Today's Story Line
The long arm of international law is, well, getting longer. Two stories underscore the trend. First, US and European authorities are effectively forcing small nations, such as Liechtenstein, to open up their secret bank books. The aim: less money laundering and tax evasion.
A second story looks at the progress being made by 100-plus nations to set up a global court with the power to try war criminals and terrorists. But, in this case, the US and Iraq find themselves as allies - objecting to the court's reach.
What better venue than Rome's Colosseum for a clash of celebrations and values. Over Vatican objections, homosexuals are holding World Pride 200O at the same time the Roman Catholic Church is marking the anniversary of Jesus' birth with Jubilee 2000.
David Clark Scott World editor
REPORTERS ON THE JOB..
*EASIER TO FIND SHREDDED PAPER THAN SHREDDED WHEAT: The Monitor's European correspondent Peter Ford, found the setting for Vaduz, Liechtenstein, similar to small towns in neighboring Switzerland - Alpine peaks, milch cows in the meadows, that sort of thing. But a stroll down the street revealed details about the town's unusual role as an offshore financial center favored by wealthy foreigners. It took Peter quite a while to find a grocery store, for example, but he could have bought a diamond necklace at any number of stores around the corner from his hotel. And the trash people had put out for collection was not your common garden or household trash: On the sidewalk, Peter came across large plastic bags full of shredded documents.
MILESTONE....
*A SENTRY CALLED CYNTHIA: History was made Saturday in London when Capt. Cynthia Anderson became the first woman to stand guard at Buckingham Palace. Capt. Anderson is part of a company of Australian soldiers who have temporarily taken over protection duties from the all-male British guard. Four women are part of the contingent of 150 Australians, who are taking a rare turn at the palace to mark Australia Week, the centenary of the nation's joining the Commonwealth.
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