BRUSSELS - In response to Italian media reports that the European Commission had decided to jettison the Holy Sabbath day, the spokesman of the Commission remarked, "I can confirm that the EU has not abolished Sunday."

Andrew Fielding jokingly opened the topic at a daily European Union executive's news briefing. He continued on by explaining the 1993 directive, which set out Sunday as the principle day of rest in terms of working times and conditions for employees. The amended 2000 version of the directive allows more leniency in allowing the member states to choose which day their workers take off.

"There must be a weekly day of rest, but it doesn't necessarily have to be Sunday," Fielding said.

By Paulina C.