IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Norway

Leaders urged to show restraint

Norway's prime minister on Monday called on political leaders to show restraint in what they say as the country emerges from mourning the 77 victims of a bombing and youth camp massacre by an anti-Muslim extremist.

Jens Stoltenberg didn't single out anyone but seemed to be referring to sometimes harsh discussions on immigration when he told Parliament that the July 22 attacks gave reason to reflect on "what we have thought, said and written".

"We all have something to learn from the tragedy," he told lawmakers at a ceremony honoring the victims. "We can all have a need to say 'I was wrong,' and be respected for it."

Australia

FM grounded by heart surgery

Australia's frenetic foreign minister will be grounded for two months while he recovers from successful open heart surgery, his cardiologist said following Monday's operation.

Kevin Rudd, dubbed "Minister for Foreign Air Fares" in the media because of his hectic schedule, underwent an aortic valve transplant in his hometown of Brisbane.

It was the 53-year-old former prime minister's second valve transplant. The first was in 1993.

Rudd's recovery is essential to the survival of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's government, which is retaining power with a single-seat majority in the parliament.

AP

(China Daily 08/02/2011 page12)