The Portugal News - Issue 931

2007·20.9 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

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Portugal’s National Newspaper in English
27 Oct 2007 • Edition Nº 931 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
READER OFFER:
Pilots call off strike
Home Special Health
Industrial action called Insurance
Insurance
by pilots employed by
national flag carrier TAP underwritten up to
Air Portugal wreaked by Lloyds of 40%
see
havoc at the nation’s London
page 21
airports as a number of off
flights were cancelled,
but further action has
been called off. (See EasyJet further strengthens its position at
Page 3)
Faro after buying a BA franchise airline
Mother gets seven
years for killing
baby EASYJET TAKES OVER
A 25-year-old mother
has been sentenced to
seven years in prison
after being found guilty of
repeatedly kicking her
two-year-daughter,
causing irreversible BA’s FARO ROUTE
damage and her
subsequent death. (See
Page 2)
Kate breaks down
After more than 40 years of flying to Faro, British flag carrying flights to Faro have been halted, at least for the foreseeable future, with news on
as police prepare
Thursday morning that the GB Airways franchise had been terminated and the airline bought by easyJet in a multi-million euro deal. Sources at
UK visit
British Airways told The Portugal News that BA had for some time been looking to cancel the franchise deal and had turned down the opportunity
The mother of missing to keep the red, white and blue tailed planes from becoming bright orange. The takeover deal will see easyJet further boost its already dominant
toddler Madeleine position at Faro airport, which annually receives more than five million passengers. The increased dominance of this airline at Faro has also
McCann this week gave
fuelled speculation that easyJet are set to make the airport one of its ‘mini European headquarters’ as is the case with a handful of other
her most emotional
interview to date when European destinations. EasyJet, see p. 3
she broke down in tears
during an interview with
a Spanish television Tourists die tragically whilst trying to rescue children
broadcaster. (See Page
64)
Pylon protestors
on hunger strike
Last week the residents
of Vale Fuzeiros, Silves,
who for the past five
months have been
relentlessly
campaigning to deter a
series of high-tension
pylons from passing
through their village,
have gone on hunger
strike despite news that
the route is to change.
(See Page 5)
Don’t forget to
remember
With the arrival of
autumn, readers will
need to turn back their
clocks at 2 am on Sunday
morning, gaining an
extra hour’s sleep in the
process.
Weekend weather
Lisbon: Saturday:
Sunny, high of 27º
Sunday: Sunny, high of
25º.Faro: Saturday:
Sunny, high of 23º
Sunday: Sunny, high of
23º . Oporto: Saturday:
Sunny, high of 24º Tourist children playing on the Tonel beach, Sagres the day after a German and three British tourists died while rescuing their children who were in
Sunday: Partly Cloudy, danger of drowning. The British siblings and the German girl, who were between eight and 10 years old, had been swept away by a current whilst
high of 23º. swimming off the unguarded beach on Monday. (Photo: The Portugal News/ Paul Allen-Luckman) Story, see p. 3
nneewwss
2 The News
Portugal • 27 Oct 2007
Mother gets seven years for kicking daughter to death
A 25-year-old mother has been sentenced to seven years in prison
after being found guilty of repeatedly kicking her two-year-daughter,
causing irreversible damage and her subsequent death.
Despite the public prosecutor However, the mother’s de- a hefty kick to the liver, by her
recognising the mother did not fence lawyer, Mota Vieira, con- mother after the toddler spilt milk
intend to kill her daughter, he ini- sidered “any sentence over five on her clothes whilst drinking
tially asked for a 16 year prison years to be an exaggeration”, and from a baby bottle.
sentence, saying she was con- said he will be appealing. During the trial the accused
scious of her actions when kick- He said it had not been proven confessed to kicking her daugh-
ing her daughter on two separate that his client kicked her daugh- ter, but said she intended to kick
occasions, once in the abdomen. ter twice, and that the wounds her bottom with her toes, but she
He also took into account the found on the victim’s body could suddenly turned round .
family’s degraded situation, the have been from one single blow. She had initially said that the
mother’s immaturity, and her Two year old Sara died on injuries were due to the child fall-
husband’s absence, due to his December 27th, 2006, in Mazedo, ing down a flight of stairs in the
job. Monção, allegedly the victim of building where they lived.
Drug experts debate rising cocaine
use, addiction treatment
Increasing cocaine use in Europe and treatment of addiction for
this drug were the central themes of a meeting Wednesday of
national drugs coordinators from the EU’s 27 member states.
Ahead of the one-day gath- tugal and Spain, where the drug countries,” said Mr Goulão.
ering in Lisbon of EU drug ad- is “gaining ground.” As well as rising cocaine use
diction specialists, the head of The Lisbon conference, organ- in Europe, the Lisbon meeting
Portugal’s Institute for Drugs ised by the IDT - part of the Por- also evaluated the EU’s drugs
and Drug Addiction (IDT), tuguese Health Ministry, offered action plan for 2005-2008, as
João Goulão, told the Lusa a chance for national coordina- well as progress in achieving
News Agency that cocaine use tors to identify “good practices goals defined in a 10-year United
is a problem across Europe, and leading-edge experiences and Nations drugs initiative launched
The woman accused of killing her two year old daughter leaves the Monção Courthouse on Wednesday
particularly in states like Por- incorporate them in each of our in 1998, added Mr Goulão.
having been sentenced to seven years in prison. (Photo: Lusa / Fernando Martins)
Portugal doing all to make EU-Russia summit
One child
“productive”, says Kremlin killed and
The Kremlin hopes that this Friday’s EU-Russia summit
near Lisbon will produce “constructive dialogue” between four others
the two parties and considers that Portugal’s EU
presidency is “doing everything” to ensure this happens,
Represented in Portugal by: injured in
an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier
ANGLOPRESS
Edições e this week.
car crash
Publicidade, Lda
“We expect a constructive thelack of progress in beginning to begin negotiations with Rus-
Copyright © 2005 Anglo Press Lda and The News Group of Newspapers
Postal address: Apt 13 8401-901 Lagoa dialogue. Portugal is doing eve- talks on a new basic accord be- sia. A three-year-old boy
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa rything possible for relations to tween Russia and the EU. “We have not changed our po-
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa develop in a constructive man- “This problem worries us as sition and consider that what we was killed and four
Gen.Tel: [phone] Editorial Tel: [phone] ner,” Sergei Yastrjembski, ad- much as the Europeans. It’s are dealing with is a completely others seriously injured
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone] viser to President Putin on EU known what the problem is: the exaggerated and unnecessary when a nine-seater
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone]
Emails: [email protected] [email protected] affairs, told Lusa. veto that Poland’s previous politicization of a technical people carrier with one
Web: www.the-news.net Mr Yastrjembski said Mos- government imposed on the Eu- problem that existed and exists adult and seven children
cow’s leadership is concerned at ropean Commission’s mandate in relations between Russia and
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of Poland.” on board crashed in
SUBSCRIBE The gravity of Russia and Po- undisclosed
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Publisher: Paul Luckman [email protected] Please send me 52 editions of The Portugal News. I enclose my with is meat.” place by the Alcochete
Editor: Brendan de Beer [email protected] cheque made payable to THE PORTUGAL NEWS for €67.50 Russia imposed a ban on im- Campo de Tiro and it is
PArlgoadruvcet ioNne wDsrc:tr:MCaardreieli-nMea rLieu cBkrmataleny [email protected] (Portugal), €135 (Europe) or €210 (World Airmail). ports of Polish meat in 2005, ac- thought that the party were
Events: Raquel Salbany Please debit my VISA credit card account with: cusing Warsaw of “flagrant” hy- on their way from Albufeira
Preview: Nikki Hall (cid:134) €67.50 (Portugal) (cid:134) €135 (Europe) (cid:134) €210 World giene violations and “falsifica- (Algarve) to the Infantado.
Travel: Sherry Hughes tion” of meat exports. It has also been con-
Columnists: Patricia Westheimer The senior Kremlin official firmed that all passengers
Correspondents:Gwynne Dyer Nº said he remained confident that were of Moroccan origin,
Photos: LUSA, Press Association
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card) the current cooperation accord though were naturalised
Classifieds: Beverley Gonçalves Expiry Date between Russia and the EU British.
Subscriptions: Maria Taylor would be automatically renewed Whilst the three year
Sales Manager: Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 to prevent any “legal vacuum” old’s body was taken to the
Area Managers: Name in Moscow’s relations with the Vila Franca de Xira hospi-
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, 27. tal to be autopsied, the re-
Sintra) But he blamed Brussels for maining victims, aged be-
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 (Vilamoura, Boliqueime, Address delays in starting talks on a new tween three and nine, were
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz, EU strategic partnership with taken to the Hospital de
Almancil, Quinta do Lago, Russia, negotiations that Mos- Santa Maria, in Lisbon.
Vale do Lobo, Loulé)
cow is eager to enter. They are now all said to be
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (AAljlevzour,r )Lagos, Praia da Luz, “Europeans themselves must in a stable condition
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão, Phone Nº reach an agreement ... in their It took 23 firemen and 10
Silves, S B Messines, own home. When they are ready vehicles to deal with the
Armação de Pêra) Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News, and have a mandate we’ll be wreckage, which caused a
Tom Chapman 912 583 188 (Eastern Algarve - Ayamonte) Apartado 13, 8401-901 Lagoa or FAX to 282 341201 ready to start these negotiations two-hour road blockage.
immediately.”TPN/Lusa
news
The News • 27 Oct 2007 3
Portugal
Pilots call off strike Tourists die tragically whilst
trying to rescue children
Four foreign citizens, three Britons and a German, tragically drowned on
Monday afternoon as they attempted to rescue their children, who had
been swept out to sea at Tonel beach, in the Algarve. The four children,
orphaned by this tragedy, had been caught up in treacherous currents
whilst swimming in the sea. Their parents died trying to save them.
Reports have since revealed ents, whilst another two have lost trance to the beach there is a sign
how three British families and their mother. This was confirmed warning of this fact, he said.
one German family had been by the UK foreign office. Commander Pereira also said
making the most of the pleasant Three other adults required the police had launched an inves-
weather with a day on the South- hospital treatment. tigation into the deaths.
western beach. Notorious for its strong waves According to the Lusa News
The children had run into the even during calm seasons, Tonel Agency, the British ambassador
water and subsequently found beach is very popular amongst has spoken to the civil governor
themselves being swept away by surfers, though is recognised as and confirmed a police investi-
the perilous currents. one of the most dangerous gation has been launched to es-
Hearing their cries for help, a beaches in the area. tablish how the tragedy oc-
number of fellow bathers rushed At the time of the incident the curred.
in to the sea in a bid to save them, beach was unsupervised, due to A source from the emergency
a selfless act that would eventu- the end of summer season, this services in Faro confirmed to
ally cost four people’s lives, being announced on signs at the Lusa that the four foreign citizens
Passengers wait to be attended to at the TAP desk at Lisbon airport. They were hoping to change when they too were caught up in beach’s entrance. were aged between 40 and 50 and
their tickets after flights were cancelled due to a pilot strike. (Photo: Lusa / Paulo Carrico)
the currents. Commander Pedro Pereira, of were English and German.
The children were later swept the local maritime police, con- According to the maritime
Industrial action called by pilots employed by national flag carrier TAP back to the beach with only mi- firmed there were signs around police, one of the adults was re-
Air Portugal wreaked havoc at the nation’s airports as a number of flights nor injuries. Relatives have since the beach warning that lifeguards covered by the lifeboat service
were cancelled. The action staged on Tuesday was to have continued flown to Portugal from the UK, were not on duty for the winter. from Sagres and the remaining
and they are continuing to re- “Because summer season con- victims were washed back to the
on Thursday and Saturday and through into November, but further
ceive psychological counselling. cludes by September 3rd, Tonel shore.
strikes were called off after a deal was brokered late Wednesday Two of the children have been beach is closed and there are no Attempts to resuscitate them
evening by the airline and union representatives. orphaned, having lost both par- life-saving personnel. At the en- failed.
On Tuesday alone, a strike by cancelled in the stoppage that Cigarette smoke Europe’s number
Portuguese civil aviation pilots began early morning and was
caused the cancellation of 65 scheduled to end at 17:00 local
flights by TAP Air Portugal, the time. Before reaching an agree-
country’s biggest airline, com- ment, unions had threatened one air polluter
pany sources were reported as that TAP’s 500-odd pilots as in many countries they are In Portugal, 23 events were
saying by the Lusa News would stage a further strike on still largely unprotected. staged, in cities including Lisbon,
Agency. Thursday and had another However, in countries with Amadora, Seixal, Almada, Porto,
Lisbon airport was the worst planned for this Saturday that strict anti-smoking policies and Coimbra, Vila Real, Castelo
hit in the protest called by the would have run from 4am to A recent European study monitoring higher cigarette prices the inha- Branco, Praia Grande, Salvaterra
Civil Aviation Pilots’ Union 5pm. The first day of industrial amounts of carbon monoxide has lation of carbon monoxide is sig- de Magos, Sesimbra and Moura.
over government plans to up the action is so far said to have cost nificantly lower. It was carried out by Professor
retirement age for pilots to 65 the company six million euros determined that cigarette smoke is the main Most of the tests were carried Bertrand Dautzenbergm, a lung
from 60 and cut pensions. and is threatening what ap- pollutant of Europe’s air. Some 111,835 out in public places, by encour- specialist from the Pitié-
Around ten scheduled TAP peared to be a profit-making smokers and non-smokers were monitored aging the general public to par- Salpêtruère Hospital, Paris.
flights from Oporto were also year.
from 27 EU state members, as part of an ticipate, regardless of age, sex or For more information, see
anti-tobacco campaign named ‘Help: For A smoking habits. Some 200,000 website: www.help-eu.com,
easyJet, from p.1. people took part, with ages rang- which in essence was created to
Life Without Tobacco’.
ing between two and 106, 53 per deter youngsters from smoking,
In a statement released on tively, they can obtain a refund. cent of whom were male, with an and encouraging smokers to
Thursday, British Airways an- GB Airways also has an- average age of 32. stop.
nounced it will end its franchise nounced it will no longer operate Of that number, 44 per cent who are subjected to elevated
agreement with GB Airways flights from London Heathrow were smokers and 56 per cent levels of carbon monoxide.
from March 2008 following an after 30 March 2008. non-smokers, five per cent of It further showed that the per- Monthly
announcement by easyJet that it Kevin Hatton, Chief Executive of whom revealed prolonged expo- centage of carbon monoxide in-
has made an offer of around €100 GB Airways, said: “The sale sure to tobacco fumes in the 24 haled by those who smoke few Healing EUCHARIST
million to acquire the franchise agreement brings to an end a pe- hours before the ‘Help-Comets’ cigarettes during the day (be-
airline’s entire issued share capi- riod of uncertainty about the fu- (carbon monoxide measure of ex- tween one and five) is higher
tal. ture direction of our company. We posure to tobacco smoke) test. than the maximum level recom- (last Sunday of each month)
GB Airways is primarily a will fulfill our outstanding obli- It concluded that pollution mended for good air quality (8.5
Gatwick-based airline and oper- gation as a franchise partner to caused by cigarette smoke ppm).
ates destinations across Southern British Airways and then look mostly affects smokers, but also Non-smokers are also af-
Europe and North Africa under a forward to a smooth operational greatly affects non-smokers, fected by smokers’ emissions,
franchise agreement with British merger with easyJet.”
Airways. Willie Walsh, BA chief execu-
The deal will see easyJet in- tive, said the company’s fran- Special consultations
crease its fleet by 15 to 122. chise system had outlived its
Andy Harrison, Chief Execu- purpose, but it was looking to re-
tive of easyJet, said in a statement initiate routes operated under the for quitters
published on Thursday: “This is franchise including the
an acquisition which both Heathrow and Gatwick routes to
strengthens our customer offer- Faro.
ing at London Gatwick and al- Mr Walsh said: “UK fran-
lows us to fully capitalise on the chises have outlived their pur- The National Health Board diology, psychiatry, oncology, Next service:
potential of the airport through a pose. easyJet has made an offer has announced it intends imple- obstetrics, and rehabilitation 6pm
larger number of slots.” to buy GB Airways and this has menting specific consultations centres for alcohol and drug Sunday 28 Oct
Flights to all GB Airways des- enabled us to end the franchise in all health centres around the abuse. ALL Convento de S. José
tinations will continue to oper- agreement early. We had an op- country for those who want to Despite the new law com- LAGOA
ate normally with the full British tion to buy GB Airways, but we give up smoking in what is an pletely prohibiting smoking in For directions, call
Airways service up to and includ- rejected it.” attempt to support progress of health-related areas, it will allow 282 380 311 any time
ing 29 March 2008. Customers Once easyJet’s purchase of the new anti-tobacco laws that hospitals to create purposely-
booked to travel up to and in- GB Airways is complete, flights are to come into force in Janu- designated areas exclusively for A N G L I C A N C H U R C H
cluding this date will not be af- after 30 March 2008 will be op- ary 2008. smoking patients.
fected, the airlines said in sepa- erated under the easyJet brand. The consultations will be These areas will be equipped PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev’d Eric Britt
rate statements. Flights operated by GB Air- aimed mainly at employees and with powerful ventilation sys- Tel: [phone]
Customers holding a booking ways under the British Airways national health users, and will be tems and will be set physically [email protected] • www.allsaintsalgarve.org
on a GB Airways flight after 30 franchise agreement up to and available in some public hospi- apart from other wards to avoid
March 2008 will be re-booked including 29 March 2008 con- tal units as well, including car- smoke dispersing. Please enquire about Baptism Services, Marriage
onto easyJet flights. Alterna- tinue to be available for sale. Blessings, Funeral Services etc.
news
4 The News • 27 Oct 2007
Portugal
Portugal Fashion ends in style
Last weekend saw the close of Luís Buchinho’s fashion show,
yet another Portugal Fashion, inspired by sportswear and jog-
filled with colours and daring de- ging ensembles to make them
signs. comfortable yet sophisticated.
The last show, by designer Strong colours are the flavour
StoryTailors Narkë, presented a of the season, mainly being acid
collection based on love and lemon, purples and blues.
named ‘Cupid and cliché’. The show was however
It was a theatrical display, marred by the refusal of a number
marked by celestial colours and of top modelling agencies to sup-
slinky outlines. ply models to the event, alleging
Kitch ‘Pop Culture’ of the they were owed almost €80,000
eighties also featured heavily in from last year’s event.
Portuguese presidency
condemns deadly Karachi
bombing
The European Union acts greatly endanger the elec-
“strongly” condemned Friday toral process” and “urges the
the suicide attack against the Pakistani Authorities and all
motorcade of former Pakistani political forces in that country
Prime Minister Benazir to do their utmost to ensure that
Bhutto in Karachi, which the forthcoming elections are
caused up to 136 deaths, ac- prepared and will be held in a
cording to latest estimates. climate conducive to the free
The declaration issued by expression of the will of its vot-
the EU’s current Portuguese ing citizens.”
presidency in Lisbon empha- The attack occurred shortly
Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes welcomes the applause after the presentation of her Spring / Summer 2008 collection during the
sized that the victims were par- after Bhutto returned to Paki-
Portugal Fashion show in Vila Nova de Gaia last week. (Photo: Lusa / Estela Silva)
ticipating in a peaceful proces- stan after eight years in exile. She
EC wants to boost fight against sion. was unhurt in the incident.
www.the-news.net The EU considers that “such TPN/Lusa
organised crime and terrorism ‘Maddie’ movie to hit
The European Commission has approved a communication on the role of cinemas in January
the so-called Eurojust scheme and the European Judicial Network in the
context of the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
The communication sets out
All Saint’s Day Service of tphreo vEeCm’es nvtise.w Its w oinll bpeo sdsiisbclues ismed- A Hollywood movie that could have been based on the real-life
with Member States at a Seminar Madeline McCann drama is to air in Portuguese cinemas on
in Lisbon 29 and 30 October January 17th after having been indefinitely postponed in the UK
2007. due to the saga which took place in Praia da Luz in May this year.
Vice-President Franco
Frattini, Commissioner respon-
sible for Justice, Freedom and ‘Gone Baby Gone’, star- McCann case. of a four-year-old girl and the
Security, pointed out that “The ring Ben Affleck and di- In Portuguese the film is to efforts of two private detec-
fight against trans-national or- rected by Casey Affleck, be named ‘Vista pela última tives from Boston to find her,
ganised crime and terrorism can- Morgan Freeman and Ed vez...’, literally translating as the movie was shot last year
not be fought by the member Harris, was supposed to have ‘Seen for the last time’, and before the disappearance of
states individually.” been shown in cinemas in the has already been aired in vari- Madeleine McCann in Praia
Mr Frattini added: “Coopera- UK from December 28th, ous cinema festivals, such as da Luz on May 3rd.
tion is an absolute necessity and though has been put off due the Deauville and Toronto fes- It was an adaptation of the
figures show that Member States to the uncanny similarities tivals, where it was highly ap- book ‘Gone Baby Gone’, writ-
rely more and more on Eurojust its storyline shares with the plauded. ten in 1998 by Dennis
when investigating and prosecut- real-life Madeleine Based on the disappearance Lehane.
ing these types of serious crime.
Improvements are needed in order
to provide Eurojust with the pow-
ers necessary to fulfil its tasks and EU looks to attract highly qualified
act more effectively in the fight
against organised crime and terror-
ism. To this end, I have indicated immigrants
several possibilities for the devel-
6.00 pm opment of Eurojust in the Com-
munication adopted today”
Thursday Eurojust’s aim is to stimulate
The European Commission this week adopted a proposal for a
and improve coordination and co-
November 1st Directive on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country
ALL operation between the national
Lagoa Convent judicial authorities in the Member nationals for highly qualified employment.
States in the fight against trans-
with Harp John
national organised crime and ter- Its aim is to provide member by legal immigration. This pro- Canada (7.3%), US (3.2%) and
rorism. It started its work in 2002 states and EU companies with posal is therefore in line with the Switzerland (5.3%).
A N G L I C A N C H U R C H and the number of registered cases additional “tools” to recruit, re- objectives set out in the Lisbon Workers admitted under this
is growing exponentially. In 2006, tain and better allocate (and re- Strategy. scheme will receive a special
All are welcome and we will be lighting candles in 771 cases were registered, which allocate) the workers they The EU, with 1.72% third- residence and work permit,
remembrance of loved ones who have died. represents an increase of 31 per- need. country highly qualified workers called the “EU Blue Card”, en-
Further details from cent compared to 2005. This year, By doing so, the EC intends of the total of the employed titling them to a series of socio-
PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev’d Eric Britt over 800 cases have already been to increase the competitive- population, lags behind all the economic rights and to favour-
Tel: [phone] registered. This number may even ness of the EU economy by en- other main immigration coun- able conditions for family
[email protected] •www.allsaintsalgarve.org ryeeaacrh. 1000 cases by the end of the hancing the contribution made tries, such as Australia (9.9%), reunifications.
news
The News • 27 Oct 2007 5
Portugal
Pylon protestors carry out
hunger strike
Last week the residents of Vale Fuzeiros, Silves, who for the past five
months have been relentlessly campaigning to deter a series of high-
tension pylons from passing through their village, were finally granted a
meeting with representatives of the Environmental Ministry who
decided in their favour and advised the route should be moved further
north. To ensure this pledge becomes reality, some campaigners are
now carrying out a hunger strike.
National Energy Company stones and it is uncomfortable and
Photo right: Hunger strikers
REN agreed to re-route the origi- noisy”, Sergio Santos, head of the
from Vale de Fuzeiros in Silves
nal plan, though the residents are Residents Commission, told demonstrated against pylons
not entirely convinced this will The Portugal News this week, in their neighbourhood in
happen and as an extra measure “There are cars literally passing front of Parliament on
to ensure REN keep their word, by our heads all night. We are Tuesday. (Photo: Lusa /
carried out their most aggressive aware of the health conse- Tiago Petinga)
protest to date by camping out- quences, it is getting complicated,
side the São Bento palace in Lis- but we will do this for as long as it
bon and refusing to eat. takes”, he added.
Hundreds of campaigners, in- They were later joined by a
cluding four British residents, further 110 protestors, mostly
one German and five Portuguese, residents of Vale Fuzeiros, on
have set up tents and said they Wednesday afternoon, who fur-
are prepared to keep up their ther underscored their message
hunger strike for as long as nec- with placards.
essary. They are surviving solely Despite having seemingly
by drinking liquids, like tea, cof- achieved a minor victory, the Vale
fee and water, and have admitted Fuzeiros residents have pledged
they feel tired and hungry. to only ease up their campaign
“We sleep on the cobble- once visible action is taken.
EC and WFP sound
alarm over
humanitarian impact
of climate change
Louis Michel, the European
Commissioner for Development and
Humanitarian Aid and Josette
Sheeran, Executive Director of the
World Food Programme (WFP) this
week jointly warned that “climate
change is an increasing threat to
development and humanitarian relief
efforts” during WFP’s Executive Board
meeting on Wednesday.
The WFP and EC have Josette Sheeran will take part
worked closely on innovative in discussions with other key
programs guard against famine, development and humanitar-
such as establishing a food se- ian stakeholders. The Inter-
curity safety net in Ethiopia. governmental Panel on Climate
During the past three months, Change (IPCC) predicts that
the European Commission has climate change may dramati-
provided urgent funding for cally decrease yields in many
WFP relief actions in various of the world’s most vulnerable
countries including flood- nations, particularly in Africa.
stricken Uganda and Nepal, and In September 2007, the Euro-
Nicaragua, which was badly pean Commission launched a
affected by Hurricane Felix. Global Climate Change Alli-
Climate change will be the ance, that will support the least
main topic of discussion at the developed countries to adapt
European Development Days their development policies, and
in Lisbon on 7-9 November strategies to take account of
2007, where Louis Michel and climatic changes.
Correction:
took place in Fátima in 1917.
Following a report in last The miracle had been
week’s edition of The Portugal prophesised by Our Blessed
News on Page 7 regarding the Lady of Fátima and was wit-
October 13 religious celebrations nessed by over 70,000 people
and the opening of the new Ba- gathered at the Cova da Iria,
silica, we would like to publish Fátima. People in nearby
the following correction: Cel- Santarem also witnessed the sun
ebrations at Fátima on October spinning on its axis before plung-
13th., 2007, were held to mark ing towards Earth. Among wit-
the 90th., anniversary of the nesses were reporters and broad-
Great Miracle of the Sun which casters from around the world.
nneewwss
66 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2277 OOcctt 22000077
Approving treaty, bloc focuses on pressing global issues
EU leaders managed to break a two-
year institutional impasse in the 27-
state bloc by reaching consensus last
Friday on the future Reform Treaty,
allowing Europe to focus more
efficiently on issues that most concern
its citizens.
Portugal’s EU presidency suc- Commission President José
cessfully wrapped up negotia- Manuel Barroso, Portugal’s
tions on the treaty in the wee leader said, “Europe has dis-
hours of Friday to overcome last- played ambition” and now wants
minute objections from Poland to “lead the debate on globaliza-
and Italy. tion.”
The EU’s new rulebook, sub- To guide the world debate on
ject to ratification by national par- globalization, said Mr Sócrates,
liaments and at least one referen- Europe has to participate in “re-
dum, replaces the bloc’s aborted designing global institutions so
constitution that was ditched by that they can better respond to
French and Dutch voters. the challenges of globalization.”
Endorsement of the Reform At December’s formal EU
Treaty has been the “top prior- leaders’ summit a decision will be
ity” for Lisbon’s EU chair, which approved to set up a group of
has now “scored” two of its three experts to study the challenges
key presidency goals. An inau- faced by Europe in the context of
gural EU-Brazil summit was globalization, he added.
staged in June at the start of Lis- Moving to discuss recent tur-
bon’s presidency, whose third moil on world financial markets,
objective in the EU driving seat Mr Sócrates said EU leaders sup-
is to stage a Europe-Africa sum- port an action plan by the bloc’s
mit in December. financial ministers to closely moni-
At the close on Friday of the tor developments on money mar-
informal Lisbon gathering of EU kets in the wake of the credit crisis
heads of state and government, sparked by the collapse of the US
Portugal’s prime minister, José subprime mortgage market.
Sócrates, congratulating his fel- But EU leaders consider that Portuguese Prime Minister and EU President, José Sócrates, chats with UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, at the beginning of the
low leaders on reaching accord on “the foundations of the Euro- meeting of the second day of the Lisbon Informal Summit, in Lisbon last week. (Photo: Lusa / Paulo Carrico)
the new treaty, said, “Europe is pean economy continue strong,”
now prepared to respond to the noted Portugal’s prime minister. ers’ gathering had welcomed the global warming. and more far-reaching action. which should agree a roadmap for
challenges of globalization.” In the area of climate change, gaining momentum of the inter- Europe has played a key role EU leaders agree on the vital a comprehensive and inclusive
Accompanied by European Mr Sócrates said the Lisbon lead- national community’s combat of in this area, he added, but must importance of the upcoming UN- negotiation process for a post-
continue to press towards global sponsored summit on climate 2012 climate change framework.
consensus on the need for further change in Bali, said Mr Sócrates, TPN/Lusa
EC to take action to explain Treaty
to citizens - Barroso
Brussels will coordinate action with the member states and the European Parliament to
explain the new EU Treaty to citizens ahead of its ratification process, European
Commission President José Manuel Barroso said in Lisbon.
“The European Commission pean Constitution project was de- powers with the approval of the
will act in a coordinated man- railed in 2005. new EU Treaty. On the con-
ner on the information to pro- Summit host Portuguese trary, “coordination work will
vide on the new EU Reform Prime Minister José Sócrates in become easier at the level of Eu-
Treaty, but not regarding the turn stressed that “it will be up ropean foreign policy,” he said.
national perspectives” on how to each country to decide how to “The European Commission
to ratify that document, Mr ratify” the new EU Treaty. sincerely supported the Re-
Barroso added. “But I’m confident that this form Treaty as it previously
He made his comments at the Treaty corresponds to the desire supported the Constitutional
press conference marking the end of the overwhelming majority of Treaty. The EU Reform Treaty
of the Thursday-Friday Lisbon citizens, who want the debate strengthens Europe and what is
Summit of EU heads of state and about European institutions to good for Europe is necessarily
government, who approved the end and new rules of functioning good for the European Commis-
so-called Reform Treaty meant to be adopted,” he added. sion,” the former Portuguese
to break the institutional impasse Mr Barroso denied that the government chief explained.
that has reigned since the Euro- European Commission had lost TPN/Lusa
Classes
Treaty “not end of the
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(for women 12:00 - 13.30) (18:00 - 19:30) (20:00 - 21:30)
story”, says Sócrates TUESDAY - Jiu-Jitsu
(20:00 - 21:30)
WEDNESDAY - Kick-boxing | Ninjutsu |Kick Boxing | Jiu-Jitsu
(for women 12:00 - 13.30) (18:00 - 19:30) (19:30 - 21:00) (20:00 - 21:30)
Approval of the EU Reform Asked about how long the new enhances Europe’s position THURSDAY - Squash | Jiu-Jitsu
Treaty is “not the end of the Treaty will last, Mr Sócrates said ahead of summits with Russia, (20:00 - 21:30)
story”, Portuguese Prime Minis- he hoped the institutional model India and China, the current FRIDAY - Ninjutsu | Kick-boxing
ter José Sócrates has said. agreed to by the 27 EU member president-in-office of the Euro- (18:00 - 19:30) (19:30 - 21:00)
He made his comments at the states would “stand in time”. pean Council explained. Cardio-Fitness and Body Building open from 9.30am to 10pm
press conference marking the “I hope its name, Lisbon The EU will now be able to
end of the two-day informal Treaty, also lasts,” he said, add- “confront the Kosovo question
Summit of EU heads of state and ing that “of course, this Treaty is from a standpoint of more insti- Vitaline - Gestão de Actividades Desportivas, Lda
government, who approved a not the end of the story” because tutional strength,” Sócrates said, Quinta da Palmeira 8300-038 Silves
new European charter that will on the other hand “Europe has adding “I have no doubt that the Closed Saturday and Sunday
become known as the Lisbon shown the ability to progress and [Lisbon] summit result has rein-
Treaty after being signed in De- adjust to changes.” forced the European spirit.” TPN/ Tel.: [phone]
cember. The Treaty’s approval also Lusa
nneewwss
TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2277 OOcctt 22000077 77
Reform Treaty to be signed in Lisbon on December 13 says PM
Portuguese Prime Minister
José Sócrates has
announced that leaders
from the 27 EU member
states have reached
agreement on the new
Reform Treaty, which will
be formally signed on
December 13 in Lisbon.
“The new Lisbon Treaty has
been born. It is a victory for Eu-
rope,” the president-in-office of
the European Council announced
in a press conference that followed
the overnight negotiating session
last Thursday evening.
“With this agreement and with
the new Treaty, the European
project is under way and Europe
can now look with confidence to
its future,” Mr Sócrates said,
adding that the Portuguese [EU]
presidency had fulfilled its plan:
to debate and approve the Treaty
on Thursday and to begin to dis-
cuss important issues for the EU
on Friday.
He particularly thanked Euro-
pean Commission President José
Manuel Durão Barroso, who was
at his side, for the support given
Family photo taken of the officials of the European Union during the Lisbon Informal Summit, in Lisbon last week. Photo: Lusa / Inácio Rosa)
to the presidency over the course
of the Treaty negotiations.
Durão Barroso highlighted the tury”. decided in the Treaty, that the total The position is also clear re- of state and government being ing rejected by referendums in
“good European spirit” that ena- Questioned on details of the number of members [of the next garding the appointment of the held last Thursday and Friday in France and the Netherlands the
bled agreement on a “historic solutions for questions that European Parliament] would be high representative for foreign Lisbon, under the auspices of the following year.
agreement” on the new Treaty, only hours earlier had threatened 751 – 750 plus the president (...). policy, Sócrates said: “the Coun- current Portuguese EU presi- EU leaders meeting in Brussels
stressing that the next challenge to block agreement on the The distribution of the MEPs in cil agreed that the European Par- dency. last June, at the end of Germany’s
was to have it ratified by the 27 Treaty, Mr Sócrates stressed the the member states will be deter- liament would be appropriately The document is meant to re- half-year presidency term, gave
member states. contribution of the Portuguese mined in the next European Coun- heard”. place the failed European Con- Portugal a strong mandate to over-
The European Commission negotiating teams and denied cil according to the proposal from Approval of the Reform stitution project, signed in 2004 see the process of approving the
president said he was “extremely that any solution, namely the the European Parliament,” the Treaty was top on the agenda of but which left the Union in a state so-called Reform Treaty in
happy” about what he considered concession of one more MEP to Portuguese prime minister said, the informal summit of EU heads of institutional impasse after be- record time. TPN/Lusa
to be “a historic agreement, which Italy, would lead to a postpone- indicating that it was also decided
gives the European Union the ment of debate. that the “new MEP will be for
capacity to act in the 21st cen- “We decided what had to be Italy”.
EU leaders express
satisfaction over new treaty
European Union leaders expressed great satisfaction over the agreement
reached on a new treaty for the 27-nation bloc.
The following are some of German Chancellor European Parliament
the comments from leaders Angela Merkel: “The accord Speaker Hans-Gert
who had gathered in the is a great success (and) a deci- Poettering: “I’m satisfied be-
Portuguese capital: Portu- sive political advance”. cause the European Council
guese Prime Minister José British Prime Minister followed the European Par-
Sócrates: “The new Treaty Gordon Brown: “The treaty liament almost 100%”.
of Lisbon was born today. It’s was approved, (Britain’s) ‘red David Martinon, spokes-
a victory for Europe”. lines’ were guaranteed, Brit- man for the French presi-
European Commission ish interests were protected. dency: “This accord brings
President José Manuel It’s now time for Europe to great satisfaction because it
Durão Barroso: “We stand devote itself to something comes only 20 months after
before a really historic ac- else”. (President) Nicolas Sarkozy
cord that gives the European Polish President Lech suggested the idea of a simpli-
Union the capacity to act in Kaczynski: “Poland got eve- fied treaty for the first time”.
the XXI century”. rything it wanted”. TPN/Lusa
Ex-Portuguese president urges bloc’s
leaders to build a new Europe
Former President Mário leaders’ summit and “go further bon accord, we can now breathe
Soares, the man who led Portu- again with European construc- with relief and face the future with
gal into the European Union in tion.” some optimism.”
1985, called on EU leaders to “go The former Socialist prime Soares left a final message to EU
further” in building a new Europe minister and president said he leaders on his vision of the bloc’s
following their breakthrough a wasn’t enthusiastic about the future role on the world stage, say-
few hours earlier in approving a contents of the EU treaty, as “no ing Europe has to become a “glo-
new Reform Treaty. true European or common EU bal player in a multi-polar world”
In a statement, Mr Soares said citizen” would be, but the draft to repair the “political and eco-
the EU must “start again” after treaty approved in Lisbon ends nomic damage” inflicted by the
the breaking of its institutional a period of limbo for the bloc. policies of US President George
impasse at an informal Lisbon “Happily, thanks to the Lis- W. Bush. TPN/Lusa
news
8 The News • 27 Oct 2007
Portugal
EU in
agreement
over common
sea policy
There is a common consensus among the
EU’s 27 member states for the adoption of
an integrated maritime policy, European
Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime
Affairs Joe Borg said this week.
Speaking after a Lisbon meet- ing, and seeking to develop new
ing of EU ministers responsible areas such as wave energy.”
for maritime affairs, Borg said Commissioner Borg echoed
there had been “unanimous ac- the Lisbon government’s enthu-
ceptance” of the need for “an in- siasm for a new relationship with
tegrated approach to maritime its extensive territorial waters,
affairs” in Europe. noting that “Portugal can make
“Coordination (between immense profits from the sea,
member states) is essential for the especially in the development of
success of an integrated approach “coastal tourism, new energies
to maritime affairs,” said the and short-distance sea trans-
PHOTO ABOVE: Maltese commissioner, calling port”.
LOOKING FOR AN President of European for this coordination to be “inten- Borg also announced that the
Commission, José Manuel sified between various sectors” existing task force for maritime
Durão Barroso (2L), chats to allow “less damaging deci- affairs in Brussels could be up-
with Prime Minister, José sions” to be made. graded soon to Directorate Gen-
Sócrates (2R) and Defence “We’re not proposing an al- eral status to coordinate activities
ENTERTAINER? minister, Severiano Teixeira
teration in competencies (of of EU commissioners responsi-
(L), Fisheries EU
Commissioner, Joe Borg states), but rather the putting in ble for ocean-related policy ar-
(R), (top L/R) Dutch State place of a process that leads to a eas.
NO EVENT TOO secretary for Transportation decision that is more coordi- The one-day Lisbon meeting
LARGE OR TOO and Water Management, nated.” ran under the banner “Ministe-
SMALL Tineke Huizinga-Heringa, Speaking alongside Commis- rial Conference on Maritime
Spanish State Secretary sioner Borg was Portugal’s state Policy for the EU” and was ad-
Private parties, Alberto Navarro, French secretary of national defence and dressed by Portuguese Prime
corporate European Affairs State maritime affairs, João Mira Minister José Sócrates and Eu-
events. We Secretary Jean-Pierre Gomes, who said the adoption by ropean Commission chief José
Jouyet and Janis Marsans,
supply stages, Ministry of Transport and EU members of a common sea Manuel Barroso.
lights, sound, Communications of the policy “can open new channels Discussions centred on the
catering, and the Republic of Latvia after the of cooperation with partners of creation of a common EU mari-
best family photo, during the the Southern Mediterranean”. time policy proposed by the
European Conference on Turning his attention to Por- European Commission earlier
entertainment. the Maritime Policy for the tugal’s centuries-long relation- this month, as well as preparation
European Union, on Monday ship with the sea, Mira Gomes of recommendations for the
CALL US at Nations Park in Lisbon. said Lisbon “is looking to the bloc’s summit in December that
(Photo: Lusa / Inácio Rosa)
TODAY oceans with new eyes, without caps Lisbon’s third presidency
We have a ignoring traditional areas like fish- of the EU. TPN/Lusa
diverse client
Turkey-Iraq tensions over
base and will
give expert and
helpful advice for
all your needs Kurdish rebels worry
ARE YOU ON
OUR BOOKS? Portuguese presidency
Call us today
to register
(demo or
audition
required) The Portuguese EU presidency has informed Turkey of its
Tel: 914 “preoccupations” with escalating tensions in the region where Ankara is
mobilizing forces for threatened cross-border action against Kurdish
599 933 rebels based in Iraq.
PORTUGAL’S NEWEST TALENT AGENCY
“I communicated our preoccu- rebel attacks against Turkish majority ethnic Kurdish south-
pations on recent events and on troops, and the Turkish parlia- eastern region.
the escalation of tensions that has ment’s approval Wednesday for Mr Amado said he had also
taken place, worsening even more a retaliatory cross-border re- discussed the crisis with the
the critical situation the region is sponse. EU’s chief diplomat, Javier
experiencing”, Foreign Minister “Turkey is concerned about Solana, and that the issue would
Luís Amado told Lusa last week, not contributing to worsening likely be raised at the EU summit
referring to a telephone call he had the already difficult situation in Lisbon Thursday and Friday.
made to his Turkish counterpart, faced by the Iraqi government”, The EU, he said, would
Ali Babacan. Mr Amado said, adding that any “surely be represented” at a No-
Sole Agents for Group Elvis, Tribute Show Minister Amado added that he Turkish action would be aimed at vember 2-3 meeting in Istanbul
had “heard in detail” from Kurdish PKK guerrillas. involving Turkey, Iraq and their
Contractors for International Algarve Fair
Babacan about Ankara’s “preoc- The PKK insurgents are fight- neighbours, along with the United
www.standingovationalgarve.com cupations” about recent Kurdish ing for autonomy for Turkey’s States.TPN/Lusa
news
The News • 27 Oct 2007 9
Portugal
PM announces ‘flexicurity’ accord with bosses and unions
European employers’ and union
associations have reached agreement on
modernization of the labour market and the
principles of ‘flexicurity’, Prime Minister José
Sócrates said.
As a result of this “historic the EU adjusts to the demands of
agreement”, the Portuguese a more competitive market, while
presidency now has the condi- maintaining its European social
tions to present in December a model,” he added.
proposal on those issues, Prime Antoine Seillière, on behalf of
Minister Sócrates said at a Lis- the employers’ associations,
bon press conference that was prudent about the effective
marked the end of the Informal consequences of the agreement,
Tripartite Social Summit. stressing that “the flexicurity
“Today we have taken an ex- principles must now be trans-
tremely important step towards formed into reality”.
application of the Lisbon “Companies have to meet the
Agenda. The agreement is a sign new challenges, but workers
of the vitality of social dialogue must also be prepared to face
as an integral part of the Euro- changes and be able to carry out
pean social model,” the Portu- new jobs,” he said.
guese prime minister said. The representative of the Eu-
He emphasized that the con- ropean labour unions, John
crete application of ‘flexicurity’ Monk, said that the agreement on
principles should “depend on the the principles to modernize the
political options of each coun- labour market “will reinforce the
try”. EU’s connection to people”.
Partial view of a demonstration last week which was promoted by Portuguese left-wing union CGTP-IN outside the Atlantic pavilion
Flexicurity is a labour policy The European social partners near the location of the EU Lisbon Informal Summit. Demonstrators were demanding better wages, work conditions and more
combining flexible conditions delivered to the Portuguese EU European social measures. (Photo: Lusa / Manuel de Almeida)
enabling employers to hire and presidency earlier Thursday a
fire more easily, with more joint analysis document on social Barroso warns of possible tougher
worker security via higher unem- dialogue and the challenges fac-
ployment benefits. ing the European labour market.
Also present was European The document prepared by
measures against degradation of oceans
Commission President José the European employers and
Manuel Durão Barroso, who unions was ratified by the execu-
noted that the “step taken today” tive committee of the European
by the European social partners Trade Union Confederation
European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso has warned that time is running out
to determine measures to help (ETUC) in Lisbon, shortly before
modernize the labour market the start of the Thursday morn- in the fight to save ocean and sea environments, saying Brussels may adopt additional measures if
“will surely not be the last”. ing EU social summit, in which it current policies do not produce satisfactory results.
The agreement “shows that participated.
“There’s no time to lose. If we
Lower representation at don’t get concrete results” in com-
bating maritime degradation, “Eu-
rope will have to consider other
paths of action”, Durão Barroso
Europe-Africa summit if
told the opening session of a high-
level ministerial conference on
maritime policy in Lisbon.
Mugabe present “The marine environment of
our oceans and seas continues to
deteriorate with the increase of
The Czech ambassador to Portugal has confirmed that economic activity”, he said, add-
ing that the commission was
Prague will not be represented at “the highest level” at
“aware of the problem” and de-
the Europe-Africa summit the Portuguese EU presidency voting much attention to it.
hosts in December if Zimbabwean President Robert He said Brussels had proposed
Mugabe is present. a “series of measures” for mari-
time environmental protection
Ambassador Ladislav Skerik The Czech government an- that he hoped would be blessed by
told Lusa the Czech position nounced earlier in the week that the conclusion of the Portuguese
had not been coordinated with it would send a junior delegation EU presidency at year’s end, and
Britain, which has threatened to Lisbon if Mugabe came to the a “third package on maritime se-
to boycott the apex meeting for December 8-9 summit. curity” which also awaited debate
the same reason, but that Although Mugabe’s regime and approval.
Prague “closely follows” Lon- faces EU travel and other sanc- Another major concern, Durão
don and Washington on “secu- tions over human rights abuses, Barroso added, was the
rity and human rights” issues. Lisbon argues that the urgent “sustainability of fisheries”.
The commission, he said, had
Ambassador Skerik ac- need to re-launch and raise Eu-
taken action last week against cer-
knowledged that, in contrast to rope-Africa relations to a higher
tain “destructive practices and
the Portuguese presidency and level cannot be held hostage to
pirate fishing”.
other EU partners, Africa was a single issue or problems be-
Illegal fishing worldwide repre-
“not a priority” for Prague. tween specific countries.
sented “much more than the
(catch) volume of legal fishing” by
Police losing the EU, he said.
In economic terms, he called for
the bloc to develop its “maritime
dimension” in the face of “strong
detectives growth in international trade” in
tandem with preservation of the
environment.
Underlining Europe’s increas-
In the space of a year, Portugal’s anniversary. ing dependence on maritime trans-
elitePolícia Judiciária has lost 84 Since the end of the 1990s, the port, Durão Barroso said bolster-
detectives, a drop of 7.6 percent PJ has lost a total of 240 detec- ing the EU’s shipbuilding and
when comparing the first half of tives, though the Justice Minis- ports capacities was an “urgent
2007 with the previous year. try announced recently it will be challenge”.
The revelation of the drop in looking to increase the number of Oceans and seas, he said, also
represented a “decisive factor” for
the number of detectives comes detectives by 150 in the next two
growth in the bloc’s service sec-
as the PJ was celebrating its 62nd years. tors, such as tourism. TPN/Lusa
1100bnueswisness TThheePPoorrttuuggaallNNeewwss•• 2207 OOcctt 22000077
Lowering US Estate Taxes
Lisbon, Brussels
upbeat on approval
In our last article – Estate Planning An Important Facet of Life – we pointed out that the estates of of wine sector
deceased American expatriates can be subject to substantial estate taxes. The Internal Revenue
Service requires that worldwide estates of decedents be valued either at, or six months after, date of
death. An estate tax return must then be filed within nine months following the death of the decedent, reforms this year
listing these valuations less any allowable deductions, for purposes of taxation.
Estates valued at less than the been sold within nine months of significant value. Valuations of in the event she becomes inca- Portugal’s EU presidency and the
$2,000,000 Applicable Exclu- her husband’s passing in order to property should include the pacitated and requires someone European Commission both expressed
sion Amount are not liable to taxa- pay $3,375,000 in estate taxes manner in which title is held, the else to act in her stead.
confidence this week that a root-and-
tion. But given that the euro has (unless qualifying for estate tax date of acquisition, the current tax Estate planning to avoid or
recently crossed the $1.40 installment payments). Julie is basis, and any offsetting loans. eliminate estate taxes can be criti- branch reform package of Europe’s wine
threshold, Americans living for quite anxious now as to how to Once valued – and in some circum- cally important, particularly as sector will be approved in December.
years and accumulating holdings pass the school, a viable business stances qualified appraisals may Americans are often unwary of
in Europe could very well be li- and respected institution in the be required – Julie can then sub- the heavy-handedness of the In- After chairing a meeting to have goodwill” as “reform
able to estate taxes. For instance community, to her children and tract any mortgages, loans, credit fernal Revenue Service in its mis- of his EU colleagues, Portu- is not easy,” Portugal’s agri-
an estate valued at €1,400,000 is eleven grandchildren. cards and other liabilities in order sion to feed the tax machine. guese Agriculture Minister culture minister said after
already near the $2,000,000 Since the school is incorpo- to arrive at a net value of the es- Don’t expose your heirs to un- Jaime Silva said the main the first ministerial working
threshold. rated, Julie can, for starters, make tate. expected surprises. stumbling block in talks on session.
Estates owing taxes can be gifts of stock to her heirs of As part of the appraisal of the Barron Harper is a member of the reform proposals is the Flanking Silva was Euro-
substantially diminished, leaving $12,000 each. Each year, she school, Julie might consider that Albo Euro-Consult issue of enriching wine with pean Commissioner for Ag-
the heirs with a fraction of the could, therefore, transfer out of where recipients in a closely held (www.albo.org), a consortium of sugar, a practice common in riculture Mariann Fischer
property intended by the her estate $180,000 ($12,000 x business receive less than 50% in chartered accountants and legal northern Europe that is “a Boel, who said the abolition
decedent to pass to them. To pay 15) in stock shares. But this pos- ownership value, they are enti- experts on the European conti- tradition of 170 years and of planting rights would be
estate taxes, a choice piece of sibility may not be very attrac- tled to a lack of control discount, nent, and the National Associa- affects a highly specific mar- introduced in 2010, rather
property might have to be sold tive since Julie is not likely to which can typically range be- tion of Public Accountants ket.” than 2013 as planned, if this
or a long established business liq- survive very many more years. tween 20% and 40%. Moreover, (www.natptax.com). He special- Before the start of the controversial measure is not
uidated. So what can be done to And any gifts made within three if there is no established market izes in US International Taxation talks In Luxembourg, Min- approved.
lower estate taxes? years of death automatically re- for the school, shares could be for American expatriates. ister Silva had said the issue The Danish commissioner
Consider Julie Thornton. She vert to the estate. further discounted another 20% [email protected] / of sugar addition could block also addressed the hotly con-
established a school 35 years ago. The first step Julie should take - 30%. Or she might consider (00351) 91 935 9809. any accord on reform of the tested issue of uprooting vine-
As a married person, she bore four is to prepare an inventory of her transferring part of the property Common Organization of yards and paying farmers to
children. Julie is now 78 years estate: cash and investments; life in return for a private annuity, the Wine Market, part of the leave the sector, noting Brus-
old and not in good health. Her insurance; retirement accounts; which does not revert to the es- EU’s Common Agricultural sels was not targeting specific
husband predeceased her eight personal residence and rental tate upon death of the decedent. Policy. countries with this measure
years ago. As the surviving US properties; vested stock options; Julie should then make a Will, For the 27 EU member that aims to cut production
citizen spouse, the $10,000,000 business ownership interests; which will help her determine states to reach agreement on and boost quality of wine.
school and its properties passed vehicles, boats, RVs, etc.; art- how she would like to see her es- the wine sector reform “The key is to make up-
automatically to her. Had she work, jewelry and collectibles; tate distributed. She may want plans, which are opposed by rooting possible in regions
been a surviving foreign spouse, furniture and other personal to create one or more trusts. And a group of states led by Ger- where it is well received.”
the school would have to have property; and anything else of she might also create a living Will many and France, “all have TPN/Lusa
C G T :
Classifieds APITAL AINS AX by Dennis Swing
Greene
Options when selling Property in an Offshore Company
that work This is the second of a three part series exploring the Capital Gains Tax consequences of
selling a property that is in an Offshore Company:
1) The Situation
2) Options nº1 & nº 2
Your classified in The 3) Option nº 3 and the Conclusion
Portugal News will be
seen all over Portugal (in The Tax Consquences for Buyer and Seller
print) and all over the
a) The Company sells its Property: instance, the transaction will no
world (on line). The Capital Gain on the sale of the Property is the net difference longer be seen as a property
An estimated 60,000 between purchase cost (€200,000) and sales price (€550,000) rights transfer but merely as a
people will see what you minus capital improvements in the last 5 years minus deductible sale of shares (movable assets).
buying and selling costs. This net gain is then taxed at the rate of After application of any Capi-
have to offer and will
25%. tal Gains allowance, a second
react fast because if they
Example - the final result might look something like this: CGT assessment will be due on
wait, it will be too late.
this gain. Given the deemed
You can place an ad for €550,000 (sale) - €200,000 (purchase) - €15,000 (improvements) natures of the perceived trans-
as little as €1.50 per week - €5,000 (expenses) = €230,000 (net gain) X 25% (non-resident action, together with the trian-
tax rate on sale of property) = €57,500(CGT) gulation of the jurisdictions in-
(3 words) or take
volved, there is no way to elimi-
advantage of our special
The buyer will also pay the following acquisition taxes: nate double taxation.
display ad (4 x 5 cm) @
€25 p.w. for 10 weeks. €33,000 (IMT) + €4,400 (Stamp Duty) = €37,400 (acquisition
Optionº 2
taxes)
Bottom Line:
Since it is a Delaware Company that is selling the Property, then
Seller is taxed €57,500
the taxable Gain will be to the
Buyer pays no tax
Company. However, it is more
Option nº 1
than likely that the distribution of
Bottom Line:
these profits to the shareholders Seller is taxed €57,500 PARTNº 3: Final Option and
willalso incur an assessment to the Conclusion
Buyer is taxed €37,400
Owners in the home jurisdiction
on these “dividends”. Dennis Swing Greene is an
International Fiscal Consultant
Place your classified on line and you b) Sale of the Shares of the Delaware Company and Senior Partner at
The shares of the Delaware Company are sold to the Buyer. In EuroFinesco S.A.. with offices in
will save 10%. It’s so easy, just go to
accordance with the USA-Portugal Tax Treaty (Article 14), this is the Algarve and in Lisbon. Ap-
www.the-news.net and click on the
treated as a sale of Property Rights since the US Company, as a pointments may be scheduled in
“Place a classified” box.
resident entity under the Treaty, consists principally of immov- Guia (Albufeira) at 289 561333
or able property located in Portugal. Therefore, the Gain may be taxed or in Lisbon (Chiado) at 21
Fill in the form on P. 63 in Portugal in an identical fashion as above (a) with a net CGT due 3424210 or by e-mail at
Call Sónia on 707 500 677 of€57,500. [email protected] or on
Send by Fax: [phone] For Classifieds that really work Since the Sellers are non-residents in Portugal, they will also be the internet at
taxable on the worldwide income in their home jurisdiction. In this www.eurofinesco.com.