"Ruud asked away before the Arsenal FA Cup final last year, then asked away through his representative, and has now asked away himself in writing, " he told the News of the World.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Man Utd | Real make new Van Nistelrooy bid

Afghanistan's UNICEF representative Eric Larouche told CNN his organisation still has about 70 national staff in Afghanistan, but they have no means of communication because the Taliban sealed all lines.

CNN: Flood of Afghan refugees feared

Third, the representative of the incumbent party has unified his base of support.

ECONOMIST: That 1988 thing

Until now Garcia has been a typical representative of his generation of golfers, living and playing in the shadow of the ever-dominant Tiger Woods.

CNN: Garcia's time to shine?

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Karin Landgren of Sweden as his Representative in Nepal and Head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).

UN: Secretary-General

Mr Bayh is holding up the confirmation of Rob Portman, the Ohio congressman whom George Bush has nominated for US trade representative, until his bill is voted on.

ECONOMIST: Putting up the barricades | The

In terms of time frame, let me give you a sense of perspective from our U.S. Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, who has been in close contact in negotiations with his counterparts on the Russian side.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama & President Medvedev Joint Press Conference | The White House

Kai Eide, the United Nations special representative in Afghanistan, said Thursday's election will be the most difficult he has encountered in his life.

CNN: Violence, graft overshadow Afghan elections