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THE PORTUGAL ERA, the professional real estate agents inAlvor with a portfolio of over 700 properties. Call us now +351 282 402 440 [email protected] AMI 6443 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: 707 500 655 Newsdesk Tel:707 500 655 stances surrounding the lack of husband in Austria to summon 2008, a decimal point above the anticipated rises in Western Europe, Sales Tel: 707 500 677 Classified Tel: 707 500 646 assistance supplied to a 37-year assistance. Officials have since a report by consultant Mercer published this week has shown. Gen.Fax: 282 341 201 Sales Fax: 282 352 053 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 Nordea Bank S.A. is a part of the leading fi nancial services group in the Nordic and Baltic Sea regions. The group has email to Sherry@the- 10 million clients and 29,000 employees. Being the leading Nordic pan-European banking entity in Luxembourg and Switzerland, Nordea Bank S.A. focuses on international Wealth Management, Fund Distribution and Fund Management news.net, post to services. Our 385 employees serve a wide spectrum of international clients in many countries world-wide. Sherry Hughes, The Portugal News, Apt Some of the services and products mentioned may, due to local regulations, not be available to individuals resident in certain countries. Published by Nordea Bank S.A. 13, 8401, 901 Lagoa, Luxembourg: Tel +352 43 88 77 77 www.nordea.lu; Zürich: Tel +41 44 421 42 42 www.nordea.ch. or fax to us on 282 341201. nneewwss 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: 282 341 201 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- News, as has become customary tugal’s largest English-language •Direct marketing to a database of over 4 million in recent years, will be unveiling publication, and many major cor- the results of its annual survey to porations contacted The Portu- holidaymakers, helping maximise your income the nation’s press and top busi- gal News seeking advice on how nesses in the Portuguese capital. best to mould their products and •Expert personal support from dedicated local Stopping short of comparing services in order to accommodate this survey with a vote, this is ar- an increasingly-influential expa- Regional Managers in Portugal, plus a UK-based guably the most effective way for triate market. Owner Services Team foreign residents to voice their Knowing that the opinions of opinions on issues which matter readers of The Portugal News •Your property details, photographs and option of a virtual most to them in their host coun- really do count, those who have try. yet to give their opinions can still tour on www.welcomecottages.co.uk, plus unparalleled Judging by responses in pre- do so by either calling the free vious years, there was enormous number 800 507 878 or e-mail exposure at www.cottages4you.co.uk interest in the findings obtained [email protected] •Comprehensive range of additional property letting services Almost 8,000 women Send now for our free Owner Information Pack and start to maximise your earnings... victims of domestic violence Latest police figures show a Of the almost 8,000 reported +44 (0)1282 847 881 total of 7,938 cases of domes- cases, 6,818 were for spousal tic violence against women abuse. were reported during the first More than a thousand cases nine months of the year. (1,240) involved males, though 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: 282 380 311 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: 707 500 677 (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. nneewwss TThhee NNeewwss •• 214 D Neoc v2 2000077 77 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: 914 599 933 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.

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