A round-up of today's other news stories in brief
Dutch coalition presents new programme
THE HAGUE- The Dutch Christian Democrats, Labour and Christian Union presented a new coalition government programme yesterday that takes a softer line on immigration and a more centrist approach to economic policy.
Christian Democrat leader Jan Peter Balkenende, who will stay as prime minister, was forced to team up with the parties after his previous partners, the free-market VVD liberals, lost ground in an election in November. - (Reuters)
Two arrested over German shootings
ROTENBURG- Two Vietnamese men have been arrested over shootings at a Chinese restaurant in which seven people were killed, police said yesterday.
The two suspects were stopped by police during a routine traffic check in northern Germany on Monday. - (Reuters)
Kidnapped British engineer freed
PORT HARCOURT- Nigerian kidnappers have freed a British engineer they abducted last month in the Niger Delta oil city of Port Harcourt on health grounds, police said yesterday.
An American engineer and a Nigerian driver who were snatched on January 23rd along with him could be released soon, security sources said. - (Reuters)
US soldier to stand trial in Italy
ROME- A Rome judge ordered a US soldier to stand trial for killing an Italian intelligence agent in Iraq in 2005 while he was escorting a freed hostage to safety, court officials said.
Mario Lozanowas charged with voluntary homicide for shooting Nicola Calipari at a checkpoint near Baghdad airport. He will almost certainly be tried in absentia. - (Reuters)
EU agrees to train Afghan police
BRUSSELS- EU envoys agreed in principle yesterday to send a mission to train Afghanistan's police force, EU diplomats and officials said.
Experts are considering a force of about 160 EU police officers and diplomats. - (Reuters)
Schoolgirl to take action on face veil
LONDON- A 12-year-old Muslim schoolgirl is today launching a High Court battle for the right to wear a full-face veil in class.
A Buckinghamshire school told the girl it was not acceptable for her to wear the niqab because teachers believe it will make communication and learning difficult. The veil covers all of her face except her eyes. - (PA)
Bishop agrees not to fly for year
LONDON- The Bishop of London, The Right Rev Richard Chartres, who was criticised last year when he suggested that flying to go on holiday was sinful, has agreed not to fly for a year to prove his point. - (Guardian service)