World News

Concerns are rising that Sri Lanka's presidential election will be undermined after the deaths of four people in a spate of campaign-related violence in the past week, say election monitors. The poll is due on 26 January 2010.

The Jubilee Debt Campaign has urged the total cancellation of Haiti’s international debts following the recent earthquake. Two-thirds of the country's debt was cancelled last year, but Haiti still owes $641 million.

Acts of compassion — Haitians working together to help neighbours and strangers — is far more prevalent than the incidents of violence that are being reported on the international media, say Mennonite aid workers.

The incoming Action of Churches Together International coordinator for Haiti has outlined urgent priorities for the huge relief operation she is about to lead. Elsa Moreno is due to arrive in the Dominican Republic today.