The Portugal News - Issue 935

2007·20.6 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

THE PORTUGAL
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24 Nov 2007 • Edition Nº 935 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
Exclusive: British READER OFFER: Turn to page 33 and
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Alexander Wykeham Ellis
has presented his underwritten up to one
credentials to the by Lloyds of 40% see
President of Portugal and London page 21
has this week spoken to off
The Portugal News of his
fondness for Portugal, his
admiration of the charity Former Chelsea manager José Mourinho tipped
work done by the British
community in the country,
and how he envisages as favourite to succeed sacked England coach
further boosting relations
between the world’s
oldest alliance in the SPECIAL ONE
coming four years. (See
pp 2 & 3)
Portugal tops for
card payments
Portuguese use their
bank cards more than
FOR ENGLAND?
any other European
nation to pay for
purchases. Of all
purchases made in the
country during the
course of 2006, almost
two-thirds (63.3 percent)
were paid for by either
credit or debit cards,
placing Portugal at the
summit of European card Former Chelsea manager
users. (See P. 5) José Mourinho and
current Portugal coach
were on the short-list this
Courts support
week to replace Steve
hotel sacking of McLaren at the helm of
HIV-positive chef England’s national team
Lisbon’s high ‘Tribunal after they failed to qualify
da Relação’ appeal court for the 2008 European
has reiterated an earlier football championship
decision made by a finals.
Labour Tribunal to While José Mourinho has re-
support a hotel chain that mained tight-lipped on the Eng-
fired an HIV-positive land job vacancy, it is no secret that
chef. (See P. 4) the man who brought glory to
both Chelsea and FC Porto en-
Smoking ban joyed his lifestyle in the British
capital.
countdown
On the contrary, Mourinho’s
As the secretary-general return to Portugal has been marred
of Portugal’s Association by a number of unsavoury inci-
for Restaurants and dents. The most notable was a
Similar Establishments playground scuffle with a boy at
(ARESP) said the a Setúbal private school after the
country’s eateries and 12-year-old had taunted his 11-
watering holes are ready year old daughter, comparing her
and willing to implement with her father.
the new no-smoking law The Special One, displeased
due in January, the with the manner in which the case
Health sector’s Director was conducted by the school, re-
General has appealed to moved his two children from the
the nation to be institution.
“demanding” with José Mourinho reportedly said
establishments to ensure after the incident that not once did
the execution of the law his children have to deal with play-
and the end of passive ground taunts while schooling in
smoking. (See P. 7) West London.
Whether this is enough to en-
sure he returns to London to lead
Weekend weather
the English national side, remains
Lisbon: Saturday: Sunny, unclear.
high of 16º Sunday: Mourinho’s departure from
Sunny, high of 16º. Faro: Chelsea only two months ago
Saturday: Showers/ came as a surprise, especially af-
Windy, high of 17º ter he had established himself as
Sunday: Sunny/Windy, the most successful manager in the
high of 18º. Oporto: club’s history. But his achieve-
Saturday: Sunny, high of ments at FC Porto, where he won
14º Sunday: Sunny, high the UEFA Cup and Champions
of 15º. Archive photo of José Mourinho saluting his fans during a Premier League match against Arsenal in London. (Photo. EPA / Andy Rain) Special, see p. 64
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2 The News
Portugal • 24 Nov 2007
Introducing the new
THE PORTUGAL
British Ambassador
British Ambassador Alexander
Wykeham Ellis, having presented his
credentials to the President of Portugal
on November 13, has this week spoken
toThe Portugal News of his fondness
for Portugal, his admiration of the
charity work done by the British
community in the country, and how he
envisages further boosting relations
between the world’s oldest alliance in
the coming four years.
While British Foreign Secre- serving as third and later second
tary David Miliband has set the secretary.
tone for an increasingly younger It was during this time that he
diplomatic service, the youthful- met his Portuguese wife, Maria
ness of the new British Ambas- Teresa Adegas, who is also in-
sador in Portugal still comes as a volved in the diplomatic service.
surprise. The past decade he has been
But at 40, Alexander Ellis has working on a number of European
a wealth of experience,
and by his own admis-
“When the job came up I was
sion, was a logical selec-
tion for the posting in a possible choice and when the
Lisbon once it became foreign office selected their
available. candidate, I was very happy it
“When the job came was me”
up I was a possible
choice and when the for- mission, Portugal’s José Manuel The ambassador is full of pointment was a political one? money”.
eign office selected their candi- Union issues, and between 2005 Durão Barroso. praise for his team at the em- “I have to represent the United Moving on to the thorny issue
date, I was very happy it was and 2007, says Mr Ellis “I “I was part of a small team, and bassy. Kingdom in every sense, not only of Zimbabwe and whether the
me”, says the Ambassador. worked for a Portuguese boss”. I travelled greatly with Durão “I am very fortunate to have on the political side, but also on attendance of Zimbabwean Presi-
Mr Ellis worked for the Brit- For three years, the Ambassa- Barroso. It was enjoyable, and I the team I have. I am here to show the commercial and consular dent Robert Mugabe and the boy-
ish government in Lisbon for five dor seconded as adviser to the like him and respect him a lot. He that the oldest alliance is about to- sides. cott of Prime Minister Gordon
years between 1992 and 1996, President of the European Com- also gave me a new insight into morrow and not just yesterday”. “My background is in the Eu- Brown at next month’s EU-Af-
Portugal”, explains Mr Ellis. ropean Union, but one of the rica summit could sour relations
Speaking to The Portugal “I was part of a small team, and attractions of this job is wid- between Portugal and Britain, he
Represented in Portugal by: News on Wednesday at the ening that experience and get- replied: “Robert Mugabe’s at-
I travelled greatly with Durão
ANGLOPRESS British Embassy in Lisbon, ting into all the different ar- tendance is not an issue for the
Edições e Mr Ellis tells of how he wanted Barroso. It was enjoyable, and eas involving British Portu- world’s oldest alliance. If Robert
Publicidade, Lda to become a teacher, follow- I like him and respect him a lot. guese relations”, he explains. Mugabe comes, and we don’t
Copyright © 2005 Anglo Press Lda and The News Group of Newspapers ing in the footsteps of both his He also gave me a new insight While there has been some know if he’ll come yet, then
Postal address: Apt 13 8401-901 Lagoa parents and grandfather. into Portugal” criticism of the sale of some Gordon Brown will not attend.
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa But the urge to travel, he prime real estate in the centre “The EU has a policy towards
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa
says, was stronger, and was of Lisbon, initiated by his Mugabe in terms of visa restric-
Gen.Tel: [phone] Newsdesk Tel:[phone]
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone] partly the reason why he decided But with a background that is predecessor John Buck, the new tions, but there are exceptions to
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone] to look for work in the diplomatic heavily centred on politics, does Ambassador believes the process that, which will be the case
Emails: [email protected] [email protected] service. Alexander Ellis believe his ap- is serving the best interests of the should he attend and I think if he
Web: www.the-news.net British taxpayer. attends, he will be the only per-
“I will continue with the estate son in Lisbon that is on the EU’s
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of SUBSCRIBE issues initiated by my predeces- visa banned list. The UK is ful-
The Portugal News is owned and published by: sor - to sell some of it - which we filling EU policy by not wanting
The News Group of Newspapers Inc.Depósito Legal Nº 80258/94 are in the process of doing. But it to sit at the same table as Robert
Printed by: MIRANDELA Gráfica, Lisbon is what my predecessor did, what Mugabe”, says the Ambassador
Print Run (Tiragem): 24,185
Please send me 52 editions of The Portugal News. I enclose my I am doing, and who knows, per- in his Prime Minister’s defence,
PEduibtolirs:her: PBraeunl dLaunc kdme aBneer npuebwlsisdheesrk@@ththee-n-neewwss.n.neett cheque made payable to THE PORTUGAL NEWS for €67.50 haps what my successor will be adding: “But we understand the
Production Drctr:Madeline Luckman [email protected] (Portugal), €135 (Europe) or €210 (World Airmail). doing as well”. position of the Portuguese presi-
Algarve News: Carrie-Marie Bratley Please debit my VISA credit card account with: But what are the reasons be- dency and we have worked very
Events: Raquel Salbany (cid:134) €67.50 (Portugal) (cid:134) €135 (Europe) (cid:134) €210 World hind this sell-off en-masse? “Be- closely with Portugal and other
Preview: Nikki Hall cause British taxpayers right- EU member states on the sub-
Travel: Sherry Hughes fully demand value for money stance of the summit. The Por-
Columnists: Patricia Westheimer
Correspondents:Gwynne Dyer Nº from the Foreign Office. We have tuguese knew in advance of our
Photos: LUSA, Press Association enormous demands worldwide - position”.
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card) think of the security for
Classifieds: Beverley Gonçalves Expiry Date the embassy in Af-
SSaulbessc rMipatnioangse:r: MBealrlaia TTaalyhloardas 914 393 736 ghanistan and the cost “I am here to show that the oldest
involving its building. alliance is about tomorrow and
Area Managers: Name “Like all organisa- not just yesterday”.
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, tions we need money
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 S(Vinilatrma)oura, Boliqueime, Address abnled awned h taovueg tho bine smenansia-ging our What sort of representation
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz,
Almancil, Quinta do Lago, estate, and like all ambassadors will Britain have at the Decem-
Vale do Lobo, Loulé) that is part of my role”, explains ber 8 and 9 summit?
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz, Mr Ellis. “The UK will be there. Al-
Aljezur) But not to the detriment of though I am not sure at what level.
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão, Phone Nº British expatriates living in Por- The Prime Minister has said he
Silves, S B Messines, tugal? will not go if Robert Mugabe
Armação de Pêra) Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News, “No. I would think any Brit- comes, and no cabinet minister
Tom Chapman 912 583 188 (Eastern Algarve - Ayamonte) Apartado 13, 8401-901 Lagoa or FAX to 282 341201 ish taxpayer wants value for will attend either. But what the
nneewwss
TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077 33
lawyers. The media fo- rector General of
“Robert Mugabe’s attendance
cus has been extraordi- GlaxoSmithKline in Portugal.
is not an issue for the world’s
nary in the McCann Then there was a visit to the
oldest alliance. If Robert case. Under these cir- Tropical Research Institute in
Mugabe comes to Lisbon, and cumstances we can ex- Lisbon, a meeting the Director of
we don’t know if he’ll come yet, plain how the Portu- European Strategy and Labour
guese legal system Market Flexibility from BERR,
then Gordon Brown will not
works, but we are not a call on the Foreign Ministry to
attend”
lawyers.” discuss the UK position on a
The Ambassador fur- specific EU related issue, host a
representation will be, I don’t ther explains that the McCanns drinks reception for Portuguese
know.” would be given ‘proper consular and British business leaders in
On whether Mr Brown’s ab- support’ from the Embassy if Lisbon, attend the Japan National
sence would weaken the objec- they were to return to Portugal. Day reception, and 13 hours
tives of the summit, Mr Ellis an- Speaking about Portugal, the later, organise a dinner for house
swered as follows: “This Prime Ambassador stressed how much guests at the Ambassador’s resi-
Minister’s contribution to dence.
Africa speaks for itself, not “The UK is fulfilling EU policy Is the embassy the place to
least through the Millen- come to for a Portuguese inves-
by not wanting to sit at the same
nium Development Goal tor looking to invest in the UK?
initiative announced in table as Robert Mugabe” “Very definitely, we have a
July. The Prime Minister is dedicated team at the embassy
a signatory supporting that and he enjoys living and working working on getting Portuguese to
everybody knows he is commit- here. invest in the UK. Guide them
ted to development in Africa, I “I love living here. I know some through the red tape, tell them
don’t think anyone can question parts of the country very well. what’s on offer in terms of tax
that”. The people are very welcoming breaks and take Portuguese busi-
Referring to the British com- to foreigners, I enjoy the food and ness over to Britain ourselves and
munity here in Portugal, and wine and I hope to enjoy the golf”, I think this service we provide is
what they can and should expect he says, indicating that his busy very good.”
from the schedule But do these services not en-
Embassy, has not croach on British Portuguese
“I love living here”
Mr Ellis ex- yet per- Chamber of Commerce territory?
plains: mitted the “I would hope we provide
“Any British citizen should re- luxury of completing a round of complimentary services”, he
ceive high quality consular sup- golf. says.
port, and I think they receive it And should he maintain his Does the ambassador believe
from the consulates in Portimão, current pace, it is unlikely a golf the EU has to a degree rendered
Oporto, Madeira, in Lisbon and course will see the Ambassador the role of embassies unneces-
the Azores. soon. sary?
He adds: “We are in the proc- The Portugal News managed “Things have changed a lot. We
ess of re-organising our consular to sneak a peak at his agenda for are no longer needed to explain
services so that we can pool some this past Wednesday. the ‘what’, but we can explain the
of our tasks into a central back of- The Ambassador’s day ‘how’ and the ‘why’ – we have
fice, for example passport pro- started at 7am having breakfast knowledge of the language, the
duction. And that should free up with General Richards, Com- country”.
time for frontline staff to deal Concerning future relations
with more difficult issues such “One thing that has struck me between Britain and Portugal,
as child custody cases and is the voluntary work done by the the Ambassador did not hesi-
deaths. tate when saying: “This is a
British community and this is
“We are also here to in- world in which you need your
crease British exports to Por- an admirable characteristic of allies, and the alliance between
tugal and increase Portuguese the British expatriates in Britain and Portugal will re-
investment in the United King- Portugal”. main.”
dom”. As the interview drew to a
What can Britons expect mander of the NATO Allied Re- close, the Ambassador made spe-
should they have trouble with action Corps. cial mention of the British commu-
Portuguese authorities especially This was followed with a po- nity and the charity work they do.
in the wake of the high profile litical/PPA section morning “One thing that has struck me
Madeleine McCann case, where meeting (PPA: Press & Public is the voluntary work done by the
three UK nationals have been Affairs), followed by an inter- British community and this is an
declared formal suspects? view with The Portugal News admirable characteristic of the
“We don’t provide a legal serv- and an hour later, the Ambassa- British expatriates in Portugal”.
ice. But we can provide a list of dor was paying a call on the Di- Brendan de Beer
London applauds Lisbon’s reticence on
Mugabe presence at EU-Africa summit
Portugal’s EU presidency Mugabe attended, welcomed President José Eduardo dos
prefers that Zimbabwean Amado’s stance in comments to Santos, thanking Luanda for its
President Robert Mugabe not Lusa in London. backing in the summit contro-
attend the Europe-Africa sum- A Foreign Office spokesman versy.
mit Lisbon hosts next month to said the Portuguese presidency’s Speaking for the Portuguese
avoid detrimental controversy, position meshed with Britain’s EU presidency, Amado an-
Foreign Minister Luís Amado concern that Mugabe’s presence nounced Tuesday that Mugabe
said Wednesday. would “overshadow” the long would receive a “very firm and
“We don’t know who will delayed meeting between the Eu- very clear” message on the situ-
be there (at the summit), but if ropean Union and the African ation in Zimbabwe if he at-
you ask me whether I’d like to Union. tended the summit.
see Robert Mugabe in Lisbon, London, the official added, had He said the EU would also
my answer would be: ‘No’,” yet to decide who would repre- send a special envoy to Zimba-
Amado told journalists in Sin- sent it in Lisbon next month. bwe to prepare a report on the
gapore. Prime Minister Gordon country’s plight ahead of the
“It would be better if Brown has said that neither he nor apex gathering, as requested by
(Mugabe) was not present be- any senior member of his cabinet London.
cause it would create noise would travel to Lisbon if the Zim- The first EU-AU summit
around the summit that, to me, babwean leader, who faces EU was held in 2000 in Cairo under
would distract from the essen- travel and other sanctions due to the previous Portuguese presi-
tial (matters) under discussion” his disrespect for human rights, dency.
at the December 8-9 apex meet- came. Lisbon’s efforts to host a
ing, he added. Also on Wednesday, Zimba- second summit in 2003 were
A spokesman for the British bwe’s parliament speaker, John frustrated by London-led op-
government, which has said it Landu Nkomo, delivered a mes- position to Mugabe’s pres-
would boycott the summit if sage from Mugabe to Angolan ence.TPN/Lusa
nneewwss
44 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077
Portugal has fourth highest AIDS figure
Portugal is the western European country with the fourth highest rate of
new HIV infections detected in 2006, an annual report by the United
Nations on the disease has revealed.
Topping the list with 8,925 drugs using contaminated nee- The number living with the
new HIV infections last year is dles, 33 per cent through sexual HIV virus has risen everywhere,
Britain. Between 2001 and contact and 12 per cent through with the most striking increases
2006, the number of cases in that men engaged in homosexual acts. in East Africa, Central Asia and
country doubled, the UN report However, the report points Eastern Europe.
reveals. out that the number of AIDS The report, which is based on
The majority of new infec- deaths from contaminated drug disease surveillance around the
tions are among homosexual men needles is in decline from 598 world, says there were an esti-
and heterosexual men and cases in 1998 to 212 in 2003, mated 4.3 million new HIV infec-
women who contracted the virus while the number of heterosexual tions this year, with 2.8 million
in high risk countries, especially transmission cases has risen. of these occurring in sub-Saharan
in sub-Saharan Africa and the Between 2001 and 2005, HIV Africa. Forty per cent of new in-
Caribbean. diagnoses among drug injectors fections were in people aged 15
Portugal, with 2,162 new fell by almost a third following to 24-years-old. Across the
cases last year, ranks fourth, the implementation of special world during 2006, 2.9 million
behind Britain, France and Ger- government prevention pro- people have so far died of AIDS-
many. grammes. related illnesses.
The only other European In 2004, Portugal’s Health Dr. Anders Nordstrom of the
country with more than a thou- Ministry reported 2,825 new World Health Organisation,
sand new infections per annum HIV cases for the year, 802 new commenting on the report said:
is the Netherlands. AIDS cases and 285 AIDS “It is imperative that we continue
Separately, a UN report pub- deaths. to increase investment in both
lished last December showed that The UNAIDS report shows HIV prevention and treatment
whilst the number of AIDS cases that while the number of HIV/ services to reduce unnecessary
continues to rise in Portugal, the AIDS cases continues to increase deaths and illnesses from this dis-
number of drug users contracting across the EU, sub-Saharan Af- ease”.
the disease is in decline. rica is still bearing the brunt of the Some countries, such as
The UNAIDS report revealed epidemic. Uganda, are seeing a resurgence
that by the end of 2004, 25,968 Almost three-quarters of in new HIV infection rates which
HIV cases had been detected in worldwide deaths from AIDS in were previously stable or declin-
Portugal and that 11,755 of these 2006 occurred in southern Africa ing.
had gone on to develop full and two-thirds of those living In Eastern Europe and Central
blown AIDS including 6,046 with the disease are from this re- Asia there was a 70 per cent in-
who had died. gion. UNAIDS says that there are crease in the number of new in-
Model Sylvie van der Vaart during the fashion show 'Event Prominent' in Hamburg, Germany on Just over 50 per cent of those now an estimated 39.5 million fections in 2006 compared with
Sunday. The proceeds of the event will be donated to the organisations 'Dunkelziffer' for sexually infected had contracted the dis- people in the world living with 2004 – 270,000 as against
abused children and 'Hamburg Leuchtfeuer' for people with AIDS. (Photo: EPA/Kay Nietfeld) ease by injecting themselves with HIV. 160,000.
Classifieds Courts support hotel sacking
of HIV-positive chef
that work
Lisbon’s high ‘Tribunal da Relação’ appeal court has reiterated an
Your classified in The earlier decision made by a Labour Tribunal to support a hotel chain
Portugal News will be that fired a HIV-positive chef.
seen all over Portugal (in
print) and all over the
A written version of any risk posed by an HIV-posi- restaurant kitchens for seven
world (on line).
court’s ruling reads: “It has tive chef working in a hotel years before being taken ill
An estimated 60,000 been proven that [the indi- restaurant, but was ultimately in 2002. He was given a year’s
people will see what you vidual in question] is a car- ignored by magistrates in their sick leave following a bout of
have to offer and will rier of HIV and that this vi- initial decision pronounced in tuberculosis.
rus exists in blood, saliva, May this year. After returning to work
react fast because if they
sweat and tears. Therefore A second hearing was con- and consulting a company
wait, it will be too late.
transmission is possible in ceded after the employee re- doctor, more tests regarding
You can place an ad for the event that any of these curred to the Supreme Court his clinical condition were
as little as €1.50 per week fluids are spilt onto food that of Justice. carried out, though initial
(3 words) or take is then served to and con- According to Henrique tests did not detect the HIV
sumed by anyone with a Barros, national Coordinator virus. It was only after the
advantage of our special
wound on the mouth”. for the HIV/AIDS viruses, employee informed the doc-
display ad (4 x 5 cm) @
For that reason magis- “from a biological point of tor of his condition that his
€25 p.w. for 10 weeks.
trates concluded that, if the view, the conclusions were illness became known, de-
cook was to continue in his never proven, nor does the sci- spite being told by the doctor
role as a chef, he would entific community consider he could “return to his pro-
present “a hazard to public them to be plausible”. fession in full”, and that he
health, namely to hotel and Refusing to comment on the “did not pose a threat to his
restaurant clients”. judge’s decision, he added colleagues”.
The three judges that that, whilst it is true that the In 2004 he received a letter
signed the ruling had scien- virus exists in sweat, tears and from his workplace medic
tific evidence and input at saliva, “it is irrelevant in saying he had been consid-
their disposal, a piece of terms of transmission as the ered ‘indefinitely inapt’ to
which had been submitted by concentration of the virus is return to his profession as a
Place your classified on line and you the Centre of BioMedical insufficient to cause infec- chef as he was not allowed to
will save 10%. It’s so easy, just go to Law, requested by the Na- tion”. handle food products.
www.the-news.net and click on the tional Coordinating Body for A former employee of the Despite contesting the de-
the Infection of HIV/AIDS. Sana Hotel Group the indi- cision, an ultimate ruling has
“Place a classified” box.
This particular piece of evi- vidual in question had worked sided with the Sana Hotel
or
dence denied and dismissed in one of the chain’s hotel and chain.
Fill in the form on P. 63
Call Sónia on 707 500 677
Send by Fax: [phone] For Classifieds that really work www.the-news.net
news
The News • 24 Nov 2007 5
Portugal
Euromed ministers
debate common
strategies for
migration in Algarve
European Union ministers and
counterparts from southern Mediterranean
rim countries gathered Sunday in the
Algarve under the Portuguese EU
presidency for their first Euromed meeting
dedicated solely to migration issues.
“Migrations are a priority for the EU to forge an integrated mi-
the Portuguese presidency”, In- gration policy.
ternal Administration Minister The ministers also debated
Rui Pereira said of the two-day steps to ease and channel immi-
meeting he hosted between the grant remittances, to create mi-
27-nation bloc, and 10 southern cro-credit schemes for develop-
and eastern Mediterranean part- ment and to aid legal migration
ners in the coastal resort of through a “blue card” system for
Albufeira. qualified workers, officials said.
The discussions began at a din- Increased cooperation in fight-
ner meeting Sunday and contin- ing illegal migration from and
ued into Monday. through North Africa, and the
“We do not have the notion of Middle East, they added, figured
a ‘Fortress Europe’ and want im- high in the discussions.
migration to provide develop- Commissioner Frattini told
ment opportunities for both the European Parliament last
sides”, Pereira told Lusa ahead of week that it was “essential to
the gathering. convince the Mediterranean part-
“The approval of a joint po- ners to sign the convention Britain’s Largest Holiday Letting Organisation
litical declaration will serve as a against human trafficking”.
landmark because its very exist- Joining the EU ministers in
ence will signal a climate of con- Albufeira were their counterparts
4 million
fidence and readiness to talk from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia,
among the nations on both Egypt, Jordan, Israel, the Pales-
shores” of the Mediterranean, he tinian Authority, Lebanon, Syria
added. and Turkey. Libya participates
The European Commission with observer status.
has pledged to help finance con- The Euromed partnership
crete measures that emerge from was born in 1995 in Barcelona. reasons
the Euromed discussions. TPN/Lusa
The agenda of the meeting,
which was attended by Franco Photo above right: Portuguese
Frattini, Brussels’ commissioner Internal Affairs Minister, Rui
for justice, freedom and security, Pereira (2L), chats with the
included discussion of measures Portuguese delegation at the to join us
to strengthen legal migration and beginning of Monday’s
to combat illegal flows. Euromed Ministerial Meeting
The first Euromed gathering on Migrations held in
fully devoted to migration issues Albufeira. (Photo: Lusa / Luis
converges with growing efforts in Forra)
Portugal tops for card
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made in the country during the course of 2006, almost •Your property details, photographs and option of a virtual
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These findings were made the other hand, were used to
by a special research team who cover payments of 343.8 mil- [phone]
conducted a survey on card lion transactions for a total of
payments commissioned by 15.1 million euros.
the European Central Bank for After bank cards, Portu-
all transactions performed last guese prefer cheques to make
year. payments, with roughly one
The large majority of card in six of all transactions made [email protected]
payments made by Portu- using this method of payment,
guese consumers, contrary to placing it fifth overall in the en-
what many observers might larged European Union.
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66 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077
Portuguese presidency pledges aid
Venezuela’s
after devastating Bangladesh cyclone Portuguese community
at centre of Sócrates,
Chaves talks
Venezuelan President Hugo Chaves
paid a brief visit to Lisbon on Tuesday
for talks with Prime Minister José
Sócrates, discussions centred on
bilateral relations and issues related
to the large Portuguese community in
the South American country.
More than energy issues, a and other international issues,
Portuguese government official in light of Portugal’s current
told Lusa that Prime Minister mandate as EU president.
Sócrates raised “in detail” prob- On the bilateral front, the am-
lems faced by the 500,000- bassador said Chaves’ dinner
strong Lusophone community meeting with Sócrates served to
in Venezuela, including ques- “strengthen ties” in the cultural,
tions of “security, education, trade, socio-economic and busi-
trade and social security”. ness sectors.
Many former Portuguese im- Chaves arrived in the Portu-
migrants complain that on re- guese capital late Tuesday after-
turning home they face Ven- noon from Paris, where he held
ezuelan “bureaucratic difficul- talks with French President
ties” in receiving social security Nicolas Sarkozy.
pensions, the official said. Earlier, the Venezuelan leader
Venezuela’s ambassador in participated in the OPEC sum-
An image showing Bangladeshi family members sitting amid ruins of their house on Monday after the cyclone, Amtali, Bangladesh. Lisbon, Lucas Rincón Romero, mit of leading oil-producing na-
According to authorities, the death toll from the cyclone in Bangladesh had reached more than 3,100, with officials saying there could be said on Monday that Chaves tions in Saudi Arabia and visited
an estimated 10,000 people dead, as rescue workers obtained more information when reaching remote islands off the coast. (Photo: raised topics related to Latin Iran.
EPA/Abir Abdullah) America-European Union ties TPN/Lusa
The Portuguese EU presi- promised humanitarian aid. gency funds to supply “urgent yond an initial donation of 1.5
dency has expressed its “deepest In a statement issued earlier assistance to those in need”. million euros.
sympathy” to Bangladesh over this week, Lisbon said the Euro- Brussels announced it was giv- The worst cyclone to strike
the death and destruction caused pean Commission’s ECHO aid ing an additional 5 million euros Bangladesh in a decade, Sidr killed
last week by Cyclone Sidr and agency would provide emer- in emergency aid to Dhaka, be- more than 3,000 people, accord-
ing to the latest official figures.
The death toll continues to
climb as rescue and aid teams
reach remote areas and the coun-
try’s Red Crescent organization 1977 - 2007
has estimated it could rise above
10,00W0.TPN/Lusa EB
Web (INTERNET) noun [S]
the system of connected documents on the Internet, which often contain colour pictures, video
and sound, and which can be searched for information about a particular subject:
(FromCambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary)
If only creating a website was as easy as that
Classes It all sounds so simple and straight forward That’s where we can help. We have experts in
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(for women 12:00 - 13.30) (18:00 - 19:30) (20:00 - 21:30) few pictures and words put together using a and India. Have a look at the Portugal News
TUESDAY - Jiu-Jitsu standard web site template. eNewspaper to see what our specialists can
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Closed Saturday and Sunday Tel: [phone]
Tel.: [phone] email [email protected]
Graphic Design, Web sites & Advertising Affiliated with The Portugal News
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TThhee NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077 77
PPoorrttuuggaall
Government appeals for less road deaths
Portugal’s Minister of Internal Affairs (MAI),
Rui Pereira, has this week appealed to the
country to help keep the number of road
deaths at under one thousand per year, a
landmark that was first achieved in 2006.
The minister was speaking at cent accident that took place on
a ‘Memorial Day for Road Vic- the A23 was alone responsible
tims’ ceremony in Santarém, near for 16 fatalities, but he said it
one of the country’s most ill- would be preferable to wait until
fated stretches (Estrada Nacional the end of the year before making
3), organised to pay tribute to any estimates.
those whose lives have been “In comparison to 2006, I re-
claimed in road accidents. During peat that it is premature to make
his speech Minister Pereira re- an estimate. There were fewer
futed accusations of using trag- ‘serious’ accidents and fewer ac-
edy, and indeed the event, for cidents. Concerning the number
political benefits. of deaths, we will calculate them
“There is no political gain and at the end of the year” he said.
we are not having a celebration”, He also revealed that there has
he said, “today is a day to encour- been steady progress since the
age sobriety and responsibility”. 1980’s, when there were more
Stressing the need to educate than 2,500 road deaths per year.
the population and children in For the first time, in 2001,
particular to the “importance of there were less that 1,500 road
behaving responsibly in relation deaths registered, subsequently
to roads and traffic”, he explained decreasing to less than one thou-
his presence at the event as being sand in 2006.
“a symbol of the importance the Said Minister Rui Pereira, “We
government attributes to this must now stabilise that result,
fight”. make sure that it was not just a one-
Regarding the number of road off, we must consolidate it as a
deaths registered so far this year, national effort that is an affirma- A simulation of an accident on a zebra crossing to mark ‘Memorial Day for Road Victims’ which took place on Sunday.
the Minister recalled that the re- tion of a stable civilization”. (Photo: Lusa / Paulo Cunha)
New laws for drivers’
licence renewal
According to new laws to be instigated in January 2008, holders of
passenger vehicle driver’s licences who attain 50 or 60 years of age in 2008
will, as of January 1st, be obliged to renew their licences, regardless of
when the document was issued.
Previously earmarked at 65 Concerning lorries and goods voked now as of 2008, according
years of age, renewals will now vehicles, drivers’ licences have to to the president of the Portu-
commence, in effect, some 15 be renewed first at the age of 40, guese Automobile Club (ACP),
years earlier, a first at 50 years of then every five years until the age Carlos Costa, there are still
age, followed by a second, com- of 65, then every two years, the “many people who are not in-
pulsory renewal at 60 years of same applying to collective pas- formed of these laws”.
age. Original renewal laws that senger vehicles (i.e. buses and Requests to renew licences
made it compulsory to revalidate coaches), though these are not must be accompanied by a doc-
licences at 65 and 70 years of age renewable after the age of 60. tor’s medical assessment and
still apply. From January, drivers should handed in to the respective de-
Therefore, between the ages of ignore the validity date on li- partments six months prior to
50 and 70, documents will have cences and be guided by the completion of the stipulated ages.
to be revalidated a total of four newly stipulated age groups. All drivers will receive a letter
times, and every two years after Despite being contemplated divulging this new law some time
the age of 70. for the last two years and in- during the first trimester of 2008.
Smoking ban countdown
stirs concerns
As the secretary-general of Portugal’s Association for Restaurants and Similar
Establishments (ARESP) guaranteed the country’s eateries and watering holes are ready
and willing to implement the new no-smoking law due in January, the Health sector’s
Director General has appealed to the nation to be “demanding” with establishments to
ensure the execution of the law and the end of passive smoking.
It is thought that the majority and extractors. only will the majority of our es-
of establishments, from cafés José Manuel Esteves tablishments opt to be fully non-
and snack shops to restaurants, Hoenesto, secretary-general for smoking, but those who do want
bars and discos, will adhere to a ARESP, said earlier this week, to allow smoking will be properly
complete no-smoking ban, but “As of January 1st there will be identified. We have been prepar-
those that choose to have a smok- no more involuntary passive- ing for the implementing of this Board’s Director General, Fran- cerning abortion laws”. cafés, cake shops and other simi-
ers’ section will have to comply smokers”. new law for months”. cisco George, who has appealed Francisco George has voiced lar establishments concerning
with government-established As to whether Portugal is These affirmations are, how- for “more citizen involvement in concerns over an “apparent the application of a law that will
regulations, including the instal- ready to embrace such a large- ever, somewhat contradictory to creating a movement of demand passivity on behalf of citizens be active in less than two
ment of specialised equipment scale change, he replied, “not the concerns of National Health like the one that took place con- and the owners of restaurants, months”.
news
8 The News • 24 Nov 2007
Portugal
Kosovo and Serbia need “pressure” to reach accord, says Lisbon
Portugal’s EU presidency said Monday
that Europe must “maintain pressure” on
leaders in Serbia and Kosovo to agree
on the future of Belgrade’s breakaway
province, but the “world will not end” if the
two sides fail to reach accord ahead of
next month’s deadline.
Speaking after a Brussels meet- “We have been in talks with all
ing of his EU colleagues, Portu- sides involved in this process and
guese Defence Minister Nuno the 10th (Dec.) is only the day to
Severiano Teixeira said: “What is report to the UN secretary-gen-
important at this stage is to main- eral by the troika contact group”,
tain negotiating pressure on the he added.
parties to reach an accord.” Amado noted that the EU
A few hours later, Portuguese council would meet on that same
Foreign Minister Luis Amado date to “see what steps the EU
said after chairing an encounter of will take”.
his EU counterparts in the same He cautioned his EU partners
city, that if no agreement is to “wait until the last minute of ne-
reached between Belgrade and gotiations” before taking a “clear
Pristina, as many analysts ex- position” on Kosovo’s future.
pect, “we’ll still be here and the The foreign ministers meeting
world won’t end.” in Brussels Monday, he added,
What is vital, added Amado, is heard a report from the EU’s
“a common EU position” on troika representative, Wolfgang
Kosovo, which “is a very impor- Ischinger, and would “reflect to-
tant stability factor.” gether on the next steps” to be
Portuguese Defence Minister, Nuno Severiano Teixeira, President of the European Defence Council, speaks during a news conference
in Brussels on Monday. EU foreign and defence ministers discussed how to tackle Iran's disputed nuclear ambitions, after the report by Earlier the same day, Portu- taken.
the International Atomic Energy Agency on 15th November, which says that the country had made important progress towards clarifying gal’s head of diplomacy ex- The troika, which also included
its nuclear activities. (Photo: EPA/Olivier Hoslet) pressed hope that “good sense” the United States and Russia, con-
would prevail in the negotiating sidered new proposals for pres-
countdown over Kosovo, cau- entation to the Belgrade and
Lisbon tioning European counterparts Pristina delegations in talks on
i t ’ s to wait “until the last minute” to Tuesday, and another round of
take a final stance. negotiations is scheduled for early
wants Despite the apparent impasse next month, Amado said.
in ongoing negotiations between While EU members remain di-
wider Serbia and its Albanian-majority vided over their views of the
province, Amado noted that Kosovo controversy, Washing-
there were still two rounds of ton openly backs Pristina’s de-
defence talks scheduled before the inter- mand for independence and Mos-
national “troika” of mediators cow Belgrade’s offer of wide au-
cooperation presents its report to UN Secre- tonomy of the province.
tary-General Ban Ki-moon on Running through Tuesday, the
December 10. two-day council meeting chaired
with Brazil “We believe there’s good sense by Amado also reviewed the Por-
on all sides”, Amado said on ar- tuguese presidency’s prepara-
riving to chair a meeting of EU tions for upcoming summits with
Portugal wants to widen
foreign ministers in Brussels, China, India and the African Un-
its defence cooperation where the future status of ion, among other issues.
TIME! with Brazil beyond Kosovo was high on the agenda. TPN/Lusa
existing collaboration in
the area of military
Portugal praises
academies, the Lisbon
government has said.
CNheOCrwifse fitYlcmeeeba arPsras atP iroPtainearstsrit ei&ess CCSoWhPripleEdodrCredaIniAtne’sLg EPPPvaaaerrrntttiieiteessss ttfiNgenoraoervlPNl dml iNesot eaoet rRuxhrtdnnultie y oByogJ L oied urSnaabeue ezr2 sisJ’vmeia0asle nDi0 vNarte8iioeniase.fr incwevotoon ibtsshuc yTieanAt B e ttMP gehirxoreeaipennr zhtiaiciuarsrlyas---t gpelonbaaltly d meaotrhatorium
ian defence officials will allow
Whatever the event, if you are looking for something special, then talk to us. areas of new bilateral coopera- Portugal’s EU presidency has praised the
tion to be identified, added
We have the imagination and planning skills to make any event something very “historic” decision taken by a United
Severiano Teixeira, possibly
special. Perhaps you want to take your guests in a private yacht to a deserted in the “defence industry”. Nations panel to support a resolution
island. Or how about taking them to a private event on an island beach on a train? Lisbon and Brasilia’s de- calling for a worldwide moratorium on the
Perhaps you would prefer a castle or a rustic setting in the mountains.
fence ministers will also ana- death penalty.
When we say imaginative party and event ideas, that’s exactly what we mean.
lyse international security is-
We have the entertainers We have the locations We have the ideas sues and the current moderni-
zation of various Latin Ameri-
Get a standing ovation from your guests
can armed forces, added the In a statement last Thursday, presidency said the approval of
Talk to the people with imagination.
Portuguese minister. Lisbon’s EU chair said on behalf the anti-death penalty resolution
Tel: [phone]
of the 27-state bloc: “This is a was the result of broad consulta-
historic moment: for the first time tions among all UN member
a resolution on the use of the states and led by a group of coun-
death penalty was adopted by the tries including Albania, Brazil,
UN General Assembly.” Croatia, the Philippines, Mexico,
The resolution, approved by New Zealand and East Timor.
the UN’s human rights commit- A global death penalty mora-
tee, calls for “a moratorium on torium is of “fundamental impor-
executions with a view to abol- tance” for the protection and pro-
ishing the death penalty.” motion of human rights and the
It was passed 99-52 with 33 EU has a longstanding opposi-
abstentions and will likely go to tion against execution for any
the full General Assembly next crimes, the official Lisbon state-
Contractors for International Algarve Fair the-news.net month. ment added.
www.standingovationalgarve.com In its statement, Portugal’s EU TPN/Lusa
nneewwss
TThhee NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077 99
PPoorrttuuggaall
Ministers OK
first common
Cultural Agenda
for bloc
EU culture ministers have approved the
bloc’s first joint Culture Agenda, an
initiative aimed to boost cooperation
between the 27 member states, the
European Commission and cultural
agents.
The initiative was taken in certed and coordinated policies”.
Brussels at a meeting chaired by The European Commission,
Culture Minister Isabel Pires de which authored the proposal,
Lima, who represented the Por- praised the ministers’ action,
tuguese EU presidency. describing it as opening a “new
Approval of the EU’s first era in the method of cooperation”
cultural agenda, Pires de Lima in the cultural arena.
said, demonstrated the possibil- The ministers also designated
ity of “working together in pri- the cities of Turku in Finland and
ority areas, namely intercultural Tallinn in Estonia as the Euro-
dialogue, the Lisbon Agenda and pean Cultural Capitals in 2011
the external cultural sphere”. and Portugal’s Guimarães and
She said the new common ap- Slovenia’s Maribor as the capi-
proach would allow for “con- tals the following year. TPN/Lusa The Minister of Culture Isabel Pires de Lima, next to the President of the Portuguese Institute of Museums, Manuel Bairrão Oleiro,
during the signing ceremony for the Pro Museums contract on Monday in Lisbon. (Photo: Lusa / José Sena Goulão)
Cape Verde calls special EU relationship an “extraordinary victory”
The granting of “special partnership” status by the European Union to nership with Cape Verde will document approved Monday. tion plan” would be drafted for
Cape Verde on Monday is an “extraordinary victory” for the archipelago, bolster political dialogue and eco- The EU applauded Cape closer political and economic
nomic convergence between the Verde for its ongoing political and ties, including the islands’ access
says Prime Minister José Maria Neves, Praia’s leader. EU and Praia, according to the economic reforms, saying an “ac- to new EU funding. TPN/Lusa
In a statement reacting to the “The special partnership will ibbean and Pacific (ACP) bloc.
EU’s bestowal of preferential allow Cape Verde’s development Welcoming news of his coun-
status for his country, Neves process to accelerate. It will per- try’s enhanced EU ties, Borges
said: “We have started this 21st mit the competitive entry of noted “Cape Verde should be
Century well. We are making the Cape Verde in the world aware that the benefits are pro-
history that Cape Verde de- economy, and for the country to portional to the country’s ef-
serves.” become close to the most dy- forts.”
The approval of special status namic and competitive social and The EU’s decision was an-
for Cape Verde demands a major economic areas.” nounced in Brussels during a
shake-up in the West African is- Praia’s top diplomat, Victor meeting of the bloc’s general af-
lands, particularly in the sectors Borges, said the closer relation- fairs and foreign relations coun-
of justice, security and public fi- ship with Europe will allow Cape cil chaired by Portuguese Foreign
nances, added Neves, and “lev- Verde to benefit from the EU’s Minister Luís Amado.
els of civil service productivity partnership with former Euro- Proposed by the European
will also have to change.” pean colonies of the Africa, Car- Commission, the special part-
Portugal says Mugabe
will get “tough and clear”
message in Lisbon
Portugal’s EU presidency Amado also expressed to his that will be reported to the
said Monday that it will de- counterparts Lisbon’s dis- (EU) presidency and states
liver a “tough and clear” pleasure at the presence of interested in this report,”
message to Zimbabwean Zimbabwe’s octogenarian added Amado.
President Robert Mugabe, if leader at the EU-AU summit British Prime Minster
he attends the upcoming running December 8-9 in the Gordon Brown has vowed to
Europe-Africa summit over Portuguese capital, but all boycott the summit if
European concerns over hu- leaders have been invited to Mugabe shows up in Lisbon.
man rights abuses in the Af- the event, the same sources London says no senior cabi-
rican state, officials said. said. net minister will stand in for
Portuguese Foreign Portugal’s top diplomat an- Brown if Zimbabwe’s leader
Minster Luís Amado, chair- nounced after the Brussels attends the meeting.
ing a meeting of his EU col- meeting of EU foreign minis- Most EU capitals say they
leagues, said a debate would ters, that Europe is sending an would prefer Mugabe to stay
be organized on Zimbabwe’s observer mission to Zimbabwe away from the summit, but
social and economic crisis and other Southern African German Chancellor Angela
during next month’s EU-AU states, following a request Merkel is among EU leaders
summit and a “tough and from the UK, to deliver a report backing his participation, as
clear” message would be de- ahead of the Lisbon EU-AU this allows criticisms to be
livered to Zimbabwe’s presi- leader’s summit. raised about Zimbabwe’s
dent, diplomatic sources said. “It’s a work of evaluation road to ruin. TPN/Lusa
bnueswisness
1100 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 2244 NNoovv 22000077
EC unveils its vision for a modern single market for all
The European Commission has this week set
out a package of initiatives to modernise the
European single market and to bring more
benefits to Europeans, building on past
successes.
The single market, the EC said consumers and small businesses;
in a statement published on its of- respond to weaknesses in sectors
ficial website on Tuesday, has al- where the single market should
ready helped create competitive deliver more; propose a Small
companies, reduced prices, more Business Act; and introduce a “re-
choice for consumers and a Europe searcher passport”; clarify how
attractive for investors. The Com- EU rules apply to services and
mission’s measures are based on social services of general interest;
extensive consultation. They will and promote the quality of social
ensure that the single market does services across the EU
even more to take advantage of Commission President José
globalisation, empower consum- Manuel Barroso said: “This
ers, open up for small businesses, package puts consumers and
stimulate innovation and help small businesses first. It marks
maintain high social and environ- the start of a new cycle for the
mental standards. Among the single market.
most important policy actions set “This balanced package will
out in the single market package mean a single market that does
adopted by the Commission are more to boost Europe’s response
initiatives to: help consumers to to globalisation, to create growth
exercise their contractual rights and jobs, to ensure fair prices and
and get redress across borders; to contribute to social and envi-
provide better information for ronmental protection.”
Irish EU Commissioner of Internal Market and Services Charlie McCreevy, EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Czech Regular payments
EU Commissioner of Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimir Spidla talk during a press conference at the EU
Headquarters in Brussels, on Tuesday. The European Commission said it has adopted a package of measures to streamline the bloc’s
single market and combat malfunctioning sectors hit by lagging productivity, media reported. EPA/Benoit Doppagne)
Accord close on new EU technology institute says Portugal In February this year Ster- Let’s look at an example,
ling against the Euro hit a say you need to convert £2000
high of 1.5300, now in No- on a monthly basis, you can set
vember it is trading at the rate for up to 2 years for-
Portugal’s EU presidency has chairing a meeting of his EU coun- ing to the EIT project, added ment over budgetary matters,
1.4050. This represents a ward, and let’s use 1.4400 as
said that member states are closer terparts that the “situation is Mariano Gago, and “therefore, we which is being worked on at the
decline of 8.2% over this 9 an example exchange rate.
to a final accord to establish the optimistic” regarding agreement are in a position for the Competi- moment,” the Portuguese minis-
month period, quite a move! This means every month for 2
European Institute of Technol- on the EIT, although negotiations tiveness Council to approve a fi- ter said.
When buying and owning years your £2000 produces
ogy (EIT), an integral part of the on the institute’s funding are con- nal general approach next week, Plans to create the EIT, aimed
a property, currency risk is €2880. In the meantime the
bloc’s revised Lisbon Strategy for tinuing. which will allow approval in a to boost Europe’s capacity to
often near the bottom of peo- exchange rate moves down to
growth and jobs. The Council of the EU, the Eu- speedy second reading in the EP.” transform education and re-
ple’s considerations, but as 1.35 this would mean in order
José Mariano Gago, Portugal’s ropean Commission and the Eu- Final agreement over the EIT search results into business op-
the above information dem- to produce the same €2880 you
minister of science, technology ropean Parliament all concur over “depends on an accord between portunities, were unveiled in
onstrates it can impact the would now need to pay
and higher education, said after the remaining major issues relat- the Council and European Parlia- 2006 by European Commission
finances associated with £2133.33. If the exchange rate
chief José Manuel Barroso. The
owning or living in Portugal stubbornly remained at this
institute has a forecast budget of
quite markedly. average, say as a result of lower
For only 60 cents around 308 million euros over six Funding a euro mortgage sterling interest rates this
years from 2008.
from a sterling income or re- would mean over a 1 year pe-
Another issue discussed by
ceiving a sterling pension riod an extra £1600 would need
EU higher education ministers in
that needs to be converted to be paid to produce the same
we’ll find your number Brussels was the bloc’s Erasmus into euros presents an ongo- amount of euros.
student-exchange programme.
ing exposure to the whims of Premier FX has developed
Mariano Gago said he had pro-
global currency markets. a forward rate scheme spe-
posed that disadvantaged stu-
Currency markets how- cifically tailored to help any-
dents on the scheme be given
and we’ll find it ever are very sophisticated one that has monthly ex-
more social support. This sugges-
and nowadays it is possible to change rate commitments.
tion, said the Lisbon minister,
reduce these risks by enter- This scheme not only enables
within one minute! was well received by his col-
ing into forward exchange customers to protect them-
leagues who will now press for
rate structures. These, sim- selves against exchange rate
“deepening of national policies”
from in individual EU states in this ply fix an exchange rate for fluctuations, it also has the
an agreed period into the benefits of the usual com-
fixed phones, area. future. This is particularly petitive exchange rates and
call boxes, mobiles directory EU ministers responsible for useful if you know how much free transfers we offer.
andr moaombiinlegs on enquiries egdatuhcearteiodn in, Eyuoruotphe ’asn cda pictuallt luarset opnle a y mouo nnteheldy btoa sciosn fovre retx ianmto- moIfr ye oaub owuotu olud rli fkoer twoa firndd r oautet
Thursday and Friday for a meet-
National & in English ing chaired by four Lisbon cabi- Euros to fund a mortgage or scheme please contact Peter
International net ministers. TPN/Lusa convert a sterling pension Rexstrew or John Thorpe
Business & into euros. [phone].
Private
EU fines videotape producers over
Monday to Friday €74m for price fixing cartel
09:30 - 18:00
The European Commission has imposed a total of € 74,790,000 fines on Sony, Fuji and
Maxell for fixing prices for professional videotapes sold to customers in Europe, in
violation of the EC Treaty’s ban on cartels and restrictive business practices.
Between 1999 and 2002, on-site inspections at its sends two warnings to compa-
Sony, Fuji and Maxell managed premises. Fuji’s and Maxell’s nies engaging in cartel activities:
to raise or otherwise control fines are reduced by 40% and 20% first, the Commission can pros-
prices through a series of regular respectively because they co- ecute cartels effectively even
meetings and other illicit con- operated with the investigation without prompts from immu-
tacts. under the Commission’s 2002 nity applicants, and second, ob-
Sony’s fine has been increased Leniency Notice. structing a Commission’s anti-
by 30% for obstructing the Com- Competition Commissioner trust investigation leads to severe
mission’s investigation during Neelie Kroes said: “This decision penalties.”