Letter from EU

Marseille, Nov. 4 (AP): The EU drafted a letter today to the new US President seeking to create a post-Bush era of closer co-operation and a greater role for the bloc in tackling issues of global importance.

The six-page letter will remain sealed from public view until the recipient is known.

Obama art

Madrid (AP): Barack Obama is getting a really big head. Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodriguez Gerada and an army of helpers sculpted it from sand on a Barcelona beach. It is 140 yards long by 80 yards wide — big enough, Rodriguez Gerada hopes — to be photographed on Google Earth.

Iran fest

Tehran (AP): Thousands of Iranians nationwide celebrated the 29th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US embassy by militant students, with pupils getting a day off from school and buses ferrying youth to the rally.

UN positive

United Nations (AP): Add the UN chief to the ranks of poll junkies. Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the US election, sees the possibility of improved relations no matter whether Barack Obama or John McCain is elected.