The Portugal News - Issue 920

2007·23.3 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

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11 Aug 2007 • Edition Nº 920 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
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Faro governess
exclusive interview Home up to 75% on your mobile Special Health
Insurance phoneO billNE Insurance
Just over two months into
her mandate as Faro underwritten up to one
Civil Governor, Isilda by Lloyds of 40%
see
Gomes appears to have London page 23
settled in nicely into her off
new role. (See Page 2)
Police investigations return to area from where
The man who fell
from the sky
Madeleine was taken more than three months ago
A driver was given the
fright of his life earlier this
week when a parachutist
POLICE CONFIDENT OF
landed seemingly from
out of nowhere on top of
his car as he was driving
on the EN125 through
Lagoa in the early hours
of the morning. (See
Page 3) SOLVING MADELEINE
FMD - UK luggage
checked at airports
The National Veterinary
Authority (DGV) has said
this week that while no MYSTERY
animals from southern This Saturday marks the 100th day since the disappearance of Madeleine
England have entered McCann from an apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz. For the
Portugal the past 30 first time since the four-year old girl went missing, her parents, Kate and
days, it is carefully Gerry, have been forced to brave numerous press reports that their
monitoring the situation. daughter might no longer be alive. Madeleine, see p.4
Luggage from Britain is
also being carefully
inspected at national
airports, reports indicate.
(See Page 3)
Royal complaint
puts damper on
Portimão hotspots
The Duke of Bragança
has lodged an official
complaint with Portimão
City Hall after the
loudness of music being
emitted throughout the
night from the Praia da
Rocha ‘in’ bars Sasha
and Nikki Beach
reportedly disturbed the
Duke’s holiday across
the Arade river. (See
Page 64)
Airport strike
On August 18th and 19th
airport ground crews
from around the country
are planning to carry out
a national strike in order
for their salaries to be
reviewed. (See Page 64
Weekend weather
Lisbon: Saturday:
Sunny, high of 31º
Sunday: Sunny, high of
32º.Faro: Saturday:
Sunny, high of 27º
Sunday: Sunny, high of
27º.Oporto: Saturdyy:
Sunny, high of 26º
Sunday: Mostly Sunny,
high of 26º. Gerry McCann taking a walk in Praia da Luz on Tuesday. (Photo: Lusa / Luis Forra) Further photos on pp 4, 6 & 64
news
2 The News
Portugal •11 Aug 2007
Looking after the Algarve’s best interests
Just over two months into her mandate as Faro Civil Governor (or
Governess, as she likes to be called), Isilda Gomes appears to have
settled nicely into her new role. Giving high praise to her predecessor,
here she tells The Portugal News how the Algarve is looking at the
moment, how she intends to carry on the former governor’s good work,
and her priorities in her current role.
Algarve Governess Isilda first-ever female civil governor, extra police back-up they will be
Gomes is a striking lady. On the Isilda has been the ‘first woman’ sent immediately”.
day of our interview she was in a number of the challenges she Governess Gomes also ex-
wearing bright blue eye shadow has carried out. plains that, “the difference be-
that matched her bright blue After being district coordina- tween this year’s figures and last
jacket. A stark contrast to the un- tor for the VIDA project, she year’s is not that great, though it
derstated, yet equally friendly undertook a six-year stint as a is lower. Even so, it does not war-
and welcoming suit and tie that councillor and then vice-presi- rant exaggerated preoccupation”.
formerly occupied the office. dent of Portimão city hall. Keeping up to date with the
However, determination and In June this year her name was region’s fire-fighting squadrons
pride in her role are common de- put forward “by suggestion” to is another of the Governess’s
nominators that Isilda Gomes fill the role of civil governor, main concerns.
shares with ex-civil Governor which, in her own words, “at the “So far the brigades have of-
António Pina, of whom the cur- time came as a surprise”. fered an excellent response to any
rent governess says she has, But it is a surprise and a chal- situation. They are to be con-
“Great admiration and apprecia- lenge that Isilda Gomes is thriv- gratulated. But as always with
tion for his excellent work that is ing on, and one that occupies her fires, they are unpredictable
clear for all to see.” daily routine, 24/7. events and a constant concern, so
“I only hope that I can achieve “I enjoy going to the cinema, it is fair to say that things have
results that are as good as Dr. and reading, and spending time gone well so far, and I hope they
Pina’s”, she confides. with my family, but to tell you continue to go well”.
But will the current governess the truth, I haven’t been doing Unemployment is also an is-
do anything differently? much of that recently! I do try to sue that Isilda Gomes is keen to
“There are different ways of go to musical events and theatre address, even though current and
doing things”, she says, “When the productions that the municipali- future figures, in her opinion,
same job is done by two different ties put on though”. look promising.
people it won’t necessarily be According to Governess “At present there are a little
done in the same way. We have the Gomes, the fundamental role of over nine thousand unemployed
same objectives, but our ways of a civil Governor is “to become a people in the Algarve. A large
doing things may be different”. bridge, a mediator between the proportion of these people are
Isilda Gomes started her career regional population and the cen- unemployable. But for anyone
as a teacher in Portimão, before tral government; to clearly ex- who has paid attention to the
venturing into politics during the plain governmental plans to the news last weekend, they will see
government of Prime Minister region, as well as transmitting the that a number of high quality de-
António Guterres in the late nine- region’s needs and problems to velopments, projects of excel-
ties, something that was seldom the respective governmental rep- lence, are soon to take shape in
done by women at the time. In resentatives”. the region and will create jobs for
Faro Civil Governor (Governess) Isilda Gomes (Photo: The Portugal News / Carrie-Marie Bratley) fact, as well as being the region’s Therefore, one of her main thousands, not hundreds, thou-
missions is to “really listen to sands of people”.
people, always have my door As Governess Gomes says,
open, and be in constant dialogue “the Algarve is developing in an
Represented in Portugal by: Watch out for the
with the region”. extraordinary fashion”, though
ANGLOPRESS
Edições e special issue of “In an era where people be- “there is always a lot to be done”.
Publicidade, Lda The Portugal lieve that the role of a civil gover- Considering foreign residents
nor is of little relevance, it is now and workers an “attribute” to the
CPoopsytraigl hat d©d 2r0e0s5s A:nglAo pPtr e1s3s L8d4a0 a1n-d9 0T1h eL Naegwosa Group of Newspapers News in more than ever that we need to be region, she also recognises that
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa November to representative of our region”. foreign investment has signifi-
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa However, two main concerns cantly contributed to the region’s
Gen.Tel: [phone] Editorial Tel: [phone] mark the 30 are that of safety and well being present healthy economic status.
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone] years for those in the Algarve, “resi- She commends the “full integra-
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone]
Emails: [email protected] [email protected] anniversary dents and visitors”. tion” that many foreigners have
Web: www.the-news.net “Well-being and quality of life successfully attained, and is not
can be measured with different aware of any ‘problem areas’ re-
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of instruments, for example, garding foreign communities.
SUBSCRIBE through culture, art, communica- “The safety measures that are
The Portugal News is owned and published by: tion and mobility. I know that all developed and implemented in
The News Group of Newspapers Inc.Depósito Legal Nº 80258/94
Printed by: MIRANDELA Gráfica, Lisbon 16 municipalities in the Algarve the Algarve are for visitors and
Print Run (Tiragem): 24,223 work very hard to offer an excel- residents alike”, she says, “what-
Publisher: Paul Luckman [email protected] Please send me 52 editions of The Portugal News. I enclose my lent quality of life for their resi- ever nationality they may be”.
Editor: Brendan de Beer [email protected] cheque made payable to THE PORTUGAL NEWS for €67.50 dents, and the present govern- And so the main question begs
PAErvlgoeadnrutvsce:t ioNne wDsrc:tr:MCRaaaqrdrueieeli-nlM eSa arLileub caBknrmaytaleny [email protected] (PPleoartsueg adle),b €it 1m35y V(EISurAo pcere) doirt c€a2r1d0 a(cWcooruldn t Awirimtha:il). mgueindet lhinase sim”.plemented fantastic to Abes aas kweodm. an in the world of
Preview: Nikki Hall (cid:134) €67.50 (Portugal) (cid:134) €135 (Europe) (cid:134) €210 World More recently, controversy politics, who has had such a de-
Travel: Sherry Hughes arose when usual summer police manding and challenging career,
Columnists: Patricia Westheimer reinforcements were slashed due and who presently undertakes
Correspondents:Gwynne Dyer Nº to the EU presidency campaign. such a high-positioned task, has
Photos: LUSA, Press Association
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card) Concerns focused particularly she ever encountered discrimina-
Classifieds: Beverley Gonçalves Expiry Date on the Algarve, which during the tion or resistance from her male
Subscriptions: Maria Taylor summer season sees its popula- counterparts?
Sales Manager: Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 tion more than double. The Governess laughs.
Area Managers: Name “The policing that we have at “No, not really”, she says,
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, present fully corresponds to the “maybe on the odd occasion,
Sintra) region’s needs. It is sufficient to nothing is ever straightforward,
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 (Vilamoura, Boliqueime, Address cater for what the region requires, but now I have no issues at all.
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz, as we don’t have major prob- People have shown me nothing
Almancil, Quinta do Lago, lems”, says the Governess. She but great respect and support”.
Vale do Lobo, Loulé)
does, however, admit “There are So during her mandate as Civil
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz, gaps that could use covering, but Governor, what is Isilda Gomes’
Aljezur)
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão, Phone Nº the government is aware of the ultimate goal?
Silves, S B Messines, situation and as I said, it is not a “I strive to be useful to the re-
Armação de Pêra) Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News, reason for concern. Lisbon is but gional population” she answers,
Danielle du Plessis 916 643 250 (Eastern Algarve) Apartado 13, 8401-901 Lagoa or FAX to 282 341201 a few hours away and should a “otherwise my role will not have
situation arise where we need been positively fulfilled”.
news
The News 3
Portugal • 11 Aug 2007
Foot-and-mouth: UK luggage checked at Portuguese airports
The National Veterinary Authority (DGV)
has said this week that while no animals
from southern England have entered
Portugal the past 30 days, it is carefully
monitoring the situation. Luggage from
Britain is also being carefully inspected
at national airports, reports indicate.
Following the outbreak, the The European Commission
DGV said that it has no trace of has meanwhile adopted interim
any animal arriving here from protection measures to reinforce
southern England the past the measures taken by the UK
month, which is currently in the authorities, in response to the
midst of a couple of foot-and- outbreak of foot-and-mouth dis-
mouth outbreaks. ease (FMD) on a farm in Surrey.
The DGV confirmed this in- Following the suspicion and
formation through its TRACES subsequent confirmation of the
computer system, which logs all disease, the measures foreseen
animal entries. under EU legislation were im-
A number of awareness cam- mediately applied in the UK.
paigns have already been put in These included the culling of all
place in Portugal, with the aim of animals on the infected holding,
averting that contaminated ani- the establishment of a 3 km pro-
mal products enter the territory. tection zone, and 10km surveil-
Luggage arriving on planes lance zone around the premises,
from Britain is also being looked in which stringent movement
at with greater care. restrictions apply, and the ap-
Since the outbreak was made plication of increased bio-secu-
official last Friday, there have rity measures.
been reports that a number of On Tuesday a second case of
passengers arriving from the UK FMD was confirmed. The out-
have been forced to endure longer break is located in the protection Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michele Gildernew (L) inspects the work of DARD Portal Inspectors with Jonathan Guy (C),
than usual waiting periods for zone set up around the first out- Portal Divisional Veterinary Officer, during a visit to Belfast Port as one worker applies disinfectant to mats at vehicle control points,
their luggage. break. Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Monday. (Photo: EPA/Aaron McCracken)
Mystery dawn skydiver flees after landing on moving car
A driver was given the fright of his life According to GNR captain somewhat perplexed. incident and trying to determine parachutist, as he was jumping at
earlier this week when a parachutist Manuel Jorge the incident took Said Captain Manuel Jorge, the origins of the parachute itself, night, and consider the incident
place at around 03h30 on Tuesday “As he landed, the jumper hit the which was left on the scene. to have been the result of a “joke”
landed seemingly from out of nowhere
morning, on the EN125 between car and ran”, explaining how the Despite being given a “huge or “a dare”.
on top of his car as he was driving on the the International School in Porches driver tried to swerve and miss fright” and calling the GNR, the A third possibility suggests
EN125 through Lagoa in the early hours and the BP petrol stations. the unexpected object. driver did not press charges as no the individual may have been an
of the morning. After landing on the car the The whereabouts of the sky- damage was made to his vehicle. illegal entrant in Portugal, con-
daredevil fled the scene, appar- diver are as yet unknown, though GNR officers believe the of- nected to illegal activities such as
ently uninjured, leaving the driver police are still investigating the fender is a “highly experienced” drug smuggling or contraband.
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news
4 The News
Portugal •11 Aug 2007
conclusions”, the police source lieve she is still alive. “The Por-
said. tuguese police have assured us
In the meantime, the lawyer of on numerous occasions that they
the only formal suspect in the are looking for Madeleine and
case has said that his client is con- not a corpse. Of course, all pos-
templating taking legal action sibilities are being considered
against the state. and the police have to be certain
Francisco Pagarete, speaking before eliminating any of the
the day after two days of exten- scenarios. It is absolutely right
sive searches had been conducted that we are subject to the same
in the garden of the villa where high standards of investigation
Robert Murat resides, said his as anyone else. Kate and I have,
primary concern is to have his and will continue to assist the
client’s name cleared. police in every possible way”,
Mr Pagarete explained that it explained Mr McCann.
would be a “logical” move to take It emerged on Thursday that
the matter to the courts, but added Madeleine’s twin siblings, Sean
Mr Murat’s only concern now is and Amelie, will no longer be at-
to “cooperate with the authori- tending the kiddies club at the
ties”. Ocean Club resort.
In a related story, a special In a statement handed to jour-
service of prayer for Madeleine nalists by a member of a security
and other missing children will be company recently hired by the
held at the church in Praia da Luz resort, the McCanns were re-
on Saturday morning. ported as being “concerned at the
It is also anticipated that a negative impact” the huge number
video reminding people that of reporters is causing to holiday
Madeleine is still missing will be makers at the Ocean Club.
played at football fixtures The McCann family had
across Britain this weekend, this moved from the resort at the be-
includes Premier League games, ginning of the month. The fam-
for example Everton football ily is now residing at a seaside
club. villa located about ten kilome-
An aerial photograph taken on Sunday of the garden of the villa where the only formal suspect Robert Murat resides. Policemen, In comments after a pooled tres from the Ocean Club.
their vehicles and equipment were in evidence during two days of extensive searches. (Photo: The Portugal News) interview to televi-
sion broadcasters
Madeline, from p.1. vestigation said yesterday: “Our has erupted following one single In comments to the Lusa on Tuesday, Gerry
efforts are now mostly centred on report in a Portuguese newspa- News Agency, police reinforced McCann ex-
Responding also to an increas- finding a body”, though the pos- per stating that blood had been their position that the case is plained: “We
ing number of accusing fingers sibility that Madeleine will be found in the apartment, our drawing to a conclusion. wanted to make it
being pointed in their direction found alive is not being ruled out. source said: “We can see a light at the end clear, that as far as
and at their friends, Madeleine’s Our source denied that the “The sample sent to Birming- of the tunnel” the agency was we know, there is
parents responded that they be- McCanns or any of their friends ham is not necessarily blood.” told. still absolutely no
lieve she is still alive and will not are being treated as suspects, say- Forensic specialists were “The group working on the evidence that
relent in their search until she is ing only: “I can confirm strangers handed the sample on Wednes- case has an idea what could have Madeleine has
reunited with her family. They to the family are being investi- day evening, and it is expected to happened and it is on this basis been seriously
have also revealed they will no gated”. take around a week for them to that we are working. But it is still harmed and Kate
longer frequent the Ocean Club This revelation comes after release their findings. early to provide any concrete and I have to be-
resort and are said to be upset at Kate and Gerry were interviewed Meanwhile, a specialist in
the negative publicity they, and by police on Wednesday after- ocean currents from the Univer-
especially their friends, have re- noon. Their Renault Scénic had sity of the Algarve has confirmed
Classifieds
ceived from some of the Portu- also been checked by police a day that he had been approached by
guese media the past week. earlier in the car park located just a British detective to supply in-
Meanwhile, high-ranking police a few metres from the PJ police formation on the sea’s behaviour
officials on Thursday admitted station in Portimão. off the coast of Praia da Luz at the
they are as yet unsure whether a When questioned as to why time of Madeleine’s disappear- that work
sample taken from the apartment police had not searched the apart- ance.
and sent to Britain is in fact blood. ment for blood earlier in the in- The detective reportedly trav-
Police investigating the disap- vestigation, our source ex- elled to the university in Faro in
pearance of Madeleine McCann plained: “It is only logical when the company of a translator to
were confident this week that we deal with the apparent kid- meet the professor during the Your classified in The
they are nearer to solving the napping of a child that our meth- course of last week. Portugal News will be
mystery of the toddler’s disap- ods of investigation will be done The professor declined to seen all over Portugal (in
pearance. in accordance with this informa- comment on what was discussed print) and all over the
Police also confirmed they are tion. For example, you would not at the meeting, but detectives ac- world (on line).
focussing more of their efforts investigate certain leads when companied by dogs have regu-
searching for a body, The Por- dealing with a case of defamation larly been spotted the past week An estimated 60,000
tugal News learnt this week. or theft.” in Praia da Luz, especially along people will see what you
Sources involved with the in- Despite the media frenzy that the coast. have to offer and will
react fast because if they
wait, it will be too late.
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Robert Murat speaks to a policeman the morning following Madeleine’s disappearance. (Photo: For Classifieds that really work
The Portugal News)
news
The News 5
Portugal • 11 Aug 2007
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news
6 The News
Portugal •11 Aug 2007
UK wants debate
on Zimbabwe crisis
at Lisbon summit
The United Kingdom will ering occurs as planned, it will
press for a wide-ranging debate have to include debate on
on the crisis in Zimbabwe at the Harare’s simmering political and
Europe-Africa summit planned economic crisis.
for December in Lisbon by Por- “We believe that any confer-
tugal’s EU presidency, media ence that goes ahead should, in
have reported. our view, include specific discus-
Zimbabwean weekly newspa- sion on the situation in Zimba-
per The Standard cited on Sun- bwe.”
day Britain’s under-secretary of Munn declined to tell her fellow
state for foreign affairs, Meg MPs if Prime Minister Brown
Munn, as telling UK lawmakers would boycott the December EU-
that Zimbabwean President AU meeting if Zimbabwe’s octo-
Robert Mugabe was “detested” genarian head of state receives an
in Britain. invitation to the event.
Turning her attention to the The UK government remains
forthcoming EU summit with the concerned at the deteriorating
African Union, which British situation in Zimbabwe, Munn
Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the London parliament, and
said recently he would not attend Britain will continue to “shine the
if Mugabe was invited, Munn UN spotlight on Mugabe’s hu-
said if the Lisbon two-bloc gath- man rights abuses.” TPN/Lusa
Kate & Gerry McCann leave the police station in Portimão on Wednesday afternoon after speaking to police detectives involved in the
search for missing Madeleine McCann. (Photo: The Portugal News) See story on pages 1 & 4 Suspected motorway
Record-breaking ATM transactions
thieves detained at
Vasco da Gama bridge
SIBS, which regulates the nation’s Multibanco ATM network, revealed this week it had registered a
record-breaking 155 million transactions in July, 36 million of which were cash withdrawals.
Three individuals suspected to be car thieves were
This number of transactions, same month last year. With regards to ATM ma- million payments, 6.5 million detained by GNR traffic police officers earlier this week
accumulated from all SIBS The largest growth was chines, 72 million transactions of which to charge mobile at the toll gates before the Vasco da Gama bridge.
services, including ATM ma- noted in use of the MBNet were completed, the equivalent phones. All three suspects are of for- breaking into cars “for a number
chines, TeleMultibanco and online banking service, of some 2 million transactions The number of ATM ma- eign nationality and “in their of years”, were being sought fol-
MBNet, represent a 12 per through which five million per day. chines functioning around Por- twenties”. lowing the looting of vehicles in
cent increase in comparison to euros were processed, more Thirty-six million with- tugal has also grown, now The trio who, according to the Aljustrel and Almodôvar
the month of June, and a nine than double the amount regis- drawals were made, 23 million counting 11,966 units, 7,7 per police, have been continuously service areas a few days earlier.
per cent rise in relation to the tered in July 2006. balance consultations, and 12 cent more than last July.
Downtown Lisbon top of tourist list
For only 60 cents
Lisbon’s ‘Baixa’ area has re- the capital. most used to describe the capi-
turned to the top of tourists’ The majority of interviewees tal, and 34.9 per cent of those
we’ll find your number ‘most visited’ list, dethroning the (48.6 per cent) said that Lisbon questioned described it as ‘calm’,
Chiado, which is now in fifth ‘surpassed their expectations’ ‘nice’ and ‘romantic’.
place, and followed by Belém, and nearly all (98.9 per cent) said Most of the 750 tourists that
Bairro Alto and Alfama respec- they would recommend visiting were interviewed considered the
tively, a study has shown. the region. Just under 52 per city ‘good for walking’ (77.5 per
and we’ll find it
The results were published cent of those questioned said cent), 62.1 per cent preferred the
following a survey carried out by they would ‘more than likely’ capital’s ‘dining experience’, and
within one minute! the Tourism of Lisbon Observa- return. 57.8 per cent thought Lisbon’s
tory based on the level of satis- ‘Pretty’, ‘attractive’ and ‘in- best features were its ‘monu-
faction experienced by tourists in teresting’ were the adjectives ments and museums’.
from
fixed phones, Algarvean supermarket
call boxes, mobiles directory
and mobiles on
enquiries
roaming brand sold to French
National & in English
International
Business &
Private As of November ‘Marrachino’ the ‘Os Mosqueteiros’ group’s and dried fruit and vegetables.
supermarkets, one of only two brandings. A few years later it was ex-
supermarket empires to have been Reportedly, 11 establish- panded to become a small grocery
‘born and bred’ in the Algarve, are ments will become ‘Intermarché’ store, and in 1970 the first
Monday to Friday to disappear after being sold to the supermarkets, and at least six will ‘Marrachino’ supermarket was
09:30 - 18:00 French group ‘Os Mosqueteiros’, be ‘Ecomarchés’. born.
owners of the ‘Intermarché’ and Gilberto Sousa, president of Despite refusing to reveal the
‘Ecomarché’ brands. the Algarve Regional Commerce exact amount of the takeover,
First introduced in 1970, and Services Association AC- Abílio Almirante of ‘Os
‘Marrachino’ was one of the first RAL, has described the take over Mosqueteiros’ did say the pur-
supermarket chains to be fully as “another axing of the Algarve’s chase would allow the group to
developed and built within the economy”, and has stressed his boost its current takings by some
Algarve, alongside the ‘Alisuper’ pity at losing “one of the few €50 million.
chain, which share the particular- medium sized regional busi- Now counting 259 outlets
ity of being dedicated to the re- nesses”. throughout Portugal, the ‘Os
tail of regional produce. ‘Marrachino’ took its first Mosquiteiros’ group umbrellas
Currently numbering 16 stores steps during the 1950’s when its six brandings: Intermarché,
in the Algarve and two in Beja, proprietors settled in the Areias Ecomarché, Bricomarché (DIY),
from November, all 18 shops will de São João area of Albufeira and Stationmarché (vehicles),
lose their trademark green signage, constructed a small annex to their Vêtimarché (clothing) and hard-
which will be replaced by one of home from where they sold ripe discount stores Netto.
news
The News 7
Portugal • 11 Aug 2007
news
8 The News
Portugal •11 Aug 2007
Congo’s Bemba plans to
go home next month
Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba says
he plans to return to his homeland from Portugal next month to attend the
opening session of the Kinshasa parliament.
In an interview with Lusa at his chief, who lost a presidential run- thrust themselves to the forefront
Algarve villa, where he has been off last year against Joseph of Europe’s relations with the
living with his family since April, Kabila, was in Portugal for medi- African Union
Bemba said he hoped to return to cal treatment following his de- Similarly, Africa now faces
Congo by September 15 to “hon- parture from Kinshasa, where he serious hurdles to economic de-
our my professional obligations” was accused of treason after his velopment and the creation of
and attend the Senate, where he bodyguards were routed in fierce manufacturing and financial sec-
is a member. street fighting with government tors, problems that the continent
“What I want is to return with troops. is incapable of resolving alone,
total security and support from Turning his attention to wider said Bemba.
the international community and international issues, the Congo- Questioned on Zimbabwe’s
the European Union. I also ex- lese millionaire oppositionist simmering political and eco-
pect support from the Demo- told Lusa the forthcoming Eu- nomic crisis and whether Presi-
cratic Republic of Congo,” said rope-Africa summit being staged dent Robert Mugabe should be
Bemba. in Lisbon by the Portuguese EU invited to the EU-AU summit
Bemba, leader of the former presidency is a “golden opportu- in December, something op-
rebel Movement for the Libera- nity” for dialogue between the posed by some EU states led by
tion of Congo (MLC), was given two continents. the UK, Bemba’s response was
a 60-day leave of absence by the Issues such as global warming, guarded.
Kinshasa senate in April, subse- migration and employment in “It’s up to the European au-
quently extended to expire mid- Europe were not vital issues for thorities to resolve the question
night Tuesday. EU states five to 10 years ago, of the EU-AU summit”.
The Congolese opposition noted Bemba, but now have TPN/Lusa
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Private parties,
Portuguese troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon are on a state of alert
on Tuesday as the first anniversary (14 August) of the end of the Israelite invasion of Beirut corporate
approaches. (Photo: Lusa / António Cotrim) events. We
supply stages,
Lebanon lauds Lisbon’s
lights, sound,
catering, and the
best
UN peacekeepers entertainment.
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Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr has praised the “great
diverse client
cooperation” of Portuguese troops serving with the United Nations
base and will
Interim Force in Lebanon (FINUL), whose presence has been “positively
give expert and
welcomed” by the Lebanese people.
helpful advice for
all your needs
Mr Murr was speaking in Bei- contingent in the south of the Portugal’s peacekeeping troops,
rut after welcoming Portuguese country. mainly military engineers en-
counterpart Nuno Severiano Lisbon’s defence minister was gaged in rebuilding infrastruc- ARE YOU ON
Teixeira to Lebanon for talks also due to meet Lebanese Prime tures destroyed in a month-long OUR BOOKS?
with Beirut’s leaders and a visit Minister Fouad Siniora, before conflict with Israel last year. Call us today
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Portugal pleased at UN decision to
audition
required)
deploy Darfur peacekeepers Tel: 914
599 933
The Portuguese EU presidency has welcomed this week’s decision by the United PORTUGAL’S NEWEST TALENT AGENCY
Nations Security Council to deploy a 26,000-strong international force to the western
Sudanese region of Darfur.
“We are gladdened by the de- objections to the proposals. tugal’s EU spokesperson said
cision taken by the UN. It’s The UN mandate will send a such a deployment would “be
been expected for a long time,” hybrid force of African Union made at member state level”.
Lisbon’s EU presidency (AU) and UN troops, plus more Although nearly all EU states
spokesperson Clara Borja said. than 6,000 international police say they will contribute to the
The Security Council unani- officers, to relieve a largely inef- peacekeeping mission, Ger-
mously adopted the Darfur fectual AU force by the end of the many has said its overseas mili-
peacekeeping plan last year. tary priorities will remain Af- Sole Agents for Group Elvis, Tribute Show
Wednesday, a UK-France ini- Asked if EU forces would be ghanistan and Kosovo. TPN/ Contractors for International Algarve Fair
tiative, after China dropped its sent to the Darfur mission, Por- Lusa
www.standingovationalgarve.com
news
The News 9
Portugal • 11 Aug 2007
Europe forest fires in July are worst on record
W
ith the forest every day between 1 February
fire season and 31 October. The situation in
b a r e l y South-West Europe, which had
started, relatively moderate conditions in
provisional July, has changed dramatically,
figures show that 3376 square particularly in the south of the
kilometres of land has already Iberian Peninsula and the Canary
been burned in 2007, compared Islands. These two areas are ex-
to a total of 3585 square periencing increased fires, which
kilometres in 2006, with July have not yet been included in the
2007 one of the worst-ever EFFIS figures, and continued
months on record. These figures heightened risk.
have been released by the Spain has, via the European
European Forest Fire Commission, activated the Inter-
Information System, managed by national Charter “Space and Ma-
the European Commission, jor Disasters” that aims at pro-
which produces early warnings viding a unified system of satel-
of fire risk and damage lite imagery acquisition and de-
assessment. Despite these livery to those affected by natu-
figures, Portugal recorded one of ral or man-made disasters.
its best months in July in terms EFFIS is a meteorological and
of forest fires. satellite based mapping system
Following warnings of high developed by the European
fire risk at the end of June in coun- Commission’s in-house scien-
tries such as Greece and Cyprus, tific arm, the Joint Research Cen-
the second half of July saw a tre (JRC). Its purpose is to pro-
sharp increase in fires and burnt vide Member States with daily
areas in Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece fire risk warnings and subsequent
and Italy. damage assessments. In 2006, the
Using satellite images to map all European Parliament requested
fires affecting an area of more than an extension of EFFIS services to
50 hectares in these four countries provide information on the eco-
alone showed a total of 2229 nomic and social impacts of for-
square kilometres of burnt land. est fires; this aspect is currently
Figures for some other countries being developed. Traffic is blocked on the Patras highway in Athens, near Acrata, as an helicopter tries to extinguish forest fires on Monday. (Photo:
that have experienced major fires, As for Portugal, Civil Protec- EPA / Giota Korbaki)
such as Turkey and Albania, have tion Services said that the number
yet to be included in EFFIS. of fires last month were slashed higher than the accumulated fig- nounced that an additional 1,500 try’s fire-fighters have this year the nation’s economy, not only
EFFIS forecasts continued by two thirds in relation to July ure from January 1 to June 30 men and women will be deployed been boosted to a total of nine as it represents three percent of
risk from forest fires for the days 2006, with 1,510 outbreaks re- this year, during which 4,813 fires this year to combat forest fires in thousand men. its Gross Domestic Product,
ahead and sends these forecasts ported as opposed to 5,211, 12 were reported. the country. In 2006, a total of 75,000 hec- (only Finland and Sweden have
to the Civil Protection and For- months ago. At the start of summer, the Not resting on the successes of tares were affected by fires, higher rates in the EU), it em-
est Services of the member states The total for July 2006 is also Ministry of Internal Affairs an- 2006, when Portugal markedly which is down from the 325,000 ploys two percent of Portugal’s
slashed the number of forest fires burnt the previous year. active population and represents
Save up to 75% on your and total area burnt, the coun- Portugal’s forests are vital to ten percent of all exports.
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Confusion at BCP AGM
A BCP general meeting at the meeting, caused the post-
scheduled this past week has ponement of what was to serve
been postponed until August as the stage to settle a dispute
27, after computers set-up for between two of the bank’s heavy-
the event failed to correctly weights, Paulo Teixeira Pinto and
count votes. Jardim Gonçalves.
A computer system incor- BCP is Portugal’s largest pri-
rectly tallying secret votes cast vate institution.
Portugal’s Galp Energia
announces oil strike in
offshore Block 32
Portuguese oil and gas company Galp
Energia announced this week that a new oil
discovery has been made in Angola’s
offshore Block 32 concession, where it is a
minority shareholder.
In a statement sent to the Lis- of France with a 30 percent stake.
bon stock exchange regulator, Angolan state energy firm
CMVM, Galp said the discov- Sonangol, the concessionaire for
ery was made in the Colorau-1 all onshore and offshore hydro-
well and tested at a rate of 2,130 carbons undertakings in Angola,
barrels of oil per day. has a 20 percent stake in the un-
Complementary technical dertaking with Marathon Oil (30
studies are being undertaken to percent), Exxon (15 percent) and
fully evaluate the test results, Galp (five percent) holding the
Joe Berardo talks to journalists on his arrival at the BCP annual general meeting in the Oporto Customs House on Monday (Photo: added the Galp statement. remaining shares.
Lusa / Estela Silva) Block 32 is operated by Total TPN/Lusa
Most EU operators
The September International
complying with
Algarve Fair 2007: So what’s new?
new roaming laws
We live in an ever-changing world that develops new needs and trends with every passing day.
One month after the EU roam- “Just one month after the new
Markets rise and fall, fashions come and go, and people grow ever more discerning. But if there is one
ing regulation to reduce mobile EU rules on mobile roaming
roaming charges by up to 70 per- charges came into force, around fundamental rule to achieving success it is keeping up with the times, keeping your finger on the
cent entered into force, the Euro- 50 percent of consumers in Eu- pulse, and offering a product of traditional quality that will satisfy everyone whilst still being fresh and
pean Commission this week pub- rope are already profiting from innovative. So what new products has the International Algarve Fair 2007 created to ensure success
lished details to benchmark how substantially reduced tariffs. The and a good time for all?
mobile operators in all 27 mem- interplay between regulation and
ber states have applied the new the voluntary anticipation of the
EU rules. regulated tariffs by the industry To start with, living in the professionals and speakers from comments are anything to go by! show their expertise and crea-
In its report, the Commission appears to benefit consumers, as Algarve entails one main com- a variety of sectors. To be held inside the tive talents. A small selection
has found that the broad major- envisaged by the European Par- mon denominator: residency. Amongst these will be inter- FATACIL pavilion, the Prop- of the Algarve’s top compa-
ity of mobile phone operators liament and the EU Council of Whether it is permanent, semi- national and Portuguese finance erty Exhibition targets buyers nies will have the opportunity
comply with the EU regulations Ministers,” said Viviane Reding, permanent, or temporary. and bank experts, including rep- and sellers, and will be of inter- to show the several thousand
by offering customers the new EU Telecom Commissioner. That, in turn, means buying, resentatives of BES Banco est to both. visitors what they can do. Each
“Eurotariff” (tariffs no higher “I welcome in particular that selling or renting property, Espírito Santo, who will be of- If you would like to partici- company will be given a
than €0.49 per minute for calls many operators offered the new mortgages, licenses, contracts fering useful advice on banking pate in the Property Exhibition, 6mx6m plot on which to design
made abroad and no higher than Eurotariff as the holiday season and all other bureaucracies that in Portugal as well as informa- make haste as stands are selling their small garden.
€0.24 for calls received abroad, began, and that some even went real estate entails. tion on their specially-devised out fast. Prices are very reason- There will be a competition
excluding VAT). substantially below the regula- For many, this is a complex products for the foreign market. able, starting from €300. for the best display and as a re-
The Commission notes that tion’s price ceilings. Only in a few issue, so the International Al- Other topics such as tax im- Another new introduction is sult, the winner will receive a
many operators offered the cases – the exception rather than garve Fair, which will take plications, mortgage and financ- the International Algarve Fair’s ‘Landscape Gardener 2007’
Eurotariff already at the start of the rule – we note attempts to de- place in September on the 22nd ing opportunities, choosing an ‘Readers Choice Landscape award, a free stand, and a full-
July, while others waited till just lay the effects of the regulation by and 23rd, is hosting their first- agent, marketing, and making the Gardener 2007 Award’. These page editorial feature in The
before the 30 July deadline. Some non-transparent or possibly even ever specialist Property Exhi- most of your property will also days there are so many land- Portugal News.
operators are also offering prices anti-competitive behaviour. bition, which will feature a be covered. scape gardeners to choose from, For more information on
below the EU cap or new roam- These will have to be analysed cross-section of the region’s BES will also be supplying so how does a potential client this, or any other aspects of the
ing packages. The implementa- very carefully by national and most prominent real estate the fair with its very own ATM know which one to employ? International Algarve Fair call
tion of the regulation by opera- European regulators. If we find companies, as well as holding cash machine. Another signifi- The award was devised to al- the Fair hotline now for further
tors appears to be proceeding evidence for behaviour that vio- hourly seminars presented by cant improvement if previous low participating companies to information: 282 380 317
smoothly, even though some lates the law, the EU Roaming
non-transparent offers risk de- Regulation foresees sanctions
priving consumers of the new EU which could be complemented by
rules’ full benefits. the full force of competition law.”
PT receive fine for
market abuses
National telecommunica- In a press statement, the DC
tions operator Portugal explained the heavy fine was im-
Telecom has been fined 38 mil- posed after it had checked into
lion euros for abusing its domi- accusations made by competi-
nant position in the Portuguese tors Cabovisão and Tvtel, who An artist’s impression of the new Property Exhibition which
telecoms market, the Compe- said they were denied access to will be staged in the Pavilion at the International Algarve
tition Authority, ADC said PT cable networks. Fair on September 22nd & 23rd
this week.