Week in review
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This week: Ireland’s peace process hits a rough patch; France rejects responsibility for the Roma; And a Dutch daredevil sets sail around the globe.
A peace process on thin ice
Derry, the UK's new city of culture, fell victim to a bomb attack on Tuesday.
Two hundred pounds of home-made explosives left in an abandoned taxi exploded during the night outside the Strand Road police station.
Authorities had been warned, but were not given enough time to evacuate the area.
There were no death or serious injuries but nearby businesses, including a nursing home, were damaged.
It is believed that dissident Republicans were behind the attack.
Tough-talking politicians have already spoken out claiming that the attack will not undermine the Northern Ireland peace process.
Joining the Schengen club
A new dispute between EU states is emerging this summer as France urges Romania to take responsibility for the integration of Roma people into other countries.
France has also said that this should be a pre-requisite for Romania to join the Shengen common area.
The finger pointing started after last week's announcement that President Nicholas Sarkozy wanted to deport hundreds of Roma people back to Romania and destroy 300 of their camps within 3 months.
On Thursday, the European Commission said that it is up to member states to decide whether they expel Roma people, but only on an individual basis.
Sarkozy has also proposed that Romanian and Bulgarian police come to work in Paris while sending French police officers to Romania and Bulgaria, to help fight trafficking and other crime by Roma.
Setting sail to break new records
Last year Dutch teenager Laura Dekker made headlines around the world when she announced she wanted to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the globe.
However, the 14 year old’s dream was soon shattered by the National Child Protection Agency when it prevented her from embarking on her adventure as they claimed she was too young and inexperienced
After months of legal wrangling, the ban was lifted last week and Wednesday morning Laura finally set sail on the voyage of a lifetime.
She set off on her 35ft yacht from the Netherlands heading towards Portugal with her father to complete final preparations before starting the official solo part of her 2-year journey from there.
