Netherlands

Emperor's last resting place: Castle Doorn in the Netherlands

Emperor's last resting place: Castle Doorn in the NetherlandsUtrecht, Netherlands  - The final years of Germany's last emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, were spent in Castle Dorn in the Netherlands.

The castle is a testament to its royal resident as the house is set in a spacious garden. A bridge leads over a water lily-filled moat to a flight of stairs leading to the castle's main entrance.

The interior also reflects Wilhelm's aristocratic heritage and is filled with only the finest furniture.

Philips confirm temporary production stop

PhilipsAmsterdam - Dutch electronics company Philips confirmed Monday it had stopped production of electric razors for six weeks, the Dutch ANP news agency reported.

A spokesman for the Eindhoven-based manufacturer of electronic equipment emphasized it was a "regular measure" always taken in the last months of the year to minimize Philips' remaining stock and resulting storage expenses.

However, the company also confirmed the stop had begun earlier than in other years. But it refused to say whether this was due to reduced demand.

Dutch prime minister to skip G20 summit after father's death

Dutch prime minister to skip G20 summit after father's death Washington  - Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende will not attend a meeting of the leaders of the world's top economic powers after learning that his father had died, US President George W Bush said late Friday.

Balkenende learned of his father's death while he was travelling to Washington for the G20 summit and immediately returned to the Netherlands to be with his family.

The country will instead be represented by Finance Minister Jan Cornelis de Jager.

Minister's departure marks transformation of Dutch Labour

Minister's departure marks transformation of Dutch LabourAmsterdam - Dutch integration minister Ella Vogelaar's resignation on Thursday highlights a shift to the right on the topic of migrant policy by the Dutch Labour Party.

Undoubtedly, Vogelaar's poor communication skills, painfully exposed by the Dutch media since her tenure began in February 2007, contributed to the fact her own party ousted her. But in the end it was a difference on migrant issues that sparked her departure.

Protestant ex-terrorist found guilty of attempted Sinn Fein murders

NetherlandAmsterdam - Disappointment among the Dutch political left and relief among the political right followed Thursday night's decision by Dutch integration minister Ella Vogelaar to step down.

The decision was prompted by an intraparty dispute over registering juvenile immigrants from the Dutch Antilles in which she lost the backing of her party. She has also been plagued by clumsy performances on Dutch media, which routinely airs footage of her refusing to answer reporters' questions.

Dutch politicians divided over integration minister's departure

NetherlandAmsterdam - Disappointment among the Dutch political left and relief among the political right followed Thursday night's decision by Dutch integration minister Ella Vogelaar to step down.

The decision was prompted by an intraparty dispute over registering juvenile immigrants from the Dutch Antilles in which she lost the backing of her party. She has also been plagued by clumsy performances on Dutch media, which routinely airs footage of her refusing to answer reporters' questions.

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