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Berlin - German philosopher Juergen Habermas, who turns 80 on Thursday, is not one to shy away from topical debate.

Considered Germany's greatest living philosopher, Habermas recently pointed his finger at the politicians who, he said, had done nothing to prevent the financial crisis.

"Politics ridicules itself if it moralizes, instead of basing itself on the coercive right of the democratic lawmaker," said the philosopher and political sociologist, who received worldwide acclaim for his critical theory of rationality.

Aigle, Switzerland - The International Cycling Union (UCI) called for disciplinary proceedings to be started against five cyclists based on suspicious data in their biological passports.

The UCI said cases were being opened against three Spaniards - Igor Astarloa, the 2003 world champion, Ruben Lobato and Ricardo Serrano - and Italians Pietro Caucchioli and Francesco De Bonis.

Prague - Czech parliament's lower house Wednesday threw out a presidential veto of a bill banning discrimination, making the Czech Republic the last European Union member to adopt such a law.

Overriding the veto in a 118-16 vote, the house removed a threat that the European Union would impose sanctions on the Central European country of 10.4 million for failing to adopt the bill.

Madrid  - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was critical Wednesday of Real Madrid's summer spending spree.

When asked by television channel Cuatro his opinion of Real planning to spend a world record 96 million euros (132.88 million dollars) on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Zapatero said that the fee was "excessive."

Nyon, Switzerland  - Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been suspended for six UEFA club competition matches following incidents at the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona last month, UEFA said Wednesday.

UEFA's control and disciplinary body said the suspensions relating to the last two matches will be deferred for a probationary period of two years.

Islamabad  - Pakistani authorities on Wednesday temporarily shut-down the international airport in Peshawar, amid a rise in Taliban attacks in the northern city.

"Peshawar airport has been closed for the time being due to technical reasons and the flights are being diverted to Islamabad airport," said Pervez George, a spokesman of country's Civil Aviation Authority told German Press Agency dpa over phone from the southern city of Karachi.