AS IF rugby weren't rough enough, New Zealand is seeking to turn it into a sort of diplomatic playing pitch on which it might give Fiji, that regional troublemaker, a sound thrashing.
After Mark McGwire blasted the concept of international games, the players have been virtually diplomatic, playing down the impact of jet lag, which has been known to leave normal civilians blithering and staggering.
In that sense the timing of the report could not have been more fortunate, since, despite the obvious accusatory nature of the Novetta findings, the report -- by leveling the diplomatic playing field as outlined above -- could in fact have the reverse effect and make both sides more amendable to cooperation in cyberspace in the weeks ahead.
It seemed a jaw-dropping case of diplomatic foul play, which the police said was motivated by "jostling for positions in the embassy".
How the diplomatic reactions play out is likely to have an impact on nearby Venezuela, where President Hugo Chavez is facing increasing opposition in May presidential elections.
Too often development can lose its human face and become a problem solving exercise or diplomatic chess playing.
A diplomatic strategy plays to the EU's strengths, according to Jason Anderson, the head of WWF's climate and energy policy.
Today, Mr. Freeh said that diplomatic considerations played no role in the indictment or the decision not to accuse any Iranians of wrongdoing.
However, in the face of climate emergency, lack of ambition and a set of shy measures towards carbon emission reductions can neutralise the best ideas and great diplomatic role played by the country.
Another Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for diplomatic reasons, played down the comments made by Muhammad Sobeih, the assistant secretary general of the Arab League in charge of the Palestinian issue.
