World Scene

ITALY

Troops to stay despite execution

ROME — Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi vowed Italian troops would not leave Iraq and condemned the reported killing of an Italian hostage as an act that brings “us back to the dark ages of barbarity.”

Late Thursday, the Arabic TV network Al Jazeera reported it had received a video that appeared to show the killing of Enzo Baldoni, a 56-year-old freelance journalist.

“We will be faithful to the commitments taken with the Iraqi provisional government in the framework of U.N. decisions to give back peace and democracy to Iraq,” Mr. Berlusconi said.

NETHERLANDS

Talking toilets to nag smokers

AMSTERDAM — Amsterdam residents can now make use of talking toilets that expound on the perils of smoking or the futility of war and berate them on hygiene.

The first such toilets, fitted with sensors to detect what visitors do and to pass comment if appropriate, were installed in a central Amsterdam cafe Thursday.

The toilets can cough and warn smokers of the dangers of cigarettes.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Zimbabwean court convicts coup plotter

HARARE, Zimbabwe — A court in Zimbabwe yesterday convicted the British leader of a suspected coup plot against the government of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea on weapons charges, but acquitted most of the 69 other men held with him.

Story Continues →