Suddenly, the old issues of race and local control seemed less pressing, and co-operation between city and suburbs more appealing.

ECONOMIST: Urban sprawl

Russia appeared to be slowing down on gas deliveries to Serbia, as well as military co-operation, and pressing the Serb leader to be more flexible over Kosovo.

ECONOMIST: The bubbling Balkans

Scotland's top prosecutor had previously written to the new Libyan prime minister for help and the UK government had said it was pressing Tripoli "for swift progress and co-operation" on the Lockerbie case.

BBC: Lockerbie plane

He complained that NATO was pressing ahead even though Russia's conditions for co-operation had not been met.

ECONOMIST: Russia and NATO