Hundreds of thousands of Poles could be sacked because they were reported to have collaborated with the communist-era secret police, after the country’s right-wing government pushed through a law that critics say will spark a witch-hunt. The move is seen as central to the ”moral revolution” promised by the Law and Justice Party when it swept to power last year.
The latest chapter in the conflict between Israel and Palestine began when Israeli forces abducted two civilians, a doctor and his brother, from Gaza. An incident scarcely reported anywhere, except in the Turkish press. The following day the Palestinians took an Israeli soldier prisoner — and proposed a negotiated exchange against prisoners taken by the Israelis — there are about 10Â 000 in Israeli jails.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s 60-million people are unlikely to wake up on Monday to a dramatically changed country after Sunday’s first democratic elections in the Central African giant. They will, in all probability, still be voting in what has become Africa’s most expensive and complex election.
The Israeli government is facing a barrage of criticism over its handling of the war in Lebanon, with questions about the decision to attack Hizbullah, mounting military losses, strategy and tactics, continuing missile strikes and disquiet about Lebanese civilian casualties.
South African President Thabo Mbeki on Sunday expressed his country’s outrage at and condemnation of the bombings of the Lebanese town of Qana by Israel. Several other world leaders also condemned the Israeli attack, but the United States and Britain again refrained from joining calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held its first multiparty election in more than four decades on Sunday, a colossal democratic exercise many hope will secure an end to years of fighting and corrupt rule that have devastated this gigantic, mineral-rich nation in the heart of Africa.
Michael Schumacher could not hide his surprise at Ferrari’s dominance after he won the German Grand Prix for the fourth time at Hockenheim on Sunday. The seven-times world champion German led home his Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa for his third win in a row.
Jacob Zuma on Sunday spoke out against what he described as infighting within the ruling African National Congress. ”Fighting for positions is wrong and should not be influenced by sources within the media,” he told the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) anniversary rally in Pietermaritzburg.
Foreigners with scarce skills will in future find it easier to immigrate to South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki said on Sunday after a three-day Cabinet lekgotla (meeting). The president also addressed crime, the 2010 Soccer World Cup, transformation in the judiciary and the backlog in environmental impact assessments.
Seam-bowler Dilhara Fernando and Muttiah Muralitharan took two wickets a piece on Sunday to boost Sri Lanka’s chances of a win in the first cricket Test against South Africa. Resuming day four at 43 without loss in its second innings, South Africa progressed to 311 for four wickets at stumps on the fourth day.