In brief: Jewish-born nun canonized; Turks ask for lifting of custom duties

Preparations for the canonization were in the works for a long time, but the process was delayed mainly due to criticism from the Jewish community. Jewish leaders reacted with outrage claiming that "in the eyes of Catholic Church the best Jews are those who convert to Catholicism." Edith Stein was the first Jewish-born person canonized since the Apostles. (Rzeczpospolita, page 1, Reuters) ... Turkish authorities are demanding that Poland annul the custom duties on Turkish textiles beginning in Jan. 1999. Polish Economy Ministry representatives say that this is impossible as the customs protect the Polish textile industry, which is undergoing restructuring. By the end of October, Poland will negotiate its trade deal with Turkey, but according to the Ministry, an agreement is unlikely to be reached. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 27)