GULF SHIPPING

Western Nations Increase Naval Presence to the Gulf

Belgium and Italy have joined other Western countries in sending warships to the Gulf, while Iraq and Iran have marked the completion of the UN Secretary General's peace mission by a full-scale resumption of hostilities involving shelling across the border and air attacks.

Last week Belgium and Italy sent naval forces to the Gulf, reinforcing the Western presence which now totals some 72 vessels, around half of them...