr Abbott said he was “surprised, really surprised”, by the Italian prime minister’s attack. – (Guardian service)
Turkey set to open border with Armenia
Turkey said yesterday it hoped to open its border with long-time foe Armenia by the end of the year under a protocol to establish diplomatic ties, in what would end one of Europe's most intractable rivalries.
The two countries, which have no diplomatic ties and a history of animosity stemming from the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during the first World War, announced late on Monday they would sign accords within six weeks. – (Reuters)
Halt executions in Iraq, says Amnesty
BAGHDAD – Amnesty International has called on Iraq to halt executions, saying the woeful state of the justice system is unable to guarantee fair trials in capital crime cases.
Amnesty said more than 1,000 people were on death row in Iraq, including 12 women.
"One of these, Samar Saad Abdullah, facing execution for murder, has alleged that she was tortured into making a false confession," the rights group said. – (Reuters)
Clinton to meet ousted president
WASHINGTON – US secretary of state Hillary Clinton plans to meet ousted Honduran president Manuel Zelaya tomorrow as Washington debates formally cutting off aid to the Honduran government.
Despite worldwide condemnation of the June 28th coup against Mr Zelaya, who was whisked into exile in a military plane, Roberto Micheletti's interim government has said it will not be pressured into stepping down.
Mr Micheletti has rejected proposals that would have allowed Mr Zelaya to return to power before November elections. – (Reuters)