The Sudan’s likely break-up and the emergence of a new nation in the southern part of the country is the latest example of partition enjoying the backing of both the EU and the U.S., a theme discussed in European Affairs last month.

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In its latest controversial referendum, Swiss voters have approved a measure put forward by a far rightwing political party to automatically deport foreigners convicted of crimes ranging from murder to welfare fraud.

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Signs are that the weeks-long struggle over a new law to raise the retirement age in France is ending on the terms set by the French government and President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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The European External Action Service took another step forward today by naming the people who will occupy the two top posts in the service representing the EU around the world: Pierre Vimont, currently French ambassador to Washington, will be the Executive Secretary General heading policy formulation and David O’Sullivan, a top Irish civil servant who has held key positions at the European Commission, will be the Chief Operating Officer managing the new service.

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(October 13)  The Conseil Constitutionnel, France’s top legal authority and guardian of the constitution, approved a law last week previously passed by both chambers of the French parliament banning the wearing of full-face veils in public places. While many expected the Constitutional Council to overturn the law, it ruled instead that the law "conforms" with the constitution and does not encroach on civil liberties, so long as the law does not apply to public places of worship where it could violate the practice of religious freedom.

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