A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Iraq's Christians cancel festivities
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Christians cancelled Christmas festivities across the country yesterday as al-Qaeda insurgents threatened more attacks on their community.
A council representing Christian denominations across Iraq advised followers to cancel public celebrations out of concern over attacks and as a show of mourning for the victims of the church siege in which 68 people were killed two months ago.
Church officials in the northern cities of Kirkuk and Mosul, the southern city of Basra and in the capital confirmed they will not put up decorations or hold evening Mass and have urged worshippers to refrain from decorating their homes. Even an appearance by Santa Claus was called off. – (PA)
Irish diplomat appointed to EU Africa group
DUBLIN – EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has appointed an Irish diplomat to chair the Africa working group in the new European External Action Service (EAS), writes Arthur Beesley.
Fiona Lunny, who works in Ireland’s diplomatic mission to the EU in Brussels, will assume a post held previously by the country in the EU’s rotating presidency.
A spokesman for Ms Ashton said she recognised Ms Lunny’s “immense knowledge and experience” in what will be a key role.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said: “Fiona is an exceptional Department of Foreign Affairs official with a wealth of EU experience. I am delighted that she has been appointed to this post of importance for Irish and EU foreign policy.
“This is part of the ongoing recruitment process to the new External Action Service in which Ireland is playing its full part.”
EU agrees to import Palestinian foods
BRUSSELS – The European Union said yesterday that it had agreed with the Palestinian Authority to import fruit, vegetables, oils and fish products from Gaza and West Bank duty free for up to 10 years.
The deal affects relatively small volumes of trade. EU imports from Gaza and West Bank were worth €6.1 million in 2009 and were mostly early potatoes, oils and seeds such as soya and sunflower seeds, according to EU data.
“Further opening to the EU market is expected to support the development of the economy of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip through increased export performance,” an EU executive commission statement noted. – (Reuters)
Abbey Road named UK heritage site
LONDON – The most famous pedestrian crossing in popular music, outside Abbey Road Studios in north London, was designated a site of national importance by the British government yesterday.
Beatles fans from around the world flocked to the road to pose for photographs imitating the picture on the Abbey Road album cover which shows Paul, John, George and Ringo strolling over the crossing.
“This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles . . . it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage,” said minister for tourism and heritage John Penrose. – (Reuters)