A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Cyber warfare tops defence agenda
BERLIN – Germany will create a new cyber-warfare defence centre next year to fight off espionage attacks, the interior ministry said.
“We plan to create a so-called National Cyber-Defence Centre in 2011,” a spokesman said. Computerised attacks are seen as becoming as critical a part of nations’ arsenals as conventional or nuclear weaponry. The UK announced a £650 million (€761 million) programme last month, calling cyber security a key priority. – (Reuters)
Graduates rally over lack of jobs in Tunisia
TUNIS – Tunisian police used batons yesterday to disperse a protest by jobless graduates demanding work and an end to corruption – the first time in which a recent spate of demonstrations has reached the capital.
About 1,000 people took part in the action, called by independent trade union activists. Security forces prevented them from marching towards a main Tunis thoroughfare.
Protests are rare in Tunisia, which has been run for 23 years by President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. – (Reuters)
German protest at Iranian detentions
BERLIN – Germany summoned the Iranian ambassador to the foreign ministry yesterday to protest that two German journalists held in Iran were not allowed to meet their families over Christmas as promised.
The families travelled to Tehran after Iran repeatedly promised to allow the visit.
The two Bild reporters were arrested in October talking to the son of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a woman sentenced to death for adultery. – (Reuters)
Former Croat PM remains in custody
VIENNA – An Austrian judge yesterday ruled that former prime minister of Croatia Ivo Sanader, whose extradition is being sought by Zagreb prosecutors, should remain in custody. The judge ordered that Mr Sanader, wanted in Croatia on suspicion of corruption, should be held for another month due to risks that he might flee or interfere with witnesses. A hearing is likely on January 27th. – (Reuters)