Budapest  - The gas crisis in January caused by a row between Russia and Ukraine over pricing has focused interest on the planned 3,300-kilometre Nabucco pipeline that would cut both countries out of the supply chain.

"We must not allow ourselves to be placed in this position in future," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday.

"The message I will take to the March European Council is that now we have to be serious about diversifying and investing in Europe's energy security future."

Prague - Pope Benedict XVI is to visit the Czech Republic, one of the least church-going nations in Europe, in September, the Czech presidential office said Thursday.

The pope should spend two to three days in the central European country of 10.3 million in late September when Czechs commemorate their national patron, Saint Wenceslas, the office said. The holiday takes place on September 28.

The Roman Catholic Church is traditionally the strongest faith in the country but Czechs are known for contempt of organized religion.

Amman  - Head of Hamas' politburo Khalid Mashaal claimed "unequivocal victory" Wednesday over Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, saying it would pave the way for the "liberation of Jerusalem" and other Palestinian territories.

He also urged new US President Barack Obama and European leaders to take the "required lessons" from their countries' support to the "Israeli aggression".

Damascus-based Mashaal made the remarks in a recorded address screened by the Doha-based Aljazeera television network.

Stockholm  - Sweden inched closer to adopting same-sex marriage Wednesday with proposed legislation presented to parliament by three of the four parties in the ruling centre-right coalition.

"People in a steady relationship have the need, regardless of sexual orientation, to manifest their feelings and wish to live together," the proposal said.

Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt's conservative Moderate Party, the Liberal Party and the Centre Party were likely to get support from the opposition.

Dhaka  - Bangladesh's foreign minister, Dipu Moni, Wednesday called for increased duty-free access for Bangladeshi products in the Indian market, to offset the huge trade imbalance between the two South Asian neighbours.

"As one of the world's fastest growing economies, India has the capacity to import more Bangladeshi products to ease the balance of trade situation between the countries," the newly appointed foreign minister said when the Indian envoy to Bangladesh called on her in Dhaka.