Israel and the European Union have agreed plans to forge closer ties on everything from fighting terrorism to promoting free trade as part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen relations with nearby countries.

The EU today opens two days of talks with Israel and its Arab neighbours to take stock of fresh chances for Mideast peace less than three weeks after the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The first funerals for the victims of the Russian school siege will be held today as a shaken President Vladimir Putin vowed an “all-out war” against terrorism.

European Union foreign ministers were expected to back Washington’s get-tough approach on Darfur at a meeting today, dangling the threat of UN sanctions over Sudan’s government if it does not move to end the fighting in the region.

The European Union, in veiled criticism, regretted the violent and bloody resolution of the school hostage crisis by Russian authorities today, but said they understood authorities had been faced with few options.

The European Union has joined the US in threatening sanctions against Sudan, hoping to pressure the African country’s government to end the conflict in its western region of Darfur.

Sudan’s foreign minister today insisted that Arab militias responsible for killings in the troubled Darfur region would be prosecuted, but again denied that the attacks amounted to genocide.

The European Union’s first constitution will be signed by EU leaders on October 29 in Rome, officials said in Brussels today.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari appealed today for the European Union to help rebuild the country and establish democracy.

BEMOANING the “pathetically” low turnout in European Parliament elections, political leaders yesterday dismissed the impact of Euro-sceptics and said more had to be done to “sell” the EU to its own citizens.

The Dutch aid worker released by kidnappers after 20 months a captive in Dagestan, was due home to a party today.