Row as Iceland plans to resume whaling

ICELAND'S government said yesterday it would allow 40 minke whales to be hunted, ending a temporary halt to a practice which has angered conservationists.

A ministry official said that Einar Gudfinnsson, the minister of fisheries, had issued the order. But the foreign minister, Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir, distanced herself and other members of Iceland's coalition government who belong to the centre-left Social Democrats from the decision.

"The minister of fisheries does not have to consult the government," she said. "As minister for foreign affairs, I believe this is sacrificing long-term interests for short-term gains, despite the quota being smaller than in previous years."