But Mr Van der Stoel's mandate precludes him from seeking to put out fires that have already started burning, so minorities such as Kurds in Turkey, Basques in Spain and Catholics in Northern Ireland are off his beat.

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Although his choice of apparel is off-beat, his songs consisted of standard French romance songs, as you would expect to hear played on an accordion.

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The star is known for his off-beat humour and love of Broadway tunes, qualities which would make him suited to the traditional opening number.

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