World Briefs

BRUSSELS – China, angry at plans for Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to visit Europe, has called off a summit with the European Union next Monday which may have forged a joint response to the global economic crisis.

The 27-nation bloc expressed regret at Beijing's decision but pledged to continue to promote a strategic partnership "at a time when the global economic and financial situation calls for very close cooperation between Europe and China."

France confirmed President Nicolas Sarkozy would meet the Dalai Lama at a December 6 ceremony in Poland to mark the 25th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Prize to former Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, despite Beijing's displeasure. "Nicolas Sarkozy... is free to decide his agenda," said Luc Chatel told reporters.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on Wednesday for the first summit of major emerging market countries known as BRICs in Russia next year.

The BRIC nations, a popular acronym for Brazil, Russia, India and China, have hastened moves to take a greater say in world affairs and the global economy in response to the world financial crisis emanating from the United States.

"The financial crisis, which we haven't started and we are not to blame for, affected the global economic situation and we are forced to react," Medvedev told reporters after signing a joint declaration with Lula in Rio de Janeiro.

"We agreed with President Lula that we will coordinate our efforts with Brazil in fighting the crisis and creating a new global financial architecture."

MADRID, Spain – A judge has charged the suspected leader of the Basque separatist group ETA with plotting an attack on the America's Cup sailing race last year in Valencia, Spain.

Judge Baltasar Garzon says Mikel de Garikoitz Aspiazu sent another suspected ETA member to Valencia to gather information on the city's port, ceremonies to be held in connection with the race and delegations that were to attend.

Aspiazu was arrested last week in France.

Garzon says in an indictment issued Wednesday that the emissary, Iker Agirre, was arrested in January 2007 as he entered Spain from France, en route to Valencia. The race was held in June and July.

The judge charged the two men with belonging to a terrorist organization and conspiracy to commit murder.

ETA normally target tourist resorts especially during the high season.