A round-up of today's world news stories in brief
New EU rules over illicit logging
BRUSSELS – The European Parliament waved through new rules to combat illicit logging yesterday, putting Europe one step away from a 2012 ban on illegally harvested timber.
As much as a fifth of the EU’s imports could be illegal, the parliament says. “We are sending a signal to the world that the EU will no longer serve as a market for illegally harvested timber,” European environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said.
“The impacts of illegal logging go beyond environmental protection, with potentially negative effects on the rule of law and the livelihoods of local people who depend on forests.”
– (Reuters)
Iranian woman faces stoning death
TEHRAN – A 43-year-old Iranian woman is facing death by stoning unless an international campaign launched by her children forces the authorities to quash what her lawyer calls a bogus conviction.
In a case that highlights the growing use of the death penalty in Iran, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was convicted in May 2006 of conducting an “illicit relationship outside marriage”. Sakineh already endured a sentence of 99 lashes, but her case was reopened when a court suspected her of murdering her husband. She was acquitted, but the adultery charge was reviewed and a death penalty handed down on the basis of “judge’s knowledge” – a loophole that allows for subjective judicial rulings where no evidence is present. – (Guardian service)
Jonathan Ross in new ITV1 chat show
LONDON – British entertainer Jonathan Ross has agreed to front a new chat show with ITV1 to be shown next year, the commercial broadcaster said yesterday.
“I am thrilled and excited that after a short break I will be rolling up my sleeves and creating a brand new show for ITV1,” said Ross. “I do have a little spare time at the beginning of 2011 though, so if England needs a temporary new manager I will consider the post seriously,” he joked.
– (Reuters)