A round-up of today's other stories in brief
No-confidence threat for ally of Berlusconi
ROME – Italy’s opposition said yesterday that it would present a no-confidence motion against one of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s most loyal ministers, in another blow for the already wounded premier.
Culture minister Sandro Bondi has so far dismissed calls to step down over the collapse last Sunday of the 2,000-year-old “House of the Gladiators” in the ruins of ancient Pompeii, buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. He was forced to acknowledge that more buildings at the Unesco world heritage site south of Naples may collapse.
The no-confidence threat against Mr Bondi by the largest opposition group, the Democratic Party, presents Berlusconi with a no-win situation. His coalition will be weakened whether Mr Bondi resigns or if he has to face a no-confidence motion. – ( Reuters)
Iraqiya set to join Maliki government
BAGHDAD – Former prime minister Iyad Allawis Sunni- backed Iraqiya political coalition will take part in a new Iraqi government headed by incumbent premier Nuri al-Maliki, a senior Iraqiya lawmaker said yesterday.
Iraqiya, which won the most seats in March’s parliamentary election, joins a Kurdish alliance in supporting Mr Maliki and his Shia bloc, assuring the incumbent of a second term.
The Iraqiya lawmaker, who asked not to be named, said: “yes, of course” when asked if Iraqiya has agreed to join the government following a meeting of leading politicians aimed at completing a deal on a new government. – (Reuters)
Chinese to halt forced evictions
BEIJING – China’s cabinet said yesterday that forced evictions of farmers for development projects, which have ignited sometimes violent protests, must be stopped and officials held accountable.
The cabinet, said in a statement that “in some areas forced demolition and forced construction takes place against the wishes of rural people which violates their rights”.
“[We must] fully respect the wishes of the people . . . and not carry out forced demolitions or forced construction.”
The cabinet demanded that local governments “step up punishments” for officials found contravening these guidelines, it said. – (Reuters)
Bush should be tried, says Amnesty
LONDON – The US must prosecute former president George W Bush for torture if his admission in a memoir that he authorised waterboarding holds true, rights group Amnesty International said yesterday.
In Decision Points, Mr Bush defended his decision to authorise waterboarding, a form of simulated drowning. He said the practice was limited to three detainees and led to intelligence breakthroughs that thwarted attacks and saved lives.
Amnesty International’s Claudio Cordone said : “Under international law, anyone involved in torture must be brought to justice, and that does not exclude former President George W Bush.” – (Reuters)