Extra police are patrolling in Northern Ireland in an attempt to stem a tide of racist attacks on immigrants after more violence on Latvians and Filipinos.

On Tuesday night, a gang attacked three Latvian men in their 20s walking in a park in the town of Lurgan, Co Armagh. Police say they may have been assaulted because they are immigrants. One man was stabbed in an arm, and the other two were kicked and beaten.

Independent (http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/story.jsp?story=581601)

A report on paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland has concluded that the IRA has run down many of its operations but has by no means eradicated them.

The report by the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) says the IRA remains a sophisticated terrorist grouping which remains in a state of readiness, though there is no evidence of any preparation for a return to violence.

The picture it gives of dwindling IRA activity may have political significance, in that attempts to make a new deal will hinge on the organisation becoming inert.

The commission, which includes the former CIA man Richard Kerr and John Grieve, a one-time commander of Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist Squad, reports to the British and Irish governments.

Independent (http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/story.jsp?story=579622)

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