11.   The higher education ministry suspended classes at Sudanese universities for one month to enable the students to take part in any fighting.

12.   The ministry temporarily suspended all hospital services, including the intensive-care unit.

13.   In the state of Rhineland Palatinate, the justice ministry immediately suspended all civil service promotions, pending clarification of the ruling.

14.   Late Wednesday the transport ministry suspended negotiations with the rail company after its management obtained a court ruling that the strike was illegal.

15.   Lozi has denied that his ministry had suspended publication of any newspaper.

16.   The finance ministry suspended the bank from all business except deposit withdrawals.

17.   The Lebanese defence ministry has suspended all firearms licences during the holiday season and warned revellers against shooting in the air to celebrate the New Year.