Slovak PM to run solidarity marathon

The Slovak Prime Minister, Mikulas Dzurinda, says he intends to take part in the New York Marathon in two weeks' time, to show his solidarity with the city after last month's attacks.

Mr Dzurinda said he also wanted to send a message that people shouldn't let fear of terrorism stop them leading normal lives.

The Slovak Prime Minister has taken part in several marathon races in his native country, and his best time is just short of three hours.

Slovakia - which is hoping to join Nato in the next round of enlargement in 2002 - has condemned the attacks on the United States and expressed its support for American military action against Afghanistan.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service