Other News In Brief

Tributes Paid To Nun Who Died In Ecuador

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has expressed his sympathies to the family and friends of a Derry nun who died in an earthquake in Ecuador.

Mr McGuinness said: "I want to send my sympathy to the family and friends of Sr Clare Theresa Crockett who tragically died in an earthquake in Ecuador on Saturday.

"Sr. Clare devoted her life to children and young people and died selflessly helping those in need in Ecuador.

"Her death has shocked and saddened the entire community in Derry and further afield.

"My thoughts are with all of Sr. Clare's family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time."

Vandalism At City Cemetery Condemned

SDLP Derry Councillor Brian Tierney has condemned senseless and disgusting vandalism at the city cemetery where grave ornaments were destroyed in an overnight attack.

Chair of the Environment and Regeneration Committee on Derry and Strabane District Council, Mr Tierney said: "I was absolutely appalled to see the scenes of reckless vandalism at the City Cemetery this morning after a night of destruction.

"This is a place where people come to pay solemn and personal respect to loved ones in peace. To see it in this state must have been deeply upsetting for those coming to visit family memorials today.

"Graveside ornaments have been smashed and teddy bears ripped apart. How would those behind this wanton destruction feel if it was their mother or their grandmother coming to a graveside this morning to find their tributes to friends and family ruined?

"I'll be working with council officers to ensure that these sites are protected from this callous vandalism. And I would encourage anyone with any information about the sick attack to contact the police."

Minister To Visit Libya To Discuss IRA Semtex Use

Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott has welcomed the confirmation by Tobias Ellwood, Parliamentary under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, of his intention to visit Libya to discuss IRA semtex use.

Mr Elliott said: "I welcome Mr Ellwood's confirmation of his intention to visit Tripoli as soon as the security situation allows it.

"$1.5 billion was paid into a US compensation fund for relatives of the victims of terrorist attacks brought about by Libyan semtex. However, UK victims of Libyan semtex supplied to the IRA have not received an equivalent support package.

"British families must not be ignored. I sincerely hope this visit to Libya will be the next step in ensuring fair compensation and support for victims of IRA terrorism here in the UK."

(CD/LM)