Briefs, December 11, 2012

BERLIN - Germany has expelled four employees of the Syrian embassy in Berlin in a diplomatic move to put pressure on President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said yesterday the expulsion of the four, whose identities were not released by the government, sends a "clear sign that we are reducing relations with the Assad government to an absolute minimum". AP

LONDON - British police have arrested another person in the sex abuse probe spurred by allegations against the late BBC entertainer Jimmy Savile. Officers arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of sexual offences. Six people have been arrested while a seventh has been questioned. No one has yet been charged. AP