Today's other stories in brief
Democrat nominated as new Serb PM
BELGRADE - Serbia's government-in-waiting has picked outgoing finance minister Mirko Cvetkovic for the post of prime minister, heading a pro-western coalition that brings together the liberal Democratic Party and the Socialist Party.
The nomination was announced in a brief statement issued by the office of President Boris Tadic, who is also the leader of the Democrats.
Mr Cvetkovic (57), a senior Democrat, will seek to speed up Serbia's path to the European Union, change its image of belligerence and push through long-delayed economic reforms to woo investors. - (Reuters)
Basque assembly backs referendum
MADRID - The Basque country regional assembly voted yesterday to go ahead with plans for a referendum on ties with the rest of Spain, but Spain said it would block the move.
Polls show most Basques do not want to leave Spain and do not support the campaign fought by Eta, which has killed more than 800 people over four decades. - (Reuters)
Dentist jailed for body parts scam
NEW YORK - A New Jersey dentist behind a scheme to steal body parts from corpses, including that of British journalist Alistair Cooke, was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 54 years in prison yesterday.
Michael Mastromarino (44) in March admitted to leading a $4.6 million (€3 million) operation that stole body parts from funeral homes in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month he spoke to relatives of the dead in court and apologised. - (Reuters)
Abkhazia split report denied
MOSCOW - Russia and Georgia yesterday denied a newspaper report that they were discussing a plan to resolve their conflict over the breakaway Abkhazia region by splitting it into two spheres of influence.
Abkhazia is recognised as part of Georgia but it is run by separatists with support from Moscow.
Friction between the ex-Soviet neighbours over the region has alarmed western states worried about a conflagration near a vital oil export route. - (Reuters)
Taxpayers face £40m royal bill
LONDON - The British royal family cost taxpayers £40 million (€50 million) in 2007-2008, a rise of £2 million from the previous year, Buckingham Palace said yesterday.
The annual financial report warned that cuts to the royal property budget have created a backlog of urgent works that will cost £32 million within 10 years. - (Reuters)