News of the weird

Germany: According to a survey, most Germans would forgive Helmut Kohl if he were involved in a sexual scandal like the one surrounding President Clinton. If the German chancellor were in a similar compromising situation he would be forgiven by 58 per cent of German men and 67 per cent of women.

Israel: An Israeli advertising agency has posted boards at several key traffic intersections expressing support for Bill Clinton. The signs say: "We support you, friend." The director of the advertising agency said, "I think he is a friend of Israel."

France: The city of Paris has unveiled several new "clean canine spaces" to be used as dog lavatories, which will be washed four or five times a day. In addition 15 garbage collectors have been trained as "canine counsellors" to patrol the streets and show pet owners how to use the new spaces.