World in brief: German diplomat expelled from Iran

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran has expelled a German diplomat for “undiplomatic” behavior, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

The expulsion comes after a media report claiming that Germany expelled an Iranian consular attache last July after he apparently attempted to acquire equipment that could be used for uranium enrichment. Both the Foreign Ministry in Berlin and Iran have declined to comment on the report, which cited no sources.

On Sunday, a German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said she could only “confirm that a German diplomat has left Iran.” The spokeswoman, who declined to elaborate, spoke on condition of anonymity because of ministry rules.

“Responsible authorities recognized that this person was engaging in undiplomatic behavior and has to leave Iran,” ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini told reporters during his weekly briefing, without giving the diplomat’s name or additional information.

MAPUTO, Mozambique

Floods worsen, disrupt transport

Severe flooding in Mozambique worsened Sunday, cutting the main road to Zimbabwe from the port of Beira and disrupting traffic to the landlocked neighboring countries of Zambia and Malawi.

Authorities warned the situation might become more acute if rain continues to fall in Zimbabwe – where rains are reported to be the heaviest since colonial era records began a century ago.

Mozambique officials last week declared it highest level of alert and said the Zambezi, Pungue, Buzi and Save rivers were all above critical level.

In Zimbabwe, at least 27 people have died and health authorities reported treating more than 400 cases of severe diarrhea blamed on collapsing sanitation worsened by torrential rain in Harare’s impoverished eastern townships.

No deaths have been reported in Mozambique, which has improved disaster management in recent years.

PARIS

Sarkozy plans to marry girlfriend

Recently divorced President Nicolas Sarkozy will marry his former supermodel girlfriend next month, a French newspaper reported Sunday.

The weekly Le Journal Du Dimanche, citing unidentified sources, said Sarkozy gave Carla Bruni a heart-shaped diamond engagement ring in December and that the pair would wed on Feb. 8 or 9.

Sarkozy, who divorced in October, has flaunted his relationship with Bruni on recent holidays in Egypt and Jordan, drawing criticism that he is being too loose with the presidential image.

A marriage to Bruni would be Sarkozy’s third. He divorced his first wife, Marie, in the late 80s after meeting and befriending Cecilia, his second wife.

Bruni, an Italian-born French citizen, has dated Mick Jagger and Donald Trump, among others.