News in English

Asylum laws slashing the time people wait for a decision have been approved by the French parliament. The laws, taking effect next year, will speed up the time to process asylum applications from an average of two years to two months, according to BBC.

Paternity tests have increased in China's capital Beijing as husbands want to determine if their wives are loyal, reports say.

Defence Committee chairman: Norwegian submarine not helping USA in Iraq Boost for Bondevik No tidal wave of violence after all NOK 5.5 million swindle Go-ahead for fines to combat illegal advertisingKing crab to enrich Finnmark Investor mutiny could derail merger Statoil cocks a snook at Hydro over chief executive pay Nordea employees could face jobs free-for-all Today’s comment from Dagsavisen

Iraqi soldiers who served under Saddam Hussein are being invited to rejoin the force.

A police investigation has begun after racist symbols were sprayed on a wall in Leicestershire, England.

Pictures of Iraqi prisoners being abused by US troops and vengeful inscriptions were found on desecrated graves of British soldiers of World War I in Gaza City, the cemetery curator said today.

A Norwegian envoy is due to hold talks with Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers rebels to persuade them to attend peace talks with the government.

President Bush is narrowly leading the race for the White House, but the final result is still too close to call.

EU foreign ministers have reached a deal clearing the way for accession talks with Turkey to begin, EU officials have said.

The leaders of India and Pakistan have said that peace between the two nuclear rivals is "irreversible".