More world news in brief.
Iraq to insist on dates for US withdrawal
BAGHDAD -Iraq will not accept any security agreement with the US unless it includes dates for the withdrawal of foreign forces, the Iraqi government's national security adviser said yesterday.
But the government's spokesman said any timetable would depend on security conditions on the ground. The differing stances underscore the intense debate in Baghdad over a deal with Washington that will provide a legal basis for US troops to operate when a UN mandate expires at the end of the year. - (Reuters)
Dutch parliament approves Lisbon
THE HAGUE -The upper house of the Dutch parliament yesterday approved the Lisbon Treaty, rejected by Irish voters last month. Sixteen EU members have completed the ratification process and several are close. - (Reuters)
Russia bans book on Hitler
MOSCOW -A Russian court has banned a book about Adolf Hitler by late British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper, saying quotes attributed to the Nazi leader insult Russians and Jews.
Under anti-extremism laws, the court banned the 1953 book, Hitler's Table Talk: 1941-1944, which records Hitler's sometimes racist ramblings. - (Reuters)
Hungary 'wrong' to ban red star
STRASBOURG -The European Court of Human Rights ruled yesterday that Hungary was wrong to ban a far-left politician from wearing a red star.
Attila Vajnai had been ordered by police in February 2003 to remove a red star he was wearing on his lapel during a demonstration in Budapest. Hungarian law bans the display of symbols of totalitarian regimes, Nazi or Communist. - (Reuters)
Unesco status for for cave paintings
MADRID -Paintings in northern Spain which cavemen created between 35,000 and 11,000 BC have won World Heritage status from Unesco. The paintings from the Paleolithic age are in the Altamira cave in the Cantabria region. - (Reuters)
Police question killings suspect
LONDON -British police were given an extra 36 hours yesterday to question a man (33) in an investigation into the murder of two French students, who were killed last week in a frenzied knife attack and then burned in a London apartment.
The man turned himself in on Monday but was taken to hospital to receive treatment for burns before questioning began. - (Reuters)
German guest outstays welcome
BERLIN -A desperate German woman finally called emergency services to rescue her after a friend visited her and talked for 30 hours straight, authorities said yesterday.
A police spokesman in the city of Speyer confirmed reports about the case, in which the guest rambled on about personal problems and became increasingly drunk until the 48-year-old dialled the emergency hotline.
The spokesman said the guest would face no charges.