The Portugal News - Issue 915

2007·19.5 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

THE PORTUGAL
11 page
directory
weekly More
enquiries than
PROPERTY
in English just
supplement directory
enquiries
inside
Portugal’s National Newspaper in English
7 July 2007 • Edition Nº 915 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
One carjack every Turn to page 33 and READER OFFER:
day
Home Save up to 75% on your Special Health
Preoleliacese dst athtiisst iwcseek show Insurance mobileO phNoneE bill Insurance
that at least one car is underwritten up to one
stolen a day in Portugal by Lloyds of 40%
where motorists are London see
forced out their vehicles off page 21
by gun-wielding
criminals. Police add
that around 80 percent of Brussels slaps Portugal with ultimatum to change car taxation
carjackings occur
between 8pm and 5am. CAR TAX
In a move that could plunge the state of Portugal’s
Interview with Kate finances into disarray, the European Commission has
and Gerry McCann this week told Lisbon to change its laws regarding the
This week Kate and inclusion of the amount of their car registration taxes
Gerry McCann spoke to within the taxable amount of VAT on new cars.
Portuguese-based Calculations show that cars in Portugal are up to seven
media, revealing their percent more expensive due to the misapplication of
constant anguish of not BUNGLE VAT by the state. A number of fiscal experts have
being with their
already said they would recommend consumers seek
daughter. (See Page 3)
to retrieve unduly made VAT payments, while consumer
rights groups have pledged to back motorists all the
Fake priest flees
way to the taxman’s coffers.
country Car Tax, see p. 6
The bogus priest, who
performed countless
religious ceremonies,
including weddings, “It’s not too late to give her back”
funerals and baptisms in
the Algarve, Oporto and -Kate McCann
Braga, (see last week’s
edition of The Portugal
News) appears to have
fled the country, in an
apparent effort to avoid
facing the charges that
have been brought
against him both civilly
and criminally.
Lisbon reveals
world’s Wonders
This Saturday, the grand
revelation of the New
Seven Wonders of the
World will take place in
Lisbon at a ceremony at
Benfica’s stadium, that
is set to be watched by
hundreds of millions of
people across the globe.
(See Page 5)
Security at its
highest for EU
presidency
Despite discounting any
imminent terrorist threat,
Portuguese officials
have mobilised their
biggest-ever security
operation, for the six-
month European Union
presidency that Lisbon
assumed on Sunday.
(See Page 7)
Weekend weather
Lisbon: Saturday: Sunny,
high of 27º Sunday:
Sunny/Windy, high of 24º.
Faro: Saturday: Sunny,
high of 28º Sunday:
Sunny, high of 27º.
Oporto: Saturday: Mostly
Cloudy, high of 23º
Sunday: Cloudy, high of Kate and Gerry McCann pictured in Praia da Luz on Tuesday, two months from the day of Madeleine’s disappearance. (Photo: Darren Fletcher).
21º. See story page 3
news
2 The News
Portugal • 7 Jul 2007
New ties to Brazil ‘enrich’ European
NEWS IN BRIEF
foreign policy - PM Sócrates Man falls from Aljezur cliff
A man fell to his death from a cliff top in Pedra Ruiva, Aljezur,
last weekend. His body was pulled from the waters below after a
two-hour rescue operation that included the efforts of a civilian
Portuguese Prime
protection helicopter, an INEM emergency medical team, and the
Minister José Sócrates,
navy.
who heads the Portuguese EC hopeful Lisbon can kick-start stalled EU-
presidency of the Russia talks
European Union, chaired The EC hopes that Portugal’s EU presidency will manage to
the first EU-Brazil summit start talks with Russia on a new cooperation treaty with the 27-
state bloc, a Brussels official said Tuesday. Marco Franco, the
Wednesday, saying that
EC’s Russia envoy, said after talks with Portugal’s Moscow am-
the EU’s foreign policy had
bassador, Manuel Curto: “Problems preventing the start of nego-
been enriched by the tiations have to be overcome. We hope these difficulties are re-
landmark meeting. solved during Portugal’s EU presidency.” The next EU-Russia
“The EU’s foreign policy has summit takes place October 26 in the second half of Lisbon’s lead-
been (after the summit with Bra- ership of the bloc.
zil) enriched in its depth, en- Two arrested in Faro for muggings
riched in coherence and enriched Faro PSP have announced the arrest of two assailants, one a 17-
in its reach,” said Prime Minis- year-old male the other a 37-year-old man, who are thought to have
ter Sócrates in a joint press con- threatened victims with guns and aids-infected needles, to scare
ference with Brazilian President them into handing over jewellery and money.
Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva fol- Lisbon seeking to raise quality of public
lowing the one-day summit. finances
Mr Sócrates noted that the Portugal’s main priorities for its six-month leadership of the
EU/Brazil summit had been one EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin), compris-
of the big priorities set out for ing finance and economy ministers from the 27-state bloc, are to
the Portuguese presidency of improve quality of public finances in member states, promote
the European Union. private-sector competitiveness and encourage full implementa-
The Lisbon summit was at- tion of the internal market, official sources say. The drawing up of
tended by Brazilian President a common strategy to combat fraud and tax evasion, crimes com-
Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, Por- promising competition in Europe, are other goals for Lisbon’s
tuguese Prime Minister José Ecofin stewardship, as is continuation of the previous presiden-
Sócrates, European Commis- cy’s efforts to adopt a VAT package.
sion chief José Manuel Barroso Sophie Giquel takes first prize in the Portugal
Portuguese Prime Minister and European Union President, José Sócrates (R), welcomes Brazilian and other prominent EU lead- Ladies Open
President, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, prior to an interview on RTP on Wednesday at the Belém ers.
Cultural Centre in Lisbon. President Lusa was in Lisbon to participate in the European Union / Brazil The meeting’s agenda in- French golfer Sophie Giquel has been crowned the winner of
summit. (Photo: Lusa / João Relva) cluded discussion of the EU’s the Ladies Open of Portugal Championship, which took place
on the Gramacho Golf Course, Carvoeiro, Algarve. This latest
Woman burns herself alive in public relationship with the Latin victory places Sophie in sixth place in the overall ranking of the
American free-trade bloc,
Ladies European Tour, as well as fourth place in the Solheim Sup
Mercosul, and Sócrates noted
Standings.
An 80-year-old woman com- It is thought that incessant ar- problems. that he was “satisfied” with EU roaming regulation now in force
Venezuela’s entrance into the
mitted suicide on a public street guments with her eight sons and Fire-fighters who assisted the This summer Europe’s consumers will be able to take advan-
bloc, provided it fulfilled all the
in Vila do Conde by dowsing her- daughter-in-laws, with whom she elderly woman told newspaper tage of cheaper roaming rates as the EU Roaming Regulation came
necessary criteria.
self in alcohol from the waist up, lived in Vilar do Pinheiro, drove 24 Horas how she had been on into force across the EU on 30 June. The Regulation effectively
“If Venezuela wants to be a
and setting herself alight with a the woman to kill herself. Re- one of her daily walks around the means families and companies can benefit from a ‘Eurotariff’ that
member of Mercosul and fulfils
match. ports also state that five years village at approximately 09h30 sets a maximum per minute limit for calls made (€0.49 excl. VAT)
all the criteria, we are satisfied
She later died from her self-in- ago, the woman had received hos- when she “soaked herself in al- and received (€0.24 excl. VAT) when abroad in Europe. Compe-
with that,” Mr Sócrates said at
flicted burns. pital treatment for psychological cohol and lit a match”. tition is expected to further drive prices down.
the post-summit press confer-
A passer-by called an INEM Drunk tourist arrested in Lagos
ence.
emergency medical unit, who A 25-year-old English tourist was arrested by police in
Represented in Portugal by: were unable to save the woman. Speaking at the same press Ameijeira, Lagos, in the early hours of the morning when he
ANGLOPRESS It was concluded “all indica- conference European Commis- was spotted drunk and slashing the wheels of a nearby vehicle.
Edições e sion president, José Manuel
Publicidade, Lda tions point to suicide”. Durão Barroso, alluding to After being caught and approached by the vehicle’s owner the
Allegedly it was not the first two men got involved in a fight, which was quashed when po-
criticisms against Venezuelan
Copyright © 2005 Anglo Press Lda and The News Group of Newspapers time the 80-year-old had at- lice were called to the scene. The tourist continued to resist his
Postal address: Apt 13 8401-901 Lagoa tempted to end her life. Former president, Hugo Chavez, said detention, becoming aggressive towards the officers and sub-
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa that the EU defended freedom
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa work colleague Eva Moreira, con- of speech. sequently offering all of his possessions in exchange for being
Gen.Tel: [phone] Editorial Tel: [phone] firmed, “She had already tried to He added that it was not the let off. He was eventually taken to the local police station after
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone] poison herself”. EU’s role to define the rule of a two-hour struggle.
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone] “She was a hard worker, but Cinema and music at FIESA
EWmeba:ils: [email protected] [email protected] suffered a great deal” said Eva, Mtegerractoiosnu lc,o buultd t sheartv Ee uarso apne eaxna imn-- This summer the FIESA mega sand-sculpture exhibition will
“Lately she hardly left her ple to other blocs. TPN/Lusa be home to open-air movies, classical guitar concerts, and elec-
house”. tronic music. Every Thursday night from21h00 live music ses-
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of
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Travel: Sherry Hughes tan. Portuguese and foreign literature will be available, for adults
Columnists: John Measures, Madge Measures, and children, during the months of July and August from 09h30
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CPhoorrteossp:ondents:GLUwSyAnn, eP rDeyses rAssociation Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card) Saturdays, from 10h00 – 18h00.
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Expiry Date All the latest from Ferragudo on www.f-
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Area Managers: Name be found on the website www.f-ferragudo.pt/noticias.asp. Re-
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, cent news updates have revealed that during the months of July
Sintra) and August an extra first aid office will be established on Praia
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 (Vilamoura, Boliqueime, Address Grande to offer back up and peace of mind for beach-goers. The
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz, unit will be open from 10h00 – 20h00 every day.
Almancil, Quinta do Lago, Mega scuffle breaks out on Trafal beach
Vale do Lobo, Loulé)
Some 20 individuals were involved in a fight that broke out
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz,
Aljezur) between a group of Moldavians and a group of Romanians, on
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão, Phone Nº the Trafal beach, near Quarteira, Loulé, for unknown reasons.
Silves, S B Messines, Two serious injuries and one less serious injury required medi-
Armação de Pêra) Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News, cal assistance, the three wounded parties having been transported
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news
The News • 7 Jul 2007 3
Portugal
“It’s not too late to give her back”,
says Kate McCann
As the world rugby champions joined in ensuring that the
profile of Madeleine McCann remains high by wearing T-
shirts showing her face at their training camp in Portugal,
Kate and Gerry McCann spoke to Portuguese-based media,
revealing their constant anguish of not being with their
daughter.
H
eld on Tuesday, July other European states. electronic media which started a
3rd, which also marked On how long they intend stay- chain, and that had a huge impact
the second month ing in Portugal, Kate answered: over the first 24 hours. All I am
anniversary of “At the moment we are just tak- doing is to maximise the search for
Madeleine’s disappearance, the ing one day at a time. We are not Madeleine”, added Gerry.
McCanns exhibited their looking far ahead”. The McCanns also requested
customary composure, though Gerry admitted: “We are com- that any leads be taken to police
appeared nervous at the outset of mitted to staying and we feel (and not them).
the interview, conducted by three closer to Madeleine here. Also, When the final question was
journalists representing it has been such an active investi- posed, “What message do you
television, radio and the written gation, with so much information have for Madeleine’s abduc-
media. coming through, and for the time- tors?” Kate looking directly at the
Having moved to their new being we would like to stay here. camera, launched an impassioned
accommodation, which Kate and It is more practical. For the fore- plea, saying: “It is not too late to
Gerry have requested not be dis- seeable future we will remain give her back.”
closed, the interview was held in here.” The McCanns, before ending
Praia da Luz in an office at the Questioned over speculation the interview which was limited
Ocean Club’s 24-hour reception that the McCanns no longer in- to 20 minutes, expressed grati-
area. tended working as doctors, Gerry tude towards the Portuguese
Clutching Madeleine’s toy said: “Right now we are not ca- people for all their support and
‘Cuddle Cat’ in one hand and pable of working as doctors. We patience.
husband Gerry’s with the other, still feel a lot can be done by our- After the interview, Gerry
Kate was more subdued, though selves. What we don’t want is to posted this comment on
spoke assertively whenever she look back in another three or four www.findmadeleine.com: “We
answered a question. months and say we wish we had did a single interview today for
Despite their quiet-spoken done this or that. At the minute the Portuguese media. The inter-
nature, the emotion that one the decision is we will stay in view marked the fact that it is two
senses to be hiding just behind the Portugal, though we are regularly months to the day since
surface of the McCanns’ appar- reviewing our situation, but we Madeleine was abducted.
ent composure is contagious and are not ready to go back to work.” We also want to work closely
almost tangible. Kate added: “Our main job and with the media here in Portugal
One of the journalists present our main priority is to find and engage closely with the Por-
at the interview and who has ac- Madeleine.” tuguese people who have been so
companied the case from Day 1, As to the reasons for the supportive.
admitted that she was so taken by McCanns opting to stay in Por- We were asked what was the
the couple that she lost herself, tugal, Kate said she “feels closer hardest day since Madeleine dis-
and had to hold back her tears. to Madeline here”, while Gerry appeared and replied that every
The questions, were agreed to indicated that the dynamic nature day has been hard without
by the three journalists prior to of investigations in Portugal Madeleine. We also stated that
the interview. makes them feel they should re- our determination to find
Answering the first question, main here. Madeleine is matched by the
“How would you summarise the The reasons their ordeal has Portuguese police and that we
past 60 days?” Gerry repeatedly attracted more attention than have a good working relationship
said: “It is incredibly hard with- possibly any other child abduc- with them.”
out Madeleine”, though he em- tion in history?
phasised the importance of the “It is an interesting question”,
“goodwill and support received said Gerry. “I thought I could give
from around the world”. you all the answers, but there are
Kate and Gerry, while they a number of circumstances, and I
have no international trips think that the fact that the abduc-
planned for the near future, are tion of foreign children in a for-
looking “to make as many peo- eign country played a part and
ple as possible aware of then the other aspect of this is that
Madeleine”, which could be done we and our family and friends
by advertising campaigns in Por- have decided to campaign to max-
Kate and Gerry McCann (Photo: The Portugal News / Paul Luckman tugal and in Spain, and possibly imise the media exposure, and
news
4 The News • 7 Jul 2007
Portugal
Campaign launched after rare disease
claims baby’s life
Benjamim McCall Rafael baffled doctors for the duration of his short life. Born on October
12th, 2006 in Lisbon’s São Francisco Xavier Hospital, Benjamim is believed to have been
the first person in Portugal to suffer from the extremely rare Pallister-Hall syndrome, of
which there are only 100 documented cases in the world.
H
is determination and A cheque was presented to
will to survive gave Samantha Rafael during the
parents Pedro and school’s end-of-term assembly,
Samantha Rafael an witnessed by other parents and
unanticipated seven and a half all of the students and staff.
months to share with their son, At an emotional ceremony,
time they were not sure they Carl Sheard, Samantha’s stepfa-
would have. ther and a teacher at São Lourenço
They are now using their son’s described his stepdaughter as
fighting example to raise aware- “An inspiration who even in her
ness concerning the disease as deepest depths of despair strove
well as raising money to donate to find good in the situation and
to under-funded children’s units give hope to others”.
in hospitals around Portugal. Mr Sheard, a biology teacher,
Benjamim was the Rafael’s was responsible for introducing
second son, brother to seven- the school to Benjami,’s plight, a
year-old Alex and a much-wanted cause that both children and
baby. The first signs of compli- adults compassionately took to
cations were detected during the and made their own.
20-week scan, which showed a Accepting the cheque,
mal-formation of the heart, an Samantha broke down momen-
extra digit and a cyst on the head. tarily as she whispered, “I al-
A termination was offered, ways intended to bring Ben to see
though specialists also suggested you”, and said an “enormous
most of the problems could be ‘Thank You’” to all those who
surgically resolved. helped in the fundraising. The
As the unborn baby was dearly money raised is already being put
sought, the Rafaels decided to let to good use, supporting the cam-
nature take its course despite paign for better paediatric facili-
many friends and family offering ties at Faro hospital.
advice to the contrary. New equipment has already
It was through Samantha’s been ordered and will be installed
own research that the Pallister- shortly.
Hall syndrome was suggested. L-R: Professor Carl Sheard, year 12 student and editor of the school magazine Ed Baker, and Baby Braveheart’s mum, Samantha A series of fund-raising events
Despite not yet being fully Rafael. are planned for the duration of the
year, and more information on
events, donations, and the syn-
confirmed (tests are currently require €55,000, and one that she
drome can be found on:
Classifieds being carried out in the USA), is determined to reach. www.babybraveheart.com.
national doctors and specialists Keenly involved in the mis- The Rafael family would espe-
are “99.9 per cent sure” that sion is the São Lourenço Interna- cially like to thank family and
Benjamim was Portugal’s first tional School, who through char- friends, São Lourenço Interna-
case of the rare condition. ity-raising events collected tional school, CTT-CDP
that work Born by caesarean, Benjamim €1,400 for Baby Braveheart’s Albufeira, Jeropa Travel Agency,
spent the first 24-hours of his life fund. Students, parents, teachers the Algarve Auctions, everyone
on a ventilator, though proved and staff organised cake-selling else for their thoughts and dona-
able to breathe unassisted. A events, barbeques, quizzes and tions, and all the hospitals in-
week later a rare and benign tu- sponsored non-uniform days, volved for their dedication to-
Your classified in The mour was detected. In December, which in total raised €1432,24. wards baby Benjamim.
Portugal News will be Benjamim was operated on to
seen all over Portugal (in remove the growth, and was al-
print) and all over the lowed to spend Christmas at Join us for our
world (on line). home with his family.
Throughout the following
An estimated 60,000 months the infant recovered from Service of
people will see what you heart surgery and fought aggres-
have to offer and will react sive illnesses including bronchi- Holy Communion
fast because if they wait, tis, pneumonia, and septicaemia.
it will be too late. He finally gave up fighting on
June 2nd, 2006, aged seven and a
You can place an ad for half months, five and a half of
as little as €1.50 per which had been spent in hospi-
week (3 words) or take tal.
advantage of our special Even though his battle was
display ad (4 x 5 cm) @ lost, Samantha and Pedro have
€25 p.w. for 10 weeks. nothing but praise and admiration
for all hospitals and their staff
involved in helping the family,
not only for their medical exper-
Sundays 10.30
tise, but also for their ‘human Community Centre
touch’ and emotional support ALMANCIL
during the treatments.
Braveheart is a nickname (ASCA - Associação
fondly and fittingly given to ALL Social e Cultural de
Benjamim, derived from his Scot- Almancil)
FCialll li nS óthneia fo ornm 7 o0n7 P5.0 603 6 o7r7 or toifs ht haen cwesetbrsyi.t Iet iasn adl sfoo tuhned naatimone 28F2o r3 d8i0re 3c1t1io nasn,y ctaimlle
Send by Fax: [phone] or created in his memory and which
will hopefully improve the con-
Place on line: www.the-news.net/ads (save 10%) A N G L I C A N C H U R C H
dition of children’s units in hos-
pitals around the country. PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev’d Eric Britt
Samantha’s ultimate goal is to Tel: [phone]
purchase state-of-the-art ultra- [email protected] • www.allsaintsalgarve.org
sound scanning equipment for
babies conceived with rare and Please enquire about Baptism Services, Marriage
For Classifieds that really work genetic diseases as well as for Blessings, Funeral Services etc.
premature babies – a goal that will
news
The News 5
Portugal • 7 Jul 2007
Wonders revealed this weekend
This weekend, on Saturday July 7th, the hosted by Bipasha Basu, Hilary
grand revelation of the new Seven Swank and Ben Kingsley. It will
include performances by
Wonders will be taking place in Lisbon at
Jennifer Lopez, Dulce Pontes,
a ceremony that will be watched by Chaka Khan, Jose Carreras,
hundreds of millions of people across Alessandro Safina and Joaquín
the globe. Simultaneously, seven Cortés. Special guests are to in-
landmark monuments chosen from 21 clude legendary astronaut Neil
Armstrong, football hero
national candidates for their historical
Cristiano Ronaldo, record-set-
and present importance will be revealed ting balloonist Bertrand Piccard
during a ceremony held at Benfica and, of course, the President of
football club’s home stadium, the the New7Wonders Panel of Ex-
‘Stadium of Light’, in Lisbon. perts, former Director-General
of UNESCO Prof. Federico
Mayor. The gala show will be
Amongst the 21 possibilities, mid-18th century and remains one choreographed by Canada’s re-
judges will be able to choose from of the region’s most visited and nowned Olympic ceremony vet-
the Castelo de Almourol (Vila mysterious monuments. eran Jacques Lemay.
Nova da Barquinha, Santarém), Coimbra University is a strong The event will take place at
a high-walled castle with nine contender due to its renowned Portugal’s largest venue, the
towers located on a small island architecture and the National Estadio da Luz (known to many
in the middle of the Tagus river, Palaces of Pena and Queluz as Benfica Stadium), starting at
the Castelo de Guimarães (Sintra, Lisbon) also offer strong 21:30 and ending at 23:00.
(Guimarães, Braga), and the cas- competition. The latest published polls
tles of Marvão (Portalegre) and Also in the running is one of show that the top ten most voted
Óbidos (Leiria). Lisbon’s most famous monu- sites are, in alphabetical order:
Various convents and ments, the Torre de Belém, as The Acropolis, Chichén Itzá, the
churches comprise the list, in- well as a Roman Temple found Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the
cluding the famous Convent and in Évora, which was Portugal’s Great Wall of China, Machu
Basílica of Mafra (Mafra, first ever great archaeological dis- Picchu, Petra, the Statue of Christ
Lisboa), and the São Francisco covery. Redeemer, the Statues of Easter
and Torre dos Clérigos churches, Joining together to celebrate Island, and the Taj Mahal.
in Oporto. the New 7 Wonders of the World The bottom ten are: Angkor, the
Representing the Algarve is a wide variety of illustrious per- Alhambra, Hagia Sophia,
Sagres Fortress, positioned on sonalities from different walks of Kiyomizu Temple, the Kremlin Above: The Mateus Palace in
the edge of a cliff in the South- life will take part in the ceremony and St. Basil’s Cathedral, Vila Real, candidate for the
west Alentejo and Costa All eyes will be on Benfica Neuschwanstein Castle, the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Vreimceondteinllae dN aetxutreanls iPvaerlky. Iint wthaes Sartea daniunmou ansc tehde. TNheew s h7o Ww ownidlle bres SStyadtunee yo Of pLeirbae Hrtyo,u sSet,oannedheTnigme-, (PhSoatorm: Leunstao /C Poesdtrao)
buktu.
Lisbon airport
Portugal third biggest
fourth noisiest
visitor to Brazil
The Lisbon International Airport at Portela is fourth on a
Portugal’s tourist flow to Brazil was the third highest in
list of European airports when it comes to the negative
2006, behind Argentina and the United States, officials
effects it has on people living in its vicinity, a study by a
announced.
British non-governmental organisation has found.
Brazilian Tourism officials Although last year’s 5 million
said that a total of 312,52 Por- tourists represented a decline of
According to the study by of night flights represented five
tuguese nationals visited Brazil 6.3 percent in comparison to
Greenskies, published earlier percent of the traffic, while
in 2006 maintaining the coun- 2005, when Brazil welcomed a
this week, 180,000 residents in Heathrow reaches 14 percent,
ty’s position as the third most total of 5.4 million visitors, tour-
the Portuguese capital are di- followed by Tegal (ten) and
important tourism source, a ist expenditures in the same pe-
rectly affected by the airport at Charles De Gaulle (six).
ranking led by Argentina riod increased 10.2 percent to
Portela. Greenskies further explains
(921,06) and the United States US$4.3 billion, driven by in-
Topping the table is London that 600,000 nocturnal flights
(721,63). creased purchasing power, ac-
Heathrow, with 504,000 af- take place in Europe each year.
According to the National cording to official figures.
fected people, followed by Research indicates that pro-
Tourism Institute, the Portu- The crisis of the national air
Tegel Airport in Berlin longed exposure to noise (be-
guese tourist flow to Brazil in- carrier Varig, which led to a de-
(360,000) and Charles de tween five and 30 years) from
creased 78.6 percent between cline of flights to foreign coun-
Gaulle, Paris (216,000). air traffic, at between 65 and 70
2003 and 2006. Lisbon’s in- tries, is viewed by the same
On a par with Lisbon are de decibels, causes an increase in
vestments in the sector through source as one of the main rea-
Orly (Paris) and Hamburg (Ger- blood pressure and could also
2009, it added, reached about sons for the reduction of foreign Another candidate for the Seven Wonders of Portugal:
many). In Lisbon, the number result in hypertension.
280 million euros. tourism in Brazil. TPN/Lusa Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. (Photo: Lusa / Inácio Rosa)
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news
6 The News • 7 Jul 2007
Portugal
Improvements ahead for Earthquake of 5.3
goes unnoticed in
Portugal’s care services
Algarve
Christina Toft explained to The Portugal News how she “While the number of children’s people.
and her team of highly-qualified trainers would be setting crèches in Portugal is rising, it ap- The assessment centre is sub- Despite having its epicentre located closest
up a centre in the Algarve to help train and develop ptreaainrse dth cehrield a craer nerost t oen goou agrohu fnudll,y” jteiocnt tso, asntrdin tgoe dnatt bei iatn hnausa rle icnesipveecd- to the Algarve, an earthquake last Sunday
Portuguese and other EU students in the field of care for she said. Christina pointed out top marks for the professional- measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale went
adults and children. It will be the first of its kind in Portugal. that as more mothers are forced to ism and dedication shown by its largely undetected in southern Portugal.
go out to work, many of their chil- staff towards developing the
dren are being cared for by people skills of trainees who go on to While Northern District Civil confirmed a number of call-ins,
who have probably received no work within local authority cen- Protection Commands (CDOS) though none requested help or
training in childcare. tres, and the private and volun- received a number of phone calls assistance.
She will also be providing tary sector providing treatment reporting an earthquake, com- The epicentre, confirmed by
training for those working with for the adult sector and children mands in the Algarve said no the National Meteorology Insti-
adults in care. and young people in social care.
calls had been received whatso- tute, was located near the
Christina is confident that her Christina and her team are
ever, and that the significant Gorringe trench, which is situ-
help programme will receive EU looking to establish their training
quake appeared to have gone un- ated mid-Atlantic 280 kilometres
funding and said it will specialise centre for carers in the central
noticed. west of Sagres, Southern Portu-
in training and provide UK Na- Algarve, and are presently
tional Vocational Qualification searching for suitable sites, one While the Algarve remained gal, in an almost direct line be-
(gNueVsQe c)a arsesress bseocros mtoe h fuellply P qouratlui-- oscf hwoohli clohc aiste ad nfoearmr teor Spãroim Barráys otrbemlivoiro, ucesn ttroa l otfhfeic iafolsu irn- SseectúSobnadl tdweierea.n the continent and Ma-
fied under UK and EU regulations de Alportel.
in looking after vulnerable chil- Christina’s team of trainers
dren and adults. say they can help trainees achieve Are you a KYPER?
For the past 42 years Christina the UK NVQ within 12 months,
has dedicated herself to caring which greatly assists them in
both within the field of nursing gaining a full degree in social care You obviously like low cost phone calls, but did you
and social work. Christina is a much quicker than they would
know you can continue to use SKYPE and still save
qualified nurse and social worker otherwise be able to.
and was awarded her NVQ cer- For further information another50% on your monthly phone costs.
tificate in 1987. please contact Christina on HOW?
She said that in 1998 nearly 80 912025312 (mobile) – 289 845
per cent of all care workers in the 658 (landline) or email: Call World Telecom on 707 500 600
UK were unqualified – as is more [email protected]
or less the situation in Portugal
today – but the introduction of
the NVQ scheme quickly re- Car Tax, from p.1.
tory of the member state con- ready purchased vehicles and
versed the trend.
Portugal has been given two cerned. were forced to pay ‘tax on a tax’.
In 1993, Christina took the
bold step of setting up her own months within which to bring its The rules on the taxable A former state secretary for
social care training company and road taxes in line with European amount of VAT having been har- fiscal affairs said that taxpayers
NVQ Assessment Centre, Cor- Union legislation. monised at EU level, the uniform “will have a legitimate right to
porate Image Training Limited in While this EC ruling could cost application of those rules is an question the charging of VAT on
West London, and has since pro- the Portuguese state billions of essential condition for the car taxes, in court”.
vided training to more than 7,000 euros in unduly claimed and fu- proper operation of the VAT Another tax expert, Diogo
ture taxes, the government has, system. The EC has taken the Ortigão, in comments to the
since the ruling, opted to main- view that the criteria of the Court press, explained that “consum-
tain total silence on the matter. in the case against Denmark must ers will have a legal right to claim
For only 60 cents
The EC this week found regis- be applied to the car taxes levied back VAT”, a situation which
tration tax should not be included in Portugal. could leave the taxman’s coffers
in the taxable amount of VAT. The Association of Automo- in a desperate state.
This move by Brussels comes in bile Commerce (ACAP) has wel- The chairman of the Associa-
we’ll find your number the shape of a reasoned opinion comed the EC ruling, arguing that tion for Portuguese Consumer
(which is the second step of an the current model followed in Rights (APDC) has, meanwhile,
EU infringement procedure). Portugal is “contrary to Euro- lamented that it has taken the
Portugal includes the amount pean law”. The association added country “so long to wake up to
and we’ll find it of its car tax (Imposto Automóvel) that it has already sought legal this illegality”.
within the taxable amount of advice to confirm the illegitimacy “It needed the European Com-
within one minute! VAT, which the EC says consti- of the car tax law, and will be pre- mission’s intervention for so-
tutes a tax of a tax. senting its position to the Min- called tax experts to take note of
The EC bases its findings on a istry of Finance. this scandalous problem”, he
from ruling by the European Court of With the new road tax coming added.
Justice against Denmark for a into force on Monday, sales in Another consumer rights
fixed phones,
similar offence. June were dramatically distorted. group, DECO, has pledged its
call boxes, mobiles directory The Court ruled that, in the Despite claims by the govern- support for any motorist wish-
and mobiles on enquiries context of a contract of sale, pro- ment that cars would be cheaper ing to claim back VAT paid on
roaming viding the dealer supplies a vehi- by an average of ten percent, the vehicles, should the Portuguese
National & in English cle registered for a price, which arrival of the new car tax resulted state lose its case in the European
International includes the registration tax (RT) in a rush to purchase new vehicles. Justice Tribunal.
Business & he paid before supplying the ve- Commercial vehicle sales News of the EC’s position
Private hicle, the amount of that duty soared by 104.3 percent, while against Portugal comes in the
must not be included within the sales also jumped for people car- week that new car tax legislation
taxable amount of the VAT riers and larger saloon vehicles. came into force.
charged on the sale of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the ANECRA car Under the new law, cars with
Monday to Friday This is because, firstly, the RT is association has said that buying engine capacities ranging from
09:30 - 18:00 charged by reason of the registra- a new car will be cheaper by be- 1250cc to 1750cc, and who emit
tion of the vehicle and not by rea- tween 1.26 and 7 percent, were between 120 and 180 grams of
son of the supply and, secondly, the government to be forced into CO2 emissions per kilometre will
because the RT is paid by the complying with community leg- pay an average of €125 a year in
supplier of the vehicle on ac- islation. road tax. Due to this higher figure
count of the purchaser. However, respected tax expert in road tax, list prices have fallen
The Commission explains Manuel Teixeira Fernandes has by around two to three percent.
that the car taxes levied in Portu- warned that the government will In some cases, the cost of a car
gal, despite some minor or ancil- find ways to recover lost VAT has risen by €8,000 in real terms.
lary differences, are basically revenue. He predicted, “The gov- Older and more polluting cars
identical to the Danish one exam- ernment will probably increase will continue to pay lower taxes
ined by the Court. Thus, all of the car tax to compensate a loss than those of new, hybrid cars,
them are one-off taxes which are in revenue”. despite the government’s insist-
payable on the acquisition of the But the consumers who stand ence that the new legislation is es-
motor vehicle or as a condition for to gain most from the EC’s ruling sentially “environmentally
bringing it into use on the terri- this week are those who have al- friendly”.
news
The News 7
Portugal • 7 Jul 2007
PM declines to
confirm Mugabe’s
presence at Africa
summit
Portuguese Prime Minister country that now holds the presi-
José Sócrates refused to clarify dency of the Union.”
on Monday whether Zimba- The success of the forthcom-
bwean President Robert Mugabe ing EU-AU summit, Sócrates re-
will attend an EU-Africa summit iterated, will depend on making a
later this year in Lisbon, but distinction between EU-Zimba-
warned that Europe has “paid bwe ties and EU relations with
dear” for its lack of dialogue with Africa as a whole.
the African continent. Despite an EU travel ban and
After a meeting in Oporto with sanctions against Harare’s lead-
European Commission chief José ers, Portugal has continued to
Manuel Barroso, Portugal’s press for the overdue EU-AU
prime minister was questioned meeting to take place and today
by reporters on whether Mugabe there “is an increasingly positive
would be invited to the Decem- climate between the EU and AU,”
ber EU-AU meeting in Lisbon. noted Sócrates. European Commision President JosÈ Manuel Barroso (R), and Prime Minister, JosÈ SÛcrates (L), pull down the Portuguese flag
For the summit to be a success, “The summit will be a turning covering a plate to mark the Portuguese presidency of European Union, prior to the joint meeting of the Portuguese Government and
said Sócrates, bilateral EU-Zim- point, as it will establish a stra- the European Commission at Alfandega Congress Centre in Oporto on Monday. (Photo: Lusa / AntÛnio Cotrim)
babwe relations must be sepa- tegic partnership between the Barroso foresees ‘no rivalry’ with
rated from relations between the two blocs and also “define the
two continents. institutional relationship to ap-
“During the past seven years, ply this partnership.”
Europe has paid the price of not Ahead of the December 8-9 Sócrates over EU leadership
having...regular dialogue with summit in the Portuguese capital,
Africa. Europe has lost through “diplomatic formulae will be
this and has learnt to distinguish found to benefit African and Eu-
between a bilateral relation be- ropean leaders,” said Portugal’s European Commission President JosÈ Manuel Dur„o Barroso, a former Portuguese prime minister, has
tween the EU and Zimbabwe and prime minister, who is travelling
dismissed any thought that he and Prime Minister JosÈ SÛcrates will dispute European Union leadership
a European relationship with a to Ghana to address the closing
group of African countries.” session of the AU summit in during Portugalís six-month presidency, saying they share the same objective - to move Europe forward.
Portugal, which staged the in- Accra on Tuesday, Lisbon gov-
augural EU-Africa summit in ernment sources told Lusa. “Each of us has his function tion”, he said. Durão Barroso in- His Social Democratic succes- heavy defeat in early elections
and both have the same objective, terrupted his mandate as Portu- sor, Pedro Santana Lopes, was that brought Sócrates’ Socialists
2000 during its previous EU Zimbabwe’s embattled presi-
presidency, has a particular inter- dent is among African leaders at which is to make Europe ad- guese prime minister in 2004 to forced to resign the following to power with a parliamentary
est in ensuring the delayed sec- the Accra summit. Mugabe used vance”, Durão Barroso told Lusa head the European Commission. year and the party suffered a majority.TPN/Lusa
in an interview in Brussels.
ond summit between the two a meeting on the sidelines of the
blocs goes ahead this year, added summit Sunday to garner sup- “The European Commission
the Portuguese leader. port from fellow African leaders and I are in another area of re-
sponsibility, but working in soli-
“There are (European) coun- for his regime, making personal
tries that could live with an ab- attacks on ex-British premier darity with the Portuguese presi-
sence of dialogue with Africa Tony Blair, whose government dency”, he said of future coop-
eration with his former domestic
during seven years. But there is had led EU opposition to
one country that cannot exist Mugabe’s presence at an EU-AU political rival.
like this and which doesn’t want summit planned in 2003. TPN/ Durão Barroso, the ex-leader
this to continue: Portugal, the Lusa of Portugal’s centre-right Social
Democrats, pledged to do every-
thing possible to aid the success
No re-opening of talks on
of Lisbon’s EU presidency, re-
specting “the initiative” of
revised treaty, say Portuguese Sócrates’ Socialist government.
Lisbon, he said, could count on
PM and EC chief “loyal and committed coopera-
tion” from Brussels during its
mandate, especially in regard to
European Commission agreement on the bloc’s voting the challenge of overseeing the
President José Manuel Barroso system, one of the main stick- drafting and approval of the
and Portugal’s prime minister, ing points during last month’s bloc’s Reform Treaty.
José Sócrates, have rejected the fraught Brussels summit. “What Europe hopes today is
possibility of any further nego- For Portugal’s prime minis- that (the Portuguese presidency)
tiations on a mandate agreed last ter, who took over the rotating reaches a final accord that will
month by EU leaders for a re- EU presidency Sunday, the reform European institutions”,
form treaty. possibility of renegotiating as- he said, warning against the like-
Barroso, speaking at a joint pects of the new treaty lihood of some unnamed govern-
press conference with Sócrates, “doesn’t even exist.” ments trying to “reorient” the fi-
was adamant there can be no “It doesn’t exist because the nal text that Lisbon hopes to see
further political discussions on accord reached expresses the approved in October.
an accord agreed by EU mem- wish of all member states...for Durão Barroso expressed
ber states, at the end of the Ger- the conclusion of the treaty to hope that the presidency would
man presidency of the bloc to be as quick as possible,” by the confirm Portugal’s “European
begin an intergovernmental informal summit in Lisbon vocation”, saying he had “full
conference (IGC) later this planned for October 18-19, said confidence” in the leadership
month. The IGC is the only EU Sócrates. abilities of Sócrates and Foreign
body empowered to modify the Portugal is committed to Minister Luís Amado.
bloc’s treaties. opening the IGC on July 23 and Although Lisbon only as-
“We cannot allow questions Sócrates said that EC chief sumed the EU helm Sunday, he
already agreed to be re-opened,” Barroso, a former centre-right said Portugal was already mak-
said the EC chief, adding further Portuguese prime minister, ing its influence felt through the
discussions on matters already would be present at the open- priority it has attributed to estab-
agreed by EU leaders would be ing of the meeting. lishing a “strategic partnership
“unthinkable.” “The Commission president between the bloc and Brazil and
A little over a week after the informed me that he also wants to hosting a Europe-Africa sum-
EU agreed the shape of a revised to take part in this meeting. I am mit to re-launch relations be-
treaty to replace its aborted grateful for this gesture as it will tween the two continents.
constitution, Poland has sig- give the IGC a larger importance “I think these priorities reflect
nalled it could again question the and dimension.” much of what is Portugal’s voca-
8 news The News
Portugal • 7 Jul 2007
Brussels plans to approve common
migration policy at Lisbon summit
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said Monday that
Brussels aims to approve a range of proposals for a common European
policy on immigration at a December EU leaders’ summit towards the end
of Portugal’s presidency of the bloc.
Speaking in Oporto after talks the areas of justice, liberty and flows begin,” said Sócrates, who
with Portuguese Prime Minister security.” took over the rotating EU presi-
José Sócrates, the EC chief said Prime Minister Sócrates, dency a day earlier.
he considered it “absurd that a speaking alongside Barroso, Socrates and Barroso both de-
Europe wanting to become an called for a common EU migration fended that the new EU treaty,
open space has 27 separate poli- policy based on the principles of whose approval is a key priority
cies” in relation to the issue of mi- “combating illegal immigration” of Lisbon’s leadership of the
gration. and “recognition of the economic bloc, will have instruments to
“The problems of Europe are value and social rights of immi- tighten security cooperation
global and merit a global re- grants.” among EU member states to coun-
sponse. With the approval of the “Portugal is also committed to ter the ongoing threat from ter-
new Reform Treaty it will be nec- a policy that values cooperation rorism.
essary to make more progress in with states where migratory TPN/Lusa
‘Investment’ in foreign, defence policies
needed to make bloc true global player
Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Severiano Teixeira has called for serious
“investment” in the European Union’s foreign affairs, security and defence policies
to make the bloc a “true global actor”.
Minister Severiano Teixeira São Julião da Barra Fort outside its traditional partnerships
issued the challenge Wednes- Lisbon were German Defence with NATO and the United Na-
day night at a ceremony signal- Minister Franz Josef Jung, sen- tions, while simultaneously
ling the transfer of the EU’s de- ior EU diplomat Javier Solana, seeking to boost diplomatic,
fence and security responsi- and the Slovene defence minister, security and defence relations
bilities from Germany, the whose country follows Portugal with Africa.
bloc’s outgoing president, to in leading the bloc. Lisbon has scheduled a sum-
Portugal. Among Lisbon’s priorities for mit with the African Union for
“Only with this impulse, the sectors during its presidency, December and invited the de-
this investment” (in common which began on Sunday, Severiano fence ministers of North Afri-
foreign, security and defence Teixeira underlined plans for po- ca’s five Maghreb countries to
policies) can we make the EU lice and human rights missions in attend an informal meeting of
a truWe global actor”, he said. KosovoE and Afghanistan. BEU defence ministers in Évora
Attending the ceremony at He said the EU would continue in September. TPN/Lusa
Portuguese elite policemen guard the surroundings of the Casa da Música (House of Music)
where the ceremonies of the beginning of the Portuguese EU presidency took place in Oporto on
July 1st. (Photo: Lusa / João Abreu Miranda)
Security apparatus for presidency
biggest-ever in Portugal
Web (INTERNET) noun [S]
the system of connected documents on the Internet, which often contain colour pictures, video
and sound, and which can be searched for information about a particular subject: Despite discounting any imminent terrorist threat, Portuguese officials
(FromCambridgeAdvanced Learner’s Dictionary)
have mobilised their biggest-ever security operation for the six-month
European Union presidency that Lisbon assumed on Sunday.
If only creating a website was as easy as that
It all sounds so simple and straight forward That’s where we can help. We have experts Given the lengthy timeframe from Spain’s Basque terrorist years ago.
and the large number of officers ETA was “completely Meanwhile, Portuguese Prime
doesn’t it? Well perhaps it used to be, but it in design, Perl script, databases, flash
involved, General Leonel de sidelined” and threats from Is- Minister José Sócrates, com-
isn’t now. Today’s surfers are web savvy, animations, credit card platforms and many
Carvalho, the secretary-general lamic radicals would be much menting on the threat of global
demanding, and expect much more than a other skills. Not just in Portugal, but also in
of the Security Coordination more likely in Britain or neigh- terrorism in the wake of attacks
few pictures and words put together using Northern Europe and India. Have a look at Office, told Lusa that the EU bouring Spain, he said. in Great Britain, has said in-
a standard web site template. the Portugal News eNewspaper to see what presidency security network was The general also said that creased cooperation among Eu-
our specialists can do. “the largest such operation ever Portuguese security forces did rope’s police forces is “abso-
Today’s web site can put your company organized in Portugal”. not expect major problems from lutely essential”.
and services right into your clients home or We can help you find the most cost effective Gen. de Carvalho declined to anti-globalisation demonstra- “The links between (EU)
business. It can deliver streamed video, way to develop outstanding websites at a give numbers, but other sources tors, whose most radical fac- member countries and among
virtual tours, take orders, and receive credit very competitive cost. linked to the operation said that tions have frequently sought to their security forces are abso-
card payments, in fact there’s not much you during peak presidency events, disrupt big international politi- lutely essential”, Sócrates said
can’t do via the web. Our own in-house specialists will coordinate such as the Europe-Africa sum- cal events through violent ac- Sunday in Oporto, where the
your project and deliver results that will mit planned for Lisbon in Decem- tion. Portuguese and European Com-
The only problem is finding the people with delight you, your clients, (and your ber, as many as 3,000 police of- “We don’t expect any of mission executives met for the
the skills to create sites with the accountant). ficers and troops would be mo- this”, he said, underlining that his first time under Lisbon’s presi-
sophistication today’s surfers appreciate bilised. office constantly evaluated the dency of the 27-nation bloc.
De Carvalho downplayed the changing potential risks to the The fight against terrorism, he
and demand.
threat of terrorist strikes, but ac- Portuguese EU presidency. added, was an “important” aspect
knowledged the possibility does Police forces and troops who of the European vision.
exist, saying precautions had and will be involved in security op- “It is important they we all be-
Algráfica were being taken. erations over the six months be- come aware that the European
Apt. 13 “The threat exists, because it’s gan their training last year, and de project can be helpful in combat-
8401-901 Lagoa global, but it’s moderate” in na- Carvalho noted that much of the ing terrorism”, the union’s new
Tel: [phone] ture, he said, adding that land and human and material resources president told journalists, react-
email [email protected] maritime border controls had required had been in place since ing to the string of weekend ter-
Graphic Design, Web sites & Advertising Affiliated with The Portugal News been reinforced. Portugal hosted the Euro 2004 rorist actions in London and Glas-
The possibility of an attack football championship three gow.
news
The Portugal News • 7 Jul 2007 9
EU PRESIDENCY BRIEFS
Presidency seeking to avoid rifts on Kosovo
Portugal’s incoming EU chair will work to avoid differences
among member states in relation to Kosovo, a senior Portuguese
diplomat said. Speaking in Brussels after talks with EU officials
on Portugal’s position on the future status of Kosovo, State Sec-
retary for European Affairs Manuel Lobo Antunes said: “The last
thing we want are divisions. It cannot be that some choose option
“A” and others option “B”, said Lobes Antunes, adding: “A de-
cision acceptable to all parties will be necessary”. Currently un-
der UN administration, the breakaway province could separate
from Serbia under proposals backed by the US and the EU, but
opposed by Russia.
MidEast Quartet likely to hold 1st meeting during
Lisbon’s presidency
The first meeting of the quartet of Middle East peace mediators
will probably take place during the Portuguese EU presidency,
the 27-state bloc’s foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said. The
EU’s top diplomat said after talks in Lisbon with Portuguese
Foreign Minister Luis Amado: “We’ll have the first meeting of
the Middle East Quartet (Russia, the EU, the US and the UN)
very probably during the Portuguese presidency, and very likely
in August.” Earlier this week, a Palestinian Authority envoy asked
Portugal’s foreign minister for EU financial support and raised
the idea of deployment of international peacekeepers to the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. Questioned on the reported Middle East
European Commision President José Manuel Barroso (L) and Prime Minister, José Sócrates (2nd L), look on while Portuguese Environment
peacekeeping plan, Solana said no concrete proposals have yet Minister, Nunes Correia and Polish Danuta Hubner, Commissioner for Regional Policy sign documents, after the meeting of the Portuguese
been made, declining to reveal the EU’s position on the issue. Government and the European Commission on Monday the 02 July 2007, at Alfândega Congress Centre, in Oporto. (Photo: Lusa / João
Abreu Miranda)
Multi-billion fund accord for Portugal marks first
day of presidency Portugal invites three North African
Lisbon and the European Commission signed a multi-billion
euro funding package for Portugal Monday, the first working day
of the Portuguese EU presidency. The Strategic National Refer-
states to environment meet
ence Framework, known by the Portuguese acronym QREN, is
worth 21.5 billion euros and is set to run through 2013. The QREN
2007/2013 accord was signed in northern Oporto by Brussels’
Regional Policy Commissioner and Lisbon’s environment and ter-
ritorial planning minister, Nunes Correia, on the sidelines of the
first meeting of the Portuguese and European executives. Prime Portugal has invited Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to join the European Union in discussions on climate
Minister José Sócrates has repeatedly said that QREN funds will
problems facing the two continents, like droughts and water shortage, issues that will be high on the EU
be applied “selectively” in accord with “rigorous policy choices”.
He added, “We must abandon the past culture, in which there was presidency agenda, a government source was reported as telling the Lusa News Agency.
support for everything that fit into the budget, to begin making
choices. This means only backing, more strongly, good projects
with unquestionable impact on our economy and society”. “It’s the first time Maghreb
countries will participate in EU
Pottering forecasts ‘success’ for presidency, new treaty
discussions on environment”,
European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pottering says he is
said Ana Luisa Felício, senior
“confident” a Reform Treaty for the European Union will be ap-
aide to the Portuguese environ-
proved by year’s end during the bloc’s Portuguese presidency. “I
ment minister, who is in charge
trust in the governments of the member states and hope they all
of environmental issues during
will contribute to reformulate the treaty and that it will be rati-
fied”, Pottering said Thursday during a debate with Portuguese the six-month Portuguese EU
youth leaders at the Portuguese Parliament. “I hope all the gov- presidency.
ernments of the EU member states will remain faithful to their Portugal, together with some
commitments” made last week in Brussels on the framework for other European countries, have
a new treaty, he added. Questioned on the need for referendums urged the European Commis-
to ratify the proposed charter, Pottering said the issue did not sion to treat the phenomenon of
depend on the Strasbourg legislature, but rather on each of the drought and water shortage with
bloc’s governments. European political measures like
it does with floods, and not just
Brazil summit result of intense Lisbon efforts - Sócrates
with occasional, spot measures.
Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates hailed as “historical” “Traditionally, drought was
this week’s upcoming EU-Brazil summit in Lisbon, stressing it considered a problem of south-
was the result of “intense” and “planned” work by the Portuguese ern European countries, but
government. “This summit between the European Union and
now it’s a European problem.
Brazil didn’t fall out of the sky, it was the outcome of a planned
Therefore, it shouldn’t be con-
strategy of the Portuguese presidency”, Sócrates told journalists
sidered an exceptional or occa-
as he waited for the arrival of EU Commission President and former
sional situation anymore”,
Portuguese Premier José Manuel Durão Barroso. Sócrates also
Felício added.
reaffirmed his commitment to hold a EU-Africa summit in Lisbon
in December, which he considers one of the major highlights of the The Commission has prom-
six-month Portuguese presidency. ised to issue a draft document
stipulating ways to minimise
Lisbon will continue efforts to free ‘death row’ the impact of drought and water
Bulgarians from Libya shortage, which should be pre-
The Portuguese presidency of the EU is doing all possible to sented for discussion and ap-
free five nurses from Bulgaria sentenced to death in Libya on proval at the informal ministe-
charges they infected children with HIV, a Portuguese diplomat rial council meeting on environ-
said. Ambassador Mario de Jesus dos Santos, Lisbon’s envoy to ment scheduled for September.
Sofia, was cited by Bulgaria’s Novinite news agency as saying: The three Maghreb countries
“The Portuguese presidency will work together with European were invited to participate in that
institutions and Bulgaria to ensure that the nurses return home.” meeting because, due to their
Dos Santos was speaking in Sofia after talks with Bulgarian For- geographic location, they have an
eign Minister Gergana Grancharova, who said it was important important role to play in this is-
for his government that Portugal continued efforts by the previ- sue, according to the official.
ous EU presidency to free the nurses. Germany’s foreign minis- Droughts, water shortage and
ter recently led an EU mission to Libya for talks on the case and floods are affecting dramatically
U.S. President George Bush has also urged Tripoli to free the many countries in Europe and
medics. The Libyan Supreme Court says it will rule July 11 on the
Africa. Climate changes and
death sentences against the five Bulgarians and a doctor from Pal-
biodiversity will rank high on the
estine - imprisoned since 1999 and sentenced to death a second
agenda of the Portuguese EU
time last December. presidency.TPN/Lusa
bnuewsisness
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All EU citizens free to choose
their electricity and gas supplier
Since 1 July all European citizens have been able to freely choose their the distribution network. At fore continue to watch over the ciency in electricity supply. The
electricity and gas supplier, as this was the final date for the full transmission level legal correct implementation of the electricity price in particular for
unbundling became compulsory existing rules and is set to pro- households would in fact have
opening of the electricity and gas markets in the EU.
already in 2003. pose additional legislative meas- decreased if the effects of taxation
“I encourage European con- ures soon”, said Commissioner by member states were excluded.
sumers to take advantage of their Piebalgs. As far as gas is concerned, the
There are a few exceptions to every citizen has become estab- will also have to be organised as freedom to choose their energy The internal energy market is factors affecting prices, such as
take account of special circum- lished in the EU. The full market legally separate companies (so- suppliers. A functioning EU en- an important measure in ensur- the need to move to more expen-
stances where it is not possible opening represents a milestone in called ‘legal unbundling’). This ergy market can only be obtained ing fair prices to citizens and in- sive supply sources such as liq-
to introduce competition yet, the creation of a fully function- measure will enhance the inde- if consumers participate in the dustries. It also guarantees that uefied natural gas, and the contin-
such as the Baltic States and in ing European energy market. pendence of the distribution market actively. Nonetheless even smaller companies, for in- ued linking of some gas imports
member states where gas was in- As of the same date, larger and companies from their parent some other obstacles to a truly stance those that invest in renew- to the price of oil, would have
troduced only recently, but the medium-sized local electricity companies with the aim of ensur- competitive internal market re- able energy, have access to the en- occurred whether or not compe-
basic rule of freedom of choice for and gas distribution companies ing a fair access of all suppliers to main – the Commission will there- ergy market. Furthermore, a well tition had been introduced. It
functioning market ensures suf- must be recalled that energy
Israeli experts demonstrate ficient investments in power prices cannot be expected to al-
plants and transmission net- ways remain low regardless of
works thereby helping avoid in- external factors. Nonetheless,
terruptions in power or gas sup- competitive and open markets
irrigation methods in Transmontana plies. The European Regulators’ will bring the best prices to end
Group ERGEG has most re- users, including the energy inten-
cently published a status review sive industry.
on end-user price regulation and Although consumers are not
This week Transmontana tural Association told Lusa from the Israeli government will the Israelis and highlighted by market opening which gives an obliged to change their energy
farmers will learn highly ad- “With less water than us, they be visiting areas in the region Fernando Brás was the use of a overview of the market opening suppliers, such a change may
vanced methods of irrigation have done wonders”. Sr. Brás is where farming is most intense to humidity sensor which causes dates in all member states. ensure a better deal in terms of
from Israeli specialists who the promoter behind the scheme demonstrate their irrigation meth- the irrigation to disconnect The fact that retail electricity price and service.
have succeeded in transform- which has the support of the ods. They will also be meeting when watering is sufficient. prices have, on average, remained In the members states where
ing the most arid areas into Northern Fisheries and Agricul- with producers, irrigation com- The experts will also be demon- relatively constant in real terms, the freedom to choose the energy
productive farming land. tural Regional Board. panies and businesses who pro- strating how irrigation systems despite very obvious price in- supplier has been in place for
Fernando Brás, director of A committee of technicians, vide agricultural equipment. can also be activated by mobile creases in the cost of primary fu- some time, the record shows that
the Trás-os-Montes Agricul- companies and representatives One of the methods used by phone. els such as coal and gas, clearly customers increasingly take ad-
demonstrates the increased effi- vantage of this opportunity.
Pestana profits up
10 percent
Portuguese hotel and tourism giant Pestana
has revealed that receipts rose by 10.2
percent last year in relation to 2005, climbing
to a total of 458 million euros.
These numbers were unveiled conference that Pestana concen-
by the tourism group’s chairman, trates 90 percent of its activity
Dionísio Pestana at a press con- on tourism, and is among the 25
ference held in Madeira, where he biggest hotel chains in Europe
also took the opportunity to look and in the top 60 internationally.
back in the company’s 35-year The group is building ten new
history since the opening of its hotels to add to its list of 81 which
first hotel on the island in 1972. are scattered over three continents
Results before taxes, deprecia- and in nine countries – Portugal,
tion and interest totalled 100.3 Brazil, South Africa, Mozam-
million euros, a year-on-year in- bique, Argentina, Venezuela, São
crease of 17.3 percent. Tomé, Cape Verde and the United
It was also stressed at the press Kingdom (London).
Cyprus, Malta to join Euro
Israeli technicians who specialise in irrigation systems during a guided tour of Vale de Madeiro in Mirandela on Monday. (Photo: Lusa Zone next week
/ Ivo Pires)
Brazil dismisses Mercosul worries
Cyprus and Malta will be presidency is taking place.
formally approved for mem- The political decision for the
bership in the Euro Zone at the accession of Malta and Cyprus
on its ‘strategic partnership’ with EU next meeting of European Fi- to the Euro Zone was taken last
nance Ministers (Ecofin) July month in Brussels, during the
10, under the EU Portuguese EU summit which ended the
presidency, government offi- German EU rotating presi-
Brazil views its debut summit because “it will be one of the on the developing countries. decide in future to establish such cials said. dency.
with the European Union in Lis- themes and we will seek ways for Mr Amorim also dismissed privileged relations with other “With the approval of the The Ecofin meeting July 10,
bon next week as gaining greater drawing (our positions) closer”. concerns among its South Ameri- Mercosul members. legal accession mechanisms for in Brussels, will be the first meet-
importance in the aftermath of the “I think we can advance more”, can Mercosul partners over the Mr Amorim said that his big- Cyprus and Malta (the Euro ing chaired by the Portuguese
failed Potsdam meeting on the Mr Amorim said, referring to the “strategic partnership” that will gest hopes for the Portuguese EU Zone) will have 15 members”, finance minister.
Doha Round of world trade ne- aborted talks in Potsdam be- be consummated in Lisbon be- presidency, which begins Sun- said Portuguese Finance Min- Besides Portugal, one of the
gotiations. tween Brazil and India on one tween Brazil and the EU. day, were that it witness the suc- ister Teixeira Santos, as he en- Euro founders in 1999, the
That failure, Brazilian Foreign side and the EU and the United “It’s a worry that deserves no cessful completion of the Doha tered a meeting of the Portu- other members are Germany,
Minister Celso Amorim told the States on the other. analysis”, he said, underlining Round of world trade negotia- guese government and the Eu- France, Spain, Italy, Holland,
Lusa News Agency, makes the Brussels and Washington had that the planned bilateral part- tions and the revival of trade talks ropean Commission in Belgium, Luxemburg, Ireland,
July 4 summit this past Thurs- made a “strategic error”, he added, nership was not a free-trade ac- between Mercosul and Europe. Oporto, where the first work- Finland, Austria, Greece and
day in Lisbon “more important” in trying to exert great pressure cord and that the EU could well TPN/Lusa ing day of the Portuguese EU Slovenia. TPN/Lusa