The Portugal News - Issue 936

2007·19.7 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

THE PORTUGAL
ERA, the professional
real estate agents
inAlvor with a portfolio
of over 700 properties.
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Portugal’s National Newspaper in English
1 Dec 2007 • Edition Nº 936 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
Man eats father-in- READER OFFER: Turn to page 31 and
law Home Special Health Save up to 75% on your
Police have recently Insurance Insurance mobileO phNoneE bill
confirmed that a 30-year-
old illegal Ukrainian underwritten up to one
immigrant killed, by Lloyds of 40% see
dissected, and ate his London page 14
51-year-old father-in-law off
in May 2005, but his
crimes were not limited to
family members alone. Portugal Federation looks to host World Cup jointly with Spain
(See P. 2)
PORTUGAL TO HOST
Madeleine –
Portuguese police
in Britain
Portuguese police and
officials were due back
from Britain this weekend
after spending the latter WORLD CUP? While Spain hosted the football World Cup in 1982,
the formulation of a joint bid with Portugal could
half of the week in
prove successful as the two countries are likely to
contact with
receive support from “allies” in Latin America and
Leicestershire police
Africa that will go a long way to ensuring the Iberian
and members of the
Peninsula is the venue of the prestigious
Forensic Science
tournament in 2018. Cup, see p. 64
Service in Birmingham.
(See P. 3)
Copper thieves Come and get me
target power lines
Growing international
demand for copper has
started taking its toll in
Portugal. The
preferential target for
copper thieves has been
electricity lines, often
resulting in thousands of
households being left
without power. (See P. 7)
Woman dies after
ER beating
Detectives from the
Polícia Judiciária are
investigating claims that
a 45-year- old woman
died after being the
victim of a violent attack
at the hands of a drug
addict in an emergency
room. (See P. 9)
Jailed for €800
fraud
While precedents do not
necessarily serve as an
indication as to what a
person could expect
when convicted of a
crime, a man who used
stolen cheques to make
purchases of €800 at a
supermarket would have
expected no more than a
suspended prison
sentence. (See P. 11)
Weekend weather
Lisbon:Saturday:
Morning Showers, high
of 18º Sunday: Mostly
Sunny, high of 18º. Faro:
Saturday: Partly Cloudy,
high of 19º Sunday:
Sunny, high of 18º.
Oporto: Saturday:
Showers, high of 15º
Sunday: Showers, high José Mourinho salutes his fans after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in an English Premiership match in London last May. (Photo:EPA / Andy Rain)
of 16º. Story, see p.64
nneewwss
2 The News
Portugal • 1 Dec 2007
NEWS IN BRIEF
TAP forced to re-employ convicted drug trafficker
The Lisbon Supreme Court TAP spends €2.9 billion on new Airbuses
has this week ruled illegal the
TAP Portugal this week received five new planes and signed a con-
sacking of a TAP Air Portugal
tract with European manufacturer for the acquisition of a further 12
worker who was behind bars for
18 months on suspicion of drug units. The deal will come at a cost of 2.9 billion euros to the official
trafficking. Portuguese flag carrier, officials said.
The airline sacked the em- BPI fails to merge with BCP
ployee on the basis of his ex-
tended absence. But the court The attempted merger between BPI and BCP that would have
ruled that serving a prison term created Portugal’s most prominent bank by some margin has failed,
is not just cause to rescind a la- it was revealed this week. BCP and BPI, Portugal’s second and fifth
bour contract. largest banks were “unsuccessful” a joint statement by the two
The terminal worker in question Oporto-based financial institutions explained. Talks started on
was detained in 2001 on charges of November 6 following an approach by BPI to create what would
drug trafficking for which he was have been known as Millennium BPI.
convicted and handed a two-year Coimbra University is best
prison term in 2003 suspended for
three years and was subsequently According to university rankings published by The Times,
released after spending a year-and- Coimbra is the best university in Portugal. The university is also
half in jail. It was only then the ranked the fourth best in the Iberian Peninsula and third in the Portu-
worker justified his prolonged ab- guese-speaking world. Rated 319th best university in the world,
sence to his employers. Coimbra is followed by Universidade Nova and Católica, which are
Labour courts initially ruled in both based in Lisbon.
favour of the worker after he was
officially fired in 2003. But he Portugal condemns Russian pre-vote
appealed with the Supreme Court, crackdown
which, four years later, has ruled
in favour of his reinstatement say- The Portuguese EU presidency has expressed concern over Rus-
ing his absence was justifiable. sia’s crackdown on oppositionists ahead of Sunday’s legislative elec-
The court also ruled that the tions, urging Moscow to create conditions for free and fair voting. It
worker receive all outstanding TAP President Fernando Pinto (right) and Airbus operations chief John Leahy greet each other in has condemned the arrest of some 200 opposition activists, includ-
wages since June 2001 excluding front of the new Airbus A330 minutes before the inaugural flight between Toulouse and Lisbon on ing presidential candidate and chess master Gary Kasparov, in sev-
the 18 months he spent in pre- Monday. (Photo: Lusa / José Sena Goulão) eral Russian cities last weekend.
ventative custody. 125,000 homes for sale
Man eats father-in-law According to data released this week, 125,000 properties are cur-
rently for sale in Portugal, with 70 percent of the total being used
homes. In 2006, more than 64,000 new homes were built, down from
the 114,000 completed in the year 2000.
Police have recently con- Little over one month ago, fire Forensic exams further con- Praia Grande. He was later ar- Best ever Futsal Euro
firmed that a 30-year-old ille- fighters made a macabre discov- firmed that after being killed the rested for the crime on Novem-
gal Ukrainian immigrant killed, ery as they attempted to put out victim was eaten, having teeth ber 7th, 2006, convicted and The respective managers and captains of the Spanish and Italian
dissected, and ate his 51-year- a fire in Almoçageme, Sintra. marks in the bones, and was then jailed. futsal teams have termed the Euro 2007 that was hosted by Portugal as
old father-in-law. Their discovery would lead to sawn up. He is also believed to have the best ever tournament. Spain won the title, beating Italy 3-1 in the
In May 2005, 51-year-old unveiling the missing man’s fate, For the past year, the 30-year- murdered his employer’s wife final. Portugal ended fourth after losing 3-2 to Russia in the third-place
Anatoly Bobrysh was re- as well as identifying his killer, old suspect has been held in in the Ukraine, some four years play-off after being beaten by Spain in the semi-finals on penalties.
ported missing and his picture and is the first incident of its kind Caixas prison for another murder, ago. Police psychology tests
Joaquim Chissano picks up Africa
posted on the PJ Judiciary Po- in Portugal. that of his female boss, which took have confirmed the man as a
lice’s website. In the countryside, firemen place last summer, on August ‘psychopath’, describing him as governance prize
His disappearance was re- discovered various bin bags con- 20th. The woman was stabbed “a natural born psychopath,
ported when the man’s wife and taining body parts, later con- with a kitchen knife and her body who is fully capable of killing Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano pledged to con-
daughter were holidaying in firmed as belonging to the miss- set alight in an attempt to hide the and would certainly kill again”. tinue his promotion of good governance in Africa after receiving the
their homeland and he was left ing Anatoly Bobrysh, identified crime. The incident occurred Authorities are now awaiting inaugural Ibrahim prize for African leadership on Monday, an award
at home alone with the now by four silver crowns in the whilst the suspect was working any reports of cannibalism from worth 3.5 million euros.
main suspect, his son-in-law. corpse’s upper jaw. as a gardener in a private villa in the Ukraine. One in five beat taxman
Emergency hang up seven The Minister of Finance had admitted that one in every five tax-
Represented in Portugal by:
payers rightfully launch claims against the taxman for non-existing
ANGLOPRESS
debts. Last year, it took taxpayers an average of 6.5 months to re-
Edições e times on rape victim
Publicidade, Lda ceive an outcome after filing a complaint. A total of 27,440 complaints
were received in 2006 by the Finance Ministry.
Copyright © 2005 Anglo Press Lda and The News Group of Newspapers
Postal address: Apt 13 8401-901 Lagoa The Ponta Delgada Public While the 45-year old perpe- Wages should rise 3.5 percent
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa Prosecutor in the Azores has or- trator of the crime was detained,
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa dered an inquiry into the circum- the British woman had to call her The average salary should increase by 3.5 percent in Portugal in
Gen.Tel: [phone] Newsdesk Tel:[phone] stances surrounding the lack of husband in Austria to summon 2008, a decimal point above the anticipated rises in Western Europe,
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone] assistance supplied to a 37-year assistance. Officials have since a report by consultant Mercer published this week has shown.
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone] old rape victim who tried and said the 112 service experienced Mugabe confirms Lisbon visit
Emails: [email protected] [email protected]
Web: www.the-news.net failed on seven occasions to re- “limitations” between May and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said this week that he will
port her ordeal to 112 emergency July this year, which was the pe-
attend the Europe-Africa summit in Lisbon, despite the controversy
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of number operators. riod in question. surrounding his participation. “Yes, I’m going”, Robert Mugabe said
The Portugal News is owned and published by: SUBSCRIBE with a smile, when asked by the Lusa News Agency if he planned to
The News Group of Newspapers Inc.Depósito Legal Nº 80258/94 attend the December 8-9 apex meeting in the Portuguese capital.
Printed by: MIRANDELA Gráfica, Lisbon
Print Run (Tiragem): 23,232 5,000 want state to publicise debts
Please send me 52 editions of The Portugal News. I enclose my
PEduibtolirs:her: PBraeunl dLaunc kdme aBneer npuebwlsisdheesrk@@ththee-n-neewwss.n.neett cheque made payable to THE PORTUGAL NEWS for €67.50 A petition drawn up by Christian Democrat leader Paulo Portas
Production Drctr:Madeline Luckman [email protected] (Portugal), €135 (Europe) or €210 (World Airmail). that contains five thousand signatures was delivered to the Speaker
Algarve News: Carrie-Marie Bratley Please debit my VISA credit card account with: of Parliament Jaime Gama this week calling on state debts to be pub-
Events: Raquel Salbany (cid:134) €67.50 (Portugal) (cid:134) €135 (Europe) (cid:134) €210 World lished on the internet as is the case with individuals and companies.
Preview: Nikki Hall The petition is being promoted on-line and remains available for signing
Travel: Sherry Hughes at www.estadomaupagador.net
Columnists: Patricia Westheimer
Correspondents:Gwynne Dyer Nº US Ambassador disappointed at
Photos: LUSA, Press Association
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card) Portugal’s Afghan reduction
Classifieds: Beverley Gonçalves Expiry Date The outgoing United States Ambassador to Portugal Alfred
Subscriptions: Maria Taylor
Sales Manager: Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 Hoffman has accused the Portuguese government of being more con-
cerned at opinion polls than it is with global security. Alfred Hoffman
Area Managers: Name made his comments after Lisbon’s decision to reduce its military
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, contingent in Afghanistan. The Ambassador vacates his Lisbon post-
Sintra)
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 (Vilamoura, Boliqueime, Address ing this coming Saturday.
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz, Gambling money launderers targeted
Almancil, Quinta do Lago,
Vale do Lobo, Loulé) At a meeting of the Council of Ministers, it has been recommended
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz, that all gamblers who request chips to the value of €2,000 or more be
Aljezur) duly identified and recorded. While this measure is aimed at money
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão, Phone Nº launderers and tax evaders, some confusion remains over the pro-
Silves, S B Messines, posal, as gamblers exchanging cash for chips on numerous occasions
Armação de Pêra) Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News, during one night, so long as each transaction does not exceed €2,000
Tom Chapman 912 583 188 (Eastern Algarve - Ayamonte) Apartado 13, 8401-901 Lagoa or FAX to 282 341201 could have their identities protected.
nneewwss
TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 11 DDeecc 22000077 33
Madeleine –
Portuguese
police in Britain
Portuguese police and officials were
due back from Britain this weekend
after spending the latter half of the
week in contact with Leicestershire
police and members of the Forensic
Science Service in Birmingham.
Four Portuguese officials are Their return flight is report-
currently in Britain discussing edly booked for this coming Sat-
DNA evidence that has been ex- urday. Justine McGuiness with Kate and Gerry McCann before a press conference on August 10th.
amined in the investigation in- Madeleine McCann went
volving the disappearance of missing from her family’s holi-
Madeleine McCann. day apartment in Praia da Luz on
Police from both countries are the evening of May 3 as her par-
believed to have met secretly in ents dined at a nearby Tapas res-
Leicestershire on Wednesday and taurant.
Thursday. Madeleine’s parents were
These meetings were followed both named as official suspects Many people could make more
by a visit to the FSS in Birming- in early September but have not on their investments
ham to view evidence taken from been charged with any crime, as
the car hired by Kate and Gerry is the case with the only other
McCann almost a month after suspect in the case, Robert
their daughter’s disappearance. Murat, who was made a suspect Could you?
A spokesman for the McCann on May 14.
family confirmed knowledge of Robert Murat’s lawyer,
these meetings, but said there Franciso Pagarete created a stir
was no indication that either earlier this week when he stated
Kate or Gerry, who are formal the McCanns should be
suspects in the case, would face “cursed” for leaving their chil-
any questioning. dren alone.
“We understand there is no “What they deserve is for
intention for the McCanns to be somebody to curse them, to make
interviewed, or indeed anyone them pay for having left three
else”, Clarence Mitchell was re- children unprotected”, Murat’s
ported as saying. lawyer told the 24 Horas news-
“We do not see it as a signifi- paper.
cant development”, he con- “To top it all off, they have
cluded. bank accounts which are stuffed
The Leicestershire Constabu- full”, Pagarete complained.
lary said the meetings were not The laywer added that Robert
due to any new developments, Murat and his girlfriend are on the
saying that both sides felt the verge of bankruptcy.
time had come to sit down “face- Earlier in the week, Público,
to-face” to discuss details of the who have awarded the case little
case as opposed to doing every- coverage in recent months, re-
thing over the phone. ported that Madeleine could have
The team of four Portuguese been killed by an intruder inside
officials departed Faro airport on the apartment.
Wednesday morning on an Earlier, the Attorney-General
Easyjet flight to the East Mid- Fernando Pinto told Visão maga- Get 10 ideas
lands. zine that he was unsure the on how to make
Two forensic experts, a detec- McCanns would have been sus- your assets grow.
tive with the Polícia Judiciária pects under the revised Portu-
and the vice-president of the na- guese Penal Procedure Code, Get the book on
tional pathology institute, Fran- which came into force a week af- www.nordea.ch.
cisco Corte Real, were on the ter Kate and Gerry were made
flight. suspects by police.
Many people could make more on their investments because they are
1977 - 2007
unaware of all the alternatives available to them, especially when it comes to
We are still receiving contributions for our special controlling risk.
anniversary issue so we have decided to present
our readers with a BUMPER CELEBRATION We have ten solid investment ideas, based around the concept of maximising potential returns
NEWSPAPER for our final edition of the year on while minimising risk, which show alternative ways for private investors to increase the value
December 22nd. of their investments from a risk-management perspective. Our investment handbook covers a
This Christmassy issue will include memories,
variety of topics, including leveraged investments, investment pools, portfolio management and
photographs, stories and articles about the past
tax-effi cient assurance products.
30 years in Portugal.
If you have anything Making it possible
to contribute, please
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email to Sherry@the- 10 million clients and 29,000 employees. Being the leading Nordic pan-European banking entity in Luxembourg and
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Sherry Hughes, The
Portugal News, Apt
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13, 8401, 901 Lagoa, Luxembourg: Tel [phone] www.nordea.lu; Zürich: Tel [phone] www.nordea.ch.
or fax to us
on 282 341201.
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44 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 11 DDeecc 22000077
EU NEWS IN BRIEF
Lisbon laments “tragic” events in Bolivia
Portugal’s EU presidency has expressed its regret at weekend vio-
lence in the southern Bolivian city of Sucre, sparked by President
Evo Morales’ efforts to overhaul the country’s constitution.
Protestors torched a police station in Sucre and freed around 100 in-
mates from a jail after setting fire to the building. Street clashes be-
tween demonstrators with police left one officer dead and a number
of others injured. The violent protests came after pro-government
parties approved a draft Saturday of the new constitution, a key
political project of the president.
Future Group on Justice holds debut meet
The EU’s Future Group on Justice held talks in Lisbon this week
for the first time to reflect on the bloc’s priorities for the sector in the
2010-2014 period. The two-day meeting of justice ministers from
the current and succeeding EU “troikas” focussed their attention on
simplifying legislation, modernising the justice system, fighting ter-
rorism and organized crime, and re-enforcing protection for victims,
Portuguese EU presidency officials said.
EU mulls justice, home affairs cooperation
with Russia
The EU and Russia have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in
some areas of justice and internal affairs, Portugal’s presidency of
the 27-state bloc said. The agreement centres on ways of creating a
common area of security, liberty and justice, analysing policies on
visa issue, illegal immigration, prevention of terrorism and traffick-
ing of people and drugs.
EU to open Timor office
Education Minister, Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues and the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Mr Ján
Figel talk to journalists at the Atlantic Pavillion in Lisbon during the conference which took place on Monday and Tuesday. (Photo: The European Commission has announced a 63 million euro aid
Lusa / Miguel A. Lopes) package for East Timor. Commission President José Manuel Durão
Barroso unveiled the initiative during a brief visit to Asia’s newest
EU qualifications framework
and poorest nation in a speech to Dili’s parliament, adding that Brus-
sels would open a delegation in the East Timorese capital next year.
EU aims to reduce flood risks
launched in Lisbon Reducing the risks and adverse consequences of floods in the Eu-
ropean Union is the aim of the new directive on flood risk manage-
ment that came into force this week. The directive requires flood risk
management to be negotiated across national borders and contains
important commitments to increase transparency and involve citi-
The European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Mr Ján Figel, this week zens. Member States are now obliged to identify river basins and
launched the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) at a major education associated coastal areas at risk of flooding and draw up flood risk
maps and management plans for these areas.
conference in Lisbon.
More jobs in the EU
The EQF will act as a transla- The robust recovery of EU labour markets in 2006 brought an in-
Classifieds tion device between the member crease in employment of 4 million – the strongest since 2000, accord-
states’ qualifications systems. ing to the 2007 ‘Employment in Europe’ report, published this week.
This will help employers and But rather than being an occasion for premature celebration, the im-
educational establishments proved economic climate presents a unique opportunity to push more
across Europe compare and bet- strongly for badly-needed structural reforms, the report says.
that work ter understand the qualifications
No tax on cereals
presented by individuals.
The core of the EQF system The EC has proposed the suspension of import duties on all cere-
is its eight reference levels, cov- als except oats for the current marketing year - which ends on June
Your classified in The ering the span of basic to the 30, 2008. This is a reaction to the exceptionally tight situation on the
Portugal News will be highest level qualifications. world and EU cereals markets and the record price levels. Although
The recommendation speci- the current levels of border protection for cereals are rather low, im-
seen all over Portugal (in
fies that countries should relate port duties are still applied for certain types of grains that are rel-
print) and all over the
their national qualifications sys- evant for the balance of the EU market.
world (on line).
tems to the EQF by 2010. By EU trade with China and India soars
An estimated 60,000 2012, every new qualification
people will see what you issued in the EU should have a China and India play an increasing role in EU27 trade. China, which
have to offer and will reference to the appropriate was the fourth trading partner of the EU27 in 2000, has since 2003
EQF reference level, so the ben- become the second trading partner after the USA. India, which was
react fast because if they
efits to mobility and lifelong the 17th trading partner in 2000, ranked ninth in 2006.
wait, it will be too late.
learning that the EQF brings will EU’s new research body approved
You can place an ad for be visible and available to every
as little as €1.50 per week EU citizen. EU ministers have agreed to set up a new research body to stimu-
advanta(g3e woof rodusr) sopr etackiael pinla CEinouemrdom pitesi sstsoigioon noifefitrce aJnná nfcae Fc: e“ig Poeeblo septxale-- ltPiaooternt iuongfn aholo’vwsa st tciooi enfnu acnnedd a t nghdreo itwnecitthhian itonivl toehg erye 2 mm7a-insintiasstt uee rnb,r lMeoscao,r laivaletnhdoo, Goufgafhgic otih,a selas q isdua eaidsf--.
display ad (4 x 5 cm) @ ter chairing a meeting of EU research ministers that “political accord”
cles when they try to move from
€25 p.w. for 10 weeks. has been reached by member states to create the European Institute
one country to another to learn
of Innovation and Technology, also known by the acronym EIT.
or work. They even sometimes
face obstacles when they want Sócrates and Wen Jiabao sign declaration
to move from one part of their on human rights
own country’s education sys-
tem to another, e.g. from voca- Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates and his Chinese coun-
tional education and training to terpart, Wen Jiabao, met for the tenth EU-China summit meeting on
higher education. Wednesday in Beijing, where they signed a joint declaration on hu-
“The EQF will make different man rights and trade relations. Before the start of the talks, Sócrates,
qualifications more easily read- who is the current president-in-office of the European Union, was
able between different European received by Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the Peo-
Place your classified on line and you countries, and so promote in- ple in Beijing for a 45-minute meeting.
will save 10%. It’s so easy, just go to creased mobility for learning or No alternative to Israeli-Palestinian
www.the-news.net and click on the working”, he said dialogue says Portugal
“Place a classified” box. “Over the next few years, the
or EQF will promote lifelong Foreign Minister Luís Amado, speaking for the EU presidency,
Fill in the form on P. 63 learning, for example by making has told Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday that they have no
it easier to gain credit for the choice but to negotiate a peaceful settlement.
Call Sónia on 707 500 677 learning people have already “There is no alternative (to negotiated peace) other than the re-
Send by Fax: [phone] For Classifieds that really work achieved”, concluded the com- vival of radicalism and extremism in the region”, said Amado earlier
missioner. this week in the United States.
news
The News • 1 Dec 2007 5
Portugal
Heavy sentence
requested for suspected
French conspirers
During their trial at the Lagos courts, the public prosecutor has asked that
the two French nationals, half-siblings Corine Gaspar and Thierry Beille,
who are accused of conspiring and murdering their compatriot André Le
Floch, are given a “heavy and exemplary punishment”.
The two are accused of having days before Portuguese sea res- tying lead weights to Le Floch’s
murdered Le Floch on his catama- cue officials were called to aid the belt, revealing an intention to dis-
ran, the Intermezzo, whilst sail- catamaran when it was caught in pose of the body in high seas.
Corine Gaspar, the French woman accused of murduring sailor André Le Floch off the Algarve
ing off the Algarve coast near a storm off Sagres. An autopsy report has con- coast, on her arrival at the Lagos court house on Monday. (Photo: Lusa / Luis Forra)
Sagres, in August 2006. They During his closing speech, firmed Le Floch was strangled.
were further accused of attempt- public prosecutor José
ing to steal the boat, sacrilege and Magalhães e Menezes summed
attempting to hide a body. up that the duo had “premedi-
Speaking for the first time dur- tated” their crime, saying they
ing the trial, Corine admitted to “disrespected a human life”, and
having hit Le Floch over the head showed no signs of regret.
with an undetermined object, but Their defence attorney,
claimed it was in self-defence, Manuel dos Santos, in turn re-
accusing the victim of having at- torted by claiming “little proof”
tempted to rape her. This allega- was shown during the three ses-
tion has been maintained by the sions of the trial, and has asked
half-brother and sister since their that the French citizens be ab-
arrest. She also claimed that after solved of the crimes of theft and
the incident sea rescue officials sacrilege of the sailor’s body.
were immediately called in to Manuel dos Santos further
provide help, and that Le Floch sustained that “the intention to
was still conscious. kill was not proved either”, there-
Thierry Beille denies having fore concluding that the catama- Britain’s Largest Holiday Letting Organisation
assaulted the owner of the boat ran owner’s death should be con-
and attaching any objects to his sidered by the courts as a ‘crime
belt. against physical integrity’, com-
Le Floch’s body was found in mitted only by Corine. 4 million
the hull of the vessel, bound up In answer to this, the public
and with lead weights tied to him. prosecutor highlighted how the
Police believe he was murdered pair acted “with joint effort” in
Now that you know
reasons
Portugal is listening,
make yourself heard
to join us
The annual survey being conducted by The Portugal
News on the foreign resident market is this year planned to
be the most comprehensive study on the topic, with the
number of respondents set to be the highest ever.
In January, The Portugal by the survey conducted by Por-
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Latest police figures show a Of the almost 8,000 reported [phone]
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tic violence against women abuse.
were reported during the first More than a thousand cases
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The total number of women they were either children or eld-
[email protected]
who had been victims of vio- erly, police say.
lence inside their own homes As a result of these crimes,
rose by 514 this year, compared 105 aggressors were detained
with the same period last year. by police.
nneewwss
66 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 11 DDeecc 22000077
Agreement reached
The European Union has especially over the additional 2.4
reached an “important accord” billion euros needed for Galileo,
over the bloc’s proposed 2008 given the failure to attract private
budget, including financing for the investors for the project.
Galileo global positioning system “This is the first step for Eu-
and the creation of a European rope to have its own satellite com-
on 2008 EU budget
Institute of Technology (EIT). munications system”, Santos
Portugal’s assistant budget said, adding that the funds for
state secretary, Emanuel Galileo would in no way affect
Augusto Santos, reported the EU farm subsidies through 2013.
breakthrough late last Friday af- The scheme, proposed by the
ter negotiations in Brussels, say- European Commission, calls for
ing he had the “welcome pleasure the added Galileo financing to
to announce that an important come from surplus Brussels
accord” had been reached. funds between 2007 and 2013.
Santos, who chaired the nego- The commission had previ-
tiations, said the accord included ously budgeted 1 billion euros for
agreement over financing for the the project that is estimated to
Galileo and EIT projects. cost a total 3.4 billion euros.
Prior to the agreement, a Por- The 2008 budget proposal
tuguese EU presidency official had must still receive European par-
forecast a “difficult task” ahead, liament approval. TPN/Lusa
EU launches offensive on
unsafe toys
gamut of parties involved - pro-
ducers, importers, retailers and
In direct response to the high- governments.
profile toy recalls over safety First and foremost, the toy
fears this summer, the EU has industry itself has a legal obliga-
carried out a review of safety tion to ensure that only safe toys
checks in Europe. make it to shop shelves. Recent
The results of the review pub- recalls however show this not to
lished over the weekend reveal be the case. This will be turned
the need for improved enforce- around by a comprehensive au-
ment and implementation of dit, together with a training pro-
Secretary of State for Defence and Sea, Manuel Lobo Antunes, talks to journalists about the Galileo system at the Foreign Office in product safety checks in Europe. gramme for Europe’s Chinese
Lisbon on Sunday. (Photo: Lusa / Mario Cruz) Corrective action scheduled for partners.
the coming months will include Secondly, national surveil-
Portugal hopes Mugabe’s presence an in-depth audit of retailers’ lance authorities will come under
safety measures, increased na- scrutiny as comparable data is
tional market surveillance and released in January. Practical so-
in Lisbon won’t be ‘distracting’ customs checks, and closer coop- lutions will be sought to increase
eration with China as it sets up traceability in the product sup-
an alert system along the lines of ply chain.
the EU’s so-called Rapex system Thirdly, cooperation will be
for dangerous goods. stepped up with China and the
Zimbabwe has confirmed it will attend the Europe-Africa summit in Lisbon this in just over a week, “In this world you cannot give US to ensure product safety con-
Portuguese Foreign Minister Luís Amado has said, reiterating his hope that President Robert Mugabe’s 100 percent guarantees. But you trols are enforced effectively.
can make sure the system is fit for For its own part, the EU is re-
eventual participation will not distract the meeting from its agenda.
purpose” said consumer protec- viewing its regulatory frame-
tion commissioner Kuneva. work.
“Zimbabwe was invited and leader will attend an “obsession”. be sidetracked by concerns over Lisbon’s attempt to host a fol- “You can ensure that all the A draft revision of its toy di-
has confirmed” its presence at the Many heads of state and gov- Zimbabwe. low-up summit in 2003 was links in the chain raise their game”. rective is scheduled for early 2008
December 8-9 apex gathering, ernment, he said, want to use the “We are 53 nations in Africa. aborted by London-led opposi- In an effort to tackle problems and a package is planned to im-
Amado said late Friday without two-day apex meeting to discuss Why reduce Africa to Zimba- tion tWo Mugabe’s participation. as early Eand effectively as possi- Bprove market and customs sur-
specifying whether Harare’s con- “relevant issues”. bwe”, he asked. TPN/Lusa ble, the EU is addressing the full veillance.
troversial leader would attend. British Prime Minister Gordon Niasse said the African Union
“A significant majority of Af- Brown has said neither he nor any had its sights set on debating mi-
rican and European states have senior member of his cabinet will gration, infrastructure and en-
confirmed their presence in Lis- attend if Mugabe comes. ergy, among other pressing sub-
bon”, he told journalists after The Zimbabwe regime has jects, in Lisbon.
talks with his Senegalese counter- been under EU travel and other Thanking the Portuguese EU
part, Mustapha Niasse. sanctions since 2002 over presidency for having extended
“Naturally, we want the sum- Harare’s violation of human “a hand to Europe and to Africa”,
mit to concentrate on the themes rights. Senegal’s foreign minister he said the AU had “great hope”
that interest us. We know that said the summit, the first in seven in Lisbon’s leadership of the Eu-
President Mugabe’s presence is years, was an “opportunity to ropean bloc.
a distracting factor”, Amado discuss basic issues” of the future The first EU-AU summit was
added, considering media concern relationship between the two held under the previous Portuguese
Web (INTERNET) noun [S]
over whether the Zimbabwean continents and that it should not EU presidency in Cairo in 2000.
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)
From
Weekly Services
Jan 6th If only creating a website was as easy as that
every Sunday
2008
in Lagoa at 6pm It all sounds so simple and straight forward That’s where we can help. We have experts in
doesn’t it? Well perhaps it used to be, but it design, Perl script, databases, flash animations,
isn’t now. Today’s surfers are web savvy, credit card platforms and many other skills.
Each week: demanding, and expect much more than a Not just in Portugal, but also in Northern Europe
1st Sunday – 1662 Evensong few pictures and words put together using a and India. Have a look at the Portugal News
2nd Sunday – Holy communion standard web site template. eNewspaper to see what our specialists can
3rd Sunday – Taize Service do.
4th Sunday – Healing Eucharist Today’s web site can put your company and
5th Sunday – Songs of Praise services right into your clients home or We can help you find the most cost effective
business. It can deliver streamed video, way to develop outstanding websites at a very
virtual tours, take orders, and receive credit competitive cost.
card payments, in fact there’s not much you
can’t do via the web. Our own in-house specialists will coordinate
your project and deliver results that will delight
ALL The only problem is finding the people with you, your clients, (and your accountant).
the skills to create sites with the sophistication
PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: today’s surfers appreciate and demand.
Rev’d Eric Britt Algráfica
Tel: [phone] Apt. 13
[email protected] 8401-901 Lagoa
A N G L I C A N C H U R C H www.allsaintsalgarve.org Tel: [phone]
(Holy Communion 10.30am • ASCA • ALMANCIL • Every Sunday, as usual) Graphic Design, Web sites & Advertising eAmffialiail tewde bwtietha mT@het hPeo-nrteuwgsa.ln eNtews
Please enquire about Baptism Services, Marriage Blessings, Funeral Services etc.
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PPoorrttuuggaall
Gas explosion injures 40
The government has ordered an investigation into a propane gas explosion
that ripped through the top three floors of a 14-storey building in Setúbal,
injuring 40 people, damaging about 50 vehicles and shattering windows in
neighbouring buildings, the Lusa News Agency reported.
Officials said three of the vic- the residential building’s pro- ings, though engineers were still
tims in the blast last Thursday pane gas distribution system that assessing the safety of the struc-
evening suffered “serious” inju- was undergoing changes to sup- ture this week to decide whether
ries. Internal Administration ply natural gas. or not it should be demolished.
Minister Rui Pereira asked the The building was evacuated,
National Civil Engineering Labo- with city officials offering tem- Photo right: Work in process
ratory (LNEC) to conduct an in- porary lodging to those dis- to stabilise the building which
vestigation into the causes of the placed. suffered damage after a gas
explosion. Residents have been allowed explosion last Thurday in
Local officials said it appeared back in the building under supervi- Setúbal. (Photo: Lusa / Carlos
to have been caused by leakage in sion to gather some of their belong- Santos)
Copper thieves target power lines
Growing international demand ies exist in Portugal on copper ity feed, but EDP was forced to
for copper has started taking its theft, evidence points to this sort wait for the authorities as the al-
toll in Portugal. The preferential of crime being on the up. leged thief was electrocuted at the
target for copper thieves has been At the GNR alone almost scene of the crime.
electricity lines, often resulting in 1,700 cases of copper theft have The soaring price of copper on
thousands of households being been reported so far this year and the global market makes the metal
left without power. almost two hundred arrests have an easy way, especially for drug
Good quality copper is been made in 2007. addicts, to make money.
picked up by scrap yard dealers One of the biggest victims of Since 2001 the cost of copper
for around three euros a kilo- this crime is EDP. This year has risen 500 percent on the in-
gramme, though second grade alone, more than one hundred ternational market, and has al-
copper is traded for as little as kilometres of stolen electrical ready peaked above the mark of
50 cents a kilo. cable has had to be replaced by $8,000 a tonne in 2007.
While dealers are obliged to the energy company. The rising demand and there-
keep a history of all their sup- Households are also paying the fore price, is driven mostly by
pliers, national electricity util- price, and the most notable recent growing needs in car production,
ity EDP is facing mounting ag- case of cable theft left 1,500 Al- building and power grids.
gravation from petty thieves, garve homes in darkness for al- China accounts for about one
whose actions cause consider- most six hours. fifth of global consumption fol-
able expense. This inconvenience was not lowed by the United States and
While few comparative stud- only due to restoring the electric- India.
news
8 The News • 1 Dec 2007
Portugal
Ministers approve ‘action
plan’ for territorial agenda
EU environment and territorial planning ministers have approved an
“action plan” for the bloc’s “territorial agenda” during a meeting in the
Azores.
Debate on the second and fi- the “territorial agenda” approved discussing territorial cohesion
nal day of the informal council for the EU last May. issues, given its “ultra-periph-
under the Portuguese EU presi- The initiative, Nunes Correia ery” location. TPN/Lusa
dency was centred on the poten- said, would place “territorial co-
tial contribution of regional hesion” at the forefront of EU Photo left: European
policy to promoting the Lisbon policy making, along with the Commissioner for Regional
Agenda, the 2000 strategy to bloc’s previous dynamics of eco- Policy, Danuta Hubner,
make the EU the world’s most nomic and social cohesion. accompanied by Environment
competitive economy, officials The new territorial dimension Minister, Nunes Correia
said. would be “formalised along with (left) and Regional Secretary
Francisco Nunes Correia, Lis- the Reform Treaty” that was ap- for the Presidency, Vasco
bon’s minister for environment, proved by EU leaders in Lisbon Cordeiro during a visit to the
territorial planning and regional last month, he added. Lagoa das Furnas on the
development, said a “consensus” Portugal’s mid-Atlantic Island of São Miguel, Azores
had been reached last Friday over Azores islands, Nunes Correia last Saturday. (Photo: Lusa /
an “action plan” to implement said, were the “ideal stage” for Eduardo Costa)
PM Sócrates calls for Myanmar sanctions
Prime Minister José Sócrates, speaking for the EU presidency, has defended the
application of political sanctions against Myanmar’s military regime, urging Yangon’s
leaders to speed steps towards national reconciliation and democracy.
Prime Minister Sócrates, ad- Sócrates encouraged Yangon to also demonstrating their preoc-
dressing the EU-ASEAN summit take advantage of “this opportu- cupation with the situation in
in Singapore, said Myanmar’s nity” to take “significant steps Myanmar and explicitly sup-
i t ’ s rruesleprosn “sniobwili htya veto a n minotevren atmioonrael towEaurrdosp reeacno nCcoilmiamtioisns”io.n chief penovrto tyh Ieb erfafhoirmts G” oafm sbpaercii taol fUosN-
quickly in the process of recon- José Manuel Durão Barroso ex- ter negotiations between the
ciliation and the process of de- pressed similar concerns at the military and the pro-democ-
mocratising the country”. summit, saying sanctions should racy opposition, he said.
“In the view of the European be directed “against the regime, Beyond concerns over
Union, the application of sanc- not against the people”. Myanmar, the one-day summit
tions against Myanmar aims to Many ASEAN members, in Singapore set its sights on re-
speed the process that has ad- Durão Barroso added, shared the viewing the three-decades-old
vanced very slowly”, he added. EU’s view of events in Myanmar relationship between the Euro-
Recalling the recent peaceful but as “geographic and cultural” pean and Southeast Asian blocs
pro-democracy demonstra- neighbours were reluctant to ap- and discussing a wide range of
tions that were put down in a ply the same kind of sanctions. issues, including trade, climate
bloody military crackdown, “But the truth is that they are change and human rights.
Lisbon
Europe Direct hits
TIME!
upbeat on
100,000 calls in 2007
progress of
Europe Direct, the European Questions received by email
CNheOCrwifse fitYlcmeeeba arPsras atP iroPtainearstsrit ei&ess CCSoWhPripleEdodrCredaIniAtne’sLg EPPPvaaaerrrntttiieiteessss EpsyrUsott ecemicvtiilon vEWtqChheouUoemTatem lRlEshilbtnmsOiuiesteorrr iPi,onö.ss rEps maetie h con,aDie ensVniw’ Iv ysCRi ec reeoEdeacm rCiPoi tonmTsrrdnfe .1ois rs10rieMsdm30sieuto,haa0n lnrtNt0tgi ,f o 0ooooinntf-rht adprrtscaeeirialscteeqlyitetx uzaas vC e ennqoaensscunntnwsee eat t o rdverpisen reeofe e-arrslrldaoi,lvi csga mnwioynece i.oe aa a thF fnhrnefoew iseelnarwpxrh .m s3 .piTe ca owerhh w rrmoeet e ig rCacnkbioy voi tam nhbensgees---
Portugal’s EU presidency charge of the communication In 2007, a significant number
believes it has made a policy, said: “EUROPE DI- of enquiries were related to In-
Whatever the event, if you are looking for something special, then talk to us. significant contribution to RECT is there for citizens. It ternal Market issues (such as
We have the imagination and planning skills to make any event something very efforts to construct a connects the EU with them, travelling, working and study-
special. Perhaps you want to take your guests in a private yacht to a deserted answers their questions and ing abroad), general questions
island. Or how about taking them to a private event on an island beach on a train? Europe-wide civil listens to their concerns. I on the EU institutions and
Perhaps you would prefer a castle or a rustic setting in the mountains. protection system, a Lisbon would like to see more and more questions on the roaming regu-
When we say imaginative party and event ideas, that’s exactly what we mean. minister said. people use it”. lation. Air Passengers’ Rights
We have the entertainers We have the locations We have the ideas Speaking at the opening of a On the day EUROPE DI- account for an important
Civil Protection Forum in Brus- RECT received its 100,000th number of enquiries. Cur-
Get a standing ovation from your guests
sels, organised by the European query for 2007, the service was rently, the number of ques-
Talk to the people with imagination.
Commission and gathering 600 also contacted by citizens from tions on the Reform Treaty is
Tel: [phone] experts in the field, Portugal’s Austria, Belgium, France, Ger- on the rise.
interior minister, Rui Pererira, many, Hungary, Slovakia, The profile of users of the
said Lisbon’s final evaluation of Spain, Poland, Romania, Den- EUROPE DIRECT service
its efforts to push the civil pro- mark, Greece, Czech Republic, ranges from students preparing
tection agenda were “frankly en- Lithuania, Bulgaria, Italy, for essays to pensioners re-
couraging.” Netherlands, Sweden, Portu- questing information on retire-
Portugal’s priorities in this gal, Finland, Latin America, ment issues in an EU country
area during its six-month stint in Asia and Africa. other than their own. Entrepre-
charge of Europe have been revi- EUROPE DIRECT was neurs running small and me-
sion of the Civil Protection launched in 1998. The single dium enterprises (SMEs) ask
Mechanism, strengthening of telephone number 00800 6 7 8 about funding to start up or ex-
early-warning systems and push- 9 10 11 is accessible to every- pand their companies, whilst
ing forward debate on protection one in the EU and covers all EU professionals seek advice on
Contractors for International Algarve Fair of critical infrastructures, added official languages. EU directives and regulations.
www.standingovationalgarve.com Pereira. TPN/Lusa
bnueswisness
1100 TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 11 DDeecc 22000077
Hugo Chavez invites Portuguese business delegation to his country
Portugal will send a high-level government
and business delegation to Venezuela as
soon a possible for discussions on
bolstering cooperation in the areas of food
production, farming and renewable energy,
President Hugo Chavez has announced.
Speaking after a brief visit last sible,” said Chavez, who described
week to Lisbon, where he met his meeting with Sócrates as “mar-
Portuguese Prime Minster José vellous and extraordinary.”
Sócrates, Venezuela’s leader said Venezuela’s leader said he had
he had asked for Portugal’s as- briefed Sócrates on his country’s
sistance in a variety of sectors, booming economy, which has
particularly the food industry expanded by around 12 percent
and agriculture. annually for the last three years.
Chavez said he had also dis- “I recalled that the country
cussed renewable energy, “a very needs investment by serious
important question,” with Por- Portuguese firms to contribute to
tugal’s prime minister. development of railways, motor-
“Oil will run out one day. Por- ways, new cities, housing, new
tugal has a long track record (in farming projects, irrigation sys-
renewable energy production) tems” and scores of other infra-
and is a good example. It has a structures, he added.
high percentage of energy con- Chavez was in Lisbon after
sumption from wind, solar, mari- visiting France, Saudi Arabia and
time and alternative sources.” Iran. He left for Cuba after his
“Portugal’s economy minister Portugal trip for talks with Presi-
will visit Venezuela with a group dent Fidel Castro before return-
of company chiefs as soon as pos- ing to Caracas. TPN/Lusa
Lisbon optimistic of
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, holding the national constitution in his hand, participates in the TV show 'La
Hojilla' on the Venezuelan Network last Saturday. The first mandatory assured that his mediation work in the Colombian chances of accord on
conflict was 'aborted' because they were going straight to the 'humanitarian agreement' and, according to him, 'in a
short time'. (Photo: EPA/Comando Zamora)
EU patent system
EU agrees on need for fresh SME strategies
Portugal’s EU presidency has sized enterprises, encouraging
expressed optimism at the pos- them to innovate and develop
sibility of resolving years-long new product ranges to generate
EU economy ministers have were reported as saying by the market, Portugal’s economy Therefore, it is natural for Lis- deadlock among member states growth and employment.
given their blessing to proposals Lusa News Agency. minister, Manuel Pinho, said bon’s EU chair to “have made over the creation of a one-stop Silveira, chairing the Brussels
to revamp the bloc’s policies re- Speaking after chairing a meet- SMEs have “enormous impor- great investment in this area” patenting system that would meeting on the problematic single
lating to small to medium-sized ing of EU ministers responsible tance in the Portuguese while leading the 27-state bloc. slash costs for companies. legal framework for patent regis-
enterprises (SMEs), officials for innovation and the internal economy.” During their Brussels encoun- Portugal’s State Secretary for tration, said EU ministers have
ter EU ministers approved Euro- Justice João Tiago Silveira said “approved” important conclu-
pean Commission proposals to during a break in a meeting of EU sions for companies. A working
give more priority to SMEs, ministers responsible for com- group will start discussions soon
For only 60 cents which have a key role in growth petitiveness, that Europe’s 27 on the new EU patent, he added.
and jobs, and boost incentives to member states have agreed to take Draft EU legislation on a Eu-
these firms across Europe, said fresh steps towards creating an ropean patent system has previ-
Portugal’s economy minister. EU-wide patent system “as ously been vetoed by member
we’ll find your number poTlihcye foErC g’rso w“tmh oadnedr enm pSlMoyE- quEicUkl syt aatse pso hsasvibel aet.”tempted for sotpapteoss eli kaen yS pliaminit aonnd lIatnaglyu awgheos
many years to set up a system of that would be used in the stream-
ment” aims to coordinate all as-
protecting ideas and cease the lined system.
pects of SME assistance policies
present method where firms Firms currently have to pay
through action in five areas: Pro-
and we’ll find it must validate patents in every for patents to be translated into
moting entrepreneurship and
country they operate in. all the languages of states they
skills; improving SMEs’ access A unified EU system of pro- trade in and also have to defend
within one minute! to markets; cutting red tape; im- tecting intellectual property patents, at significant cost, in
proving SMEs’ growth poten- would bring particular savings in various national courts.
tial; and strengthening dialogue legal costs to small to medium- TPN/Lusa
from and consultation with SME
fixed phones, stakeholders
Maputo makes final
call boxes, mobiles directory It was also agreed by EU
and mobiles on economy ministers that SMEs
roaming enquiries need assistance to access internal dam payment
EU markets and markets out with
National & in English
the bloc through certification,
International
improved staff qualification,
Business &
electronic government and other Mozambique has paid Portu- Finance Minister Fernando
Private
investment, added Pinho. gal the final US$700 million in- Teixeira dos Santos represented
There was also consensus stalment for a majority stake in Portugal in the ceremonies.
among Europe’s economy chiefs the Hidroeléctrica de Cahora He was joined in the Zambezi
on the need for a “type of Erasmus Bassa (HCB) power complex in valley town of Songo by
Monday to Friday program” for SMEs to encourage Maputo Monday at a gala Mozambican President
09:30 - 18:00 young managers to gain experience transfer ceremony at the giant Armando Guebuza for the
in other EU member states, Pinho Zambeze River dam. handover ceremony that was
said. EU states must also attempt Mozambique paid Portugal also attended by heads of state
to find “ways of innovatory fi- an initial US$250 million last Oc- and government from five other
nance for SMEs,” he added. tober, on signing the US$950 southern African states.
Discussions on SMEs were million , 640 million euros, deal Negotiations for Mozam-
part of wider debate on competi- to up its share of HCB to 85% bique to assume control of HCB
tiveness issues during a two-day from 18% in a move described began at the country’s inde-
meeting in Europe’s capital end- by local media as the country’s pendence from Portugal in 1975
ing Friday and chaired by Manuel “second independence” from but were repeatedly sidelined
Pinho, also Lisbon’s minister for Lisbon. for various reasons, including
innovation, and Portugal’s min- Lisbon will maintain a minor- the country’s 16-year civil war
ister for science, technology and ity 15% stake in HCB, Portu- that left HCB paralysed and ac-
higher education, Mariano Gago. gal’s largest ever infrastructure cumulating debt for years.
TPN/Lusa investment abroad. TPN/Lusa
news
news
TThhee PPoorrttuuggaall NNeewwss •• 214 D Neoc v2 2000077 1111
Future agriculture
policy must focus
on climate change
- Jaime Silva
The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP) must seek answers to problems
posed by climate change and
desertification, Portuguese Agriculture
Minister Jaime Silva said this week.
Minister Silva, in comments The European Commission
on arriving to chair a two-day EU presented a series of measures last
agriculture council in Brussels, week aimed at a “health check” of
European Union Commissioner for Agriculture Mariann Fischer Boel (L) and Portugal’s Agriculture Minister, President of the European
also said the Portuguese EU the current CAP, which expires in
Council Jaime Silva (R) attend a news conference during the European Union Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels on
presidency considered it “oppor- 2013, namely in regards to limit- Monday. EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said Monday she was open to reconsidering a proposal for Common Agriculture
tune” to “make an analysis of the ing subsidies to industrial-scale Policy (CAP) hand-outs to farmers as part of a recently unveiled plan to reform Europe’s farm support. (Photo: EPA/Olivier Hoslet)
funds spent on agriculture”. farming and to increasing aid for
We will begin the discussions rural development. He expressed hope an accord Jailed for €800 fraud
in this council”, he said of the As to reforms of the wine mar- on the wine sector would be
meeting that was centred on de- ket, Silva said trilateral meetings reached by the conclusion of the
bating the CAP in the post-2013 would take place with the com- Portuguese presidency at year’s
period. mission and member states. end. TPN/Lusa
While precedents do not necessarily serve as an indication as to what a
Portugal backs proposals to punish
person could expect when convicted of a crime, a man who used stolen
cheques to make purchases of €800 at a supermarket would have
employers of illegal migrants
expected no more than a suspended prison sentence.
Portugal’s interior minister, Parliament to discuss a draft Brus- abuse of migrants by unscrupu- Swindling the Continente su- ices involving thousands of euros at a number of Continente super-
Rui Pereira, said this week that sels directive on sanctions against lous employers are essentially permarket chain is not a good normally result is suspended markets in northern Portugal.
Lisbon supports European Com- firms using illegal workers, Pereira aimed to harmonise legislation idea, a man is now serving a jail sentences, a man who conned The fact that the fraudster,
mission proposals to punish described the plans as “positive”, across the bloc, noted Pereira, and term that equates to a year behind Continente out of €800 has been who is also a drug addict, already
employers of illegal immigrants. as a “very strong stimulus to ille- Portugal has already modified bars for every €200 he ‘stole’ given a four-year prison term. had a record did not help his case,
Speaking at a Brussels confer- gal migration is work, often in sub- legislation in this area to crack from the Sonae-owned company. The cheques were stolen out and the Supreme Court in Lisbon
ence jointly organised by the Eu- human conditions.” down on this exploitation of im- While cases of fraud involving of a car, before being used be- has now ruled against an appeal
ropean Parliament and Portuguese The EC proposals to regulate migrants. TPN/Lusa the taxman or social security serv- tween February and March 2003, he lodged to stay out of prison.