October 1, 2003

=October 1, 2003=

* North Korea crisis: South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun reiterates offer to the United States to consider a request for South Korean soldiers in Iraq in exchange for "positive" movement to resolve the standoff over North Korea nuclear weapons program. [http://www.iht.com/articles/112016.html]
* Anti-Americanism: A panel chosen by the administration of President George W. Bush concludes that the United States must drastically increase and overhaul its public relations efforts to recast its image among Muslims and Arabs abroad. "Hostility toward America has reached shocking levels [ ... ] What is required is not merely tactical adaptation but strategic, and radical, transformation"." The panel adds that "spin" and manipulation "are not the answer"," nor is avoiding the debate. [http://www.iht.com/articles/112005.html]
* European Commission President Romano Prodi unveils a proposal to boost flagging economic growth in Europe. The plan has two main parts: increasing spending on European transport networks and promoting research and development. [http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?sid=9&aid=12885]
* European Union Constitution: Following talks with Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla on the draft EU Constitution and the Czech Republic's position on the document, the Czech President Václav Klaus decides not to travel to Rome and attend the forthcoming intergovernmental conference. [http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?sid=9&aid=12882]
* Canada: Northwest Territories premier Stephen Kakfwi announces he will not seek re-election in the election scheduled for November.