Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060421.0088.LDC2007T07::1	 Abbott invests 280 million US dollars in Singapore plant Global health care group Abbott is investing 280 million US dollars in an infant nutritional powder plant in Singapore catering to the Asian market, the company announced Friday. "The plant is Abbott's first major capital investment in Asia and its largest nutritional investment ever," a statement said. The plant, located in an industrial park dedicated to biomedical industries, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. US-based Abbott manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products and devices. Its nutritional products are currently produced in Canada, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. "Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Abbott's nutrition business and in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers, we recognised that we had to begin manufacturing in the region," said John Ginascol, a division vice president at Abbot Nutrition International. "We chose Singapore for its strategic location as a regional distribution hub, its business-friendly environment and its highly motivated and educated work force," he said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060421.0088.LDC2007T07::2	 Abbott invests 280 million US dollars in Singapore plant Global health care group Abbott is investing 280 million US dollars in an infant nutritional powder plant in Singapore catering to the Asian market, the company announced Friday. "The plant is Abbott's first major capital investment in Asia and its largest nutritional investment ever," a statement said. The plant, located in an industrial park dedicated to biomedical industries, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. US-based Abbott manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products and devices. Its nutritional products are currently produced in Canada, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. "Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Abbott's nutrition business and in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers, we recognised that we had to begin manufacturing in the region," said John Ginascol, a division vice president at Abbot Nutrition International. "We chose Singapore for its strategic location as a regional distribution hub, its business-friendly environment and its highly motivated and educated work force," he said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060421.0088.LDC2007T07::3	 Abbott invests 280 million US dollars in Singapore plant Global health care group Abbott is investing 280 million US dollars in an infant nutritional powder plant in Singapore catering to the Asian market, the company announced Friday. "The plant is Abbott's first major capital investment in Asia and its largest nutritional investment ever," a statement said. The plant, located in an industrial park dedicated to biomedical industries, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. US-based Abbott manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products and devices. Its nutritional products are currently produced in Canada, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. "Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Abbott's nutrition business and in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers, we recognised that we had to begin manufacturing in the region," said John Ginascol, a division vice president at Abbot Nutrition International. "We chose Singapore for its strategic location as a regional distribution hub, its business-friendly environment and its highly motivated and educated work force," he said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060421.0088.LDC2007T07::4	 Abbott invests 280 million US dollars in Singapore plant Global health care group Abbott is investing 280 million US dollars in an infant nutritional powder plant in Singapore catering to the Asian market, the company announced Friday. "The plant is Abbott's first major capital investment in Asia and its largest nutritional investment ever," a statement said. The plant, located in an industrial park dedicated to biomedical industries, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. US-based Abbott manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products and devices. Its nutritional products are currently produced in Canada, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. "Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Abbott's nutrition business and in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers, we recognised that we had to begin manufacturing in the region," said John Ginascol, a division vice president at Abbot Nutrition International. "We chose Singapore for its strategic location as a regional distribution hub, its business-friendly environment and its highly motivated and educated work force," he said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060421.0088.LDC2007T07::5	 Abbott invests 280 million US dollars in Singapore plant Global health care group Abbott is investing 280 million US dollars in an infant nutritional powder plant in Singapore catering to the Asian market, the company announced Friday. "The plant is Abbott's first major capital investment in Asia and its largest nutritional investment ever," a statement said. The plant, located in an industrial park dedicated to biomedical industries, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. US-based Abbott manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products and devices. Its nutritional products are currently produced in Canada, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. "Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Abbott's nutrition business and in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers, we recognised that we had to begin manufacturing in the region," said John Ginascol, a division vice president at Abbot Nutrition International. "We chose Singapore for its strategic location as a regional distribution hub, its business-friendly environment and its highly motivated and educated work force," he said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::1	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::2	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::3	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::4	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::5	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060518.0628.LDC2007T07::6	 US government joins lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories The US government said Thursday it has joined a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, claiming the pharmaceutical company vastly inflated prices for drugs reimbursed under federal healthcare programs. The governments complaint filed in Miami alleges that Abbotts Hospital Products Division (HPD) reported prices that were more than 10 times the actual sales prices on many of the drugs it manufactures, since at least 1991. It said the company inflated the prices knowing that US healthcare programs established reimbursement rates based on reported prices. The Medicare and Medicaid programs have reimbursed Abbotts customers more than 175 million dollars for the drugs that are the subject of the complaint. "The filing of this lawsuit reflects the governments dedication to pursuing large-scale pharmaceutical pricing fraud cases that squander scarce resources needed to provide for the health care needs of the poor, the elderly and the disabled," said Alexander Acosta, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Abbott, which spun off HPD in 2004, rejected the charges, insisting it has "consistently complied with all laws and regulations." "This is an average wholesale price lawsuit similar to others filed against our industry," said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. The lawsuit was originally was filed by Ven-A-Care, a Key West, Florida pharmacy that has won several similar cases against other drug manufacturers. If the government is successful in resolving or litigating its claims, the whistleblower who initiated the action can receive a share of between 15 percent to 25 percent of the amount recovered, Acosta's office said. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::1	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::2	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::3	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::4	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::5	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::6	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::7	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::8	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::9	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20010420.0729.LDC2007T07::10	 Abbott Beefs Up Litigation Reserves NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) Abbott Laboratories Inc., bracing for a costly settlement in a federal investigation involving the prostate-cancer drug Lupron, said Friday it was increasing litigation reserves by $344 million. As part of the announcement, Abbott said it had restated its quarterly results and is now reporting a loss of $319.9 million for the first three months of this year rather than a profit. The move comes amid long-running negotiations between the U.S. Department of Justice and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, the 50-50 joint venture between Abbott and Takeda Chemical Industries of Japan that made Lupron. Abbott said in January it had created a litigation reserve fund to cover possible fines resulting from the investigation, which involves allegations the joint venture made indirect kickbacks and bribes to doctors for writing prescriptions for Lupron. The company said in a statement that the latest move was made to reflect ``recent developments'' related to the probe involving TAP Pharmaceutical, based in nearby Lake Forest. It did not elaborate, and Abbott officials did not immediately return a telephone call. Instead of a profit of $96.3 million or 6 cents a share, as reported last week, the pharmaceutical and health care-care products maker is reporting a loss of $319.9 million or 14 cents a share. Abbott shares fell 85 cents to $44.87 Friday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange. The North Chicago-based company said the outcome of the investigation is not expected to have a material impact on operations and does not affect its previous guidance for future earnings. A TAP spokeswoman said the joint venture had no comment on Abbott's statement. ``Our investigations are ongoing. We can't predict when there will be any resolution in the case,'' spokeswoman Kim Modori said. The Justice Department has been looking into marketing and sales practices involving Lupron since 1997, including allegations of illegal, indirect payments to doctors who prescribed the drug. Separately, authorities are investigating a reported black market for the drug involving excessive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Abbott said in its annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 15 that an investigation is being carried out by various state and federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the state attorneys general of California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. In January, two Florida urologists pleaded guilty in Connecticut to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in a Lupron resale scheme and agreed to forfeit $1.125 million. The doctors _ partners Steven K. Brooks of Longwood and Elias Jacobo of Winter Park _ were charged with ordering more Lupron than they needed and reselling it unauthorized at a hefty profit to doctors in other states. Abbott employs about 70,000 people and had sales of $13.7 billion in 2000. ___ On the Net: http://www.abbott.com 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080123.0817.LDC2009T13::1	 Abbott Labs swings to profit in 4th quarter vs. year-earlier results hurt by hefty charges NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois 2008-01-23 13:44:26 UTC Health care products maker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter versus year-earlier results that were reduced by hefty acquisition charges for Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc. For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company earned $1.2 billion (euro0.82 billion), or 77 cents per share, compared with a loss of $476.2 million (euro326.75 million), or 31 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 16 percent to $7.22 billion (euro4.95 billion) from $6.22 (euro4.27) billion. Adjusted earnings, excluding certain items, rose to 93 cents per share from 75 cents per share in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, had projected earnings of 92 cents per share on $6.97 billion (euro4.78 billion) in revenue. The 2006 fourth quarter included a $1.3 billion (euro0.89 billion), or 85 cents-per-share, charge related to costs in the $3.7 billion (euro2.54 billion) acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals last year. In its latest report, Abbott projected earnings per share of $3.20 (euro2.20) to $3.25 (euro2.23) for the full-year 2008 and earnings per share for the first-quarter 2008 of 61 cents to 63 cents, both excluding items. Analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 65 cents for the first quarter and $3.22 (euro2.21) for the year. For the full year, Abbott earned $3.6 billion (euro2.47 billion), or $2.31 (euro1.59) a share, compared with $1.72 billion (euro1.18 billion), or $1.12 (euro.77) a share, in 2006. ------ On the Net: 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080123.0817.LDC2009T13::2	 Abbott Labs swings to profit in 4th quarter vs. year-earlier results hurt by hefty charges NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois 2008-01-23 13:44:26 UTC Health care products maker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter versus year-earlier results that were reduced by hefty acquisition charges for Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc. For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company earned $1.2 billion (euro0.82 billion), or 77 cents per share, compared with a loss of $476.2 million (euro326.75 million), or 31 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 16 percent to $7.22 billion (euro4.95 billion) from $6.22 (euro4.27) billion. Adjusted earnings, excluding certain items, rose to 93 cents per share from 75 cents per share in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, had projected earnings of 92 cents per share on $6.97 billion (euro4.78 billion) in revenue. The 2006 fourth quarter included a $1.3 billion (euro0.89 billion), or 85 cents-per-share, charge related to costs in the $3.7 billion (euro2.54 billion) acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals last year. In its latest report, Abbott projected earnings per share of $3.20 (euro2.20) to $3.25 (euro2.23) for the full-year 2008 and earnings per share for the first-quarter 2008 of 61 cents to 63 cents, both excluding items. Analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 65 cents for the first quarter and $3.22 (euro2.21) for the year. For the full year, Abbott earned $3.6 billion (euro2.47 billion), or $2.31 (euro1.59) a share, compared with $1.72 billion (euro1.18 billion), or $1.12 (euro.77) a share, in 2006. ------ On the Net: 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080123.0817.LDC2009T13::3	 Abbott Labs swings to profit in 4th quarter vs. year-earlier results hurt by hefty charges NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois 2008-01-23 13:44:26 UTC Health care products maker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter versus year-earlier results that were reduced by hefty acquisition charges for Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc. For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company earned $1.2 billion (euro0.82 billion), or 77 cents per share, compared with a loss of $476.2 million (euro326.75 million), or 31 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 16 percent to $7.22 billion (euro4.95 billion) from $6.22 (euro4.27) billion. Adjusted earnings, excluding certain items, rose to 93 cents per share from 75 cents per share in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, had projected earnings of 92 cents per share on $6.97 billion (euro4.78 billion) in revenue. The 2006 fourth quarter included a $1.3 billion (euro0.89 billion), or 85 cents-per-share, charge related to costs in the $3.7 billion (euro2.54 billion) acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals last year. In its latest report, Abbott projected earnings per share of $3.20 (euro2.20) to $3.25 (euro2.23) for the full-year 2008 and earnings per share for the first-quarter 2008 of 61 cents to 63 cents, both excluding items. Analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 65 cents for the first quarter and $3.22 (euro2.21) for the year. For the full year, Abbott earned $3.6 billion (euro2.47 billion), or $2.31 (euro1.59) a share, compared with $1.72 billion (euro1.18 billion), or $1.12 (euro.77) a share, in 2006. ------ On the Net: 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080123.0817.LDC2009T13::4	 Abbott Labs swings to profit in 4th quarter vs. year-earlier results hurt by hefty charges NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois 2008-01-23 13:44:26 UTC Health care products maker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter versus year-earlier results that were reduced by hefty acquisition charges for Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc. For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company earned $1.2 billion (euro0.82 billion), or 77 cents per share, compared with a loss of $476.2 million (euro326.75 million), or 31 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 16 percent to $7.22 billion (euro4.95 billion) from $6.22 (euro4.27) billion. Adjusted earnings, excluding certain items, rose to 93 cents per share from 75 cents per share in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, had projected earnings of 92 cents per share on $6.97 billion (euro4.78 billion) in revenue. The 2006 fourth quarter included a $1.3 billion (euro0.89 billion), or 85 cents-per-share, charge related to costs in the $3.7 billion (euro2.54 billion) acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals last year. In its latest report, Abbott projected earnings per share of $3.20 (euro2.20) to $3.25 (euro2.23) for the full-year 2008 and earnings per share for the first-quarter 2008 of 61 cents to 63 cents, both excluding items. Analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 65 cents for the first quarter and $3.22 (euro2.21) for the year. For the full year, Abbott earned $3.6 billion (euro2.47 billion), or $2.31 (euro1.59) a share, compared with $1.72 billion (euro1.18 billion), or $1.12 (euro.77) a share, in 2006. ------ On the Net: 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::1	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::2	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::3	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::4	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::5	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::6	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080319.0172.LDC2009T13::7	 18 states sue Abbott Labs, French company for blocking generic competition WILMINGTON, Delaware 2008-03-19 01:16:06 UTC Eighteen states have sued Abbott Laboratories in federal court, alleging the drug maker blocked generic competition for a popular cholesterol medication, state officials said. The antitrust lawsuit against Abbott and French drug company Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, charges the companies sought to block competition for a cheaper, generic version of the prescription drug TriCor. The cholesterol drug accounted for more than $1 billion of Abbott's sales last year. The North Chicago, Illinois-based company had total revenue of $25.9 billion in 2007. The states allege in U.S. District Court in Wilmington that the companies continuously made minor changes in the formulation of TriCor to prevent cheaper generic versions from being marketed. The complaint seeks triple the amount of damages incurred by the states' public health agencies and individual consumers. "As Florida and our senior population face ever increasing costs of prescription drugs, we cannot permit drug companies to edge out competition and potentially less expensive generic alternatives," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement Tuesday. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the complaint also alleges that Abbott and Fournier obtained patents protecting TriCor from competition by deceiving the U.S. Patent Office with incomplete and misleading data. Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said the company's actions are lawful. Abbott has not prevented the marketing of drugs similar to TriCor, she said, adding there are eight other products already available. Neil Hirsch, a spokesman for Solvay, the parent company of Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier SA, said the company has not engaged in any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. Besides Maryland and Florida, other states joining the suit are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080326.1148.LDC2009T13::1	 US agency FDA recommends large, in-depth safety studies from makers of drug-coated stents WASHINGTON 2008-03-26 18:42:12 UTC The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday laid out new guidelines for the testing of drug-coated stents, two years after safety concerns first reduced their use. The proposed guidelines posted to FDA's Web site recommend device makers conduct large, analytic studies of their stents both before and after they are submitted to FDA. In its most rigorous recommendation, FDA said companies should be prepared to track patients for up to five years after their stents are approved to monitor blood clots, heart attack and other potentially fatal events. Such long-term studies can cost companies millions of dollars. Stents are tiny, mesh-wire tubes that prop open arteries after they have been surgically cleared of fatty plaque. They quickly became a highly lucrative business, after companies began adding drug coatings to the devices in 2003 to prevent scar tissue from growing over the mesh-wire. But after data suggested that the drug coatings may put patients at higher risk of blood clots, sales have plummeted to about $2 billion (euro1.27 billion) from a peak of $3.1 billion in 2005. A series of studies in 2006 showed that months after they are implanted, stent coatings can increase the risk of life- threatening blood clots unless patients continue to take anti- clotting drugs. Medical societies urge patients to continue taking the drugs for at least a year after implantation. However, recent studies have suggested the risks of drug-coated stents are no greater than those of regular, bare-metal stents. FDA's proposal is aimed at gathering enough data from companies to confidently determine if stents increase the likelihood of clots and other heart-related problems already a risk for patients who get the devices. The agency's medical-device advisers have complained repeatedly about the lack of such information. "Under this proposal, larger and longer post-approval studies will be required, meaning we'll have better information sooner to help manage patients," said Dr. William Maisel, a cardiologist at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who previously chaired the FDA advisory panel on the devices. Maisel said, however, that FDA's proposal is unclear about whether second-generation stents will be subject to the tougher safety requirements. FDA's director for medical devices, Daniel Schultz, said the guidance should give companies recommendations for how to "minimize the risks while preserving for patients the benefits of drug-eluting stents." About 650,000 people in the U.S. receive stents each year, according to the FDA. FDA guidelines are not legally binding, but companies typically follow them to ensure approval of their devices. The agency will take comments on the proposed guidelines for 120 days before redrafting them and issuing final guidelines. There are three drug-coated stents available in the U.S.: Boston Scientific Corp.'s Taxus, Medtronic Inc.'s Endeavor and Johnson & Johnson's Cypher. FDA is reviewing another drug-coated stent from Abbott Laboratories as well as Boston Scientific's second-generation Taxus-Liberte stent. A spokeswoman for Abbott said it does not expect the guidelines to affect approval of its Xience stent, which is expected in the second quarter. Boston Scientific is barred from launching new devices under an FDA warning and recently received a letter from the agency saying it wants additional time to review its Taxus-Liberte stent. A company spokesman said Wednesday the company expects the hold on new products to be lifted by mid-2008. Shares of Boston Scientific Corp. fell 18 cents Wednesday to $12.79 in midday trading. Medtronic fell 37 cents to $48.20; shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 53 cents to $54. Johnson & Johnson shares rose 7 cents to $64.63. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080326.1148.LDC2009T13::2	 US agency FDA recommends large, in-depth safety studies from makers of drug-coated stents WASHINGTON 2008-03-26 18:42:12 UTC The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday laid out new guidelines for the testing of drug-coated stents, two years after safety concerns first reduced their use. The proposed guidelines posted to FDA's Web site recommend device makers conduct large, analytic studies of their stents both before and after they are submitted to FDA. In its most rigorous recommendation, FDA said companies should be prepared to track patients for up to five years after their stents are approved to monitor blood clots, heart attack and other potentially fatal events. Such long-term studies can cost companies millions of dollars. Stents are tiny, mesh-wire tubes that prop open arteries after they have been surgically cleared of fatty plaque. They quickly became a highly lucrative business, after companies began adding drug coatings to the devices in 2003 to prevent scar tissue from growing over the mesh-wire. But after data suggested that the drug coatings may put patients at higher risk of blood clots, sales have plummeted to about $2 billion (euro1.27 billion) from a peak of $3.1 billion in 2005. A series of studies in 2006 showed that months after they are implanted, stent coatings can increase the risk of life- threatening blood clots unless patients continue to take anti- clotting drugs. Medical societies urge patients to continue taking the drugs for at least a year after implantation. However, recent studies have suggested the risks of drug-coated stents are no greater than those of regular, bare-metal stents. FDA's proposal is aimed at gathering enough data from companies to confidently determine if stents increase the likelihood of clots and other heart-related problems already a risk for patients who get the devices. The agency's medical-device advisers have complained repeatedly about the lack of such information. "Under this proposal, larger and longer post-approval studies will be required, meaning we'll have better information sooner to help manage patients," said Dr. William Maisel, a cardiologist at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who previously chaired the FDA advisory panel on the devices. Maisel said, however, that FDA's proposal is unclear about whether second-generation stents will be subject to the tougher safety requirements. FDA's director for medical devices, Daniel Schultz, said the guidance should give companies recommendations for how to "minimize the risks while preserving for patients the benefits of drug-eluting stents." About 650,000 people in the U.S. receive stents each year, according to the FDA. FDA guidelines are not legally binding, but companies typically follow them to ensure approval of their devices. The agency will take comments on the proposed guidelines for 120 days before redrafting them and issuing final guidelines. There are three drug-coated stents available in the U.S.: Boston Scientific Corp.'s Taxus, Medtronic Inc.'s Endeavor and Johnson & Johnson's Cypher. FDA is reviewing another drug-coated stent from Abbott Laboratories as well as Boston Scientific's second-generation Taxus-Liberte stent. A spokeswoman for Abbott said it does not expect the guidelines to affect approval of its Xience stent, which is expected in the second quarter. Boston Scientific is barred from launching new devices under an FDA warning and recently received a letter from the agency saying it wants additional time to review its Taxus-Liberte stent. A company spokesman said Wednesday the company expects the hold on new products to be lifted by mid-2008. Shares of Boston Scientific Corp. fell 18 cents Wednesday to $12.79 in midday trading. Medtronic fell 37 cents to $48.20; shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 53 cents to $54. Johnson & Johnson shares rose 7 cents to $64.63. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080326.1148.LDC2009T13::3	 US agency FDA recommends large, in-depth safety studies from makers of drug-coated stents WASHINGTON 2008-03-26 18:42:12 UTC The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday laid out new guidelines for the testing of drug-coated stents, two years after safety concerns first reduced their use. The proposed guidelines posted to FDA's Web site recommend device makers conduct large, analytic studies of their stents both before and after they are submitted to FDA. In its most rigorous recommendation, FDA said companies should be prepared to track patients for up to five years after their stents are approved to monitor blood clots, heart attack and other potentially fatal events. Such long-term studies can cost companies millions of dollars. Stents are tiny, mesh-wire tubes that prop open arteries after they have been surgically cleared of fatty plaque. They quickly became a highly lucrative business, after companies began adding drug coatings to the devices in 2003 to prevent scar tissue from growing over the mesh-wire. But after data suggested that the drug coatings may put patients at higher risk of blood clots, sales have plummeted to about $2 billion (euro1.27 billion) from a peak of $3.1 billion in 2005. A series of studies in 2006 showed that months after they are implanted, stent coatings can increase the risk of life- threatening blood clots unless patients continue to take anti- clotting drugs. Medical societies urge patients to continue taking the drugs for at least a year after implantation. However, recent studies have suggested the risks of drug-coated stents are no greater than those of regular, bare-metal stents. FDA's proposal is aimed at gathering enough data from companies to confidently determine if stents increase the likelihood of clots and other heart-related problems already a risk for patients who get the devices. The agency's medical-device advisers have complained repeatedly about the lack of such information. "Under this proposal, larger and longer post-approval studies will be required, meaning we'll have better information sooner to help manage patients," said Dr. William Maisel, a cardiologist at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who previously chaired the FDA advisory panel on the devices. Maisel said, however, that FDA's proposal is unclear about whether second-generation stents will be subject to the tougher safety requirements. FDA's director for medical devices, Daniel Schultz, said the guidance should give companies recommendations for how to "minimize the risks while preserving for patients the benefits of drug-eluting stents." About 650,000 people in the U.S. receive stents each year, according to the FDA. FDA guidelines are not legally binding, but companies typically follow them to ensure approval of their devices. The agency will take comments on the proposed guidelines for 120 days before redrafting them and issuing final guidelines. There are three drug-coated stents available in the U.S.: Boston Scientific Corp.'s Taxus, Medtronic Inc.'s Endeavor and Johnson & Johnson's Cypher. FDA is reviewing another drug-coated stent from Abbott Laboratories as well as Boston Scientific's second-generation Taxus-Liberte stent. A spokeswoman for Abbott said it does not expect the guidelines to affect approval of its Xience stent, which is expected in the second quarter. Boston Scientific is barred from launching new devices under an FDA warning and recently received a letter from the agency saying it wants additional time to review its Taxus-Liberte stent. A company spokesman said Wednesday the company expects the hold on new products to be lifted by mid-2008. Shares of Boston Scientific Corp. fell 18 cents Wednesday to $12.79 in midday trading. Medtronic fell 37 cents to $48.20; shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 53 cents to $54. Johnson & Johnson shares rose 7 cents to $64.63. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070420.0224.LDC2009T13::1	 That Was the Week That Was 2007-04-20 02:25:09 UTC Entertainment highlights during the week of April 22-28: 1956: The first Godzilla movie, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters," premiered in New York. 1958: Dion and the Belmonts' first single, "I Wonder Why" backed with "Teen Angel," was released. 1968: Simon and Garfunkel released the single "Mrs. Robinson." 1969: John Lennon changed his middle name from Winston to Ono. 1974: Comedian Bud Abbott of Abbott and Costello died in Woodland Hills, California. He was 78. 1978: The Blues Brothers -- John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd -- made their network TV debut on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." 1989: Lucille Ball died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 77. 1989: Jon Bon Jovi married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, at the Graceland wedding chapel in Las Vegas. 1992: Singer David Bowie and fashion model Iman got married in a secret ceremony in Switzerland. 1995: Actress-dancer Ginger Rogers died in Rancho Mirage, California. She was 83. 1996: Actress Margot Kidder was found dazed and disheveled, hiding in bushes in a stranger's yard in Los Angeles after disappearing for three days. 2002: Jerry Lee Lewis announced he and his sixth wife, Kerrie, were divorcing after 17 years of marriage. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070420.0224.LDC2009T13::2	 That Was the Week That Was 2007-04-20 02:25:09 UTC Entertainment highlights during the week of April 22-28: 1956: The first Godzilla movie, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters," premiered in New York. 1958: Dion and the Belmonts' first single, "I Wonder Why" backed with "Teen Angel," was released. 1968: Simon and Garfunkel released the single "Mrs. Robinson." 1969: John Lennon changed his middle name from Winston to Ono. 1974: Comedian Bud Abbott of Abbott and Costello died in Woodland Hills, California. He was 78. 1978: The Blues Brothers -- John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd -- made their network TV debut on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." 1989: Lucille Ball died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 77. 1989: Jon Bon Jovi married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, at the Graceland wedding chapel in Las Vegas. 1992: Singer David Bowie and fashion model Iman got married in a secret ceremony in Switzerland. 1995: Actress-dancer Ginger Rogers died in Rancho Mirage, California. She was 83. 1996: Actress Margot Kidder was found dazed and disheveled, hiding in bushes in a stranger's yard in Los Angeles after disappearing for three days. 2002: Jerry Lee Lewis announced he and his sixth wife, Kerrie, were divorcing after 17 years of marriage. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::1	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::2	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::3	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::4	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::5	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::6	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::7	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::8	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960406.0173.LDC2007T07::9	 Europeans face second screening after faulty AIDS test (new series) Tens of thousands of people in Europe who tested negative for the AIDS virus are anxiously awaiting further screening, after a US- manufactured test proved to be faulty. Various European countries announced at the weekend that they had banned use of the test made by US drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories. Others recommended the test should be used only in conjunction with other screening. Britain's health ministry confirmed on Friday the test had been stopped after reports of inaccuracies. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Scandinavian states, have done the same. Nick Partridge, chief executive of Britain's Terence Higgins Trust support group, told BBC Radio: "A small handful of people will have been given a negative result when they are in fact infected by HIV." "They might have made some decisions after being given that negative result -- to stop using condoms or to become pregnant -- so there is a possibility that this terrible error has put other people at risk of HIV infection," he said. Abbott warned laboratories to stop using the test, the most widely used in Britain since it came on to the market in September, on March 29. British health ministry official Graham Winyard expressed "deep regret" at the way in which the news had broken Friday, at the beginning of a long Easter holiday weekend when laboratories would be closed. "We were planning to make the situation public next week when more detailed arrangements, including the arrangements which local clinics will need to have, could all have been put into place," he said. Winyard said the number of people who turn out to be HIV positive after all will be "very, very tiny." In Britain, up to 40,000 men and women who have undergone an AIDS test in the past six months could have their blood samples sent once again to laboratories for fresh testing. The Dutch health ministry said Friday that nearly 50,000 Dutch citizens would also have to be retested. In Paris, the French health ministry announced it had withdrawn the Abbott test from the market on March 28. But it added that "the problem was settled" as France used two consecutive tests for detecting AIDS, so those submitted to the Abbott method would not undergo further screening. Likewise in Belgium, where the health ministry said the test was used only as a secondary one after another method was used as an initial screening for HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In Italy, the government issued a decree on Wednesday withdrawing the Abbott test, and health authorities said measures were underway to repeat tests. Authorities in Denmark and Norway have advised health officials not to use the Abbott test. The Swedish health ministry has not banned it, but has written to labs asking them not to rely on the Abbott test alone. German authorities claimed that of 650,000 Abbott tests, none so far had proved to be defective, and only one of the 16 federal states Hessen said on Thursday that blood tests would be re-analysed. In Portugal, authorities began withdrawing five types of test marketed by Abbott at the end of last week, an official from the national institute of pharmacy and medicines said. Clinical director Miguel Forte said four cases of false negative results had been recorded, including two in France, one in Britain and one in Spain, where officials said the test had been used very little. In the Basque region of northern Spain, the regional health authority said the test was used only in three hospitals or clinics -- and those affected had been advised to undergo a new test. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960413.0028.LDC2007T07::1	 Singapore advises repeat AIDS tests for 22,000 people Some 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers, screened for AIDS in Singapore have been tested with defective test kits which could have produced false results, The Straits Times newspaper said Saturday. The kits were manufactured by Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories which stopped selling them last month after patients known to be infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) tested negative. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the HIV virus. The Straits Times quoted the Singapore health ministry as saying that 11 private clinical laboratories out of a total of 24 accredited to carry out HIV tests in the city state had used the defective test kits. As a precaution, the ministry recommended that people tested between October 1995 and last month in private clinics or laboratories should return to the same centres to check if they were tested with the Abbott kit. If so, the ministry advised them to have the test repeated, The Straits Times said. About 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers who undergo HIV screening before obtaining work permits in Singapore, were tested with the defective test kits, the newspaper said. Glenn Warner, Abbott's general manager for South Asia, told The Straits Times that the company had worked very closely with the ministry. Abbot has also assured general practitioners that they would not be charged for the repeat tests. Neither the company or the ministry would identify the 11 laboratories that had used the defective tests. Abbott said that only four false negative results were reported out of 2.5 million tests done worldwide. Chao Tzee Cheng, medical director of Singapore's Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine, said that this meant that, at worst, one or two test results in Singapore could have been wrong. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960413.0028.LDC2007T07::2	 Singapore advises repeat AIDS tests for 22,000 people Some 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers, screened for AIDS in Singapore have been tested with defective test kits which could have produced false results, The Straits Times newspaper said Saturday. The kits were manufactured by Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories which stopped selling them last month after patients known to be infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) tested negative. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the HIV virus. The Straits Times quoted the Singapore health ministry as saying that 11 private clinical laboratories out of a total of 24 accredited to carry out HIV tests in the city state had used the defective test kits. As a precaution, the ministry recommended that people tested between October 1995 and last month in private clinics or laboratories should return to the same centres to check if they were tested with the Abbott kit. If so, the ministry advised them to have the test repeated, The Straits Times said. About 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers who undergo HIV screening before obtaining work permits in Singapore, were tested with the defective test kits, the newspaper said. Glenn Warner, Abbott's general manager for South Asia, told The Straits Times that the company had worked very closely with the ministry. Abbot has also assured general practitioners that they would not be charged for the repeat tests. Neither the company or the ministry would identify the 11 laboratories that had used the defective tests. Abbott said that only four false negative results were reported out of 2.5 million tests done worldwide. Chao Tzee Cheng, medical director of Singapore's Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine, said that this meant that, at worst, one or two test results in Singapore could have been wrong. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960413.0028.LDC2007T07::3	 Singapore advises repeat AIDS tests for 22,000 people Some 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers, screened for AIDS in Singapore have been tested with defective test kits which could have produced false results, The Straits Times newspaper said Saturday. The kits were manufactured by Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories which stopped selling them last month after patients known to be infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) tested negative. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the HIV virus. The Straits Times quoted the Singapore health ministry as saying that 11 private clinical laboratories out of a total of 24 accredited to carry out HIV tests in the city state had used the defective test kits. As a precaution, the ministry recommended that people tested between October 1995 and last month in private clinics or laboratories should return to the same centres to check if they were tested with the Abbott kit. If so, the ministry advised them to have the test repeated, The Straits Times said. About 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers who undergo HIV screening before obtaining work permits in Singapore, were tested with the defective test kits, the newspaper said. Glenn Warner, Abbott's general manager for South Asia, told The Straits Times that the company had worked very closely with the ministry. Abbot has also assured general practitioners that they would not be charged for the repeat tests. Neither the company or the ministry would identify the 11 laboratories that had used the defective tests. Abbott said that only four false negative results were reported out of 2.5 million tests done worldwide. Chao Tzee Cheng, medical director of Singapore's Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine, said that this meant that, at worst, one or two test results in Singapore could have been wrong. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960413.0028.LDC2007T07::4	 Singapore advises repeat AIDS tests for 22,000 people Some 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers, screened for AIDS in Singapore have been tested with defective test kits which could have produced false results, The Straits Times newspaper said Saturday. The kits were manufactured by Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories which stopped selling them last month after patients known to be infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) tested negative. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the HIV virus. The Straits Times quoted the Singapore health ministry as saying that 11 private clinical laboratories out of a total of 24 accredited to carry out HIV tests in the city state had used the defective test kits. As a precaution, the ministry recommended that people tested between October 1995 and last month in private clinics or laboratories should return to the same centres to check if they were tested with the Abbott kit. If so, the ministry advised them to have the test repeated, The Straits Times said. About 22,000 people, mostly foreign workers who undergo HIV screening before obtaining work permits in Singapore, were tested with the defective test kits, the newspaper said. Glenn Warner, Abbott's general manager for South Asia, told The Straits Times that the company had worked very closely with the ministry. Abbot has also assured general practitioners that they would not be charged for the repeat tests. Neither the company or the ministry would identify the 11 laboratories that had used the defective tests. Abbott said that only four false negative results were reported out of 2.5 million tests done worldwide. Chao Tzee Cheng, medical director of Singapore's Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine, said that this meant that, at worst, one or two test results in Singapore could have been wrong. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080725.0086.LDC2009T13::1	 Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo LOS ANGELES 2008-07-25 00:48:40 UTC Bob Hope and Bing Crosby might be on the road to nowhere if they tried to team up today the way they did in old Hollywood. Today's funny folks reunite now and then, like Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in "Step Brothers," a follow-up to their 2006 comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But cynical audiences now might carp at perpetual pairings that were a movie staple in the days of Hope and Crosby, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy or Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon or Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have hung around together on screen or popped up in cameos in each other's movies, but even they have to be mindful of moviegoers who gripe that Hollywood dishes out too much of the same old thing. "It became a stigma, which is kind of unfair," Ferrell told The Associated Press in an interview alongside Reilly. "Could Hope and Crosby exist today without getting, like, here they go, another `Road' picture? Let me guess, `Road to Bali.' They'll probably open with a song, then they'll get in trouble, then more of the same. You'd just get picked apart." Adam McKay, director of "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights," said escalating salaries also can make it uneconomical to pair up top comedy stars, who can pull in $20 million a movie. Movie marketing is built heavily around solo stars -- the new Adam Sandler comedy, the latest Eddie Murphy farce -- and marquee talent sometimes can be reluctant to give up any of the limelight, McKay said. "One of the reasons that this all came together again is that Will is such a cool guy. A lot of the bigger actors or comedians, they don't want to share with another person," Reilly said. "That's why so many of these movies are one-man-show kind of situations, and Will is much more like a theater actor in that way. He's willing to share the stage." "Step Brothers" casts Ferrell and Reilly as middle-aged losers -- unemployed slackers, one living with his dad (Richard Jenkins), the other with his mom (Mary Steenburgen). When their parents wed, the two become instant family, sibling rivalry springing up from the start. Sharing the stage was the bread-and-butter for some comedy stars in old Hollywood. Along with duos, there were comedy teams such as the Marx Brothers, the Ritz Brothers and the Three Stooges that worked as inseparable entities. Unlike today's free-agent stars, actors were under contract to particular studios, which tended to keep many of their performers in predictable niches that were familiar and comfortable to fans. "Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, these guys were willing to make a lifetime commitment to the act, and it took them literally a good chunk of their life to get the rhythm and timing down," said Rob Farr, founder of Slapsticon, a comedy film festival in Arlington, Virginia, featuring flicks from early Hollywood. "These days, no actor with an ego wants to tie themselves down to a partner for decades at a time." Producers churned out far more movies then, much of their output following broad formulas. When "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" proved a hit, it wasn't long before they were encountering the Invisible Man, the Mummy or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in subsequent romps. While players such as Hope and Crosby mixed it up with solo careers, the idea of splitting up successful comedy teams to let them pursue individual projects would have been bad business to studio executives. "People weren't screaming for a Stan Laurel solo vehicle," said Reilly, a big Laurel and Hardy fan. "I just got this biography about the two of them, so I'm sure I'll find out a little more about the dynamics that kept them working together, but I think they just worked. A fat guy and a skinny guy. That's what people wanted to see." Old-style comedy teams were tailored to the players' strengths, the lovably dopey Laurel opposite bossy Hardy, zany Costello opposite stoic and flustered Abbott. Few actors today would be willing to put up with such narrow confines. "In the old days, traditional comedy teams had a straight man and the comic," said Wes Gehring, who teaches film at Ball State University and specializes in comedy. "Everybody now wants to be the comic. Everybody wants to be the funny one. Nobody wants to be the second banana now." Audiences also are sensitive to suspicions that they're being sold a bill of goods. Comedy needs to feel fresh and spontaneous, and continually pairing the same faces might bring an air of formulaic premeditation to a movie. "You never want to appear needy or desperate with comedy," McKay said. "You always want the illusion of, oh my God, here's an incredibly funny person. They happen to step in front of the camera, oh my God, they're hilarious. Like a wild animal if you can catch them in front of the camera. It's really an incredible thing to see. "And the second you start to see any sort of calculation happening, people feel like that's somehow cheap or makes it all fake." Modern Hollywood has had some instances of comedy actors teaming up several times beyond mere sequel reunions, among them Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Informal ensembles also spring up, such as the gang of improvisers in Christopher Guest's flicks or the troupe in the Judd Apatow comedy machine. "I wish there were more people with that attitude of like, it's fun to see this collection or people or these two guys together," Ferrell said. Added Reilly: "I would work with people I know over and over if I had my choice. There's a few directors I've met that I really love. There's a few actors that I've met that I really love, and if I did nothing but movies with those people for the rest of my life, it would be great." 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080725.0086.LDC2009T13::2	 Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo LOS ANGELES 2008-07-25 00:48:40 UTC Bob Hope and Bing Crosby might be on the road to nowhere if they tried to team up today the way they did in old Hollywood. Today's funny folks reunite now and then, like Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in "Step Brothers," a follow-up to their 2006 comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But cynical audiences now might carp at perpetual pairings that were a movie staple in the days of Hope and Crosby, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy or Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon or Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have hung around together on screen or popped up in cameos in each other's movies, but even they have to be mindful of moviegoers who gripe that Hollywood dishes out too much of the same old thing. "It became a stigma, which is kind of unfair," Ferrell told The Associated Press in an interview alongside Reilly. "Could Hope and Crosby exist today without getting, like, here they go, another `Road' picture? Let me guess, `Road to Bali.' They'll probably open with a song, then they'll get in trouble, then more of the same. You'd just get picked apart." Adam McKay, director of "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights," said escalating salaries also can make it uneconomical to pair up top comedy stars, who can pull in $20 million a movie. Movie marketing is built heavily around solo stars -- the new Adam Sandler comedy, the latest Eddie Murphy farce -- and marquee talent sometimes can be reluctant to give up any of the limelight, McKay said. "One of the reasons that this all came together again is that Will is such a cool guy. A lot of the bigger actors or comedians, they don't want to share with another person," Reilly said. "That's why so many of these movies are one-man-show kind of situations, and Will is much more like a theater actor in that way. He's willing to share the stage." "Step Brothers" casts Ferrell and Reilly as middle-aged losers -- unemployed slackers, one living with his dad (Richard Jenkins), the other with his mom (Mary Steenburgen). When their parents wed, the two become instant family, sibling rivalry springing up from the start. Sharing the stage was the bread-and-butter for some comedy stars in old Hollywood. Along with duos, there were comedy teams such as the Marx Brothers, the Ritz Brothers and the Three Stooges that worked as inseparable entities. Unlike today's free-agent stars, actors were under contract to particular studios, which tended to keep many of their performers in predictable niches that were familiar and comfortable to fans. "Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, these guys were willing to make a lifetime commitment to the act, and it took them literally a good chunk of their life to get the rhythm and timing down," said Rob Farr, founder of Slapsticon, a comedy film festival in Arlington, Virginia, featuring flicks from early Hollywood. "These days, no actor with an ego wants to tie themselves down to a partner for decades at a time." Producers churned out far more movies then, much of their output following broad formulas. When "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" proved a hit, it wasn't long before they were encountering the Invisible Man, the Mummy or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in subsequent romps. While players such as Hope and Crosby mixed it up with solo careers, the idea of splitting up successful comedy teams to let them pursue individual projects would have been bad business to studio executives. "People weren't screaming for a Stan Laurel solo vehicle," said Reilly, a big Laurel and Hardy fan. "I just got this biography about the two of them, so I'm sure I'll find out a little more about the dynamics that kept them working together, but I think they just worked. A fat guy and a skinny guy. That's what people wanted to see." Old-style comedy teams were tailored to the players' strengths, the lovably dopey Laurel opposite bossy Hardy, zany Costello opposite stoic and flustered Abbott. Few actors today would be willing to put up with such narrow confines. "In the old days, traditional comedy teams had a straight man and the comic," said Wes Gehring, who teaches film at Ball State University and specializes in comedy. "Everybody now wants to be the comic. Everybody wants to be the funny one. Nobody wants to be the second banana now." Audiences also are sensitive to suspicions that they're being sold a bill of goods. Comedy needs to feel fresh and spontaneous, and continually pairing the same faces might bring an air of formulaic premeditation to a movie. "You never want to appear needy or desperate with comedy," McKay said. "You always want the illusion of, oh my God, here's an incredibly funny person. They happen to step in front of the camera, oh my God, they're hilarious. Like a wild animal if you can catch them in front of the camera. It's really an incredible thing to see. "And the second you start to see any sort of calculation happening, people feel like that's somehow cheap or makes it all fake." Modern Hollywood has had some instances of comedy actors teaming up several times beyond mere sequel reunions, among them Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Informal ensembles also spring up, such as the gang of improvisers in Christopher Guest's flicks or the troupe in the Judd Apatow comedy machine. "I wish there were more people with that attitude of like, it's fun to see this collection or people or these two guys together," Ferrell said. Added Reilly: "I would work with people I know over and over if I had my choice. There's a few directors I've met that I really love. There's a few actors that I've met that I really love, and if I did nothing but movies with those people for the rest of my life, it would be great." 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080725.0086.LDC2009T13::3	 Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo LOS ANGELES 2008-07-25 00:48:40 UTC Bob Hope and Bing Crosby might be on the road to nowhere if they tried to team up today the way they did in old Hollywood. Today's funny folks reunite now and then, like Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in "Step Brothers," a follow-up to their 2006 comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But cynical audiences now might carp at perpetual pairings that were a movie staple in the days of Hope and Crosby, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy or Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon or Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have hung around together on screen or popped up in cameos in each other's movies, but even they have to be mindful of moviegoers who gripe that Hollywood dishes out too much of the same old thing. "It became a stigma, which is kind of unfair," Ferrell told The Associated Press in an interview alongside Reilly. "Could Hope and Crosby exist today without getting, like, here they go, another `Road' picture? Let me guess, `Road to Bali.' They'll probably open with a song, then they'll get in trouble, then more of the same. You'd just get picked apart." Adam McKay, director of "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights," said escalating salaries also can make it uneconomical to pair up top comedy stars, who can pull in $20 million a movie. Movie marketing is built heavily around solo stars -- the new Adam Sandler comedy, the latest Eddie Murphy farce -- and marquee talent sometimes can be reluctant to give up any of the limelight, McKay said. "One of the reasons that this all came together again is that Will is such a cool guy. A lot of the bigger actors or comedians, they don't want to share with another person," Reilly said. "That's why so many of these movies are one-man-show kind of situations, and Will is much more like a theater actor in that way. He's willing to share the stage." "Step Brothers" casts Ferrell and Reilly as middle-aged losers -- unemployed slackers, one living with his dad (Richard Jenkins), the other with his mom (Mary Steenburgen). When their parents wed, the two become instant family, sibling rivalry springing up from the start. Sharing the stage was the bread-and-butter for some comedy stars in old Hollywood. Along with duos, there were comedy teams such as the Marx Brothers, the Ritz Brothers and the Three Stooges that worked as inseparable entities. Unlike today's free-agent stars, actors were under contract to particular studios, which tended to keep many of their performers in predictable niches that were familiar and comfortable to fans. "Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, these guys were willing to make a lifetime commitment to the act, and it took them literally a good chunk of their life to get the rhythm and timing down," said Rob Farr, founder of Slapsticon, a comedy film festival in Arlington, Virginia, featuring flicks from early Hollywood. "These days, no actor with an ego wants to tie themselves down to a partner for decades at a time." Producers churned out far more movies then, much of their output following broad formulas. When "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" proved a hit, it wasn't long before they were encountering the Invisible Man, the Mummy or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in subsequent romps. While players such as Hope and Crosby mixed it up with solo careers, the idea of splitting up successful comedy teams to let them pursue individual projects would have been bad business to studio executives. "People weren't screaming for a Stan Laurel solo vehicle," said Reilly, a big Laurel and Hardy fan. "I just got this biography about the two of them, so I'm sure I'll find out a little more about the dynamics that kept them working together, but I think they just worked. A fat guy and a skinny guy. That's what people wanted to see." Old-style comedy teams were tailored to the players' strengths, the lovably dopey Laurel opposite bossy Hardy, zany Costello opposite stoic and flustered Abbott. Few actors today would be willing to put up with such narrow confines. "In the old days, traditional comedy teams had a straight man and the comic," said Wes Gehring, who teaches film at Ball State University and specializes in comedy. "Everybody now wants to be the comic. Everybody wants to be the funny one. Nobody wants to be the second banana now." Audiences also are sensitive to suspicions that they're being sold a bill of goods. Comedy needs to feel fresh and spontaneous, and continually pairing the same faces might bring an air of formulaic premeditation to a movie. "You never want to appear needy or desperate with comedy," McKay said. "You always want the illusion of, oh my God, here's an incredibly funny person. They happen to step in front of the camera, oh my God, they're hilarious. Like a wild animal if you can catch them in front of the camera. It's really an incredible thing to see. "And the second you start to see any sort of calculation happening, people feel like that's somehow cheap or makes it all fake." Modern Hollywood has had some instances of comedy actors teaming up several times beyond mere sequel reunions, among them Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Informal ensembles also spring up, such as the gang of improvisers in Christopher Guest's flicks or the troupe in the Judd Apatow comedy machine. "I wish there were more people with that attitude of like, it's fun to see this collection or people or these two guys together," Ferrell said. Added Reilly: "I would work with people I know over and over if I had my choice. There's a few directors I've met that I really love. There's a few actors that I've met that I really love, and if I did nothing but movies with those people for the rest of my life, it would be great." 
Abbott::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080725.0086.LDC2009T13::4	 Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo LOS ANGELES 2008-07-25 00:48:40 UTC Bob Hope and Bing Crosby might be on the road to nowhere if they tried to team up today the way they did in old Hollywood. Today's funny folks reunite now and then, like Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in "Step Brothers," a follow-up to their 2006 comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But cynical audiences now might carp at perpetual pairings that were a movie staple in the days of Hope and Crosby, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy or Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon or Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have hung around together on screen or popped up in cameos in each other's movies, but even they have to be mindful of moviegoers who gripe that Hollywood dishes out too much of the same old thing. "It became a stigma, which is kind of unfair," Ferrell told The Associated Press in an interview alongside Reilly. "Could Hope and Crosby exist today without getting, like, here they go, another `Road' picture? Let me guess, `Road to Bali.' They'll probably open with a song, then they'll get in trouble, then more of the same. You'd just get picked apart." Adam McKay, director of "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights," said escalating salaries also can make it uneconomical to pair up top comedy stars, who can pull in $20 million a movie. Movie marketing is built heavily around solo stars -- the new Adam Sandler comedy, the latest Eddie Murphy farce -- and marquee talent sometimes can be reluctant to give up any of the limelight, McKay said. "One of the reasons that this all came together again is that Will is such a cool guy. A lot of the bigger actors or comedians, they don't want to share with another person," Reilly said. "That's why so many of these movies are one-man-show kind of situations, and Will is much more like a theater actor in that way. He's willing to share the stage." "Step Brothers" casts Ferrell and Reilly as middle-aged losers -- unemployed slackers, one living with his dad (Richard Jenkins), the other with his mom (Mary Steenburgen). When their parents wed, the two become instant family, sibling rivalry springing up from the start. Sharing the stage was the bread-and-butter for some comedy stars in old Hollywood. Along with duos, there were comedy teams such as the Marx Brothers, the Ritz Brothers and the Three Stooges that worked as inseparable entities. Unlike today's free-agent stars, actors were under contract to particular studios, which tended to keep many of their performers in predictable niches that were familiar and comfortable to fans. "Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, these guys were willing to make a lifetime commitment to the act, and it took them literally a good chunk of their life to get the rhythm and timing down," said Rob Farr, founder of Slapsticon, a comedy film festival in Arlington, Virginia, featuring flicks from early Hollywood. "These days, no actor with an ego wants to tie themselves down to a partner for decades at a time." Producers churned out far more movies then, much of their output following broad formulas. When "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" proved a hit, it wasn't long before they were encountering the Invisible Man, the Mummy or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in subsequent romps. While players such as Hope and Crosby mixed it up with solo careers, the idea of splitting up successful comedy teams to let them pursue individual projects would have been bad business to studio executives. "People weren't screaming for a Stan Laurel solo vehicle," said Reilly, a big Laurel and Hardy fan. "I just got this biography about the two of them, so I'm sure I'll find out a little more about the dynamics that kept them working together, but I think they just worked. A fat guy and a skinny guy. That's what people wanted to see." Old-style comedy teams were tailored to the players' strengths, the lovably dopey Laurel opposite bossy Hardy, zany Costello opposite stoic and flustered Abbott. Few actors today would be willing to put up with such narrow confines. "In the old days, traditional comedy teams had a straight man and the comic," said Wes Gehring, who teaches film at Ball State University and specializes in comedy. "Everybody now wants to be the comic. Everybody wants to be the funny one. Nobody wants to be the second banana now." Audiences also are sensitive to suspicions that they're being sold a bill of goods. Comedy needs to feel fresh and spontaneous, and continually pairing the same faces might bring an air of formulaic premeditation to a movie. "You never want to appear needy or desperate with comedy," McKay said. "You always want the illusion of, oh my God, here's an incredibly funny person. They happen to step in front of the camera, oh my God, they're hilarious. Like a wild animal if you can catch them in front of the camera. It's really an incredible thing to see. "And the second you start to see any sort of calculation happening, people feel like that's somehow cheap or makes it all fake." Modern Hollywood has had some instances of comedy actors teaming up several times beyond mere sequel reunions, among them Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Informal ensembles also spring up, such as the gang of improvisers in Christopher Guest's flicks or the troupe in the Judd Apatow comedy machine. "I wish there were more people with that attitude of like, it's fun to see this collection or people or these two guys together," Ferrell said. Added Reilly: "I would work with people I know over and over if I had my choice. There's a few directors I've met that I really love. There's a few actors that I've met that I really love, and if I did nothing but movies with those people for the rest of my life, it would be great." 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030724.0396.LDC2007T07::1	 Abbott Labs unit to pay 600 million dollars in fraud case A unit of pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay 600 million dollars to settle criminal and civil charges of defrauding government health care agencies. CG Nutritionals pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court in connection with a scheme in which it helped nursing homes submit false bills for the company's tubes, pumps and devices used to deliver liquid nutrition to seriously ill patients. Prosecutors said Abbott's Ross division, which includes CG Nutritionals, sold bundled sets of pumps and plastic tubing at a deeply discounted price in a move that made it difficult for government insurers to determine the true charges. With the actual prices obscured, medical providers were able to file for, and get, inflated government reimbursement, prosecutors said. Abbott said in a statement it "cooperated fully with the government during its investigation," adding, "although the industry-wide practices were long standing, Ross began voluntarily changing its sales and marketing practices earlier this year to address government concerns." Although Abbott did not fraud, the company said in a statement that its violation is the result of "certain customer communications that were misleading with respect to the actual contractual arrangement for providing pumps and sets." These settlement, which includes 400 million in civil penalties and a 200 criminal fine, still has to be approved by a judge. Some of the money will go to the states and some will reimburse the government's Medicare program for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "This prosecution and civil settlement demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to uncover corporate obstruction and related fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs," said Deputy US Attorney Richard Byrne. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030724.0396.LDC2007T07::2	 Abbott Labs unit to pay 600 million dollars in fraud case A unit of pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay 600 million dollars to settle criminal and civil charges of defrauding government health care agencies. CG Nutritionals pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court in connection with a scheme in which it helped nursing homes submit false bills for the company's tubes, pumps and devices used to deliver liquid nutrition to seriously ill patients. Prosecutors said Abbott's Ross division, which includes CG Nutritionals, sold bundled sets of pumps and plastic tubing at a deeply discounted price in a move that made it difficult for government insurers to determine the true charges. With the actual prices obscured, medical providers were able to file for, and get, inflated government reimbursement, prosecutors said. Abbott said in a statement it "cooperated fully with the government during its investigation," adding, "although the industry-wide practices were long standing, Ross began voluntarily changing its sales and marketing practices earlier this year to address government concerns." Although Abbott did not fraud, the company said in a statement that its violation is the result of "certain customer communications that were misleading with respect to the actual contractual arrangement for providing pumps and sets." These settlement, which includes 400 million in civil penalties and a 200 criminal fine, still has to be approved by a judge. Some of the money will go to the states and some will reimburse the government's Medicare program for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "This prosecution and civil settlement demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to uncover corporate obstruction and related fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs," said Deputy US Attorney Richard Byrne. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030724.0396.LDC2007T07::3	 Abbott Labs unit to pay 600 million dollars in fraud case A unit of pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay 600 million dollars to settle criminal and civil charges of defrauding government health care agencies. CG Nutritionals pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court in connection with a scheme in which it helped nursing homes submit false bills for the company's tubes, pumps and devices used to deliver liquid nutrition to seriously ill patients. Prosecutors said Abbott's Ross division, which includes CG Nutritionals, sold bundled sets of pumps and plastic tubing at a deeply discounted price in a move that made it difficult for government insurers to determine the true charges. With the actual prices obscured, medical providers were able to file for, and get, inflated government reimbursement, prosecutors said. Abbott said in a statement it "cooperated fully with the government during its investigation," adding, "although the industry-wide practices were long standing, Ross began voluntarily changing its sales and marketing practices earlier this year to address government concerns." Although Abbott did not fraud, the company said in a statement that its violation is the result of "certain customer communications that were misleading with respect to the actual contractual arrangement for providing pumps and sets." These settlement, which includes 400 million in civil penalties and a 200 criminal fine, still has to be approved by a judge. Some of the money will go to the states and some will reimburse the government's Medicare program for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "This prosecution and civil settlement demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to uncover corporate obstruction and related fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs," said Deputy US Attorney Richard Byrne. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030724.0396.LDC2007T07::4	 Abbott Labs unit to pay 600 million dollars in fraud case A unit of pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay 600 million dollars to settle criminal and civil charges of defrauding government health care agencies. CG Nutritionals pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court in connection with a scheme in which it helped nursing homes submit false bills for the company's tubes, pumps and devices used to deliver liquid nutrition to seriously ill patients. Prosecutors said Abbott's Ross division, which includes CG Nutritionals, sold bundled sets of pumps and plastic tubing at a deeply discounted price in a move that made it difficult for government insurers to determine the true charges. With the actual prices obscured, medical providers were able to file for, and get, inflated government reimbursement, prosecutors said. Abbott said in a statement it "cooperated fully with the government during its investigation," adding, "although the industry-wide practices were long standing, Ross began voluntarily changing its sales and marketing practices earlier this year to address government concerns." Although Abbott did not fraud, the company said in a statement that its violation is the result of "certain customer communications that were misleading with respect to the actual contractual arrangement for providing pumps and sets." These settlement, which includes 400 million in civil penalties and a 200 criminal fine, still has to be approved by a judge. Some of the money will go to the states and some will reimburse the government's Medicare program for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "This prosecution and civil settlement demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to uncover corporate obstruction and related fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs," said Deputy US Attorney Richard Byrne. 
Abbott::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030724.0396.LDC2007T07::5	 Abbott Labs unit to pay 600 million dollars in fraud case A unit of pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay 600 million dollars to settle criminal and civil charges of defrauding government health care agencies. CG Nutritionals pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court in connection with a scheme in which it helped nursing homes submit false bills for the company's tubes, pumps and devices used to deliver liquid nutrition to seriously ill patients. Prosecutors said Abbott's Ross division, which includes CG Nutritionals, sold bundled sets of pumps and plastic tubing at a deeply discounted price in a move that made it difficult for government insurers to determine the true charges. With the actual prices obscured, medical providers were able to file for, and get, inflated government reimbursement, prosecutors said. Abbott said in a statement it "cooperated fully with the government during its investigation," adding, "although the industry-wide practices were long standing, Ross began voluntarily changing its sales and marketing practices earlier this year to address government concerns." Although Abbott did not fraud, the company said in a statement that its violation is the result of "certain customer communications that were misleading with respect to the actual contractual arrangement for providing pumps and sets." These settlement, which includes 400 million in civil penalties and a 200 criminal fine, still has to be approved by a judge. Some of the money will go to the states and some will reimburse the government's Medicare program for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "This prosecution and civil settlement demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to uncover corporate obstruction and related fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs," said Deputy US Attorney Richard Byrne. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070212.0290.LDC2009T13::1	 Likelihood of US attack on Iran 'very low': Ahmadinejad Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday that the likelihood of a US attack on his country is "very low," but that any attack against Iran would be "severely punished." Ahmadinejad, whose country has been accused of stoking sectarian violence in Iraq, told ABC television that he did not fear an attack from the United States. "Fear? Why should we be afraid? First, the possibility is very low," he said. But he added: "Our nation has made it clear that anyone who wants to attack our country will be severely punished." The Iranian leader said instability in Iraq would hurt all countries in the region, and called for the withdrawal of US and other foreign forces from Iraq as the only way to ensure peace there. "We shy away from any kind of conflict, any kind of bloodshed," the Iranian leader said. "That's why we're opposed to the presence of Americans." Ahmadinejad added: "We tell them to leave the country and any other foreigner should leave the country." "There should be none in Iraq, and you see, we will have peace in Iraq." The Iranian leader, however, sidestepped US accusations that Iran is supplying potent weapons to insurgents in Iraq. On Sunday, senior US officials showed journalists in Baghdad what they said was proof that Iranian agents have smuggled weapons to Iraq, including "explosively formed penetrators," a form of roadside bomb. Such bombs, they said Sunday, have killed 170 American and allied troops since May 2004 and wounded more 620. "Iran is involved in supplying explosively formed projectiles and other material to Iraqi extremist groups," a senior official in the multinational coalition told journalists on condition of anonymity. Asked on ABC, though, Ahmadinejad demanded more proof. "The US administration and Bush are used to accusing others. The fact that you are showing us some pieces of paper, and you call them documents, they do not solve problems. There should be a court to prove the case and to verify the case. "The position of our government is, as I told you, and the position of the Revolutionary Guards is also the same -- we are opposed to any kind of conflict in Iraq. We do not want to have the presence of armed forces in Iraq -- foreign armed forces. We would like to have stability in Iraq." Ahmadinejad avoided a question on whether the Iran is training insurgents in Iraq. "The conflict in Iraq is not (under) our control. It is controlled by the Americans. I think that Americans should change their behavior so the conflict will end." "Iraq has got its own constitution, its own parliament. A democratically elected government. I think they should be in charge," he said. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070212.0290.LDC2009T13::2	 Likelihood of US attack on Iran 'very low': Ahmadinejad Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday that the likelihood of a US attack on his country is "very low," but that any attack against Iran would be "severely punished." Ahmadinejad, whose country has been accused of stoking sectarian violence in Iraq, told ABC television that he did not fear an attack from the United States. "Fear? Why should we be afraid? First, the possibility is very low," he said. But he added: "Our nation has made it clear that anyone who wants to attack our country will be severely punished." The Iranian leader said instability in Iraq would hurt all countries in the region, and called for the withdrawal of US and other foreign forces from Iraq as the only way to ensure peace there. "We shy away from any kind of conflict, any kind of bloodshed," the Iranian leader said. "That's why we're opposed to the presence of Americans." Ahmadinejad added: "We tell them to leave the country and any other foreigner should leave the country." "There should be none in Iraq, and you see, we will have peace in Iraq." The Iranian leader, however, sidestepped US accusations that Iran is supplying potent weapons to insurgents in Iraq. On Sunday, senior US officials showed journalists in Baghdad what they said was proof that Iranian agents have smuggled weapons to Iraq, including "explosively formed penetrators," a form of roadside bomb. Such bombs, they said Sunday, have killed 170 American and allied troops since May 2004 and wounded more 620. "Iran is involved in supplying explosively formed projectiles and other material to Iraqi extremist groups," a senior official in the multinational coalition told journalists on condition of anonymity. Asked on ABC, though, Ahmadinejad demanded more proof. "The US administration and Bush are used to accusing others. The fact that you are showing us some pieces of paper, and you call them documents, they do not solve problems. There should be a court to prove the case and to verify the case. "The position of our government is, as I told you, and the position of the Revolutionary Guards is also the same -- we are opposed to any kind of conflict in Iraq. We do not want to have the presence of armed forces in Iraq -- foreign armed forces. We would like to have stability in Iraq." Ahmadinejad avoided a question on whether the Iran is training insurgents in Iraq. "The conflict in Iraq is not (under) our control. It is controlled by the Americans. I think that Americans should change their behavior so the conflict will end." "Iraq has got its own constitution, its own parliament. A democratically elected government. I think they should be in charge," he said. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20051217.0245.LDC2007T07::1	 Spanish ministers, press hail EU deal Senior Spanish ministers on Saturday hailed the EU budget deal eked out overnight after marathon discussions in Brussels as good for the 25-member bloc and Spain. "We are satisfied," Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said, while Finance Minister Pedro Solbes hailed the agreement as "a step in the right direction." Under the deal Spain, the main beneficiary of structural aid since its accession in 1986, will remain a net recipient of EU funds through to 2013, even though its benefits will gradually decrease until then. "It is normal we could not have expected to keep 100 percent" of what the previous Spanish government of Jose Maria Aznar had obtained six years ago in a previous round of talks. "The heart of Europe, which is where the government said it wanted to place Spain once again has come up with the goods," said Moratinos, saluting the political will shown by EU heavyweights France, Germany and the outgoing British presidency in thrashing out an accord. "We return satisfied," Solbes said, adding that the results "are optimal for the interests and objectives which Spain had fixed." As well as assuring its status as a net beneficiary Spain furthermore receives two billion euros (2.4 billion dollars) in extra spending for research and development under a deal Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said "puts the European Union back on track." Spanish newspapers heaped praise on new German Chancellor Angela Merkel for brokering the deal. "Merkel throws (British Prime Minister Tony) Blair off balance and succeeds in concluding a deal on the EU accounts," proclaimed the headline on the front page of the conservative daily ABC. "London was forced to lower its 'cheque' and France accepts the CAP (common agricultural policy) can be reviewed," it addded. "Merkel left Tony Blair no room for manoeuvre in Brussels when to get the summit out of the mud over the budget she put forward a plan increasing the contribution of all countries, halfway between the proposals of the Luxembourg presidency in June and the initial suggestion of Britain, which forced London to improve it," ABC's Brussels correspondent wrote. The centre-left El Pais said that "the cut in the 'British cheque' made a deal possible", pointing out the "key role" of Merkel's proposal. It said that Spain would get unexpected extra spending of "two billion euros for research and development." "Zapatero says he is 'satisfied' with the new technology funding," said the rightwing El Mundo. "But (Blair) boasts that aid to Spain will fall by 85 percent." Spain "has succeeded in remaining a net beneficiary until 2013 at least, it is an undoubted success," Zapatero told reporters in Brussels, saying Spain would have an EU credit balance of more than 16 billion euros. "It is a good day for Spain and for Europe. The union is back in business," El Mundo quoted Zapatero as saying. "France and Germany persuaded the United Kingdom to lower the British 'cheque'," declared the chief Catalan daily La Vanguardia, which reported that "Merkel played a vital role in closing the gap between Blair and a Chirac showing little flexibility." 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20051217.0245.LDC2007T07::2	 Spanish ministers, press hail EU deal Senior Spanish ministers on Saturday hailed the EU budget deal eked out overnight after marathon discussions in Brussels as good for the 25-member bloc and Spain. "We are satisfied," Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said, while Finance Minister Pedro Solbes hailed the agreement as "a step in the right direction." Under the deal Spain, the main beneficiary of structural aid since its accession in 1986, will remain a net recipient of EU funds through to 2013, even though its benefits will gradually decrease until then. "It is normal we could not have expected to keep 100 percent" of what the previous Spanish government of Jose Maria Aznar had obtained six years ago in a previous round of talks. "The heart of Europe, which is where the government said it wanted to place Spain once again has come up with the goods," said Moratinos, saluting the political will shown by EU heavyweights France, Germany and the outgoing British presidency in thrashing out an accord. "We return satisfied," Solbes said, adding that the results "are optimal for the interests and objectives which Spain had fixed." As well as assuring its status as a net beneficiary Spain furthermore receives two billion euros (2.4 billion dollars) in extra spending for research and development under a deal Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said "puts the European Union back on track." Spanish newspapers heaped praise on new German Chancellor Angela Merkel for brokering the deal. "Merkel throws (British Prime Minister Tony) Blair off balance and succeeds in concluding a deal on the EU accounts," proclaimed the headline on the front page of the conservative daily ABC. "London was forced to lower its 'cheque' and France accepts the CAP (common agricultural policy) can be reviewed," it addded. "Merkel left Tony Blair no room for manoeuvre in Brussels when to get the summit out of the mud over the budget she put forward a plan increasing the contribution of all countries, halfway between the proposals of the Luxembourg presidency in June and the initial suggestion of Britain, which forced London to improve it," ABC's Brussels correspondent wrote. The centre-left El Pais said that "the cut in the 'British cheque' made a deal possible", pointing out the "key role" of Merkel's proposal. It said that Spain would get unexpected extra spending of "two billion euros for research and development." "Zapatero says he is 'satisfied' with the new technology funding," said the rightwing El Mundo. "But (Blair) boasts that aid to Spain will fall by 85 percent." Spain "has succeeded in remaining a net beneficiary until 2013 at least, it is an undoubted success," Zapatero told reporters in Brussels, saying Spain would have an EU credit balance of more than 16 billion euros. "It is a good day for Spain and for Europe. The union is back in business," El Mundo quoted Zapatero as saying. "France and Germany persuaded the United Kingdom to lower the British 'cheque'," declared the chief Catalan daily La Vanguardia, which reported that "Merkel played a vital role in closing the gap between Blair and a Chirac showing little flexibility." 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0236.LDC2009T13::1	 Real Madrid bid for Cristiano Ronaldo: report Spanish giants Real Madrid have made a bid for on-fire Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, a Spanish newspaper reported here Thursday. Real, without silverware for four years, have bid 40 million euros for the 21 -year-old Portugual international in an effort to sign him in the January transfer window, the Madrid-based ABC daily said. But the English Premiership leaders have no intention of letting go of the in- form Ronaldo, who scored three consecutive doubles for his club over the holiday period, and have slapped a price tag of 70 million euros on him, ABC said. It was not possible to confirm the report at Real Madrid. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0236.LDC2009T13::2	 Real Madrid bid for Cristiano Ronaldo: report Spanish giants Real Madrid have made a bid for on-fire Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, a Spanish newspaper reported here Thursday. Real, without silverware for four years, have bid 40 million euros for the 21 -year-old Portugual international in an effort to sign him in the January transfer window, the Madrid-based ABC daily said. But the English Premiership leaders have no intention of letting go of the in- form Ronaldo, who scored three consecutive doubles for his club over the holiday period, and have slapped a price tag of 70 million euros on him, ABC said. It was not possible to confirm the report at Real Madrid. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20051002.0247.LDC2007T07::1	 Commander says training of Iraqi forces on schedule The top US commander in Iraq said on Sunday that training of Iraqi security forces was "on track" playing down earlier comments that only one Iraqi battalion was able to operate independently. "The development of the Iraqi security forces is very much on track," General George Casey, commander of US-led multinational forces in Iraq, said on ABC television's "This Week" program. Casey faced tough questioning last week before a US Senate committee when he revealed that only one Iraqi battalion was at "Level One," a ranking for units capable of conducting independent operations US troops. The Pentagon had said previously that three battalions were at the Level One rating. In his appearance on ABC, Casey sought to clarify his earlier comments, saying the US military had set "a very high standard" for the Level One ranking. "They have to be able to operate independently without our support," he said. With more than 190,000 Iraqi troops trained and equipped, Casey said there had been substantial progress and that an increasing number of operations were led by Iraqi forces. Operations involving more than 100 Iraqi troops had increased from 160 in May to 1,300 in September, he said. "In a year from now, if there's not more battalions at Level One, I'll be concerned. Right now, I'm not," Casey said. The US strategy was meant to allow Iraqis to take charge of the fight against the insurgency "as we progressively draw our forces down" over the next several years, he said. Public support for the war in the United States has been steadily declining as US troops battle an increasingly violent insurgency. But Casey said the soldiers on the ground supported the effort and recounted a conversation with troops stationed in Iraq. "I specifically asked that question to a group of soldiers ... They said: 'Tell the people back home - don't speak for us. 9/11 won't happen again. We'll beat them here.' That was their message to the people of the United States," said Casey. Casey said the situation in Iraq was difficult but that the Unitd States should persevere. "We shouldn't be afraid of a tough fight as Americans," he said. Asked about warnings from analysts that the draft constitution if approved could aggravate sectarian divisions and feed the insurgency, Casey said: "That is fair, it could happen." But he added that another possibility was that with more Sunnis registered to vote, the Sunni community would have a greater say in the implementation of the new constitution. A referendum on the constitution is set for October 15. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20051002.0247.LDC2007T07::2	 Commander says training of Iraqi forces on schedule The top US commander in Iraq said on Sunday that training of Iraqi security forces was "on track" playing down earlier comments that only one Iraqi battalion was able to operate independently. "The development of the Iraqi security forces is very much on track," General George Casey, commander of US-led multinational forces in Iraq, said on ABC television's "This Week" program. Casey faced tough questioning last week before a US Senate committee when he revealed that only one Iraqi battalion was at "Level One," a ranking for units capable of conducting independent operations US troops. The Pentagon had said previously that three battalions were at the Level One rating. In his appearance on ABC, Casey sought to clarify his earlier comments, saying the US military had set "a very high standard" for the Level One ranking. "They have to be able to operate independently without our support," he said. With more than 190,000 Iraqi troops trained and equipped, Casey said there had been substantial progress and that an increasing number of operations were led by Iraqi forces. Operations involving more than 100 Iraqi troops had increased from 160 in May to 1,300 in September, he said. "In a year from now, if there's not more battalions at Level One, I'll be concerned. Right now, I'm not," Casey said. The US strategy was meant to allow Iraqis to take charge of the fight against the insurgency "as we progressively draw our forces down" over the next several years, he said. Public support for the war in the United States has been steadily declining as US troops battle an increasingly violent insurgency. But Casey said the soldiers on the ground supported the effort and recounted a conversation with troops stationed in Iraq. "I specifically asked that question to a group of soldiers ... They said: 'Tell the people back home - don't speak for us. 9/11 won't happen again. We'll beat them here.' That was their message to the people of the United States," said Casey. Casey said the situation in Iraq was difficult but that the Unitd States should persevere. "We shouldn't be afraid of a tough fight as Americans," he said. Asked about warnings from analysts that the draft constitution if approved could aggravate sectarian divisions and feed the insurgency, Casey said: "That is fair, it could happen." But he added that another possibility was that with more Sunnis registered to vote, the Sunni community would have a greater say in the implementation of the new constitution. A referendum on the constitution is set for October 15. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0589.LDC2009T13::1	 Cut petrol prices, Australia watchdog warns Australia's consumer watchdog on Tuesday demanded that fuel companies slash the cost of petrol within a week, saying they have failed to lower pump prices as world oil prices fall. A leading motoring organisation welcomed the call, accusing oil companies of "ripping off" motorists as oil prices fluctuated wildly, but the fuel companies denied the charge. As crude oil prices hit an almost two-year low, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chief Graeme Samuel said a survey of 3,000 fuel stations had revealed a price aberration when global benchmarks were applied. "At the present time we're seeing a variation occur, we're seeing the Singapore price falling but the Australian retail price not falling consistently with it," Samuel told Seven Network television. Unless prices fell within a week, some "fairly hard" questions would be asked of the oil companies, he warned. "I think what we can do is ask hard questions of them and expose some of the answers out into the public arena," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. But the watchdog ruled out a call for government regulation of petrol prices, saying such a move would ultimately hurt motorists. "You do some significant disadvantage to motorists if you say to the government, 'Step in to regulate prices'," Samuel said. "The moment we set a price at that level then companies price up to that level and we don't get discounts, there's no reason for it ... we want to see competition push prices down as low as possible," he added. National Road and Motorists' Association president Alan Evans welcomed the watchdog's move, saying consumers have been paying high prices for petrol for too long. "We believe that it's quite a clear message from Graeme Samuel, the head of the ACCC, that oil companies' days of ripping motorists off might be numbered," he told the ABC. "We've been campaigning for two years to get the ACCC to take action -- we welcome this intervention. "Motorists have been ripped off by the oil companies quite substantially over the last couple of years and it's about time they were called to account," Evans added. British Petroleum (BP) told the ABC it was willing to discuss the ACCC's concerns, while rival Shell said its wholesale fuel prices were in line with current world oil pricing. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0589.LDC2009T13::2	 Cut petrol prices, Australia watchdog warns Australia's consumer watchdog on Tuesday demanded that fuel companies slash the cost of petrol within a week, saying they have failed to lower pump prices as world oil prices fall. A leading motoring organisation welcomed the call, accusing oil companies of "ripping off" motorists as oil prices fluctuated wildly, but the fuel companies denied the charge. As crude oil prices hit an almost two-year low, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chief Graeme Samuel said a survey of 3,000 fuel stations had revealed a price aberration when global benchmarks were applied. "At the present time we're seeing a variation occur, we're seeing the Singapore price falling but the Australian retail price not falling consistently with it," Samuel told Seven Network television. Unless prices fell within a week, some "fairly hard" questions would be asked of the oil companies, he warned. "I think what we can do is ask hard questions of them and expose some of the answers out into the public arena," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. But the watchdog ruled out a call for government regulation of petrol prices, saying such a move would ultimately hurt motorists. "You do some significant disadvantage to motorists if you say to the government, 'Step in to regulate prices'," Samuel said. "The moment we set a price at that level then companies price up to that level and we don't get discounts, there's no reason for it ... we want to see competition push prices down as low as possible," he added. National Road and Motorists' Association president Alan Evans welcomed the watchdog's move, saying consumers have been paying high prices for petrol for too long. "We believe that it's quite a clear message from Graeme Samuel, the head of the ACCC, that oil companies' days of ripping motorists off might be numbered," he told the ABC. "We've been campaigning for two years to get the ACCC to take action -- we welcome this intervention. "Motorists have been ripped off by the oil companies quite substantially over the last couple of years and it's about time they were called to account," Evans added. British Petroleum (BP) told the ABC it was willing to discuss the ACCC's concerns, while rival Shell said its wholesale fuel prices were in line with current world oil pricing. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0399.LDC2009T13::1	 East Timor rebel escapes as Australian troops kill four supporters Australian troops have stormed the stronghold of East Timorese rebel Alfredo Reinado, killing four of his armed men, but failed to capture the fugitive leader, an Australian defence official said Sunday. "I can confirm that the International Security Force this morning conducted operations in Same, south of Dili," a Department of Defence spokesman told AFP. Reinado, a former army major who has been partly blamed for unrest last year which led to around 37 people being killed and more than 150,000 fleeing their homes, has been holed up for days in Same, surrounded by Australian-led troops. "The purpose of the operation was to apprehend Alfredo Reinado and his associates. At this stage we haven't apprehended him however operations will continue until such time as we do." Although no members of the ISF were killed or injured during the offensive, "shots were fired and four armed Timorese men were killed when they posed an immediate threat to the lives of the ISF men involved", the spokesman said. He said searches were under way including helicopter surveillance, roadblocks and foot patrols. Many of Reinado's supporters were understood to have fled the town, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Meanwhile, unrest has also broken out in the capital Dili, with shots ringing out since the early morning, ABC said. The Ministry of Education building has been raised and four cars torched, it added. East Timor President Xanana Gusmao, who gave the ISF the go-ahead to apprehend Reinado, was due to make a national announcement Sunday, but this had yet to be confirmed, the ABC reported. Australian and United Nations security officials in Dili said they feared the outbreak of widespread violence if the Australian soldiers killed or injured the rebel leader. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0399.LDC2009T13::2	 East Timor rebel escapes as Australian troops kill four supporters Australian troops have stormed the stronghold of East Timorese rebel Alfredo Reinado, killing four of his armed men, but failed to capture the fugitive leader, an Australian defence official said Sunday. "I can confirm that the International Security Force this morning conducted operations in Same, south of Dili," a Department of Defence spokesman told AFP. Reinado, a former army major who has been partly blamed for unrest last year which led to around 37 people being killed and more than 150,000 fleeing their homes, has been holed up for days in Same, surrounded by Australian-led troops. "The purpose of the operation was to apprehend Alfredo Reinado and his associates. At this stage we haven't apprehended him however operations will continue until such time as we do." Although no members of the ISF were killed or injured during the offensive, "shots were fired and four armed Timorese men were killed when they posed an immediate threat to the lives of the ISF men involved", the spokesman said. He said searches were under way including helicopter surveillance, roadblocks and foot patrols. Many of Reinado's supporters were understood to have fled the town, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Meanwhile, unrest has also broken out in the capital Dili, with shots ringing out since the early morning, ABC said. The Ministry of Education building has been raised and four cars torched, it added. East Timor President Xanana Gusmao, who gave the ISF the go-ahead to apprehend Reinado, was due to make a national announcement Sunday, but this had yet to be confirmed, the ABC reported. Australian and United Nations security officials in Dili said they feared the outbreak of widespread violence if the Australian soldiers killed or injured the rebel leader. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0548.LDC2009T13::1	 Bush to appoint new Iraq commanders US President George W. Bush reportedly plans to appoint two top new commanders for Iraq before unveiling a shift in strategy for the strife-torn nation that may include increasing the number of US troops. The US television network ABC said Thursday that Bush intends to nominate Admiral William Fallon, head of US Pacific Command, to replace General John Abizaid at US Central Command, which has responsibility for the Middle East. It said General George Casey, the US military commander in Iraq, would be replaced by Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who has played a major role in the training of Iraqi security forces. Abizaid, 55, announced last month that he planned to retire early this year and ABC said Casey, 58, would probably leave in the next few months, earlier than a planned June departure. "The president wants a clean sweep," an unidentified US official told ABC. Both Abizaid and Casey have expressed reservations about a reported plan to increase the number of US troops in Iraq from the current 140,000. According to US media reports, Bush could announce an increase of US forces in Iraq on the order of 9,000 to 40,000 extra troops in a bid to end sectarian strife and restore security. ABC said the military nominations would be announced next week, before Bush delivers his speech on strategy for an increasingly unpopular US war in Iraq that has cost the lives of some 3,000 US servicemen. As a naval officer, ABC said the appointment of Fallon to head Central Command and oversee ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be "highly unusual." The appointments come as Bush pursues an aggressive overhaul among his top military, diplomatic and intelligence aides. He is expected to announce Friday that he is moving Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to the State Department as deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also will nominate next week Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, to be the new top US diplomat at the United Nations, a senior US official said. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Fallon, 62, who is tipped to replace Abizaid, was a navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War, commanded an attack squadron during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was involved in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia. As head of Central Command, he would oversee US forces from North Africa to Central Asia. Petraeus, 54, currently serves as the commander of the US Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From June 2004 to September 2005 he was in charge of training the new Iraqi Army and security forces, an initiative which Bush has identified as a priority if the United States is going to reduce its troop strength in Iraq. Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was widely praised for his subsequent work administering the northern city of Mosul. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0548.LDC2009T13::2	 Bush to appoint new Iraq commanders US President George W. Bush reportedly plans to appoint two top new commanders for Iraq before unveiling a shift in strategy for the strife-torn nation that may include increasing the number of US troops. The US television network ABC said Thursday that Bush intends to nominate Admiral William Fallon, head of US Pacific Command, to replace General John Abizaid at US Central Command, which has responsibility for the Middle East. It said General George Casey, the US military commander in Iraq, would be replaced by Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who has played a major role in the training of Iraqi security forces. Abizaid, 55, announced last month that he planned to retire early this year and ABC said Casey, 58, would probably leave in the next few months, earlier than a planned June departure. "The president wants a clean sweep," an unidentified US official told ABC. Both Abizaid and Casey have expressed reservations about a reported plan to increase the number of US troops in Iraq from the current 140,000. According to US media reports, Bush could announce an increase of US forces in Iraq on the order of 9,000 to 40,000 extra troops in a bid to end sectarian strife and restore security. ABC said the military nominations would be announced next week, before Bush delivers his speech on strategy for an increasingly unpopular US war in Iraq that has cost the lives of some 3,000 US servicemen. As a naval officer, ABC said the appointment of Fallon to head Central Command and oversee ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be "highly unusual." The appointments come as Bush pursues an aggressive overhaul among his top military, diplomatic and intelligence aides. He is expected to announce Friday that he is moving Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to the State Department as deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also will nominate next week Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, to be the new top US diplomat at the United Nations, a senior US official said. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Fallon, 62, who is tipped to replace Abizaid, was a navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War, commanded an attack squadron during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was involved in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia. As head of Central Command, he would oversee US forces from North Africa to Central Asia. Petraeus, 54, currently serves as the commander of the US Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From June 2004 to September 2005 he was in charge of training the new Iraqi Army and security forces, an initiative which Bush has identified as a priority if the United States is going to reduce its troop strength in Iraq. Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was widely praised for his subsequent work administering the northern city of Mosul. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0548.LDC2009T13::3	 Bush to appoint new Iraq commanders US President George W. Bush reportedly plans to appoint two top new commanders for Iraq before unveiling a shift in strategy for the strife-torn nation that may include increasing the number of US troops. The US television network ABC said Thursday that Bush intends to nominate Admiral William Fallon, head of US Pacific Command, to replace General John Abizaid at US Central Command, which has responsibility for the Middle East. It said General George Casey, the US military commander in Iraq, would be replaced by Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who has played a major role in the training of Iraqi security forces. Abizaid, 55, announced last month that he planned to retire early this year and ABC said Casey, 58, would probably leave in the next few months, earlier than a planned June departure. "The president wants a clean sweep," an unidentified US official told ABC. Both Abizaid and Casey have expressed reservations about a reported plan to increase the number of US troops in Iraq from the current 140,000. According to US media reports, Bush could announce an increase of US forces in Iraq on the order of 9,000 to 40,000 extra troops in a bid to end sectarian strife and restore security. ABC said the military nominations would be announced next week, before Bush delivers his speech on strategy for an increasingly unpopular US war in Iraq that has cost the lives of some 3,000 US servicemen. As a naval officer, ABC said the appointment of Fallon to head Central Command and oversee ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be "highly unusual." The appointments come as Bush pursues an aggressive overhaul among his top military, diplomatic and intelligence aides. He is expected to announce Friday that he is moving Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to the State Department as deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also will nominate next week Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, to be the new top US diplomat at the United Nations, a senior US official said. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Fallon, 62, who is tipped to replace Abizaid, was a navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War, commanded an attack squadron during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was involved in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia. As head of Central Command, he would oversee US forces from North Africa to Central Asia. Petraeus, 54, currently serves as the commander of the US Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From June 2004 to September 2005 he was in charge of training the new Iraqi Army and security forces, an initiative which Bush has identified as a priority if the United States is going to reduce its troop strength in Iraq. Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was widely praised for his subsequent work administering the northern city of Mosul. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0548.LDC2009T13::4	 Bush to appoint new Iraq commanders US President George W. Bush reportedly plans to appoint two top new commanders for Iraq before unveiling a shift in strategy for the strife-torn nation that may include increasing the number of US troops. The US television network ABC said Thursday that Bush intends to nominate Admiral William Fallon, head of US Pacific Command, to replace General John Abizaid at US Central Command, which has responsibility for the Middle East. It said General George Casey, the US military commander in Iraq, would be replaced by Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who has played a major role in the training of Iraqi security forces. Abizaid, 55, announced last month that he planned to retire early this year and ABC said Casey, 58, would probably leave in the next few months, earlier than a planned June departure. "The president wants a clean sweep," an unidentified US official told ABC. Both Abizaid and Casey have expressed reservations about a reported plan to increase the number of US troops in Iraq from the current 140,000. According to US media reports, Bush could announce an increase of US forces in Iraq on the order of 9,000 to 40,000 extra troops in a bid to end sectarian strife and restore security. ABC said the military nominations would be announced next week, before Bush delivers his speech on strategy for an increasingly unpopular US war in Iraq that has cost the lives of some 3,000 US servicemen. As a naval officer, ABC said the appointment of Fallon to head Central Command and oversee ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be "highly unusual." The appointments come as Bush pursues an aggressive overhaul among his top military, diplomatic and intelligence aides. He is expected to announce Friday that he is moving Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to the State Department as deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also will nominate next week Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, to be the new top US diplomat at the United Nations, a senior US official said. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Fallon, 62, who is tipped to replace Abizaid, was a navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War, commanded an attack squadron during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was involved in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia. As head of Central Command, he would oversee US forces from North Africa to Central Asia. Petraeus, 54, currently serves as the commander of the US Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From June 2004 to September 2005 he was in charge of training the new Iraqi Army and security forces, an initiative which Bush has identified as a priority if the United States is going to reduce its troop strength in Iraq. Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was widely praised for his subsequent work administering the northern city of Mosul. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0548.LDC2009T13::5	 Bush to appoint new Iraq commanders US President George W. Bush reportedly plans to appoint two top new commanders for Iraq before unveiling a shift in strategy for the strife-torn nation that may include increasing the number of US troops. The US television network ABC said Thursday that Bush intends to nominate Admiral William Fallon, head of US Pacific Command, to replace General John Abizaid at US Central Command, which has responsibility for the Middle East. It said General George Casey, the US military commander in Iraq, would be replaced by Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who has played a major role in the training of Iraqi security forces. Abizaid, 55, announced last month that he planned to retire early this year and ABC said Casey, 58, would probably leave in the next few months, earlier than a planned June departure. "The president wants a clean sweep," an unidentified US official told ABC. Both Abizaid and Casey have expressed reservations about a reported plan to increase the number of US troops in Iraq from the current 140,000. According to US media reports, Bush could announce an increase of US forces in Iraq on the order of 9,000 to 40,000 extra troops in a bid to end sectarian strife and restore security. ABC said the military nominations would be announced next week, before Bush delivers his speech on strategy for an increasingly unpopular US war in Iraq that has cost the lives of some 3,000 US servicemen. As a naval officer, ABC said the appointment of Fallon to head Central Command and oversee ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be "highly unusual." The appointments come as Bush pursues an aggressive overhaul among his top military, diplomatic and intelligence aides. He is expected to announce Friday that he is moving Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to the State Department as deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also will nominate next week Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, to be the new top US diplomat at the United Nations, a senior US official said. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Fallon, 62, who is tipped to replace Abizaid, was a navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War, commanded an attack squadron during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was involved in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia. As head of Central Command, he would oversee US forces from North Africa to Central Asia. Petraeus, 54, currently serves as the commander of the US Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From June 2004 to September 2005 he was in charge of training the new Iraqi Army and security forces, an initiative which Bush has identified as a priority if the United States is going to reduce its troop strength in Iraq. Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was widely praised for his subsequent work administering the northern city of Mosul. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0611.LDC2009T13::1	 No signs of imminent NKorean nuclear test: Japan FM Another nuclear test by North Korea does not appear to be immiment, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Friday, following a US media report that another test could come at any time. "We see no major development in the situation," Aso said, noting that there has been speculation about a possible second test since North Korea detonated its first nuclear bomb on October 9, triggering outcry in Japan. Asked by reporters if there was any urgency to the situation, he said: "Not really." US television network ABC reported Thursday that North Korea appears to have prepared for a second nuclear weapons test, citing US defense officials. The officials said the preparations were similar to steps taken by Pyongyang before it conducted its first nuclear test on October 9, the report said. But ABC also said the US intelligence community is divided about whether another test is likely. Six-nation negotiations aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear programs were held in Beijing in December after a 13-month hiatus due to Pyongyang's boycott over US financial sanctions. But participating nations -- the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia -- failed to make substantive progress as the North insisted lifting of US financial sanctions be discussed first. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0611.LDC2009T13::2	 No signs of imminent NKorean nuclear test: Japan FM Another nuclear test by North Korea does not appear to be immiment, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Friday, following a US media report that another test could come at any time. "We see no major development in the situation," Aso said, noting that there has been speculation about a possible second test since North Korea detonated its first nuclear bomb on October 9, triggering outcry in Japan. Asked by reporters if there was any urgency to the situation, he said: "Not really." US television network ABC reported Thursday that North Korea appears to have prepared for a second nuclear weapons test, citing US defense officials. The officials said the preparations were similar to steps taken by Pyongyang before it conducted its first nuclear test on October 9, the report said. But ABC also said the US intelligence community is divided about whether another test is likely. Six-nation negotiations aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear programs were held in Beijing in December after a 13-month hiatus due to Pyongyang's boycott over US financial sanctions. But participating nations -- the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia -- failed to make substantive progress as the North insisted lifting of US financial sanctions be discussed first. 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070121.0077.LDC2009T13::1	 Democratic field to grow after Hillary throws hat into ring by Paul Handley The field of US Democratic presidential contenders was expected to grow even more Sunday after Senator Hillary Clinton dramatically reshaped the budding contest by entering the 2008 race. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary, is likely to announce that he is creating a presidential exploratory committee, according to people close to the Democratic Party. Richardson, a prominent Hispanic leader, will appear on ABC's "This Week" program that airs at 9:00 am (1400 GMT) Sunday. Still, the announcement was expected to be overshadowed by reverberations from a bombshell dropped Saturday by the former first lady, whose long-awaited entry into the race opened up what promises to be one of the most exciting and groundbreaking political contests in US history. As it is shaping up, the race will be pitting Senator Clinton, determined to become the country's first female president, against fellow Senator Barack Obama, who aims to be the first African-American in the White House. "I'm in. And I'm in to win," Clinton said in a video announcement on her website Saturday. Four days before Obama signaled his own plan to fight for the nomination, saying he had formed a committee to test the waters and start raising money. With their entry the field of confirmed Democratic hopefuls expanded to seven, still 12 months ahead of the first crucial state-based primary elections that will decide the Democratic and Republican party nominees who battle for the White House in November 2008. Clinton, 59, the wife of former president Bill Clinton, ended years of speculation over her political ambitions with her announcement. "The frontrunner has just stepped on the stage," said Washington's veteran political analyst Charlie Cook. "This is the first woman in our history who will be taken seriously by everyone," said political scientist Ruth Mandel of Rutgers University. But while polls showed Clinton the odds-on favorite to capture the Democratic nomination next year, her continuing ability to divide voters meant that the race was still wide open with Obama, former senator John Edwards and others yet to commit to the race angling to demonstrate they have a better chance to defeat the Republican challenger. In a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Saturday based on voters surveyed before her announcement, Clinton outpaced Obama 41 percent to 17 percent in the contest for the Democratic nomination. Likewise, a Gallup poll taken a week ago put Clinton ahead with backing from 29 percent of Democratic voters, compared with 18 percent for Obama and Edwards at 13 percent. But questions remain over whether Clinton, whose eight years as an untraditional first lady left a large swath of US voters cold, can defeat any politician the Republicans choose to fight for the White House. A CBS News poll at the beginning of January pointed to her big weakness: 38 percent of all voters, and a whopping 78 percent of Republicans, have decidedly unfavorable feelings toward Clinton, suggesting that in a country closely divided between the two parties she might not have the ability to woo the Republicans necessary for a decisive victory in 2008. Indeed, a Newsweek poll released Saturday suggested that Edwards, the vice presidential running mate of John Kerry in their ill- fated campaign for the White House in 2004, could be the Democrats' best bet. Asking voters their preference in certain matchups, Newsweek reported that Clinton, if she runs against Republican Senator John McCain, would narrowly come out ahead, 48 percent to 47 percent. In an Obama-versus-McCain scenario, the Democrat carried 46 percent against McCain's 44 percent. But Edwards trumped McCain 48 percent versus 43 percent. Measured against current leading Republican contender Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor, Clinton came out one percentage point behind and Obama was two points behind. But Edwards held a 48-45 percent lead over Giuliani. That did not mean Obama should be ruled out. He only burst on the national scene in 2004, but since then, with inspirational oratory and an easy smile, has carved out an image as a pivotal cross-cultural figure and the voice of a newer generation. "He does fit America's image of itself," said political scientist Larry Sabato. "He's young, charismatic, optimistic, diverse -- America is no longer going to be a white majority country by 2050." 
ABC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070121.0077.LDC2009T13::2	 Democratic field to grow after Hillary throws hat into ring by Paul Handley The field of US Democratic presidential contenders was expected to grow even more Sunday after Senator Hillary Clinton dramatically reshaped the budding contest by entering the 2008 race. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary, is likely to announce that he is creating a presidential exploratory committee, according to people close to the Democratic Party. Richardson, a prominent Hispanic leader, will appear on ABC's "This Week" program that airs at 9:00 am (1400 GMT) Sunday. Still, the announcement was expected to be overshadowed by reverberations from a bombshell dropped Saturday by the former first lady, whose long-awaited entry into the race opened up what promises to be one of the most exciting and groundbreaking political contests in US history. As it is shaping up, the race will be pitting Senator Clinton, determined to become the country's first female president, against fellow Senator Barack Obama, who aims to be the first African-American in the White House. "I'm in. And I'm in to win," Clinton said in a video announcement on her website Saturday. Four days before Obama signaled his own plan to fight for the nomination, saying he had formed a committee to test the waters and start raising money. With their entry the field of confirmed Democratic hopefuls expanded to seven, still 12 months ahead of the first crucial state-based primary elections that will decide the Democratic and Republican party nominees who battle for the White House in November 2008. Clinton, 59, the wife of former president Bill Clinton, ended years of speculation over her political ambitions with her announcement. "The frontrunner has just stepped on the stage," said Washington's veteran political analyst Charlie Cook. "This is the first woman in our history who will be taken seriously by everyone," said political scientist Ruth Mandel of Rutgers University. But while polls showed Clinton the odds-on favorite to capture the Democratic nomination next year, her continuing ability to divide voters meant that the race was still wide open with Obama, former senator John Edwards and others yet to commit to the race angling to demonstrate they have a better chance to defeat the Republican challenger. In a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Saturday based on voters surveyed before her announcement, Clinton outpaced Obama 41 percent to 17 percent in the contest for the Democratic nomination. Likewise, a Gallup poll taken a week ago put Clinton ahead with backing from 29 percent of Democratic voters, compared with 18 percent for Obama and Edwards at 13 percent. But questions remain over whether Clinton, whose eight years as an untraditional first lady left a large swath of US voters cold, can defeat any politician the Republicans choose to fight for the White House. A CBS News poll at the beginning of January pointed to her big weakness: 38 percent of all voters, and a whopping 78 percent of Republicans, have decidedly unfavorable feelings toward Clinton, suggesting that in a country closely divided between the two parties she might not have the ability to woo the Republicans necessary for a decisive victory in 2008. Indeed, a Newsweek poll released Saturday suggested that Edwards, the vice presidential running mate of John Kerry in their ill- fated campaign for the White House in 2004, could be the Democrats' best bet. Asking voters their preference in certain matchups, Newsweek reported that Clinton, if she runs against Republican Senator John McCain, would narrowly come out ahead, 48 percent to 47 percent. In an Obama-versus-McCain scenario, the Democrat carried 46 percent against McCain's 44 percent. But Edwards trumped McCain 48 percent versus 43 percent. Measured against current leading Republican contender Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor, Clinton came out one percentage point behind and Obama was two points behind. But Edwards held a 48-45 percent lead over Giuliani. That did not mean Obama should be ruled out. He only burst on the national scene in 2004, but since then, with inspirational oratory and an easy smile, has carved out an image as a pivotal cross-cultural figure and the voice of a newer generation. "He does fit America's image of itself," said political scientist Larry Sabato. "He's young, charismatic, optimistic, diverse -- America is no longer going to be a white majority country by 2050." 
ABT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19970115.0073.LDC2007T07::1	 ABBOTT LOSES BID TO BLOCK RIVALS ON HYPERTENSION DRUG (REPEAT) Washington, Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) Abbott Laboratories can't block Novopharm Ltd. and Geneva Pharmaceuticals Inc. from selling a generic version of Abbott's Hytrin hypertension drug, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the Novopharm and Geneva products didn't infringe on Abbott's patent for terazosin hydrochloride, the generic name for the drug. The three-judge panel said Abbott's patent on the drug had expired. The court rejected Abbott's argument that it was entitled to a longer protection period because it obtained a second patent for the drug in 1978. Abbott originally patented terazosin hydrochloride in 1975. Federal law gives companies patent protection for up to 20 years. In 1995, Novopharm and Geneva filed applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin selling a generic version of the drug. Abbott sued both companies for patent infringement. In March, a federal trial judge said Abbott couldn't use the second patent to extend the 20-year protection time. Abbott appealed, and the appeals court yesterday upheld that ruling. Abbott argued that it was entitled to 20 years protection from the date of the later patent, meaning that competitors couldn't copy the drug until 1998. The appeals court rejected that argument, saying that the two patents were so closely related to one another that Abbott couldn't obtain additional protection. The judges said that Abbott chose to link the two patents in the 70s so that the company could benefit from the earlier filing date. ``Abbott must accept the consequences as well as the potential benefits'' of its decision, the judges said in a written opinion. Abbott rose 1 to close at 53 3/8 yesterday. Novopharm rose C$0.06 (US$0.04) to C$1.91(US$1.41). --Greg Stohr in the Washington newsroom (202) 624-1841 /ge/mfr Story illustration: For a graph of Abbott stock, ABT US Equity GP.Company news: News by category: ABT US Equity Abbott Labs NI DRG Pharmaceuticals NOV CN Equity Novopharm NI FDA FDA CN, BQ, DES, FA, RV NI LAW Litigation NI HEA Health careNews by region: NI CA California NI IL Illinois NI US U.S. For more stories about lawsuits affecting the pharmaceutical industry, TNI DRG LAW. -0- (BBN) Jan/15/97 8:57 EOS (BBN) Jan/15/97 08:57 86 
ABT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19970115.0073.LDC2007T07::2	 ABBOTT LOSES BID TO BLOCK RIVALS ON HYPERTENSION DRUG (REPEAT) Washington, Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) Abbott Laboratories can't block Novopharm Ltd. and Geneva Pharmaceuticals Inc. from selling a generic version of Abbott's Hytrin hypertension drug, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the Novopharm and Geneva products didn't infringe on Abbott's patent for terazosin hydrochloride, the generic name for the drug. The three-judge panel said Abbott's patent on the drug had expired. The court rejected Abbott's argument that it was entitled to a longer protection period because it obtained a second patent for the drug in 1978. Abbott originally patented terazosin hydrochloride in 1975. Federal law gives companies patent protection for up to 20 years. In 1995, Novopharm and Geneva filed applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin selling a generic version of the drug. Abbott sued both companies for patent infringement. In March, a federal trial judge said Abbott couldn't use the second patent to extend the 20-year protection time. Abbott appealed, and the appeals court yesterday upheld that ruling. Abbott argued that it was entitled to 20 years protection from the date of the later patent, meaning that competitors couldn't copy the drug until 1998. The appeals court rejected that argument, saying that the two patents were so closely related to one another that Abbott couldn't obtain additional protection. The judges said that Abbott chose to link the two patents in the 70s so that the company could benefit from the earlier filing date. ``Abbott must accept the consequences as well as the potential benefits'' of its decision, the judges said in a written opinion. Abbott rose 1 to close at 53 3/8 yesterday. Novopharm rose C$0.06 (US$0.04) to C$1.91(US$1.41). --Greg Stohr in the Washington newsroom (202) 624-1841 /ge/mfr Story illustration: For a graph of Abbott stock, ABT US Equity GP.Company news: News by category: ABT US Equity Abbott Labs NI DRG Pharmaceuticals NOV CN Equity Novopharm NI FDA FDA CN, BQ, DES, FA, RV NI LAW Litigation NI HEA Health careNews by region: NI CA California NI IL Illinois NI US U.S. For more stories about lawsuits affecting the pharmaceutical industry, TNI DRG LAW. -0- (BBN) Jan/15/97 8:57 EOS (BBN) Jan/15/97 08:57 86 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::1	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::2	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::3	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::4	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::5	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070122.0218.LDC2009T13::6	 BA appeals to mediator to avert strike British Airways appealed to a mediator on Monday to help with talks with labour unions to avert a planned strike by cabin crew at the end of the month. BA said it had asked Acas, the British conciliation service, to help prevent a proposed three-day strike by cabin crew members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) to protest sickness leave, pay and staffing conditions. Shares in BA dived 1.70 percent to 535.25 pence on the London stock exchange, after earlier falling as low as 530.75 pence. London's FTSE 100 index of top shares, on which the group lists, rose by 0.45 percent to 6,265.50 points. "The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," BA said in a statement published on Monday. The airline's stewards and stewardesses are set to strike between January 29 and 31 after negotiations broke down between the union and BA management on Sunday. The TGWU has warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified," BA chief executive Willie Walsh said in Monday's statement. "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation, so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward." According to the TGWU, the cabin crew concerns -- including the implementation of sickness leave, pay grading and onboard staffing levels -- have built up over the last two years but have failed to be addressed properly by senior management. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0355.LDC2009T13::1	 BA says first 24 hours of strike cancelled British Airways said Wednesday that trade union officials have called off the first 24 hours of a planned three-day strike by the airline's cabin crew. BA's stewards and stewardesses were set to stage a strike from January 29-31 in protest over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. However, officials from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) have advised the airline that the planned stoppage will now take place on January 30 and 31, BA said in a company statement. The TGWU confirmed the news in a separate statement later Wednesday, saying that the strike has been postponed by 24 hours "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But the union added: "If the dispute is not resolved, the strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday next week." The developments came after five hours of talks late on Tuesday between BA chief executive Willie Walsh and senior TGWU members. British Airways meanwhile made a fresh appeal for the trade union to call off the industrial action. "BA said today that the Transport and General Workers' Union should act immediately to call off completely its threat to disrupt the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers following the union's decision to cancel the first day of a planned three-day cabin crew strike," the statement read. Walsh added that "enough progress had been made in negotiations for the whole strike threat to be removed". The TGWU has previously warned that there will be two more three- day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0355.LDC2009T13::2	 BA says first 24 hours of strike cancelled British Airways said Wednesday that trade union officials have called off the first 24 hours of a planned three-day strike by the airline's cabin crew. BA's stewards and stewardesses were set to stage a strike from January 29-31 in protest over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. However, officials from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) have advised the airline that the planned stoppage will now take place on January 30 and 31, BA said in a company statement. The TGWU confirmed the news in a separate statement later Wednesday, saying that the strike has been postponed by 24 hours "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But the union added: "If the dispute is not resolved, the strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday next week." The developments came after five hours of talks late on Tuesday between BA chief executive Willie Walsh and senior TGWU members. British Airways meanwhile made a fresh appeal for the trade union to call off the industrial action. "BA said today that the Transport and General Workers' Union should act immediately to call off completely its threat to disrupt the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers following the union's decision to cancel the first day of a planned three-day cabin crew strike," the statement read. Walsh added that "enough progress had been made in negotiations for the whole strike threat to be removed". The TGWU has previously warned that there will be two more three- day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0355.LDC2009T13::3	 BA says first 24 hours of strike cancelled British Airways said Wednesday that trade union officials have called off the first 24 hours of a planned three-day strike by the airline's cabin crew. BA's stewards and stewardesses were set to stage a strike from January 29-31 in protest over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. However, officials from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) have advised the airline that the planned stoppage will now take place on January 30 and 31, BA said in a company statement. The TGWU confirmed the news in a separate statement later Wednesday, saying that the strike has been postponed by 24 hours "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But the union added: "If the dispute is not resolved, the strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday next week." The developments came after five hours of talks late on Tuesday between BA chief executive Willie Walsh and senior TGWU members. British Airways meanwhile made a fresh appeal for the trade union to call off the industrial action. "BA said today that the Transport and General Workers' Union should act immediately to call off completely its threat to disrupt the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers following the union's decision to cancel the first day of a planned three-day cabin crew strike," the statement read. Walsh added that "enough progress had been made in negotiations for the whole strike threat to be removed". The TGWU has previously warned that there will be two more three- day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0355.LDC2009T13::4	 BA says first 24 hours of strike cancelled British Airways said Wednesday that trade union officials have called off the first 24 hours of a planned three-day strike by the airline's cabin crew. BA's stewards and stewardesses were set to stage a strike from January 29-31 in protest over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. However, officials from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) have advised the airline that the planned stoppage will now take place on January 30 and 31, BA said in a company statement. The TGWU confirmed the news in a separate statement later Wednesday, saying that the strike has been postponed by 24 hours "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But the union added: "If the dispute is not resolved, the strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday next week." The developments came after five hours of talks late on Tuesday between BA chief executive Willie Walsh and senior TGWU members. British Airways meanwhile made a fresh appeal for the trade union to call off the industrial action. "BA said today that the Transport and General Workers' Union should act immediately to call off completely its threat to disrupt the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers following the union's decision to cancel the first day of a planned three-day cabin crew strike," the statement read. Walsh added that "enough progress had been made in negotiations for the whole strike threat to be removed". The TGWU has previously warned that there will be two more three- day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0355.LDC2009T13::5	 BA says first 24 hours of strike cancelled British Airways said Wednesday that trade union officials have called off the first 24 hours of a planned three-day strike by the airline's cabin crew. BA's stewards and stewardesses were set to stage a strike from January 29-31 in protest over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. However, officials from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) have advised the airline that the planned stoppage will now take place on January 30 and 31, BA said in a company statement. The TGWU confirmed the news in a separate statement later Wednesday, saying that the strike has been postponed by 24 hours "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But the union added: "If the dispute is not resolved, the strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday next week." The developments came after five hours of talks late on Tuesday between BA chief executive Willie Walsh and senior TGWU members. British Airways meanwhile made a fresh appeal for the trade union to call off the industrial action. "BA said today that the Transport and General Workers' Union should act immediately to call off completely its threat to disrupt the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers following the union's decision to cancel the first day of a planned three-day cabin crew strike," the statement read. Walsh added that "enough progress had been made in negotiations for the whole strike threat to be removed". The TGWU has previously warned that there will be two more three- day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::1	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::2	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::3	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::4	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::5	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::6	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::7	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::8	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::9	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070124.0730.LDC2009T13::10	 BA cabin crew strike set to go ahead Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will carry on with a two- day strike next week, a spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to AFP on Thursday. BA said on Wednesday that trade union officials had called off the first 24 hours of what was originally planned to be a three- day strike, with the union saying it had done so "as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations". But according to the BA spokeswoman, talks between the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and BA management broke down late on Wednesday. The two-day strike will begin on Tuesday. "We are dismayed and saddened that BA failed to grasp this genuine opportunity, squandering a sincere gesture of goodwill," said Jack Dromey, T and G Deputy General Secretary. "The company has failed to hear the voice of common sense. This is a sad day for passengers and cabin crew alike." Dromey described BA's conduct in the negotiations as "incomprehensible", but maintained that the union's "door remains open," with the union also saying that BA had rejected its proposals. The airline, however, fired back, accusing the T and G union of failing to "respond positively" to its proposals, and expressed "deep regret" at the breakdown of the discussions. "We are bitterly disappointed that the T and G has refused to respond positively to the serious proposals we have made on the union's two crucial issues," said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. "We have accepted the T and G's proposal to improve the application of the absence management policy. We have put forward a solution on pay as part of our upcoming wage round. The T and G has rejected our position out of hand." "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers." Walsh also appealed to the union to support BA's approach to the conciliation service ACAS, in the hope that it would provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations. BA's stewards and stewardesses are protesting over sick leave, pay and staffing conditions. The T and G union has previously warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remained unresolved. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070125.0224.LDC2009T13::1	 British Airways cancels flights next week during planned strike British Airways announced Thursday the cancellation of all its flights from London's Heathrow airport for two days next week during a planned strike. Speaking after more than 24 hours of intense discussions with the main union representing cabin crew, BA chief executive Willie Walsh said he was "bitterly disappointed" that it had not accepted a management pay offer. "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," he said, according to a BA statement. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070125.0224.LDC2009T13::2	 British Airways cancels flights next week during planned strike British Airways announced Thursday the cancellation of all its flights from London's Heathrow airport for two days next week during a planned strike. Speaking after more than 24 hours of intense discussions with the main union representing cabin crew, BA chief executive Willie Walsh said he was "bitterly disappointed" that it had not accepted a management pay offer. "It has chosen instead to confirm a 48-hour stoppage for next week that will wreck the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers," he said, according to a BA statement. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070128.0237.LDC2009T13::1	 BA and union resume talks over cabin crew strike British Airways resumed talks with union officials Sunday to avert a strike by cabin crew that could cost Britain's largest airline millions and cause chaos for passengers. Negotiations between a BA delegation headed by chief executive Willie Walsh and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) had restarted, a BA spokeswoman told AFP but did not comment further. BA is struggling to head off having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike on Tuesday and Wednesday over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from London Gatwick. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. BA has warned that services will be affected either side of the strike action, leading to flights alos being disrupted on Monday night and Thursday morning. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070128.0237.LDC2009T13::2	 BA and union resume talks over cabin crew strike British Airways resumed talks with union officials Sunday to avert a strike by cabin crew that could cost Britain's largest airline millions and cause chaos for passengers. Negotiations between a BA delegation headed by chief executive Willie Walsh and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) had restarted, a BA spokeswoman told AFP but did not comment further. BA is struggling to head off having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike on Tuesday and Wednesday over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from London Gatwick. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. BA has warned that services will be affected either side of the strike action, leading to flights alos being disrupted on Monday night and Thursday morning. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070128.0237.LDC2009T13::3	 BA and union resume talks over cabin crew strike British Airways resumed talks with union officials Sunday to avert a strike by cabin crew that could cost Britain's largest airline millions and cause chaos for passengers. Negotiations between a BA delegation headed by chief executive Willie Walsh and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) had restarted, a BA spokeswoman told AFP but did not comment further. BA is struggling to head off having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike on Tuesday and Wednesday over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from London Gatwick. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. BA has warned that services will be affected either side of the strike action, leading to flights alos being disrupted on Monday night and Thursday morning. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070128.0237.LDC2009T13::4	 BA and union resume talks over cabin crew strike British Airways resumed talks with union officials Sunday to avert a strike by cabin crew that could cost Britain's largest airline millions and cause chaos for passengers. Negotiations between a BA delegation headed by chief executive Willie Walsh and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) had restarted, a BA spokeswoman told AFP but did not comment further. BA is struggling to head off having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike on Tuesday and Wednesday over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from London Gatwick. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. BA has warned that services will be affected either side of the strike action, leading to flights alos being disrupted on Monday night and Thursday morning. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070128.0237.LDC2009T13::5	 BA and union resume talks over cabin crew strike British Airways resumed talks with union officials Sunday to avert a strike by cabin crew that could cost Britain's largest airline millions and cause chaos for passengers. Negotiations between a BA delegation headed by chief executive Willie Walsh and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) had restarted, a BA spokeswoman told AFP but did not comment further. BA is struggling to head off having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike on Tuesday and Wednesday over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from London Gatwick. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. BA has warned that services will be affected either side of the strike action, leading to flights alos being disrupted on Monday night and Thursday morning. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::1	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::2	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::3	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::4	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::5	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::6	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::7	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::8	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0220.LDC2009T13::9	 British Airways in last-ditch talks to avoid strike British Airways held last-ditch talks with unions Monday aimed at heading off a two-day cabin crew strike which threatens to create passenger chaos and a huge bill for the airline. The talks, with BA battling to prevent the the cancellation of over 1,000 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, resumed after failing to make headway over the weekend, said a company spokesman. Industry analysts have estimated that the walkout will cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditures. In addition it could also cost the wider economy 2.5 million pounds a day, said one business analyst. "The cost to business in terms of lost productivity as employees, often highly paid ones, are delayed at airports, have to make alternative travel plans, or have business arrangements disrupted, is likely to be around 2.5 million pounds per strike day," said Maurice Fitzpatrick, of financial and business adviser Grant Thornton. "This figure excludes the cost to BA of lost ticket revenues and so on," he added. BA is struggling to avoid having to cancel all flights to and from London's main Heathrow airport because of the planned strike over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels. The action, involving 11,000 stewards and stewardesses, will also hit domestic and European flights from Britain's second biggest airport, London Gatwick. The talks, at a secret location, have pitted BA chief executive Willie Walsh against the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and its general secretary Tony Woodley. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. "We are offering to cover expenses up to 200 pounds.... We are also offering additional parking," said the airline spokeswoman. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them are scheduled to work in the middle of the week, during the planned strike. Unions have warned that there will be two more three-day work stoppages in February if the dispute remains unresolved. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. In London stock market trading on Monday, British Airways saw its share price climb 1.33 percent to 534.5 pence, as the airline was lifted by positive broker comments from Swiss banking group UBS. The FTSE 100 index meanwhile added 0.04 percent to 6,230.40 points. However, in choppy trading last Friday, BA's share price had tumbled 2.52 percent in value as the carrier was rocked by the strike news. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0294.LDC2009T13::1	 BA strikes deal with unions to head off strike British Airways said Monday it had struck an accord with unions to prevent a two-day strike which had threatened chaos at Britain's main airports this week. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the (union negotiators) have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. But he said the last-minute deal had come too late to prevent some disruption to flights on Wednesday and Thursday, when the strike had been threatened. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0294.LDC2009T13::2	 BA strikes deal with unions to head off strike British Airways said Monday it had struck an accord with unions to prevent a two-day strike which had threatened chaos at Britain's main airports this week. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the (union negotiators) have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. But he said the last-minute deal had come too late to prevent some disruption to flights on Wednesday and Thursday, when the strike had been threatened. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::1	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::2	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::3	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::4	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::5	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::6	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0318.LDC2009T13::7	 BA strike called off after last-minute deal by Michael Thurston A threatened two-day strike at British Airways this week was called off Monday after the airline hammered out a last-minute deal with unions. But the accord with cabin crew unions will come too late to prevent some disruption to flights at London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Wednesday and Thursday, the airline added. The Transport and General Workers' Union has also agreed to call off two planned 72-hour strikes next month. "We are pleased that our negotiations with the T and G have resulted in an agreement that removes the threat of strikes," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. "Unfortunately, the decision has come too late to prevent disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers tomorrow and Wednesday," he added. But he said: "We will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as we can for those days. We will give more details later today." The strike call led the British carrier to announce last Friday that it planned to cancel all flights from Heathrow on Tuesday and Wednesday, and most from Gatwick. In all over 1,000 flights were threatened. BA executives were hugely relieved at the 11th hour agreement with union negotiators representing some 11,000 stewards and stewardesses. "We have always said that our cabin crew do an excellent job and we believe this agreement lays a firm foundation to enable us to provide even higher standards of onboard service for customers in the future," said Walsh. Investors also applauded the news, sending British Airways' share price soaring 3.08 percent in value to 543.75 pence in mid- afternoon trade. London's FTSE 100 shares index meanwhile showed a gain of 0.08 percent at 6,232.70 points. Industry analysts had estimated that the walkout would have cost BA around 30 million pounds (60 million dollars, 45 million euros) in lost revenue and other expenditure. Like other airlines, BA has had to pay huge amounts to boost security in recent years -- including 100 million pounds after police revealed a plot to down transatlantic airliners last year. BA has been investigated by Britain's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over alleged price fixing and the whole industry is facing the prospect of environmental taxes to combat carbon emissions. Over the weekend there were some signs of progress aimed at persuading unions to call off their strike action. A spokesman said BA was offering to pay up to 200 pounds (304 euros, 392 dollars) in "legitimate expenses" such as taxi, rail and bus fares to help employees come into work if they did not want to strike. The Guardian newspaper reported that around 3,000 flight attendants are not affiliated to the TGWU, and some of them had been due to work through the planned strike. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::1	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::2	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::3	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::4	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::5	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::6	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::7	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::8	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::9	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0437.LDC2009T13::10	 Strike threat at BA over pensions One of the four unions representing British Airways staff dismissed a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit and warned of a possible strike. Shop stewards from the GMB union, representing baggage handlers and check-in staff, voted unanimously to reject BA's offer. GMB said it would ballot thousands of BA workers on a recommendation to reject the pensions proposals and would also ask if they wanted to strike. BA's pension scheme has a 2.1-billion-pound (four-billion-dollar, 3.1-billion- euro) deficit. GMB leaders rejected company proposals, under which BA would make a one-off payment of 800 million pounds in exchange for increased contributions and a later retirement age. "We are extremely angry and disappointed that the lowest paid workers at BA are being disadvantaged by this final offer in comparison to the highest paid, the pilots," said GMB national officer Ed Blissett. Earlier Monday, leaders of the British Airline Pilots Association recommended acceptance of the package. The two other unions representing BA staff -- the largest, the Transport and General Workers Union, and Amicus -- are consulting their members. "We are disappointed with the position taken by the GMB," said a BA spokesman. "We have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the trade unions. "The GMB is the smallest of the four trade unions that make up the BA Forum which is issued a joint statement last Friday undertaking to recommend the proposal." BA's proposed deal involves a one-off contribution of 800 million pounds into the pension fund subject to acceptance of benefit changes. Added to a one-off employee saving of 400 million pounds and changes to future benefits, the airline said, the pension deficit would be reduced by more than half to 900 million pounds. The company's annual contributions would be around 280 million pounds a year for the next 10 years, it said. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0291.LDC2009T13::1	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday, in a bid to avert strike action. The voted meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0291.LDC2009T13::2	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday, in a bid to avert strike action. The voted meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0291.LDC2009T13::3	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday, in a bid to avert strike action. The voted meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0291.LDC2009T13::4	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday, in a bid to avert strike action. The voted meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::1	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::2	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::3	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::4	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::5	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::6	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::7	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070115.0330.LDC2009T13::8	 BA staff move closer to strike action Thousands of British Airways cabin crew moved a step closer to strike action after voting to stop work in protest over sickness absence, pay and staffing, union leaders said on Monday. BA staff who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (T and G) and took part in the vote backed industrial action by 96 percent, one of the biggest majorities seen in such a dispute. The union said that 8,132 BA cabin crew voted for strike action, with 330 against. The turnout was 80 percent. Following the vote, talks between BA and union leaders were scheduled for Tuesday. The union said the cabin crew's concerns, which include issues over the implementation of sickness absence policies, pay grading and on board staffing levels, had built up over the last two years but had failed to be addressed properly by the company's senior management. "BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns," the T and G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said. BA meanwhile hit out at the prospect of possible strike action. "We are very disappointed by the T and G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," a BA statement said. "We have not been seeking to achieve new ways of working by imposition, but by negotiation, as in many other areas of our business." The vote meanwhile comes just a few days after another union representing British Airways staff warned of possible strike action after dismissing a proposed deal to tackle the flag carrier's giant pensions deficit. In late afternoon trade, the share price in BA slid 1.10 percent to 544.92 pence on London's FTSE 100. The capital's index of leading shares meanwhile rose 0.37 percent to 6,262.30 points. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0469.LDC2009T13::1	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0469.LDC2009T13::2	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0469.LDC2009T13::3	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0469.LDC2009T13::4	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0469.LDC2009T13::5	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0542.LDC2009T13::1	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. The decision was welcomed by the leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and his number two in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Civil liberties campaigners also hailed the move as positive. Eweida herself said the change of heart was "long overdue" and she was "elated". "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," the 55-year-old, from Twickenham, west London, was quoted as saying by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0542.LDC2009T13::2	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. The decision was welcomed by the leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and his number two in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Civil liberties campaigners also hailed the move as positive. Eweida herself said the change of heart was "long overdue" and she was "elated". "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," the 55-year-old, from Twickenham, west London, was quoted as saying by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0542.LDC2009T13::3	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. The decision was welcomed by the leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and his number two in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Civil liberties campaigners also hailed the move as positive. Eweida herself said the change of heart was "long overdue" and she was "elated". "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," the 55-year-old, from Twickenham, west London, was quoted as saying by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0542.LDC2009T13::4	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. The decision was welcomed by the leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and his number two in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Civil liberties campaigners also hailed the move as positive. Eweida herself said the change of heart was "long overdue" and she was "elated". "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," the 55-year-old, from Twickenham, west London, was quoted as saying by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
BA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070119.0542.LDC2009T13::5	 BA changes uniform policy after cross row British Airways is to allow its employees to wear crosses after its uniform policy triggered a row about political correctness, the airline said Friday. Staff will be able to wear crosses on chains over their work clothes following a consultation involving the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain umbrella group of organisations. BA chief executive Willie Walsh said some who had been asked about the issue drew comparisons between wearing crosses and hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. "For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain," he said in a statement. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." The change was prompted by the case of London Heathrow airport check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, 55, who accused her employer of "religious discrimination" because it forbade her from wearing a crucifix outside her clothing. The decision was welcomed by the leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and his number two in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Civil liberties campaigners also hailed the move as positive. Eweida herself said the change of heart was "long overdue" and she was "elated". "I don't think any other religion other than Christianity would have been treated so badly," the 55-year-old, from Twickenham, west London, was quoted as saying by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. A BA spokeswoman said Friday that Eweida had not been suspended and was free to come back to work but had since raised additional issues with her employers. She would not comment on whether Eweida would come back to work on February 1, when the policy, which will affect BA's 34,000 uniformed employees, comes into effect. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said in December that he was "sick and tired" of "mad political correctness" and cited BA's policy as an example. The row also tapped into Britain's debate about the integration of ethnic minorities, which has been high on the political agenda since the 2005 London suicide attacks which killed the four bombers and 52 commuters. Eweida's case was debated alongside the merits of Muslim women wearing the full- face veil or niqab in public or at work. 
Bradford::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080717.0597.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyL: NRL veteran Menzies signs with Bradford Long-serving Manly Sea Eagles forward Steve Menzies said Thursday he had agreed to a one-year deal with the Bradford Bulls in the English Super League for next season. Menzies, 34, will head overseas after completing his 16th season in Australia's National Rugby League -- 13 years with Manly and the remainder with the shortlived Northern Eagles franchise. The 15-Test veteran made his first grade debut in 1993 and has become the NRL's most prolific try-scoring forward. His 338 first grade games is second only to Canterbury's Terry Lamb (349), while he trails only former Test winger Ken Irvine (212) for most tries, having scored 171 times. He has played 20 State of Origin matches for New South Wales against Queensland. Menzies has proved a versatile player, having played in the centres, standoff, the backrow and as a utility player off the interchange bench. His announcement follows this week's confirmation that St George Illawarra Test centre Mark Gasnier is heading to France to play rugby with Stade Francais later this year. 
Bradford::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080717.0597.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyL: NRL veteran Menzies signs with Bradford Long-serving Manly Sea Eagles forward Steve Menzies said Thursday he had agreed to a one-year deal with the Bradford Bulls in the English Super League for next season. Menzies, 34, will head overseas after completing his 16th season in Australia's National Rugby League -- 13 years with Manly and the remainder with the shortlived Northern Eagles franchise. The 15-Test veteran made his first grade debut in 1993 and has become the NRL's most prolific try-scoring forward. His 338 first grade games is second only to Canterbury's Terry Lamb (349), while he trails only former Test winger Ken Irvine (212) for most tries, having scored 171 times. He has played 20 State of Origin matches for New South Wales against Queensland. Menzies has proved a versatile player, having played in the centres, standoff, the backrow and as a utility player off the interchange bench. His announcement follows this week's confirmation that St George Illawarra Test centre Mark Gasnier is heading to France to play rugby with Stade Francais later this year. 
British_Airways::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070405.0043.LDC2009T13::1	 British sailors leave Iran for London Fifteen British sailors released by Iran after two weeks in detention left Tehran on Thursday on a flight back home to Britain, an AFP correspondent at the airport reported. The correspondent watched the British Airways plane take off from Tehran's Mehrabad airport at 8:38 am (5:08 GMT). The flight had been due to leave at 8:00 am. The state IRNA agency reported that before leaving, the sailors were given gifts by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had dramatically announced their release on Wednesday. It did not elaborate on the nature of the presents. British ambassador Geoffrey Adams and other British diplomats were also at the airport to see off the 14 men and one woman. The flight, which is operated by British Airways franchise partner British Mediterranean, is scheduled to touch down in London at midday (1100 GMT). "After seeing the mountains and scenery in Iran, I understand that Iran is a beautiful country and I will try and come back to visit Iran," the sole woman in the group, Faye Turney, said according to state television in comments translated from English. "I was so happy that I was not able to sleep all night," said one of the commanders, Felix Carman. "I will tell the British press the same things that I said here. The truth is that we have been well treated," said a third sailor, according to state television. 
British_Airways::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070405.0043.LDC2009T13::2	 British sailors leave Iran for London Fifteen British sailors released by Iran after two weeks in detention left Tehran on Thursday on a flight back home to Britain, an AFP correspondent at the airport reported. The correspondent watched the British Airways plane take off from Tehran's Mehrabad airport at 8:38 am (5:08 GMT). The flight had been due to leave at 8:00 am. The state IRNA agency reported that before leaving, the sailors were given gifts by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had dramatically announced their release on Wednesday. It did not elaborate on the nature of the presents. British ambassador Geoffrey Adams and other British diplomats were also at the airport to see off the 14 men and one woman. The flight, which is operated by British Airways franchise partner British Mediterranean, is scheduled to touch down in London at midday (1100 GMT). "After seeing the mountains and scenery in Iran, I understand that Iran is a beautiful country and I will try and come back to visit Iran," the sole woman in the group, Faye Turney, said according to state television in comments translated from English. "I was so happy that I was not able to sleep all night," said one of the commanders, Felix Carman. "I will tell the British press the same things that I said here. The truth is that we have been well treated," said a third sailor, according to state television. 
British_Airways::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070405.0294.LDC2009T13::1	 Sunshine and smiles as detained British sailors fly home by Phil Hazlewood Warm sunshine and clear blue skies greeted 15 British naval personnel Thursday as they touched down in London, back in uniform on home soil two weeks to the day after being seized in the Gulf. At 12:02 pm (1102 GMT), nearly 24 hours after hearing of their release, the 14 men and one woman stepped off a scheduled British Airways flight to Heathrow Airport. On board the flight from Tehran the seven marines and eight sailors, including mother-of-one Faye Turney who initially became the face of the drama, were kept in business class, separated from hovering media. On arrival in Heathrow, the team of Royal Marines and Royal Navy sailors were spared a high-profile arrival, in contrast to their very public detention over the last two weeks. Instead of emerging to a welcome party of family members and friends among the Easter holiday crowds in arrivals, their Airbus plane taxied to the VIP suite normally reserved for royals, prime ministers and visiting dignitaries. A small group of photographers and TV crews had been waiting since early morning "airside" of the barbed wire-topped wooden perimeter fence on the steps of the single-storey building. In the distance across the expanse of hazy tarmac and Heathrow's busy northern spur road, more TV news cameras lined up on the freshly-cut, striped lawns of an airport hotel. Others perched on top of satellite broadcasting vans and even picnic tables for a better view, as lines of silvery jets glided down from the skies to the east and roared to a stop on the runway a short distance away. Up in the air, helicopters chartered by TV news channels hovered above the Airbus as baggage handlers took off passengers' luggage and hoisted it onto trucks. Then, after what seemed like an age, the marines and sailors suddenly emerged from the shadow of a giant British Airways 747 jet alongside, striding across the tarmac towards two waiting Royal Navy Sea King helicopters. All of them had shed the Iranian suits and clothing given to them by their captors. Instead of grey suits or a headscarf, the Marines, sleeves rolled down, were dressed in desert combat fatigues, while the sailors were in navy blue trousers and light blue shirts. As armed police and other military personnel looked on, the 15 then placed their holdalls and bags on the ground, and stood in a line for a brief photo call, broad smiles across their faces. If they said anything at all, it was lost in the roar of the khaki-coloured helicopters' rotor blades, which whirred noisily in the background. Then, the flashbulbs still popping, they disappeared inside the aircraft, which eased upwards and flew off towards south-west England where the group will be debriefed. 
British_Airways::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070405.0294.LDC2009T13::2	 Sunshine and smiles as detained British sailors fly home by Phil Hazlewood Warm sunshine and clear blue skies greeted 15 British naval personnel Thursday as they touched down in London, back in uniform on home soil two weeks to the day after being seized in the Gulf. At 12:02 pm (1102 GMT), nearly 24 hours after hearing of their release, the 14 men and one woman stepped off a scheduled British Airways flight to Heathrow Airport. On board the flight from Tehran the seven marines and eight sailors, including mother-of-one Faye Turney who initially became the face of the drama, were kept in business class, separated from hovering media. On arrival in Heathrow, the team of Royal Marines and Royal Navy sailors were spared a high-profile arrival, in contrast to their very public detention over the last two weeks. Instead of emerging to a welcome party of family members and friends among the Easter holiday crowds in arrivals, their Airbus plane taxied to the VIP suite normally reserved for royals, prime ministers and visiting dignitaries. A small group of photographers and TV crews had been waiting since early morning "airside" of the barbed wire-topped wooden perimeter fence on the steps of the single-storey building. In the distance across the expanse of hazy tarmac and Heathrow's busy northern spur road, more TV news cameras lined up on the freshly-cut, striped lawns of an airport hotel. Others perched on top of satellite broadcasting vans and even picnic tables for a better view, as lines of silvery jets glided down from the skies to the east and roared to a stop on the runway a short distance away. Up in the air, helicopters chartered by TV news channels hovered above the Airbus as baggage handlers took off passengers' luggage and hoisted it onto trucks. Then, after what seemed like an age, the marines and sailors suddenly emerged from the shadow of a giant British Airways 747 jet alongside, striding across the tarmac towards two waiting Royal Navy Sea King helicopters. All of them had shed the Iranian suits and clothing given to them by their captors. Instead of grey suits or a headscarf, the Marines, sleeves rolled down, were dressed in desert combat fatigues, while the sailors were in navy blue trousers and light blue shirts. As armed police and other military personnel looked on, the 15 then placed their holdalls and bags on the ground, and stood in a line for a brief photo call, broad smiles across their faces. If they said anything at all, it was lost in the roar of the khaki-coloured helicopters' rotor blades, which whirred noisily in the background. Then, the flashbulbs still popping, they disappeared inside the aircraft, which eased upwards and flew off towards south-west England where the group will be debriefed. 
Calgary::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070713.0170.LDC2009T13::1	 China complains of cold shoulder from Canada on oil deals Chinese companies coveting Canada's oil patch are unhappy about the chilly reception they are getting from Ottawa, a top Chinese oil executive told media Friday, after withdrawing from a Canadian pipeline project amid delays. Song Yiwu, vice president of China National Petroleum Corp., the parent of PetroChina, said Ottawa should have done more to help along a four-billion dollar pipeline project linking Canada's booming oil sands to a Pacific port. Delays in starting the project reflected an unwillingness to allow Chinese firms into the Canadian markets, he said. "The environment is not comfortable. We tried to come here and we can't," Song told the daily Globe and Mail during an investment conference in Calgary. "We sincerely wanted to do something and open up a new market for Canadian crude, but Canada doesn't want to open up its own markets to us. So we cannot cooperate, and I really don't know how to help," he said. PetroChina had agreed in principle with Enbridge Inc., a Calgary- based pipeline company behind the so-called Gateway project, to buy half of some 400,000 barrels of crude expected to flow each day through the pipeline. But the project has been delayed because of lack of support by Canadian firms and native land claims along the proposed route. Enbridge pushed the completion date from 2009 to beyond 2012. Song singled out Ottawa for not trying to resolve these issues, saying, "In my country, for a project this big, the government has to support it." As well, shippers were not willing to open their domestic market for Chinese participation or commit enough oil supply to make it viable, Song lamented. Historically, a lack of pipeline and port infrastructure has forced Canada to export almost all of its oil sands output to the US Midwest. 
Calgary::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070713.0170.LDC2009T13::2	 China complains of cold shoulder from Canada on oil deals Chinese companies coveting Canada's oil patch are unhappy about the chilly reception they are getting from Ottawa, a top Chinese oil executive told media Friday, after withdrawing from a Canadian pipeline project amid delays. Song Yiwu, vice president of China National Petroleum Corp., the parent of PetroChina, said Ottawa should have done more to help along a four-billion dollar pipeline project linking Canada's booming oil sands to a Pacific port. Delays in starting the project reflected an unwillingness to allow Chinese firms into the Canadian markets, he said. "The environment is not comfortable. We tried to come here and we can't," Song told the daily Globe and Mail during an investment conference in Calgary. "We sincerely wanted to do something and open up a new market for Canadian crude, but Canada doesn't want to open up its own markets to us. So we cannot cooperate, and I really don't know how to help," he said. PetroChina had agreed in principle with Enbridge Inc., a Calgary- based pipeline company behind the so-called Gateway project, to buy half of some 400,000 barrels of crude expected to flow each day through the pipeline. But the project has been delayed because of lack of support by Canadian firms and native land claims along the proposed route. Enbridge pushed the completion date from 2009 to beyond 2012. Song singled out Ottawa for not trying to resolve these issues, saying, "In my country, for a project this big, the government has to support it." As well, shippers were not willing to open their domestic market for Chinese participation or commit enough oil supply to make it viable, Song lamented. Historically, a lack of pipeline and port infrastructure has forced Canada to export almost all of its oil sands output to the US Midwest. 
Canadian_National_Railway::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080318.1951.LDC2009T13::1	 Canadian National Railway facing charges after 2005 oil spill that fouled Alberta lake EDMONTON, Alberta 2008-03-18 20:35:09 UTC Canadian National Railway is facing federal charges in Canada after a 2005 train derailment dumped 800,000 liters of oil on the shore of a popular Alberta lake, the government said Tuesday. Environment Canada said CN, Canada's biggest railway, is facing charges for destruction of bird and fish habitat. The Aug. 3, 2005, spill fouled Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton and forced 20 people from their homes and cottages. The railway is to make its first court appearance in an Edmonton courtroom Wednesday. The Transportation Safety Board found the accident was caused by an aging, defective replacement rail that broke under the weight of the train. The charges come the same day CN announced it will spend about $730 million Canadian (US$737 million) this year on rail improvements across Canada. 
Canadian_National_Railway::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080318.1951.LDC2009T13::2	 Canadian National Railway facing charges after 2005 oil spill that fouled Alberta lake EDMONTON, Alberta 2008-03-18 20:35:09 UTC Canadian National Railway is facing federal charges in Canada after a 2005 train derailment dumped 800,000 liters of oil on the shore of a popular Alberta lake, the government said Tuesday. Environment Canada said CN, Canada's biggest railway, is facing charges for destruction of bird and fish habitat. The Aug. 3, 2005, spill fouled Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton and forced 20 people from their homes and cottages. The railway is to make its first court appearance in an Edmonton courtroom Wednesday. The Transportation Safety Board found the accident was caused by an aging, defective replacement rail that broke under the weight of the train. The charges come the same day CN announced it will spend about $730 million Canadian (US$737 million) this year on rail improvements across Canada. 
Cansei_de_Ser_Sexy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070624.0030.LDC2009T13::1	 THIS SUMMER, IT ' S ROCK AROUND THE BLOC Despite recent events hinting at its resuscitation, the Cold War pretty much conked out for good 18 years ago. For music fans in the former Eastern bloc, the demise of the old regime brought about an unexpected benefit: the arrival of rock and techno music festivals on a huge scale previously reserved for May Day celebrations. More recently, Western festivalgoers have begun to take notice of these concerts, drawn not only by the acts, but also by the alluring ticket prices and the unfettered enthusiasm of the audience. Over the next two months, a half-dozen big concerts will bring international stars to countries that were once locked behind the Iron Curtain, a place where rocking out was a near impossibility, if not outright forbidden. In large part these festivals are considerably cheaper than their Western European equivalents, despite often being much larger: a ticket for the seven-day Sziget Festival in Hungary, for instance, is 37,500 florint ($193 at 195 florint to the dollar), while the Reading festival in England clocks in at three days for 145 pounds ($290 at $2 to the pound). Each show gets you Razorlight, Nine Inch Nails, Gogol Bordello and Unkle, among other groups. But Sziget also includes hundreds of additional performances from the likes of Madness, the Chemical Brothers, Tinariwen, Laurent Garnier and the Good, the Bad and the Queen, as well as lots of local talent. And there's an easy-to-overlook bonus: Crowds here have loads of enthusiasm and precious little snark. "Outside of South America, I'd say that people in Eastern Europe are the most joyous crowds to play to," said Tony McGuinness, one-third of Above & Beyond, the electronic music superpower. "With Poland and the other countries joining the EU, there's a great sense of optimism there. Whoever's on, whatever DJ's playing, if it's good music, they love it." Above & Beyond will have to wait until July 7 to feel the love at Creamfields Poland in Wroclaw, where they will perform with the Prodigy, Vitalic and a slew of other dance and electronic acts. But Poland kicks off its festival season on June 29 with Open'er, a three-day party featuring noise-rockers Sonic Youth, neo new-wavers Bloc Party and two sets (one instrumental) from the Beastie Boys, all happening at the Baltic Sea port of Gdynia. Electronic or rock are hardly the only options: Other concerts around the region this summer include folk, funk, punk and a whole lot of world music -- in short, pretty much everything. I attended my first post-Velvet Revolution music festival in 2005, paying the last-minute equivalent of $20 for a ticket to a concert series in pastoral southern Bohemia, about 90 minutes from Prague. There, joining a group of friends, I relaxed in an old and wrinkled but sturdy Communist-era tent we had taken with us (camping fee: $0) before checking out a six-hour show that began with head-banging Metallica covers from the Finnish cello quartet Apocalyptica and culminated with a barrage of psychotic karate kicks from the moody rocker Nick Cave. Somewhere in the middle were Czech electroclash and punk bands, two immense stages, separate techno and hip-hop tents, hairstyling salons, tattoo and piercing artists and tons of food vendors. More notable, there was a very friendly feel wherever you turned. Unlike the mud of Woodstock, the mosh pits of Lollapalooza and the chaos at Altamont, the scene here was clean, strangely placid and oddly familial. There was plenty of alcohol, but no visible drunkenness, plenty of bouncers but no bouncing, just a bunch of people of all ages having a great time. A similar ambience can be expected at a much larger Czech festival: Rock for People, July 4 to 7, which takes place near Hradec Kralove, about 70 miles east of Prague. This year's lineup includes punk and post-punk groups like the Killers, the Hives and the Toy Dolls, as well as world music greats like Mory Kante, the Guinean master of the kora harp. There are so many other great festivals around the region that choosing just one seems impossible. Beyond Creamfields and Open'er in Poland, there's the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, the very name of which is akin to "cool," a fitting label for a showcase of Air, Basement Jaxx, DJ Shadow and Cansei de Ser Sexy, among others. Or there is the Exit Fest in Novi Sad, Serbia, with more Beastie Boys and Cansei de Ser Sexy, as well as such disparate musicians as Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg, though presumably not together. And then there is Sziget in Budapest., on Obudai, an island in the Danube, Aug. 8 to 15. Sziget functions less as a music festival than as a kind of small-scale United Nations, bringing in musicians from Iceland (GusGus) to Cameroon (Manu Dibango) and most places in between: Japan (Gocoo), Finland (Varttina), Russia (Leningrad), France (Sergent Garcia), Mali (Salif Keita) plus dozens of acts from Britain and the United States. Though the big acts create the headlines, there's plenty of good stuff on the smaller stages scattered around, according to Erik D'Amato, the American editor of pestiside.hu, an online magazine based in Budapest. "If you want to see something different, you have to seek out the little tents with different stuff," D'Amato said. "There's always a Roma music tent, and there's jazz and local bands that just show up and play. And you have to see Kiss Forever, which I would say is the world's finest Kiss cover band." Despite the throngs -- Sziget had almost 400,000 visitors last year -- D'Amato says that the festival pulls it off very well. "The last time I went, you could still get a taxi out at the end of the night," he said, referring to 2005. "It's pretty well organized. But if you want to do it right, you should definitely camp there. It isn't as terrifying as it sounds, assuming that you don't start on the last few days." At that point, he said, the island turns into "a central European version of Max Yasgur's farm." Though today's festivals are longer, larger and probably much louder, none of them appears likely to ever become the generational touchstone that Woodstock was 40 years ago, in part simply because of the surfeit of options. As odd as it may sound, there are now almost too many festivals showing too many bands in the former Eastern bloc. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) BY THE TIME I GOT TO HRADEC KRALOVE Prices are for tickets bought in advance; they may cost more if bought at the site. Open'er, Gdynia, Poland; www.opener.pl; June 29 to July 1. Acts include Sonic Youth, the Roots, Dizzee Rascal, the Beastie Boys, Muse, Groove Armada, Bjork and Bloc Party. Tickets are 249 zloty ($86 at 2.9 zloty to the dollar) for all three days, 269 zloty with camping included. Rock for People, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; www.rockforpeople.com; July 4 to 7. Acts include the Killers, Basement Jaxx, the Hives, Flipsyde, the Toy Dolls and Mory Kante. Tickets are 740 Czech koruna ($34 at 21.8 koruna to the dollar) for all three days, with camping available for an additional 50 koruna. Creamfields Poland, Wroclaw, Poland; www.creamfields.pl; July 7. Acts include the Prodigy, Above & Beyond, Vitalic and Fisz & Emade. Tickets are 37 euros ($50 at $1.36 to the euro). Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia; www.exitfest.org; July 12 to 15. Acts include the Beastie Boys, Cansei de Ser Sexy, Lauryn Hill, Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg. Tickets for four days are 78.50 euros ($107 at $1.36 to the euro) with camping an additional 15 euros. Pohoda Festival, Trencin, Slovakia; www.pohodafestival.sk; July 20 and 21. Acts include Air, the Hives, DJ Shadow, Junkie XL, Tata Bojs and Gipsy.cz. Two-day tickets are 1,199 Slovak koruna ($46 at 26 koruna to the dollar). Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary; www.szigetfestival.com; Aug. 8 to 15. Acts include Razorlight, Chris Cornell, Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Madness, Nine Inch Nails and Pink. Tickets for all seven days are 37,500 forint ($193 at 195 forint to the dollar), including camping, with one-day tickets 7,500 forint. 
Cansei_de_Ser_Sexy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070624.0030.LDC2009T13::2	 THIS SUMMER, IT ' S ROCK AROUND THE BLOC Despite recent events hinting at its resuscitation, the Cold War pretty much conked out for good 18 years ago. For music fans in the former Eastern bloc, the demise of the old regime brought about an unexpected benefit: the arrival of rock and techno music festivals on a huge scale previously reserved for May Day celebrations. More recently, Western festivalgoers have begun to take notice of these concerts, drawn not only by the acts, but also by the alluring ticket prices and the unfettered enthusiasm of the audience. Over the next two months, a half-dozen big concerts will bring international stars to countries that were once locked behind the Iron Curtain, a place where rocking out was a near impossibility, if not outright forbidden. In large part these festivals are considerably cheaper than their Western European equivalents, despite often being much larger: a ticket for the seven-day Sziget Festival in Hungary, for instance, is 37,500 florint ($193 at 195 florint to the dollar), while the Reading festival in England clocks in at three days for 145 pounds ($290 at $2 to the pound). Each show gets you Razorlight, Nine Inch Nails, Gogol Bordello and Unkle, among other groups. But Sziget also includes hundreds of additional performances from the likes of Madness, the Chemical Brothers, Tinariwen, Laurent Garnier and the Good, the Bad and the Queen, as well as lots of local talent. And there's an easy-to-overlook bonus: Crowds here have loads of enthusiasm and precious little snark. "Outside of South America, I'd say that people in Eastern Europe are the most joyous crowds to play to," said Tony McGuinness, one-third of Above & Beyond, the electronic music superpower. "With Poland and the other countries joining the EU, there's a great sense of optimism there. Whoever's on, whatever DJ's playing, if it's good music, they love it." Above & Beyond will have to wait until July 7 to feel the love at Creamfields Poland in Wroclaw, where they will perform with the Prodigy, Vitalic and a slew of other dance and electronic acts. But Poland kicks off its festival season on June 29 with Open'er, a three-day party featuring noise-rockers Sonic Youth, neo new-wavers Bloc Party and two sets (one instrumental) from the Beastie Boys, all happening at the Baltic Sea port of Gdynia. Electronic or rock are hardly the only options: Other concerts around the region this summer include folk, funk, punk and a whole lot of world music -- in short, pretty much everything. I attended my first post-Velvet Revolution music festival in 2005, paying the last-minute equivalent of $20 for a ticket to a concert series in pastoral southern Bohemia, about 90 minutes from Prague. There, joining a group of friends, I relaxed in an old and wrinkled but sturdy Communist-era tent we had taken with us (camping fee: $0) before checking out a six-hour show that began with head-banging Metallica covers from the Finnish cello quartet Apocalyptica and culminated with a barrage of psychotic karate kicks from the moody rocker Nick Cave. Somewhere in the middle were Czech electroclash and punk bands, two immense stages, separate techno and hip-hop tents, hairstyling salons, tattoo and piercing artists and tons of food vendors. More notable, there was a very friendly feel wherever you turned. Unlike the mud of Woodstock, the mosh pits of Lollapalooza and the chaos at Altamont, the scene here was clean, strangely placid and oddly familial. There was plenty of alcohol, but no visible drunkenness, plenty of bouncers but no bouncing, just a bunch of people of all ages having a great time. A similar ambience can be expected at a much larger Czech festival: Rock for People, July 4 to 7, which takes place near Hradec Kralove, about 70 miles east of Prague. This year's lineup includes punk and post-punk groups like the Killers, the Hives and the Toy Dolls, as well as world music greats like Mory Kante, the Guinean master of the kora harp. There are so many other great festivals around the region that choosing just one seems impossible. Beyond Creamfields and Open'er in Poland, there's the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, the very name of which is akin to "cool," a fitting label for a showcase of Air, Basement Jaxx, DJ Shadow and Cansei de Ser Sexy, among others. Or there is the Exit Fest in Novi Sad, Serbia, with more Beastie Boys and Cansei de Ser Sexy, as well as such disparate musicians as Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg, though presumably not together. And then there is Sziget in Budapest., on Obudai, an island in the Danube, Aug. 8 to 15. Sziget functions less as a music festival than as a kind of small-scale United Nations, bringing in musicians from Iceland (GusGus) to Cameroon (Manu Dibango) and most places in between: Japan (Gocoo), Finland (Varttina), Russia (Leningrad), France (Sergent Garcia), Mali (Salif Keita) plus dozens of acts from Britain and the United States. Though the big acts create the headlines, there's plenty of good stuff on the smaller stages scattered around, according to Erik D'Amato, the American editor of pestiside.hu, an online magazine based in Budapest. "If you want to see something different, you have to seek out the little tents with different stuff," D'Amato said. "There's always a Roma music tent, and there's jazz and local bands that just show up and play. And you have to see Kiss Forever, which I would say is the world's finest Kiss cover band." Despite the throngs -- Sziget had almost 400,000 visitors last year -- D'Amato says that the festival pulls it off very well. "The last time I went, you could still get a taxi out at the end of the night," he said, referring to 2005. "It's pretty well organized. But if you want to do it right, you should definitely camp there. It isn't as terrifying as it sounds, assuming that you don't start on the last few days." At that point, he said, the island turns into "a central European version of Max Yasgur's farm." Though today's festivals are longer, larger and probably much louder, none of them appears likely to ever become the generational touchstone that Woodstock was 40 years ago, in part simply because of the surfeit of options. As odd as it may sound, there are now almost too many festivals showing too many bands in the former Eastern bloc. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) BY THE TIME I GOT TO HRADEC KRALOVE Prices are for tickets bought in advance; they may cost more if bought at the site. Open'er, Gdynia, Poland; www.opener.pl; June 29 to July 1. Acts include Sonic Youth, the Roots, Dizzee Rascal, the Beastie Boys, Muse, Groove Armada, Bjork and Bloc Party. Tickets are 249 zloty ($86 at 2.9 zloty to the dollar) for all three days, 269 zloty with camping included. Rock for People, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; www.rockforpeople.com; July 4 to 7. Acts include the Killers, Basement Jaxx, the Hives, Flipsyde, the Toy Dolls and Mory Kante. Tickets are 740 Czech koruna ($34 at 21.8 koruna to the dollar) for all three days, with camping available for an additional 50 koruna. Creamfields Poland, Wroclaw, Poland; www.creamfields.pl; July 7. Acts include the Prodigy, Above & Beyond, Vitalic and Fisz & Emade. Tickets are 37 euros ($50 at $1.36 to the euro). Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia; www.exitfest.org; July 12 to 15. Acts include the Beastie Boys, Cansei de Ser Sexy, Lauryn Hill, Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg. Tickets for four days are 78.50 euros ($107 at $1.36 to the euro) with camping an additional 15 euros. Pohoda Festival, Trencin, Slovakia; www.pohodafestival.sk; July 20 and 21. Acts include Air, the Hives, DJ Shadow, Junkie XL, Tata Bojs and Gipsy.cz. Two-day tickets are 1,199 Slovak koruna ($46 at 26 koruna to the dollar). Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary; www.szigetfestival.com; Aug. 8 to 15. Acts include Razorlight, Chris Cornell, Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Madness, Nine Inch Nails and Pink. Tickets for all seven days are 37,500 forint ($193 at 195 forint to the dollar), including camping, with one-day tickets 7,500 forint. 
Cansei_de_Ser_Sexy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070624.0030.LDC2009T13::3	 THIS SUMMER, IT ' S ROCK AROUND THE BLOC Despite recent events hinting at its resuscitation, the Cold War pretty much conked out for good 18 years ago. For music fans in the former Eastern bloc, the demise of the old regime brought about an unexpected benefit: the arrival of rock and techno music festivals on a huge scale previously reserved for May Day celebrations. More recently, Western festivalgoers have begun to take notice of these concerts, drawn not only by the acts, but also by the alluring ticket prices and the unfettered enthusiasm of the audience. Over the next two months, a half-dozen big concerts will bring international stars to countries that were once locked behind the Iron Curtain, a place where rocking out was a near impossibility, if not outright forbidden. In large part these festivals are considerably cheaper than their Western European equivalents, despite often being much larger: a ticket for the seven-day Sziget Festival in Hungary, for instance, is 37,500 florint ($193 at 195 florint to the dollar), while the Reading festival in England clocks in at three days for 145 pounds ($290 at $2 to the pound). Each show gets you Razorlight, Nine Inch Nails, Gogol Bordello and Unkle, among other groups. But Sziget also includes hundreds of additional performances from the likes of Madness, the Chemical Brothers, Tinariwen, Laurent Garnier and the Good, the Bad and the Queen, as well as lots of local talent. And there's an easy-to-overlook bonus: Crowds here have loads of enthusiasm and precious little snark. "Outside of South America, I'd say that people in Eastern Europe are the most joyous crowds to play to," said Tony McGuinness, one-third of Above & Beyond, the electronic music superpower. "With Poland and the other countries joining the EU, there's a great sense of optimism there. Whoever's on, whatever DJ's playing, if it's good music, they love it." Above & Beyond will have to wait until July 7 to feel the love at Creamfields Poland in Wroclaw, where they will perform with the Prodigy, Vitalic and a slew of other dance and electronic acts. But Poland kicks off its festival season on June 29 with Open'er, a three-day party featuring noise-rockers Sonic Youth, neo new-wavers Bloc Party and two sets (one instrumental) from the Beastie Boys, all happening at the Baltic Sea port of Gdynia. Electronic or rock are hardly the only options: Other concerts around the region this summer include folk, funk, punk and a whole lot of world music -- in short, pretty much everything. I attended my first post-Velvet Revolution music festival in 2005, paying the last-minute equivalent of $20 for a ticket to a concert series in pastoral southern Bohemia, about 90 minutes from Prague. There, joining a group of friends, I relaxed in an old and wrinkled but sturdy Communist-era tent we had taken with us (camping fee: $0) before checking out a six-hour show that began with head-banging Metallica covers from the Finnish cello quartet Apocalyptica and culminated with a barrage of psychotic karate kicks from the moody rocker Nick Cave. Somewhere in the middle were Czech electroclash and punk bands, two immense stages, separate techno and hip-hop tents, hairstyling salons, tattoo and piercing artists and tons of food vendors. More notable, there was a very friendly feel wherever you turned. Unlike the mud of Woodstock, the mosh pits of Lollapalooza and the chaos at Altamont, the scene here was clean, strangely placid and oddly familial. There was plenty of alcohol, but no visible drunkenness, plenty of bouncers but no bouncing, just a bunch of people of all ages having a great time. A similar ambience can be expected at a much larger Czech festival: Rock for People, July 4 to 7, which takes place near Hradec Kralove, about 70 miles east of Prague. This year's lineup includes punk and post-punk groups like the Killers, the Hives and the Toy Dolls, as well as world music greats like Mory Kante, the Guinean master of the kora harp. There are so many other great festivals around the region that choosing just one seems impossible. Beyond Creamfields and Open'er in Poland, there's the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, the very name of which is akin to "cool," a fitting label for a showcase of Air, Basement Jaxx, DJ Shadow and Cansei de Ser Sexy, among others. Or there is the Exit Fest in Novi Sad, Serbia, with more Beastie Boys and Cansei de Ser Sexy, as well as such disparate musicians as Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg, though presumably not together. And then there is Sziget in Budapest., on Obudai, an island in the Danube, Aug. 8 to 15. Sziget functions less as a music festival than as a kind of small-scale United Nations, bringing in musicians from Iceland (GusGus) to Cameroon (Manu Dibango) and most places in between: Japan (Gocoo), Finland (Varttina), Russia (Leningrad), France (Sergent Garcia), Mali (Salif Keita) plus dozens of acts from Britain and the United States. Though the big acts create the headlines, there's plenty of good stuff on the smaller stages scattered around, according to Erik D'Amato, the American editor of pestiside.hu, an online magazine based in Budapest. "If you want to see something different, you have to seek out the little tents with different stuff," D'Amato said. "There's always a Roma music tent, and there's jazz and local bands that just show up and play. And you have to see Kiss Forever, which I would say is the world's finest Kiss cover band." Despite the throngs -- Sziget had almost 400,000 visitors last year -- D'Amato says that the festival pulls it off very well. "The last time I went, you could still get a taxi out at the end of the night," he said, referring to 2005. "It's pretty well organized. But if you want to do it right, you should definitely camp there. It isn't as terrifying as it sounds, assuming that you don't start on the last few days." At that point, he said, the island turns into "a central European version of Max Yasgur's farm." Though today's festivals are longer, larger and probably much louder, none of them appears likely to ever become the generational touchstone that Woodstock was 40 years ago, in part simply because of the surfeit of options. As odd as it may sound, there are now almost too many festivals showing too many bands in the former Eastern bloc. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) BY THE TIME I GOT TO HRADEC KRALOVE Prices are for tickets bought in advance; they may cost more if bought at the site. Open'er, Gdynia, Poland; www.opener.pl; June 29 to July 1. Acts include Sonic Youth, the Roots, Dizzee Rascal, the Beastie Boys, Muse, Groove Armada, Bjork and Bloc Party. Tickets are 249 zloty ($86 at 2.9 zloty to the dollar) for all three days, 269 zloty with camping included. Rock for People, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; www.rockforpeople.com; July 4 to 7. Acts include the Killers, Basement Jaxx, the Hives, Flipsyde, the Toy Dolls and Mory Kante. Tickets are 740 Czech koruna ($34 at 21.8 koruna to the dollar) for all three days, with camping available for an additional 50 koruna. Creamfields Poland, Wroclaw, Poland; www.creamfields.pl; July 7. Acts include the Prodigy, Above & Beyond, Vitalic and Fisz & Emade. Tickets are 37 euros ($50 at $1.36 to the euro). Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia; www.exitfest.org; July 12 to 15. Acts include the Beastie Boys, Cansei de Ser Sexy, Lauryn Hill, Robert Plant and Snoop Dogg. Tickets for four days are 78.50 euros ($107 at $1.36 to the euro) with camping an additional 15 euros. Pohoda Festival, Trencin, Slovakia; www.pohodafestival.sk; July 20 and 21. Acts include Air, the Hives, DJ Shadow, Junkie XL, Tata Bojs and Gipsy.cz. Two-day tickets are 1,199 Slovak koruna ($46 at 26 koruna to the dollar). Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary; www.szigetfestival.com; Aug. 8 to 15. Acts include Razorlight, Chris Cornell, Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Madness, Nine Inch Nails and Pink. Tickets for all seven days are 37,500 forint ($193 at 195 forint to the dollar), including camping, with one-day tickets 7,500 forint. 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071015.0414.LDC2009T13::1	 China holds its biggest trade fair amid worries about product safety GUANGZHOU, China 2007-10-15 10:43:09 UTC China kicked off the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Monday amid lingering concerns about a series of embarrassing product recalls that have raised questions about the "Made in China" label. The biannual show in the southern city of Guangzhou, once commonly known as Canton, involved 32,005 booths -- about 320 more than the last session, organizers said. About 15,000 companies were displaying everything from flip flops and fur coats to garden shovels and black vinyl massage chairs equipped with flat-panel TVs showing gyrating go-go dancers. Missing from the trade show in two sprawling convention centers were toys, which were to be featured at a separate exhibition later this month. Toys have been the biggest source of controversy in recent months since Mattel Inc. -- the world's biggest toy maker -- ordered three recalls involving more than 21 million Chinese-made products. Many of the items were pulled from shelves because of concerns about lead paint or magnets that could be swallowed. Other recalls have involved tainted seafood along with toothpaste and cough syrup that contained diethylene glycol, a chemical used to make antifreeze. American businessman Tracy McIntosh, who visited the fair to shop for kitchen cabinets, faucets and light fixtures, said the recalls have made consumers worried about all Chinese-made goods -- even ones untouched by the recent controversy. "I have a lot of customers in the United States asking me about whether there's lead paint on the wood products. They're worried that there are worms in the wood," said McIntosh, of Atlanta, Georgia-based ISD Interior Supply Direct. But the American said he wasn't concerned about the Chinese products he buys because he has a long relationship with his suppliers and he frequently visits them. "They're building the components and we're putting them together in the U.S. So we're doing our quality control that way," he said. South African businessman Vuso Luthuli said he came to the fair because it was essential to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers. Luthuli, from the eastern coastal city of Pinetown, was shopping for plastic containers used to collect needles and other medical waste. "People back home really took note of the toy recalls. It was really serious," Luthuli said, of African Tradekey Distributors & Logistics (PTY) Ltd. "There's always a question mark about Chinese goods. You buy something from China and it breaks down, then you have trouble calling them, communicating and getting the problem fixed. That's why you need to come here." China has been holding the Canton Fair -- or the China Import and Export Fair -- in the spring and autumn since 1957. The show continued even during the most chaotic years of Communist rule -- when China was more like impoverished, reclusive North Korea than the sizzling economy that it has become. Many Chinese vendors shrugged off the recalls. They said their customers weren't worried about the problems because it had nothing to do with their businesses. Tala Wang, whose company makes syringes and other plastic medical equipment, said she never heard about the tainted toothpaste and cough syrup. "We have a quality control department and we check out all the raw materials that are supplied to us," she said. 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071015.0414.LDC2009T13::2	 China holds its biggest trade fair amid worries about product safety GUANGZHOU, China 2007-10-15 10:43:09 UTC China kicked off the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Monday amid lingering concerns about a series of embarrassing product recalls that have raised questions about the "Made in China" label. The biannual show in the southern city of Guangzhou, once commonly known as Canton, involved 32,005 booths -- about 320 more than the last session, organizers said. About 15,000 companies were displaying everything from flip flops and fur coats to garden shovels and black vinyl massage chairs equipped with flat-panel TVs showing gyrating go-go dancers. Missing from the trade show in two sprawling convention centers were toys, which were to be featured at a separate exhibition later this month. Toys have been the biggest source of controversy in recent months since Mattel Inc. -- the world's biggest toy maker -- ordered three recalls involving more than 21 million Chinese-made products. Many of the items were pulled from shelves because of concerns about lead paint or magnets that could be swallowed. Other recalls have involved tainted seafood along with toothpaste and cough syrup that contained diethylene glycol, a chemical used to make antifreeze. American businessman Tracy McIntosh, who visited the fair to shop for kitchen cabinets, faucets and light fixtures, said the recalls have made consumers worried about all Chinese-made goods -- even ones untouched by the recent controversy. "I have a lot of customers in the United States asking me about whether there's lead paint on the wood products. They're worried that there are worms in the wood," said McIntosh, of Atlanta, Georgia-based ISD Interior Supply Direct. But the American said he wasn't concerned about the Chinese products he buys because he has a long relationship with his suppliers and he frequently visits them. "They're building the components and we're putting them together in the U.S. So we're doing our quality control that way," he said. South African businessman Vuso Luthuli said he came to the fair because it was essential to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers. Luthuli, from the eastern coastal city of Pinetown, was shopping for plastic containers used to collect needles and other medical waste. "People back home really took note of the toy recalls. It was really serious," Luthuli said, of African Tradekey Distributors & Logistics (PTY) Ltd. "There's always a question mark about Chinese goods. You buy something from China and it breaks down, then you have trouble calling them, communicating and getting the problem fixed. That's why you need to come here." China has been holding the Canton Fair -- or the China Import and Export Fair -- in the spring and autumn since 1957. The show continued even during the most chaotic years of Communist rule -- when China was more like impoverished, reclusive North Korea than the sizzling economy that it has become. Many Chinese vendors shrugged off the recalls. They said their customers weren't worried about the problems because it had nothing to do with their businesses. Tala Wang, whose company makes syringes and other plastic medical equipment, said she never heard about the tainted toothpaste and cough syrup. "We have a quality control department and we check out all the raw materials that are supplied to us," she said. 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071015.0414.LDC2009T13::3	 China holds its biggest trade fair amid worries about product safety GUANGZHOU, China 2007-10-15 10:43:09 UTC China kicked off the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Monday amid lingering concerns about a series of embarrassing product recalls that have raised questions about the "Made in China" label. The biannual show in the southern city of Guangzhou, once commonly known as Canton, involved 32,005 booths -- about 320 more than the last session, organizers said. About 15,000 companies were displaying everything from flip flops and fur coats to garden shovels and black vinyl massage chairs equipped with flat-panel TVs showing gyrating go-go dancers. Missing from the trade show in two sprawling convention centers were toys, which were to be featured at a separate exhibition later this month. Toys have been the biggest source of controversy in recent months since Mattel Inc. -- the world's biggest toy maker -- ordered three recalls involving more than 21 million Chinese-made products. Many of the items were pulled from shelves because of concerns about lead paint or magnets that could be swallowed. Other recalls have involved tainted seafood along with toothpaste and cough syrup that contained diethylene glycol, a chemical used to make antifreeze. American businessman Tracy McIntosh, who visited the fair to shop for kitchen cabinets, faucets and light fixtures, said the recalls have made consumers worried about all Chinese-made goods -- even ones untouched by the recent controversy. "I have a lot of customers in the United States asking me about whether there's lead paint on the wood products. They're worried that there are worms in the wood," said McIntosh, of Atlanta, Georgia-based ISD Interior Supply Direct. But the American said he wasn't concerned about the Chinese products he buys because he has a long relationship with his suppliers and he frequently visits them. "They're building the components and we're putting them together in the U.S. So we're doing our quality control that way," he said. South African businessman Vuso Luthuli said he came to the fair because it was essential to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers. Luthuli, from the eastern coastal city of Pinetown, was shopping for plastic containers used to collect needles and other medical waste. "People back home really took note of the toy recalls. It was really serious," Luthuli said, of African Tradekey Distributors & Logistics (PTY) Ltd. "There's always a question mark about Chinese goods. You buy something from China and it breaks down, then you have trouble calling them, communicating and getting the problem fixed. That's why you need to come here." China has been holding the Canton Fair -- or the China Import and Export Fair -- in the spring and autumn since 1957. The show continued even during the most chaotic years of Communist rule -- when China was more like impoverished, reclusive North Korea than the sizzling economy that it has become. Many Chinese vendors shrugged off the recalls. They said their customers weren't worried about the problems because it had nothing to do with their businesses. Tala Wang, whose company makes syringes and other plastic medical equipment, said she never heard about the tainted toothpaste and cough syrup. "We have a quality control department and we check out all the raw materials that are supplied to us," she said. 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081102.0106.LDC2009T13::1	 China ' s Canton Fair suffers drop in attendance GUANGZHOU, China 2008-11-02 03:50:10 UTC China opened the final session of the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Sunday amid complaints that attendance has been dismal because of the financial crisis clobbering the nation's biggest export markets in the U.S. and Europe. The biannual event, which started 51 years ago in this freewheeling southern city, has long been a key barometer of global demand for Chinese goods. Foreign buyers traditionally flock to the event to haggle over an astounding array of goods -- everything from wrenches, bathroom sinks and copper tubing to solar panels, laptops, motorcycles and high-heeled shoes. Final attendance figures will not be ready until the fair ends on Nov. 6. But exhibitors and buyers said they have noticed a sharp drop in attendance at the event in Guangzhou, also called Canton. "It is amazing how empty is. It's frightening," said Christopher Devereux, a British businessman who has been attending the fair for more than a decade. Devereux said the aisles are usually blocked with people. But at the fair's second five-day session late last month, attendees were able to stroll up and down corridors virtually unimpeded, said Devereux, the Guangzhou-based managing director of Chinasavvy HK Ltd., which matches foreign buyers with Chinese factories. Billed as the biggest Canton Fair ever, this season's event was held in the massive new steel-and-glass exhibition center on the banks of the Pearl River. The sprawling building with a sloping roof takes up enough space for 200 football fields and featured more than 55,600 booths, a 30 percent increase from the last show, organizers said. But when the doors opened on Oct. 15, many of the Chinese exhibitors were already gloomy. "We're looking at the financial crisis in America and Europe and we're becoming worried about the future," said Xiang Tao, as he stood in a booth surrounded by purple vacuum cleaners made by his company, Wuxi Jiejia Electric Appliances Co. Xiang said most of the firm's foreign customers are in Eastern Europe, though the company has hopes of exporting to the U.S. eventually. "But this definitely isn't the time to try to break into the American market," he said. By the end of the second session that closed Oct. 28, many exhibitors said their nightmares had come true. "I sat here all morning and didn't have one customer stop by," said a toy factory salesman who would only give his surname, Chen, because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. The salesman, whose company was based in the southern city of Shantou, sat in a booth displaying plastic toy handguns that shot tiny pellets. "I haven't had any orders so far at this fair. This is all I have," he said, reaching into a tattered shoe box and grabbing four business cards left by prospective buyers. "All I can do is go back to the factory and give them a follow-up call. It's going to be hard to survive." 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081102.0106.LDC2009T13::2	 China ' s Canton Fair suffers drop in attendance GUANGZHOU, China 2008-11-02 03:50:10 UTC China opened the final session of the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Sunday amid complaints that attendance has been dismal because of the financial crisis clobbering the nation's biggest export markets in the U.S. and Europe. The biannual event, which started 51 years ago in this freewheeling southern city, has long been a key barometer of global demand for Chinese goods. Foreign buyers traditionally flock to the event to haggle over an astounding array of goods -- everything from wrenches, bathroom sinks and copper tubing to solar panels, laptops, motorcycles and high-heeled shoes. Final attendance figures will not be ready until the fair ends on Nov. 6. But exhibitors and buyers said they have noticed a sharp drop in attendance at the event in Guangzhou, also called Canton. "It is amazing how empty is. It's frightening," said Christopher Devereux, a British businessman who has been attending the fair for more than a decade. Devereux said the aisles are usually blocked with people. But at the fair's second five-day session late last month, attendees were able to stroll up and down corridors virtually unimpeded, said Devereux, the Guangzhou-based managing director of Chinasavvy HK Ltd., which matches foreign buyers with Chinese factories. Billed as the biggest Canton Fair ever, this season's event was held in the massive new steel-and-glass exhibition center on the banks of the Pearl River. The sprawling building with a sloping roof takes up enough space for 200 football fields and featured more than 55,600 booths, a 30 percent increase from the last show, organizers said. But when the doors opened on Oct. 15, many of the Chinese exhibitors were already gloomy. "We're looking at the financial crisis in America and Europe and we're becoming worried about the future," said Xiang Tao, as he stood in a booth surrounded by purple vacuum cleaners made by his company, Wuxi Jiejia Electric Appliances Co. Xiang said most of the firm's foreign customers are in Eastern Europe, though the company has hopes of exporting to the U.S. eventually. "But this definitely isn't the time to try to break into the American market," he said. By the end of the second session that closed Oct. 28, many exhibitors said their nightmares had come true. "I sat here all morning and didn't have one customer stop by," said a toy factory salesman who would only give his surname, Chen, because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. The salesman, whose company was based in the southern city of Shantou, sat in a booth displaying plastic toy handguns that shot tiny pellets. "I haven't had any orders so far at this fair. This is all I have," he said, reaching into a tattered shoe box and grabbing four business cards left by prospective buyers. "All I can do is go back to the factory and give them a follow-up call. It's going to be hard to survive." 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081102.0106.LDC2009T13::3	 China ' s Canton Fair suffers drop in attendance GUANGZHOU, China 2008-11-02 03:50:10 UTC China opened the final session of the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Sunday amid complaints that attendance has been dismal because of the financial crisis clobbering the nation's biggest export markets in the U.S. and Europe. The biannual event, which started 51 years ago in this freewheeling southern city, has long been a key barometer of global demand for Chinese goods. Foreign buyers traditionally flock to the event to haggle over an astounding array of goods -- everything from wrenches, bathroom sinks and copper tubing to solar panels, laptops, motorcycles and high-heeled shoes. Final attendance figures will not be ready until the fair ends on Nov. 6. But exhibitors and buyers said they have noticed a sharp drop in attendance at the event in Guangzhou, also called Canton. "It is amazing how empty is. It's frightening," said Christopher Devereux, a British businessman who has been attending the fair for more than a decade. Devereux said the aisles are usually blocked with people. But at the fair's second five-day session late last month, attendees were able to stroll up and down corridors virtually unimpeded, said Devereux, the Guangzhou-based managing director of Chinasavvy HK Ltd., which matches foreign buyers with Chinese factories. Billed as the biggest Canton Fair ever, this season's event was held in the massive new steel-and-glass exhibition center on the banks of the Pearl River. The sprawling building with a sloping roof takes up enough space for 200 football fields and featured more than 55,600 booths, a 30 percent increase from the last show, organizers said. But when the doors opened on Oct. 15, many of the Chinese exhibitors were already gloomy. "We're looking at the financial crisis in America and Europe and we're becoming worried about the future," said Xiang Tao, as he stood in a booth surrounded by purple vacuum cleaners made by his company, Wuxi Jiejia Electric Appliances Co. Xiang said most of the firm's foreign customers are in Eastern Europe, though the company has hopes of exporting to the U.S. eventually. "But this definitely isn't the time to try to break into the American market," he said. By the end of the second session that closed Oct. 28, many exhibitors said their nightmares had come true. "I sat here all morning and didn't have one customer stop by," said a toy factory salesman who would only give his surname, Chen, because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. The salesman, whose company was based in the southern city of Shantou, sat in a booth displaying plastic toy handguns that shot tiny pellets. "I haven't had any orders so far at this fair. This is all I have," he said, reaching into a tattered shoe box and grabbing four business cards left by prospective buyers. "All I can do is go back to the factory and give them a follow-up call. It's going to be hard to survive." 
Canton::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081102.0106.LDC2009T13::4	 China ' s Canton Fair suffers drop in attendance GUANGZHOU, China 2008-11-02 03:50:10 UTC China opened the final session of the Canton Fair -- the country's biggest trade show -- on Sunday amid complaints that attendance has been dismal because of the financial crisis clobbering the nation's biggest export markets in the U.S. and Europe. The biannual event, which started 51 years ago in this freewheeling southern city, has long been a key barometer of global demand for Chinese goods. Foreign buyers traditionally flock to the event to haggle over an astounding array of goods -- everything from wrenches, bathroom sinks and copper tubing to solar panels, laptops, motorcycles and high-heeled shoes. Final attendance figures will not be ready until the fair ends on Nov. 6. But exhibitors and buyers said they have noticed a sharp drop in attendance at the event in Guangzhou, also called Canton. "It is amazing how empty is. It's frightening," said Christopher Devereux, a British businessman who has been attending the fair for more than a decade. Devereux said the aisles are usually blocked with people. But at the fair's second five-day session late last month, attendees were able to stroll up and down corridors virtually unimpeded, said Devereux, the Guangzhou-based managing director of Chinasavvy HK Ltd., which matches foreign buyers with Chinese factories. Billed as the biggest Canton Fair ever, this season's event was held in the massive new steel-and-glass exhibition center on the banks of the Pearl River. The sprawling building with a sloping roof takes up enough space for 200 football fields and featured more than 55,600 booths, a 30 percent increase from the last show, organizers said. But when the doors opened on Oct. 15, many of the Chinese exhibitors were already gloomy. "We're looking at the financial crisis in America and Europe and we're becoming worried about the future," said Xiang Tao, as he stood in a booth surrounded by purple vacuum cleaners made by his company, Wuxi Jiejia Electric Appliances Co. Xiang said most of the firm's foreign customers are in Eastern Europe, though the company has hopes of exporting to the U.S. eventually. "But this definitely isn't the time to try to break into the American market," he said. By the end of the second session that closed Oct. 28, many exhibitors said their nightmares had come true. "I sat here all morning and didn't have one customer stop by," said a toy factory salesman who would only give his surname, Chen, because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. The salesman, whose company was based in the southern city of Shantou, sat in a booth displaying plastic toy handguns that shot tiny pellets. "I haven't had any orders so far at this fair. This is all I have," he said, reaching into a tattered shoe box and grabbing four business cards left by prospective buyers. "All I can do is go back to the factory and give them a follow-up call. It's going to be hard to survive." 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070511.0607.LDC2009T13::1	 Charges dropped over Boston security scare US prosecutors on Friday dropped charges against two men over an ill-judged guerrilla marketing campaign in January that triggered a major security alert in the northeastern city of Boston. According to the Boston Globe, the two men, both in their 20s, apologized in court over the incident, which saw them planting flashing devices around the city to promote a late-night animated series on the Cartoon Network. Police considered the devices suspect devices and closed off main roads and suspended rail services and river transport, causing major disruption. "Based upon the defendants' apologies and acceptance of responsibility for their actions in January ... we believe that this was the most appropriate resolution to this case," the paper quoted prosecutor Martha Coakley as saying. The two men both read statements in court apologizing for the disruption caused. As part of their plea deal, the two had also performed between 60 and 80 hours of community service, the newspaper reported. The two defendants had been charged with placing a hoax device, a charge that carries up to five years imprisonment. The pair worked for a New York marketing firm hired by Turner Broadcasting System, which owns the Cartoon Network. The companies apologized for the stunt and paid two million dollars in restitution to Boston authorities. Police destroyed one of the five suspect devices in a controlled explosion. The devices contained circuit boards featuring a cartoon that lit up a figure making an obscene gesture. Security alerts have become a frequent occurrence in the United States since the September 11 attacks. The majority turn out to be false alarms or hoaxes. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070511.0607.LDC2009T13::2	 Charges dropped over Boston security scare US prosecutors on Friday dropped charges against two men over an ill-judged guerrilla marketing campaign in January that triggered a major security alert in the northeastern city of Boston. According to the Boston Globe, the two men, both in their 20s, apologized in court over the incident, which saw them planting flashing devices around the city to promote a late-night animated series on the Cartoon Network. Police considered the devices suspect devices and closed off main roads and suspended rail services and river transport, causing major disruption. "Based upon the defendants' apologies and acceptance of responsibility for their actions in January ... we believe that this was the most appropriate resolution to this case," the paper quoted prosecutor Martha Coakley as saying. The two men both read statements in court apologizing for the disruption caused. As part of their plea deal, the two had also performed between 60 and 80 hours of community service, the newspaper reported. The two defendants had been charged with placing a hoax device, a charge that carries up to five years imprisonment. The pair worked for a New York marketing firm hired by Turner Broadcasting System, which owns the Cartoon Network. The companies apologized for the stunt and paid two million dollars in restitution to Boston authorities. Police destroyed one of the five suspect devices in a controlled explosion. The devices contained circuit boards featuring a cartoon that lit up a figure making an obscene gesture. Security alerts have become a frequent occurrence in the United States since the September 11 attacks. The majority turn out to be false alarms or hoaxes. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070131.1935.LDC2009T13::1	 10 suspicious packages planted around Boston in backfired marketing ploy by TV network BOSTON 2007-01-31 23:12:38 UTC Ten blinking electronic devices planted at bridges and other spots in Boston threw a scare into the city Wednesday in what turned out to be a publicity campaign for a late-night cable cartoon. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down and bomb squads were sent in before authorities declared the devices were harmless. "It's a hoax -- and it's not funny," said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, said the devices were part of a promotion for the TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. "The packages in question are magnetic lights that pose no danger," Turner said in a statement. It said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, San Francisco and Philadelphia. "We regret that they were mistakenly thought to pose any danger," the company said. The marketing company responsible for the campaign, Interference Inc., had no immediate comment. A woman who answered the phone at the New York-based firm's offices on Wednesday afternoon said the firm's chief executive was out of town and would not be able to comment until Thursday. Police said only that they were investigating where the device came from, but an angry Mayor Thomas Menino said a stiff penalty will be pursued against whoever was responsible for the devices. "It's about keeping a city on edge. It's about public safety," he said. Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke praised Boston authorities for sharing their knowledge quickly with Washington officials and the public. "Hoaxes are a tremendous burden on local law enforcement and counter-terrorism resources and there's absolutely no place for them in a post-9/11 world," Knocke said. Authorities said some of the objects looked like circuit boards or had wires hanging from them. The first device was found at a subway and bus station underneath Interstate 93, forcing the shutdown of the station and the highway. Later, police said four calls, all around 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), reported devices at the Boston University Bridge and the Longfellow Bridge, both of which span the Charles River, at a Boston street corner and at the Tufts-New England Medical Center. The package near the Boston University bridge was found attached to a structure beneath the span, authorities said. Subway service across the Longfellow Bridge between Boston and Cambridge was briefly suspended, and Storrow Drive was closed as well. A similar device was found Wednesday evening just north of Fenway Park, police spokesman Eddy Chrispin said. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of the Adult Swim late-night block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. The cartoon also includes two trouble-making, 1980s-graphic-like characters called "mooninites," named Ignignokt and Err -- who were pictured on the suspicious devices. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070131.1935.LDC2009T13::2	 10 suspicious packages planted around Boston in backfired marketing ploy by TV network BOSTON 2007-01-31 23:12:38 UTC Ten blinking electronic devices planted at bridges and other spots in Boston threw a scare into the city Wednesday in what turned out to be a publicity campaign for a late-night cable cartoon. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down and bomb squads were sent in before authorities declared the devices were harmless. "It's a hoax -- and it's not funny," said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, said the devices were part of a promotion for the TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. "The packages in question are magnetic lights that pose no danger," Turner said in a statement. It said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, San Francisco and Philadelphia. "We regret that they were mistakenly thought to pose any danger," the company said. The marketing company responsible for the campaign, Interference Inc., had no immediate comment. A woman who answered the phone at the New York-based firm's offices on Wednesday afternoon said the firm's chief executive was out of town and would not be able to comment until Thursday. Police said only that they were investigating where the device came from, but an angry Mayor Thomas Menino said a stiff penalty will be pursued against whoever was responsible for the devices. "It's about keeping a city on edge. It's about public safety," he said. Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke praised Boston authorities for sharing their knowledge quickly with Washington officials and the public. "Hoaxes are a tremendous burden on local law enforcement and counter-terrorism resources and there's absolutely no place for them in a post-9/11 world," Knocke said. Authorities said some of the objects looked like circuit boards or had wires hanging from them. The first device was found at a subway and bus station underneath Interstate 93, forcing the shutdown of the station and the highway. Later, police said four calls, all around 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), reported devices at the Boston University Bridge and the Longfellow Bridge, both of which span the Charles River, at a Boston street corner and at the Tufts-New England Medical Center. The package near the Boston University bridge was found attached to a structure beneath the span, authorities said. Subway service across the Longfellow Bridge between Boston and Cambridge was briefly suspended, and Storrow Drive was closed as well. A similar device was found Wednesday evening just north of Fenway Park, police spokesman Eddy Chrispin said. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of the Adult Swim late-night block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. The cartoon also includes two trouble-making, 1980s-graphic-like characters called "mooninites," named Ignignokt and Err -- who were pictured on the suspicious devices. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070131.1935.LDC2009T13::3	 10 suspicious packages planted around Boston in backfired marketing ploy by TV network BOSTON 2007-01-31 23:12:38 UTC Ten blinking electronic devices planted at bridges and other spots in Boston threw a scare into the city Wednesday in what turned out to be a publicity campaign for a late-night cable cartoon. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down and bomb squads were sent in before authorities declared the devices were harmless. "It's a hoax -- and it's not funny," said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, said the devices were part of a promotion for the TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. "The packages in question are magnetic lights that pose no danger," Turner said in a statement. It said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, San Francisco and Philadelphia. "We regret that they were mistakenly thought to pose any danger," the company said. The marketing company responsible for the campaign, Interference Inc., had no immediate comment. A woman who answered the phone at the New York-based firm's offices on Wednesday afternoon said the firm's chief executive was out of town and would not be able to comment until Thursday. Police said only that they were investigating where the device came from, but an angry Mayor Thomas Menino said a stiff penalty will be pursued against whoever was responsible for the devices. "It's about keeping a city on edge. It's about public safety," he said. Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke praised Boston authorities for sharing their knowledge quickly with Washington officials and the public. "Hoaxes are a tremendous burden on local law enforcement and counter-terrorism resources and there's absolutely no place for them in a post-9/11 world," Knocke said. Authorities said some of the objects looked like circuit boards or had wires hanging from them. The first device was found at a subway and bus station underneath Interstate 93, forcing the shutdown of the station and the highway. Later, police said four calls, all around 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), reported devices at the Boston University Bridge and the Longfellow Bridge, both of which span the Charles River, at a Boston street corner and at the Tufts-New England Medical Center. The package near the Boston University bridge was found attached to a structure beneath the span, authorities said. Subway service across the Longfellow Bridge between Boston and Cambridge was briefly suspended, and Storrow Drive was closed as well. A similar device was found Wednesday evening just north of Fenway Park, police spokesman Eddy Chrispin said. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of the Adult Swim late-night block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. The cartoon also includes two trouble-making, 1980s-graphic-like characters called "mooninites," named Ignignokt and Err -- who were pictured on the suspicious devices. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070201.0693.LDC2009T13::1	 Boston officials outraged over cartoon publicity ploy that sparked terrorism fears BOSTON 2007-02-01 11:29:10 UTC A quirky publicity campaign for a late-night cartoon show generated far more attention than was intended when a slew of blinking electronic signs prompted fears of terrorism and the deployment of bomb squads. The 38 signs were part of a promotion for the Cartoon Network TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. The 1-foot (30-centimeter) -tall signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots had hanging wires and batteries. Most depicted a boxy, cartoon character giving passersby the finger -- a more obvious sight when darkness fell. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, apologized, but Boston authorities are still angry. They arrested two men who put up the electronic promotions and vowed to hold Turner accountable for what Mayor Thomas Menino said was "corporate greed," that led to at least US$500,000 (euro385,000) in police costs. "It is outrageous, in a post 9/11 world, that a company would use this type of marketing scheme," Menino said. "I am prepared to take any and all legal action against Turner Broadcasting and its affiliates for any and all expenses incurred during the response to today's incidents." Turner said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities. As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities. "We apologize to the citizens of Boston that part of a marketing campaign was mistaken for a public danger," said Phil Kent, Turner chairman. Kent said the marketing company that placed the signs, Interference Inc., was ordered to remove them immediately. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down Wednesday and bomb squads were sent in. Turner notified them that the devices were part of a promotion at around 5 p.m., Boston officials said. "Everyone can play a part by holding Turner Broadcasting to account for today's events," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said. "Viewers, advertisers, license holders, can and should make clear to them this sort of behavior is reckless, irresponsible and illegal." "Commerce was disrupted, transportation routes were paralyzed, residents were stranded and relatives across the nation were in fear for their loved ones in the city of Boston," Conley said. Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, and Sean Stevens, 28, of Charlestown, were each charged Wednesday night with one count of placing a hoax device and one count of disorderly conduct. State Attorney General Martha Coakley said they were hired to place the devices. Both men were to be arraigned Thursday morning. Berdovsky, an artist, told The Boston Globe he was hired by Interference and said he was "a little kind of freaked out," by the furor. "I find it kind of ridiculous that they're making these statements on TV that we must not be safe from terrorism, because they were up there for three weeks and no one noticed. It's pretty commonsensical to look at them and say this is a piece of art and installation," he told The Globe. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of a block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature-length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070201.0693.LDC2009T13::2	 Boston officials outraged over cartoon publicity ploy that sparked terrorism fears BOSTON 2007-02-01 11:29:10 UTC A quirky publicity campaign for a late-night cartoon show generated far more attention than was intended when a slew of blinking electronic signs prompted fears of terrorism and the deployment of bomb squads. The 38 signs were part of a promotion for the Cartoon Network TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. The 1-foot (30-centimeter) -tall signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots had hanging wires and batteries. Most depicted a boxy, cartoon character giving passersby the finger -- a more obvious sight when darkness fell. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, apologized, but Boston authorities are still angry. They arrested two men who put up the electronic promotions and vowed to hold Turner accountable for what Mayor Thomas Menino said was "corporate greed," that led to at least US$500,000 (euro385,000) in police costs. "It is outrageous, in a post 9/11 world, that a company would use this type of marketing scheme," Menino said. "I am prepared to take any and all legal action against Turner Broadcasting and its affiliates for any and all expenses incurred during the response to today's incidents." Turner said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities. As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities. "We apologize to the citizens of Boston that part of a marketing campaign was mistaken for a public danger," said Phil Kent, Turner chairman. Kent said the marketing company that placed the signs, Interference Inc., was ordered to remove them immediately. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down Wednesday and bomb squads were sent in. Turner notified them that the devices were part of a promotion at around 5 p.m., Boston officials said. "Everyone can play a part by holding Turner Broadcasting to account for today's events," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said. "Viewers, advertisers, license holders, can and should make clear to them this sort of behavior is reckless, irresponsible and illegal." "Commerce was disrupted, transportation routes were paralyzed, residents were stranded and relatives across the nation were in fear for their loved ones in the city of Boston," Conley said. Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, and Sean Stevens, 28, of Charlestown, were each charged Wednesday night with one count of placing a hoax device and one count of disorderly conduct. State Attorney General Martha Coakley said they were hired to place the devices. Both men were to be arraigned Thursday morning. Berdovsky, an artist, told The Boston Globe he was hired by Interference and said he was "a little kind of freaked out," by the furor. "I find it kind of ridiculous that they're making these statements on TV that we must not be safe from terrorism, because they were up there for three weeks and no one noticed. It's pretty commonsensical to look at them and say this is a piece of art and installation," he told The Globe. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of a block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature-length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070201.0693.LDC2009T13::3	 Boston officials outraged over cartoon publicity ploy that sparked terrorism fears BOSTON 2007-02-01 11:29:10 UTC A quirky publicity campaign for a late-night cartoon show generated far more attention than was intended when a slew of blinking electronic signs prompted fears of terrorism and the deployment of bomb squads. The 38 signs were part of a promotion for the Cartoon Network TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. The 1-foot (30-centimeter) -tall signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots had hanging wires and batteries. Most depicted a boxy, cartoon character giving passersby the finger -- a more obvious sight when darkness fell. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, apologized, but Boston authorities are still angry. They arrested two men who put up the electronic promotions and vowed to hold Turner accountable for what Mayor Thomas Menino said was "corporate greed," that led to at least US$500,000 (euro385,000) in police costs. "It is outrageous, in a post 9/11 world, that a company would use this type of marketing scheme," Menino said. "I am prepared to take any and all legal action against Turner Broadcasting and its affiliates for any and all expenses incurred during the response to today's incidents." Turner said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities. As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities. "We apologize to the citizens of Boston that part of a marketing campaign was mistaken for a public danger," said Phil Kent, Turner chairman. Kent said the marketing company that placed the signs, Interference Inc., was ordered to remove them immediately. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down Wednesday and bomb squads were sent in. Turner notified them that the devices were part of a promotion at around 5 p.m., Boston officials said. "Everyone can play a part by holding Turner Broadcasting to account for today's events," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said. "Viewers, advertisers, license holders, can and should make clear to them this sort of behavior is reckless, irresponsible and illegal." "Commerce was disrupted, transportation routes were paralyzed, residents were stranded and relatives across the nation were in fear for their loved ones in the city of Boston," Conley said. Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, and Sean Stevens, 28, of Charlestown, were each charged Wednesday night with one count of placing a hoax device and one count of disorderly conduct. State Attorney General Martha Coakley said they were hired to place the devices. Both men were to be arraigned Thursday morning. Berdovsky, an artist, told The Boston Globe he was hired by Interference and said he was "a little kind of freaked out," by the furor. "I find it kind of ridiculous that they're making these statements on TV that we must not be safe from terrorism, because they were up there for three weeks and no one noticed. It's pretty commonsensical to look at them and say this is a piece of art and installation," he told The Globe. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of a block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature-length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070201.0693.LDC2009T13::4	 Boston officials outraged over cartoon publicity ploy that sparked terrorism fears BOSTON 2007-02-01 11:29:10 UTC A quirky publicity campaign for a late-night cartoon show generated far more attention than was intended when a slew of blinking electronic signs prompted fears of terrorism and the deployment of bomb squads. The 38 signs were part of a promotion for the Cartoon Network TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball. The 1-foot (30-centimeter) -tall signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots had hanging wires and batteries. Most depicted a boxy, cartoon character giving passersby the finger -- a more obvious sight when darkness fell. Turner Broadcasting, a division of Time Warner Inc. and parent of Cartoon Network, apologized, but Boston authorities are still angry. They arrested two men who put up the electronic promotions and vowed to hold Turner accountable for what Mayor Thomas Menino said was "corporate greed," that led to at least US$500,000 (euro385,000) in police costs. "It is outrageous, in a post 9/11 world, that a company would use this type of marketing scheme," Menino said. "I am prepared to take any and all legal action against Turner Broadcasting and its affiliates for any and all expenses incurred during the response to today's incidents." Turner said the devices have been in place for two to three weeks in 10 cities. As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities. "We apologize to the citizens of Boston that part of a marketing campaign was mistaken for a public danger," said Phil Kent, Turner chairman. Kent said the marketing company that placed the signs, Interference Inc., was ordered to remove them immediately. Messages seeking additional comment from the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network were left with several publicists. Highways, bridges and a section of the Charles River were shut down Wednesday and bomb squads were sent in. Turner notified them that the devices were part of a promotion at around 5 p.m., Boston officials said. "Everyone can play a part by holding Turner Broadcasting to account for today's events," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said. "Viewers, advertisers, license holders, can and should make clear to them this sort of behavior is reckless, irresponsible and illegal." "Commerce was disrupted, transportation routes were paralyzed, residents were stranded and relatives across the nation were in fear for their loved ones in the city of Boston," Conley said. Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, and Sean Stevens, 28, of Charlestown, were each charged Wednesday night with one count of placing a hoax device and one count of disorderly conduct. State Attorney General Martha Coakley said they were hired to place the devices. Both men were to be arraigned Thursday morning. Berdovsky, an artist, told The Boston Globe he was hired by Interference and said he was "a little kind of freaked out," by the furor. "I find it kind of ridiculous that they're making these statements on TV that we must not be safe from terrorism, because they were up there for three weeks and no one noticed. It's pretty commonsensical to look at them and say this is a piece of art and installation," he told The Globe. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is a cartoon with a cultish following that airs as part of a block of programs for adults on the Cartoon Network. A feature-length film based on the show is slated for release March 23. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070214.1694.LDC2009T13::1	 Cartoon Network characters to hit cell phones by year ' s end LOS ANGELES 2007-02-14 22:30:46 UTC Fans of Cartoon Network shows will be able to interact with their favorite characters through their cell phones by the end of the year. Cartoon Network New Media, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., announced Wednesday that it is rolling out CallToons, software that takes over a cell phone's main functions and replaces them with character voices, ringtones, wallpaper and other features. The technology can come packaged with a mobile handset as well as be available as downloads from a carrier, the company, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said. Unlike typical ringtones or wallpapers, CallToons characters are more tightly integrated with cell phone functions, the company said. For example, if a phone's battery is weak, instead of the usual static display on the phone's screen, a specific character could appear saying, "Plug me in, I'm fading fast," said Ross Cox, senior director of entertainment products at Cartoon Network New Media. In another example, a character voice could serve as a ringtone, but deliver a more frustrated response if a user decides to ignore calls from a particular person. "It's a narrative voice that responds in real time to the state of the phone and behavior of the owner of the phone," Cox said. Turner is in talks with Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson regarding delivery options. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. CallToons will use Cartoon Network characters in phones aimed at children, while characters from the network's "Adult Swim" programs will be in phones aimed at adults, the company said. In the kid's version, characters can also be programmed to provide guidance, Cox said. "If a stranger were to call and the number is not in the phone book, the ringtone could say, "Hey, a stranger is calling. Maybe you should hand this to your parent or let the call go into voice mail," he said. Turner will also license its technology to other companies in the future, the company said. Pricing details and deals with carriers were not released Wednesday. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070214.1694.LDC2009T13::2	 Cartoon Network characters to hit cell phones by year ' s end LOS ANGELES 2007-02-14 22:30:46 UTC Fans of Cartoon Network shows will be able to interact with their favorite characters through their cell phones by the end of the year. Cartoon Network New Media, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., announced Wednesday that it is rolling out CallToons, software that takes over a cell phone's main functions and replaces them with character voices, ringtones, wallpaper and other features. The technology can come packaged with a mobile handset as well as be available as downloads from a carrier, the company, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said. Unlike typical ringtones or wallpapers, CallToons characters are more tightly integrated with cell phone functions, the company said. For example, if a phone's battery is weak, instead of the usual static display on the phone's screen, a specific character could appear saying, "Plug me in, I'm fading fast," said Ross Cox, senior director of entertainment products at Cartoon Network New Media. In another example, a character voice could serve as a ringtone, but deliver a more frustrated response if a user decides to ignore calls from a particular person. "It's a narrative voice that responds in real time to the state of the phone and behavior of the owner of the phone," Cox said. Turner is in talks with Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson regarding delivery options. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. CallToons will use Cartoon Network characters in phones aimed at children, while characters from the network's "Adult Swim" programs will be in phones aimed at adults, the company said. In the kid's version, characters can also be programmed to provide guidance, Cox said. "If a stranger were to call and the number is not in the phone book, the ringtone could say, "Hey, a stranger is calling. Maybe you should hand this to your parent or let the call go into voice mail," he said. Turner will also license its technology to other companies in the future, the company said. Pricing details and deals with carriers were not released Wednesday. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070214.1694.LDC2009T13::3	 Cartoon Network characters to hit cell phones by year ' s end LOS ANGELES 2007-02-14 22:30:46 UTC Fans of Cartoon Network shows will be able to interact with their favorite characters through their cell phones by the end of the year. Cartoon Network New Media, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., announced Wednesday that it is rolling out CallToons, software that takes over a cell phone's main functions and replaces them with character voices, ringtones, wallpaper and other features. The technology can come packaged with a mobile handset as well as be available as downloads from a carrier, the company, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said. Unlike typical ringtones or wallpapers, CallToons characters are more tightly integrated with cell phone functions, the company said. For example, if a phone's battery is weak, instead of the usual static display on the phone's screen, a specific character could appear saying, "Plug me in, I'm fading fast," said Ross Cox, senior director of entertainment products at Cartoon Network New Media. In another example, a character voice could serve as a ringtone, but deliver a more frustrated response if a user decides to ignore calls from a particular person. "It's a narrative voice that responds in real time to the state of the phone and behavior of the owner of the phone," Cox said. Turner is in talks with Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson regarding delivery options. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. CallToons will use Cartoon Network characters in phones aimed at children, while characters from the network's "Adult Swim" programs will be in phones aimed at adults, the company said. In the kid's version, characters can also be programmed to provide guidance, Cox said. "If a stranger were to call and the number is not in the phone book, the ringtone could say, "Hey, a stranger is calling. Maybe you should hand this to your parent or let the call go into voice mail," he said. Turner will also license its technology to other companies in the future, the company said. Pricing details and deals with carriers were not released Wednesday. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070214.1694.LDC2009T13::4	 Cartoon Network characters to hit cell phones by year ' s end LOS ANGELES 2007-02-14 22:30:46 UTC Fans of Cartoon Network shows will be able to interact with their favorite characters through their cell phones by the end of the year. Cartoon Network New Media, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., announced Wednesday that it is rolling out CallToons, software that takes over a cell phone's main functions and replaces them with character voices, ringtones, wallpaper and other features. The technology can come packaged with a mobile handset as well as be available as downloads from a carrier, the company, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said. Unlike typical ringtones or wallpapers, CallToons characters are more tightly integrated with cell phone functions, the company said. For example, if a phone's battery is weak, instead of the usual static display on the phone's screen, a specific character could appear saying, "Plug me in, I'm fading fast," said Ross Cox, senior director of entertainment products at Cartoon Network New Media. In another example, a character voice could serve as a ringtone, but deliver a more frustrated response if a user decides to ignore calls from a particular person. "It's a narrative voice that responds in real time to the state of the phone and behavior of the owner of the phone," Cox said. Turner is in talks with Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson regarding delivery options. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. CallToons will use Cartoon Network characters in phones aimed at children, while characters from the network's "Adult Swim" programs will be in phones aimed at adults, the company said. In the kid's version, characters can also be programmed to provide guidance, Cox said. "If a stranger were to call and the number is not in the phone book, the ringtone could say, "Hey, a stranger is calling. Maybe you should hand this to your parent or let the call go into voice mail," he said. Turner will also license its technology to other companies in the future, the company said. Pricing details and deals with carriers were not released Wednesday. 
Cartoon_Network::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070214.1694.LDC2009T13::5	 Cartoon Network characters to hit cell phones by year ' s end LOS ANGELES 2007-02-14 22:30:46 UTC Fans of Cartoon Network shows will be able to interact with their favorite characters through their cell phones by the end of the year. Cartoon Network New Media, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., announced Wednesday that it is rolling out CallToons, software that takes over a cell phone's main functions and replaces them with character voices, ringtones, wallpaper and other features. The technology can come packaged with a mobile handset as well as be available as downloads from a carrier, the company, a unit of Time Warner Inc., said. Unlike typical ringtones or wallpapers, CallToons characters are more tightly integrated with cell phone functions, the company said. For example, if a phone's battery is weak, instead of the usual static display on the phone's screen, a specific character could appear saying, "Plug me in, I'm fading fast," said Ross Cox, senior director of entertainment products at Cartoon Network New Media. In another example, a character voice could serve as a ringtone, but deliver a more frustrated response if a user decides to ignore calls from a particular person. "It's a narrative voice that responds in real time to the state of the phone and behavior of the owner of the phone," Cox said. Turner is in talks with Swedish mobile phone maker Ericsson regarding delivery options. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. CallToons will use Cartoon Network characters in phones aimed at children, while characters from the network's "Adult Swim" programs will be in phones aimed at adults, the company said. In the kid's version, characters can also be programmed to provide guidance, Cox said. "If a stranger were to call and the number is not in the phone book, the ringtone could say, "Hey, a stranger is calling. Maybe you should hand this to your parent or let the call go into voice mail," he said. Turner will also license its technology to other companies in the future, the company said. Pricing details and deals with carriers were not released Wednesday. 
CCP::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071007.0500.LDC2009T13::1	 Key facts about China's Communist Party The Communist Party of China (CCP) meets beginning October 15 for its 17th Party Congress, in which top leadership positions and the nation's future course are to be decided. Following are key facts about the CCP. MEMBERSHIP About 73 million members, making it the largest political party in the world. Growing numbers of youths and private entrepreneurs have joined the party recently. FOUNDING Formally established in 1921 in Shanghai by delegates to the 1st Party Congress, which included a 27-year-old Mao Zedong. BASIS OF POWER China is ruled as a one-party state, with the CCP's leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution. PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY President Hu Jintao, since 2002. He will receive another term during this month's Congress. IDEOLOGY Formed on Leninist ideas of proletarian revolution and collectivism, the party has veered far from that and today effectively promotes an ideology of capitalist development while retaining a closed, Communist-style political structure. KEY EVENTS IN PARTY HISTORY 1921 -- Party formally established, setting out a Leninist vision of a proletarian revolution led by China's vast masses. 1934-35 -- Party relocates revolutionary base from southeastern to northern China to escape Nationalist encirclement in a gruelling trek in which Mao emerges as undisputed leader. 1949 -- CCP takes power in Beijing after defeating Nationalists in a bloody civil war. 1966-76 -- Mao launches "cultural revolution" in bid to return party to its roots and reinforce his flagging power. China is plunged into chaos. 1978 -- Deng Xiaoping begins Party's shift away from Communist ideology and towards acceptance of "market forces". China's economy begins its spectacular rise. 1989 -- Deng's reforms embolden students to demonstrate for democracy at Tiananmen Square. The demonstrations are violently suppressed. 2001 -- Party's then-chairman Jiang Zemin promotes the recruitment of China's new business class into the party in a further move away from CCP's roots. 
CCP::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071007.0500.LDC2009T13::2	 Key facts about China's Communist Party The Communist Party of China (CCP) meets beginning October 15 for its 17th Party Congress, in which top leadership positions and the nation's future course are to be decided. Following are key facts about the CCP. MEMBERSHIP About 73 million members, making it the largest political party in the world. Growing numbers of youths and private entrepreneurs have joined the party recently. FOUNDING Formally established in 1921 in Shanghai by delegates to the 1st Party Congress, which included a 27-year-old Mao Zedong. BASIS OF POWER China is ruled as a one-party state, with the CCP's leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution. PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY President Hu Jintao, since 2002. He will receive another term during this month's Congress. IDEOLOGY Formed on Leninist ideas of proletarian revolution and collectivism, the party has veered far from that and today effectively promotes an ideology of capitalist development while retaining a closed, Communist-style political structure. KEY EVENTS IN PARTY HISTORY 1921 -- Party formally established, setting out a Leninist vision of a proletarian revolution led by China's vast masses. 1934-35 -- Party relocates revolutionary base from southeastern to northern China to escape Nationalist encirclement in a gruelling trek in which Mao emerges as undisputed leader. 1949 -- CCP takes power in Beijing after defeating Nationalists in a bloody civil war. 1966-76 -- Mao launches "cultural revolution" in bid to return party to its roots and reinforce his flagging power. China is plunged into chaos. 1978 -- Deng Xiaoping begins Party's shift away from Communist ideology and towards acceptance of "market forces". China's economy begins its spectacular rise. 1989 -- Deng's reforms embolden students to demonstrate for democracy at Tiananmen Square. The demonstrations are violently suppressed. 2001 -- Party's then-chairman Jiang Zemin promotes the recruitment of China's new business class into the party in a further move away from CCP's roots. 
CCP::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071007.0500.LDC2009T13::3	 Key facts about China's Communist Party The Communist Party of China (CCP) meets beginning October 15 for its 17th Party Congress, in which top leadership positions and the nation's future course are to be decided. Following are key facts about the CCP. MEMBERSHIP About 73 million members, making it the largest political party in the world. Growing numbers of youths and private entrepreneurs have joined the party recently. FOUNDING Formally established in 1921 in Shanghai by delegates to the 1st Party Congress, which included a 27-year-old Mao Zedong. BASIS OF POWER China is ruled as a one-party state, with the CCP's leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution. PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY President Hu Jintao, since 2002. He will receive another term during this month's Congress. IDEOLOGY Formed on Leninist ideas of proletarian revolution and collectivism, the party has veered far from that and today effectively promotes an ideology of capitalist development while retaining a closed, Communist-style political structure. KEY EVENTS IN PARTY HISTORY 1921 -- Party formally established, setting out a Leninist vision of a proletarian revolution led by China's vast masses. 1934-35 -- Party relocates revolutionary base from southeastern to northern China to escape Nationalist encirclement in a gruelling trek in which Mao emerges as undisputed leader. 1949 -- CCP takes power in Beijing after defeating Nationalists in a bloody civil war. 1966-76 -- Mao launches "cultural revolution" in bid to return party to its roots and reinforce his flagging power. China is plunged into chaos. 1978 -- Deng Xiaoping begins Party's shift away from Communist ideology and towards acceptance of "market forces". China's economy begins its spectacular rise. 1989 -- Deng's reforms embolden students to demonstrate for democracy at Tiananmen Square. The demonstrations are violently suppressed. 2001 -- Party's then-chairman Jiang Zemin promotes the recruitment of China's new business class into the party in a further move away from CCP's roots. 
CCP::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071007.0500.LDC2009T13::4	 Key facts about China's Communist Party The Communist Party of China (CCP) meets beginning October 15 for its 17th Party Congress, in which top leadership positions and the nation's future course are to be decided. Following are key facts about the CCP. MEMBERSHIP About 73 million members, making it the largest political party in the world. Growing numbers of youths and private entrepreneurs have joined the party recently. FOUNDING Formally established in 1921 in Shanghai by delegates to the 1st Party Congress, which included a 27-year-old Mao Zedong. BASIS OF POWER China is ruled as a one-party state, with the CCP's leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution. PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY President Hu Jintao, since 2002. He will receive another term during this month's Congress. IDEOLOGY Formed on Leninist ideas of proletarian revolution and collectivism, the party has veered far from that and today effectively promotes an ideology of capitalist development while retaining a closed, Communist-style political structure. KEY EVENTS IN PARTY HISTORY 1921 -- Party formally established, setting out a Leninist vision of a proletarian revolution led by China's vast masses. 1934-35 -- Party relocates revolutionary base from southeastern to northern China to escape Nationalist encirclement in a gruelling trek in which Mao emerges as undisputed leader. 1949 -- CCP takes power in Beijing after defeating Nationalists in a bloody civil war. 1966-76 -- Mao launches "cultural revolution" in bid to return party to its roots and reinforce his flagging power. China is plunged into chaos. 1978 -- Deng Xiaoping begins Party's shift away from Communist ideology and towards acceptance of "market forces". China's economy begins its spectacular rise. 1989 -- Deng's reforms embolden students to demonstrate for democracy at Tiananmen Square. The demonstrations are violently suppressed. 2001 -- Party's then-chairman Jiang Zemin promotes the recruitment of China's new business class into the party in a further move away from CCP's roots. 
CCP::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071007.0500.LDC2009T13::5	 Key facts about China's Communist Party The Communist Party of China (CCP) meets beginning October 15 for its 17th Party Congress, in which top leadership positions and the nation's future course are to be decided. Following are key facts about the CCP. MEMBERSHIP About 73 million members, making it the largest political party in the world. Growing numbers of youths and private entrepreneurs have joined the party recently. FOUNDING Formally established in 1921 in Shanghai by delegates to the 1st Party Congress, which included a 27-year-old Mao Zedong. BASIS OF POWER China is ruled as a one-party state, with the CCP's leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution. PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY President Hu Jintao, since 2002. He will receive another term during this month's Congress. IDEOLOGY Formed on Leninist ideas of proletarian revolution and collectivism, the party has veered far from that and today effectively promotes an ideology of capitalist development while retaining a closed, Communist-style political structure. KEY EVENTS IN PARTY HISTORY 1921 -- Party formally established, setting out a Leninist vision of a proletarian revolution led by China's vast masses. 1934-35 -- Party relocates revolutionary base from southeastern to northern China to escape Nationalist encirclement in a gruelling trek in which Mao emerges as undisputed leader. 1949 -- CCP takes power in Beijing after defeating Nationalists in a bloody civil war. 1966-76 -- Mao launches "cultural revolution" in bid to return party to its roots and reinforce his flagging power. China is plunged into chaos. 1978 -- Deng Xiaoping begins Party's shift away from Communist ideology and towards acceptance of "market forces". China's economy begins its spectacular rise. 1989 -- Deng's reforms embolden students to demonstrate for democracy at Tiananmen Square. The demonstrations are violently suppressed. 2001 -- Party's then-chairman Jiang Zemin promotes the recruitment of China's new business class into the party in a further move away from CCP's roots. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080317.0034.LDC2009T13::1	 Tibetans in Taiwan urge world to condemn Beijing's crackdown Taipei, March 17 (CNA) 03/17/08 19:06:48 (By Deborah Kuo) Officials of the exiled Tibetan government posted in Taiwan gathered in Taipei Monday to pray for Tibetans killed during Chinese authorities' crackdown against Tibetan protestors in Lhasa last week and called on the international community to condemn Beijing's actions. Tsegyam Ngaba, chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taipei, joined other foundation officials and Tibetans' friends in Taiwan at a function held at the National Taiwan University Alumni Association to observe one minute of silence to pay tribute to Tibetans who died during a suppression in Lhasa by Chinese troops Saturday. More than 100 Tibetans were believed to have died and over 1,000 others were injured during the suppression between March 10-14, according to the Tibetan government exiled in Dharmsala, India. Protests have since expanded from Tibet to the neighboring provinces of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai. Ngaba called for nations around the world to exhort Beijing to exercise restraint when dealing with unarmed, innocent Tibetan people. He also urged the Chinese leadership to show good will to the Dalai Lama and engage in dialogue with him. Condemning the Chinese communist army's bloody suppression on innocent Tibetan people, Ngaba appealed to the government of Taiwan and peace-loving, justice- craving Taiwanese people to step forward to condemn Beijing for its inhumane treatment of Tibetan people. "Religion has been planted in the hearts of the Tibetan people and they follow their religious disciplines so faithfully that they could sacrifice their lives for not breaking the disciplines, " Ngaba said. "The Dalai Lama is the Tibetans' spiritual leader, but look how much damage the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done to the Tibetan people's freedom of religion," Ngaba said. He cited how the Chinese government bans Tibetans from hanging the Dalai Lama's photograph in their homes or carrying pictures of him. Chinese authorities even check Tibetan cadres' homes for the Dalai Lama's photographs. "The opening of the Qingzang Railway has only brought in a mass number of Han Chinese immigrants and robbery of resources -- development that has done nothing good for the Tibetan people, " Ngaba said. "The Tibetan people chose to protest because they were enraged by the many years of persecution and ruthless suppression by the CCP, " Ngaba asserted. "The Tibetan people have no other way to go. They decided to protest on the streets because they cannot take it any more. But the CCP cracked down on the protest with violence," he added. On Friday, China's official Xinhua News agency quoted Chinese officials as claiming that 10 Tibetan civilians were killed in the protest against the rule of Tibet by the CCP. Beijing also accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding the protest. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080317.0034.LDC2009T13::2	 Tibetans in Taiwan urge world to condemn Beijing's crackdown Taipei, March 17 (CNA) 03/17/08 19:06:48 (By Deborah Kuo) Officials of the exiled Tibetan government posted in Taiwan gathered in Taipei Monday to pray for Tibetans killed during Chinese authorities' crackdown against Tibetan protestors in Lhasa last week and called on the international community to condemn Beijing's actions. Tsegyam Ngaba, chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taipei, joined other foundation officials and Tibetans' friends in Taiwan at a function held at the National Taiwan University Alumni Association to observe one minute of silence to pay tribute to Tibetans who died during a suppression in Lhasa by Chinese troops Saturday. More than 100 Tibetans were believed to have died and over 1,000 others were injured during the suppression between March 10-14, according to the Tibetan government exiled in Dharmsala, India. Protests have since expanded from Tibet to the neighboring provinces of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai. Ngaba called for nations around the world to exhort Beijing to exercise restraint when dealing with unarmed, innocent Tibetan people. He also urged the Chinese leadership to show good will to the Dalai Lama and engage in dialogue with him. Condemning the Chinese communist army's bloody suppression on innocent Tibetan people, Ngaba appealed to the government of Taiwan and peace-loving, justice- craving Taiwanese people to step forward to condemn Beijing for its inhumane treatment of Tibetan people. "Religion has been planted in the hearts of the Tibetan people and they follow their religious disciplines so faithfully that they could sacrifice their lives for not breaking the disciplines, " Ngaba said. "The Dalai Lama is the Tibetans' spiritual leader, but look how much damage the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done to the Tibetan people's freedom of religion," Ngaba said. He cited how the Chinese government bans Tibetans from hanging the Dalai Lama's photograph in their homes or carrying pictures of him. Chinese authorities even check Tibetan cadres' homes for the Dalai Lama's photographs. "The opening of the Qingzang Railway has only brought in a mass number of Han Chinese immigrants and robbery of resources -- development that has done nothing good for the Tibetan people, " Ngaba said. "The Tibetan people chose to protest because they were enraged by the many years of persecution and ruthless suppression by the CCP, " Ngaba asserted. "The Tibetan people have no other way to go. They decided to protest on the streets because they cannot take it any more. But the CCP cracked down on the protest with violence," he added. On Friday, China's official Xinhua News agency quoted Chinese officials as claiming that 10 Tibetan civilians were killed in the protest against the rule of Tibet by the CCP. Beijing also accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding the protest. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080317.0034.LDC2009T13::3	 Tibetans in Taiwan urge world to condemn Beijing's crackdown Taipei, March 17 (CNA) 03/17/08 19:06:48 (By Deborah Kuo) Officials of the exiled Tibetan government posted in Taiwan gathered in Taipei Monday to pray for Tibetans killed during Chinese authorities' crackdown against Tibetan protestors in Lhasa last week and called on the international community to condemn Beijing's actions. Tsegyam Ngaba, chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taipei, joined other foundation officials and Tibetans' friends in Taiwan at a function held at the National Taiwan University Alumni Association to observe one minute of silence to pay tribute to Tibetans who died during a suppression in Lhasa by Chinese troops Saturday. More than 100 Tibetans were believed to have died and over 1,000 others were injured during the suppression between March 10-14, according to the Tibetan government exiled in Dharmsala, India. Protests have since expanded from Tibet to the neighboring provinces of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai. Ngaba called for nations around the world to exhort Beijing to exercise restraint when dealing with unarmed, innocent Tibetan people. He also urged the Chinese leadership to show good will to the Dalai Lama and engage in dialogue with him. Condemning the Chinese communist army's bloody suppression on innocent Tibetan people, Ngaba appealed to the government of Taiwan and peace-loving, justice- craving Taiwanese people to step forward to condemn Beijing for its inhumane treatment of Tibetan people. "Religion has been planted in the hearts of the Tibetan people and they follow their religious disciplines so faithfully that they could sacrifice their lives for not breaking the disciplines, " Ngaba said. "The Dalai Lama is the Tibetans' spiritual leader, but look how much damage the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done to the Tibetan people's freedom of religion," Ngaba said. He cited how the Chinese government bans Tibetans from hanging the Dalai Lama's photograph in their homes or carrying pictures of him. Chinese authorities even check Tibetan cadres' homes for the Dalai Lama's photographs. "The opening of the Qingzang Railway has only brought in a mass number of Han Chinese immigrants and robbery of resources -- development that has done nothing good for the Tibetan people, " Ngaba said. "The Tibetan people chose to protest because they were enraged by the many years of persecution and ruthless suppression by the CCP, " Ngaba asserted. "The Tibetan people have no other way to go. They decided to protest on the streets because they cannot take it any more. But the CCP cracked down on the protest with violence," he added. On Friday, China's official Xinhua News agency quoted Chinese officials as claiming that 10 Tibetan civilians were killed in the protest against the rule of Tibet by the CCP. Beijing also accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding the protest. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080317.0034.LDC2009T13::4	 Tibetans in Taiwan urge world to condemn Beijing's crackdown Taipei, March 17 (CNA) 03/17/08 19:06:48 (By Deborah Kuo) Officials of the exiled Tibetan government posted in Taiwan gathered in Taipei Monday to pray for Tibetans killed during Chinese authorities' crackdown against Tibetan protestors in Lhasa last week and called on the international community to condemn Beijing's actions. Tsegyam Ngaba, chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taipei, joined other foundation officials and Tibetans' friends in Taiwan at a function held at the National Taiwan University Alumni Association to observe one minute of silence to pay tribute to Tibetans who died during a suppression in Lhasa by Chinese troops Saturday. More than 100 Tibetans were believed to have died and over 1,000 others were injured during the suppression between March 10-14, according to the Tibetan government exiled in Dharmsala, India. Protests have since expanded from Tibet to the neighboring provinces of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai. Ngaba called for nations around the world to exhort Beijing to exercise restraint when dealing with unarmed, innocent Tibetan people. He also urged the Chinese leadership to show good will to the Dalai Lama and engage in dialogue with him. Condemning the Chinese communist army's bloody suppression on innocent Tibetan people, Ngaba appealed to the government of Taiwan and peace-loving, justice- craving Taiwanese people to step forward to condemn Beijing for its inhumane treatment of Tibetan people. "Religion has been planted in the hearts of the Tibetan people and they follow their religious disciplines so faithfully that they could sacrifice their lives for not breaking the disciplines, " Ngaba said. "The Dalai Lama is the Tibetans' spiritual leader, but look how much damage the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done to the Tibetan people's freedom of religion," Ngaba said. He cited how the Chinese government bans Tibetans from hanging the Dalai Lama's photograph in their homes or carrying pictures of him. Chinese authorities even check Tibetan cadres' homes for the Dalai Lama's photographs. "The opening of the Qingzang Railway has only brought in a mass number of Han Chinese immigrants and robbery of resources -- development that has done nothing good for the Tibetan people, " Ngaba said. "The Tibetan people chose to protest because they were enraged by the many years of persecution and ruthless suppression by the CCP, " Ngaba asserted. "The Tibetan people have no other way to go. They decided to protest on the streets because they cannot take it any more. But the CCP cracked down on the protest with violence," he added. On Friday, China's official Xinhua News agency quoted Chinese officials as claiming that 10 Tibetan civilians were killed in the protest against the rule of Tibet by the CCP. Beijing also accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding the protest. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080321.0036.LDC2009T13::1	 Taiwanese singers launch 24-hour concert for Tibet Taipei, March 21 (CNA) 03/21/08 18:37:51 (By T.C. Jiang) Twenty performing arts groups and music bands began a 24-hour concert Thursday to voice their support for oppressed Tibet and blast China for suppressing human rights. The show was kicked off at 7 p.m. at the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, with bands comprised of young people rapping and singing songs highlighting their concerns for Tibet and love for Taiwan. Performers are scheduled to continue the concert until Friday night. During song breaks, some of the band members called on the audience to donate to Tibetans, and lambasted Beijing for building the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to tighten its control over Tibetans. Also present at the show was a performing group of some 15 Taiwan-based Tibetans who cried out slogans, such as "Long Live the Dalai Lama, " "Free Tibet, " "Independence for Tibet, " "Independence for Taiwan," "Tibet, go!" and "Taiwan, go!" The group later held a two-minute silence to mourn Tibetans killed by Chinese troops in the uprising this month, the worst in Tibet since the late 1980s. Beijing said 16 people were killed by rioters in Lhasa, while the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, estimated that at least 99 people have died in the crackdown by Chinese troops. Holding banners saying "China stop killing Tibetans" and "Boycott 2008 Olympics in China, " the performance group in Taipei also sang Tibet's national anthem and a special song to encourage their fellow Tibetans to stick to their dream of a Tibet free from oppression. Some 600 people were estimated to have turned out at the show by 10 p.m. Thursday. At a press conference earlier Thursday, Lee Ming-tsung, a spokesman for the event and a sociology professor at National Taiwan University, urged local citizens to unanimously back Tibet regardless of their political party affiliations. China's crackdown on Tibetan protestors has become an issue in the run-up to Taiwan's hotly contested presidential poll slated for Saturday. Both candidates, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) , and Frank Hsieh from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party have condemned China's actions and expressed sympathy for Tibetans' struggle for religious and other freedom. Hsieh's camp has additionally used the issue to remind voters of the threats posed by China, which also considers Taiwan its territory. Hsieh has alleged that Ma's proposals for closer economic links with China and the KMT's more pro-China stance could lead Taiwan down a similar path of control by China. Ma, meanwhile, has rejected links between the Taiwan and Tibetan issue, saying they are different, as Taiwan has been ruled separately since 1949. At the Thursday press conference, Lee Ming-tsung also said that despite the outcome of the presidential election, China's oppression on Tibet will not stop, urging the public not to ignore Tibet after the election. Jam Ja, an exiled Tibetan in Taiwan, expressed worries at the press conference about his relatives' safety in Tibet. Many Tibetans are afraid to call their families back home for fear their phones might be tapped. "China is fighting against Tibet on a war scale, " he said with tears in his eyes before kneeling down at the press conference to call for public help. "I feel really sad whenever I think of my relatives and family members who are now suffering suppression in Tibet, " he said, vowing not to give up his ideals for freedom and democracy. At the press conference, Yao Jen-to, an assistant professor of sociology at National Tsinghua University, said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) arrested 65 Tibetans on political suspicion and jailed 119 Tibetans as political prisoners in 2007, citing an annual report on Tibet's human rights released by the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy. "This shows that the CCP has a very serious control over Tibet, " Yao noted. Yao said that China should be condemned for repeatedly violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that people should be free from fear. Meanwhile, Yao criticized Taiwanese popular music singers for not taking a stand against China's human rights violations. He said that some celebrities are popular in China and dare not voice their support for Tibetans because they do not want to lose the Chinese market. Yao urged the Taiwanese celebrities to speak out on the issue and throw their backing behind Tibet. 
CCP::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080321.0036.LDC2009T13::2	 Taiwanese singers launch 24-hour concert for Tibet Taipei, March 21 (CNA) 03/21/08 18:37:51 (By T.C. Jiang) Twenty performing arts groups and music bands began a 24-hour concert Thursday to voice their support for oppressed Tibet and blast China for suppressing human rights. The show was kicked off at 7 p.m. at the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, with bands comprised of young people rapping and singing songs highlighting their concerns for Tibet and love for Taiwan. Performers are scheduled to continue the concert until Friday night. During song breaks, some of the band members called on the audience to donate to Tibetans, and lambasted Beijing for building the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to tighten its control over Tibetans. Also present at the show was a performing group of some 15 Taiwan-based Tibetans who cried out slogans, such as "Long Live the Dalai Lama, " "Free Tibet, " "Independence for Tibet, " "Independence for Taiwan," "Tibet, go!" and "Taiwan, go!" The group later held a two-minute silence to mourn Tibetans killed by Chinese troops in the uprising this month, the worst in Tibet since the late 1980s. Beijing said 16 people were killed by rioters in Lhasa, while the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, estimated that at least 99 people have died in the crackdown by Chinese troops. Holding banners saying "China stop killing Tibetans" and "Boycott 2008 Olympics in China, " the performance group in Taipei also sang Tibet's national anthem and a special song to encourage their fellow Tibetans to stick to their dream of a Tibet free from oppression. Some 600 people were estimated to have turned out at the show by 10 p.m. Thursday. At a press conference earlier Thursday, Lee Ming-tsung, a spokesman for the event and a sociology professor at National Taiwan University, urged local citizens to unanimously back Tibet regardless of their political party affiliations. China's crackdown on Tibetan protestors has become an issue in the run-up to Taiwan's hotly contested presidential poll slated for Saturday. Both candidates, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) , and Frank Hsieh from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party have condemned China's actions and expressed sympathy for Tibetans' struggle for religious and other freedom. Hsieh's camp has additionally used the issue to remind voters of the threats posed by China, which also considers Taiwan its territory. Hsieh has alleged that Ma's proposals for closer economic links with China and the KMT's more pro-China stance could lead Taiwan down a similar path of control by China. Ma, meanwhile, has rejected links between the Taiwan and Tibetan issue, saying they are different, as Taiwan has been ruled separately since 1949. At the Thursday press conference, Lee Ming-tsung also said that despite the outcome of the presidential election, China's oppression on Tibet will not stop, urging the public not to ignore Tibet after the election. Jam Ja, an exiled Tibetan in Taiwan, expressed worries at the press conference about his relatives' safety in Tibet. Many Tibetans are afraid to call their families back home for fear their phones might be tapped. "China is fighting against Tibet on a war scale, " he said with tears in his eyes before kneeling down at the press conference to call for public help. "I feel really sad whenever I think of my relatives and family members who are now suffering suppression in Tibet, " he said, vowing not to give up his ideals for freedom and democracy. At the press conference, Yao Jen-to, an assistant professor of sociology at National Tsinghua University, said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) arrested 65 Tibetans on political suspicion and jailed 119 Tibetans as political prisoners in 2007, citing an annual report on Tibet's human rights released by the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy. "This shows that the CCP has a very serious control over Tibet, " Yao noted. Yao said that China should be condemned for repeatedly violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that people should be free from fear. Meanwhile, Yao criticized Taiwanese popular music singers for not taking a stand against China's human rights violations. He said that some celebrities are popular in China and dare not voice their support for Tibetans because they do not want to lose the Chinese market. Yao urged the Taiwanese celebrities to speak out on the issue and throw their backing behind Tibet. 
CCP::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081015.0201.LDC2009T13::1	 Interview: US scholar says impressed by openness of Chinese people, government NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) David Shambaugh, a well-known expert on contemporary Chinese affairs, said recently in an interview with Xinhua that he was deeply impressed by the openness of the Chinese people and government. "First of all, what has impressed me most about the reform process is the openness of the Chinese people and government to learn from abroad and to embrace the globalization process," said Shambaugh, director of The China Policy Program at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Professor Shambaugh is also a nonresident senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Studies Program at The Brookings Institution. Since the late 19th century, "China has sought to selectively learn from abroad," he said. "But in this latest phase of China's century-long search for modernization, the learning from abroad has been far more comprehensive than ever before." Speaking of Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's reform and opening up that was initiated 30 years ago, Shambaugh noted that "Deng Xiaoping had great wisdom not only to engage in 'gaige' (reform in Chinese), but especially 'kaifang' (opening up in Chinese)." In the process, China has adapted many foreign procedures to its own national conditions -- and this has served to stimulate innovation in a wide variety of fields, he said. Shambaugh, a widely published author, also spoke highly of the role that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has played in this project of reform and opening up. "The CCP created the conditions for reform and opening up -- but it has been the Chinese people themselves that have accomplished it," he added. 
CCP::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081015.0201.LDC2009T13::2	 Interview: US scholar says impressed by openness of Chinese people, government NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) David Shambaugh, a well-known expert on contemporary Chinese affairs, said recently in an interview with Xinhua that he was deeply impressed by the openness of the Chinese people and government. "First of all, what has impressed me most about the reform process is the openness of the Chinese people and government to learn from abroad and to embrace the globalization process," said Shambaugh, director of The China Policy Program at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Professor Shambaugh is also a nonresident senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Studies Program at The Brookings Institution. Since the late 19th century, "China has sought to selectively learn from abroad," he said. "But in this latest phase of China's century-long search for modernization, the learning from abroad has been far more comprehensive than ever before." Speaking of Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's reform and opening up that was initiated 30 years ago, Shambaugh noted that "Deng Xiaoping had great wisdom not only to engage in 'gaige' (reform in Chinese), but especially 'kaifang' (opening up in Chinese)." In the process, China has adapted many foreign procedures to its own national conditions -- and this has served to stimulate innovation in a wide variety of fields, he said. Shambaugh, a widely published author, also spoke highly of the role that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has played in this project of reform and opening up. "The CCP created the conditions for reform and opening up -- but it has been the Chinese people themselves that have accomplished it," he added. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080224.0702.LDC2009T13::1	 Merkel ' s party ahead in Hamburg election, but faces tough effort to form coalition BERLIN 2008-02-24 17:59:26 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives were leading in a state election in Hamburg on Sunday but were set to lose their parliamentary majority, setting the stage for what could be a complicated effort to form a coalition, according to projections. The expected result left Merkel's Christian Democratic Union eyeing a possible coalition with the Greens -- never before tried at state level -- or a "grand coalition" with the center-left Social Democrats that would echo Merkel's bad-tempered national government. The center-left Social Democrats remained far behind the CDU in a city-state they once dominated, according to projections based on exit polls and early results for ARD and ZDF television. That result followed days of speculation over whether they will back off their refusal to deal with the new Left party, a fusion of East German ex-communists and western opponents of economic reform, which was set to underline its growing strength by entering Hamburg's state parliament. Four years ago, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, under popular Mayor Ole von Beust, won 47.2 percent of the vote and an absolute majority, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Sunday's projections suggested they would emerge with up to 42.8 percent of the vote -- ahead of the Social Democrats, or SPD, with up to 34.1 percent. The Greens were set to win as much as 9.7 percent and The Left -- a fusion of East German ex-communists and western left-wingers angered by economic reforms -- 6.4 percent. Both channels forecast 5 percent for the business-friendly Free Democrats, von Beust's preferred coalition partner, right on the threshold needed to win parliamentary seats -- and probably not enough to put a coalition together. That suggested that neither traditional center-left nor center- right coalitions would have a majority, complicating efforts to form a new state government. Von Beust has shown interest in a CDU-Green coalition -- a move that could help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. Both the CDU and SPD hope to end the national "grand coalition" after national elections next year. "Ole von Beust has a clear mandate to form a government," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. "He has the possibility to form a majority with the Greens or with the SPD," he said, adding that it was too early to dismiss chances of a coalition with the Free Democrats. Senior members of the Greens, who traditionally have partnered the SPD and have strongly left-leaning grass roots, were coy on their intentions. "To talk about any combination at this point in time is fairly absurd," party chairman Reinhard Buetikofer said. "On top of that, it became pretty clear in the election campaign where the differences lie." Von Beust's SPD challenger, Michael Naumann, had hoped to form a coalition with the Greens. He has said he will not work with The Left. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080224.0702.LDC2009T13::2	 Merkel ' s party ahead in Hamburg election, but faces tough effort to form coalition BERLIN 2008-02-24 17:59:26 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives were leading in a state election in Hamburg on Sunday but were set to lose their parliamentary majority, setting the stage for what could be a complicated effort to form a coalition, according to projections. The expected result left Merkel's Christian Democratic Union eyeing a possible coalition with the Greens -- never before tried at state level -- or a "grand coalition" with the center-left Social Democrats that would echo Merkel's bad-tempered national government. The center-left Social Democrats remained far behind the CDU in a city-state they once dominated, according to projections based on exit polls and early results for ARD and ZDF television. That result followed days of speculation over whether they will back off their refusal to deal with the new Left party, a fusion of East German ex-communists and western opponents of economic reform, which was set to underline its growing strength by entering Hamburg's state parliament. Four years ago, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, under popular Mayor Ole von Beust, won 47.2 percent of the vote and an absolute majority, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Sunday's projections suggested they would emerge with up to 42.8 percent of the vote -- ahead of the Social Democrats, or SPD, with up to 34.1 percent. The Greens were set to win as much as 9.7 percent and The Left -- a fusion of East German ex-communists and western left-wingers angered by economic reforms -- 6.4 percent. Both channels forecast 5 percent for the business-friendly Free Democrats, von Beust's preferred coalition partner, right on the threshold needed to win parliamentary seats -- and probably not enough to put a coalition together. That suggested that neither traditional center-left nor center- right coalitions would have a majority, complicating efforts to form a new state government. Von Beust has shown interest in a CDU-Green coalition -- a move that could help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. Both the CDU and SPD hope to end the national "grand coalition" after national elections next year. "Ole von Beust has a clear mandate to form a government," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. "He has the possibility to form a majority with the Greens or with the SPD," he said, adding that it was too early to dismiss chances of a coalition with the Free Democrats. Senior members of the Greens, who traditionally have partnered the SPD and have strongly left-leaning grass roots, were coy on their intentions. "To talk about any combination at this point in time is fairly absurd," party chairman Reinhard Buetikofer said. "On top of that, it became pretty clear in the election campaign where the differences lie." Von Beust's SPD challenger, Michael Naumann, had hoped to form a coalition with the Greens. He has said he will not work with The Left. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080224.0702.LDC2009T13::3	 Merkel ' s party ahead in Hamburg election, but faces tough effort to form coalition BERLIN 2008-02-24 17:59:26 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives were leading in a state election in Hamburg on Sunday but were set to lose their parliamentary majority, setting the stage for what could be a complicated effort to form a coalition, according to projections. The expected result left Merkel's Christian Democratic Union eyeing a possible coalition with the Greens -- never before tried at state level -- or a "grand coalition" with the center-left Social Democrats that would echo Merkel's bad-tempered national government. The center-left Social Democrats remained far behind the CDU in a city-state they once dominated, according to projections based on exit polls and early results for ARD and ZDF television. That result followed days of speculation over whether they will back off their refusal to deal with the new Left party, a fusion of East German ex-communists and western opponents of economic reform, which was set to underline its growing strength by entering Hamburg's state parliament. Four years ago, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, under popular Mayor Ole von Beust, won 47.2 percent of the vote and an absolute majority, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Sunday's projections suggested they would emerge with up to 42.8 percent of the vote -- ahead of the Social Democrats, or SPD, with up to 34.1 percent. The Greens were set to win as much as 9.7 percent and The Left -- a fusion of East German ex-communists and western left-wingers angered by economic reforms -- 6.4 percent. Both channels forecast 5 percent for the business-friendly Free Democrats, von Beust's preferred coalition partner, right on the threshold needed to win parliamentary seats -- and probably not enough to put a coalition together. That suggested that neither traditional center-left nor center- right coalitions would have a majority, complicating efforts to form a new state government. Von Beust has shown interest in a CDU-Green coalition -- a move that could help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. Both the CDU and SPD hope to end the national "grand coalition" after national elections next year. "Ole von Beust has a clear mandate to form a government," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. "He has the possibility to form a majority with the Greens or with the SPD," he said, adding that it was too early to dismiss chances of a coalition with the Free Democrats. Senior members of the Greens, who traditionally have partnered the SPD and have strongly left-leaning grass roots, were coy on their intentions. "To talk about any combination at this point in time is fairly absurd," party chairman Reinhard Buetikofer said. "On top of that, it became pretty clear in the election campaign where the differences lie." Von Beust's SPD challenger, Michael Naumann, had hoped to form a coalition with the Greens. He has said he will not work with The Left. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080224.0702.LDC2009T13::4	 Merkel ' s party ahead in Hamburg election, but faces tough effort to form coalition BERLIN 2008-02-24 17:59:26 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives were leading in a state election in Hamburg on Sunday but were set to lose their parliamentary majority, setting the stage for what could be a complicated effort to form a coalition, according to projections. The expected result left Merkel's Christian Democratic Union eyeing a possible coalition with the Greens -- never before tried at state level -- or a "grand coalition" with the center-left Social Democrats that would echo Merkel's bad-tempered national government. The center-left Social Democrats remained far behind the CDU in a city-state they once dominated, according to projections based on exit polls and early results for ARD and ZDF television. That result followed days of speculation over whether they will back off their refusal to deal with the new Left party, a fusion of East German ex-communists and western opponents of economic reform, which was set to underline its growing strength by entering Hamburg's state parliament. Four years ago, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, under popular Mayor Ole von Beust, won 47.2 percent of the vote and an absolute majority, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Sunday's projections suggested they would emerge with up to 42.8 percent of the vote -- ahead of the Social Democrats, or SPD, with up to 34.1 percent. The Greens were set to win as much as 9.7 percent and The Left -- a fusion of East German ex-communists and western left-wingers angered by economic reforms -- 6.4 percent. Both channels forecast 5 percent for the business-friendly Free Democrats, von Beust's preferred coalition partner, right on the threshold needed to win parliamentary seats -- and probably not enough to put a coalition together. That suggested that neither traditional center-left nor center- right coalitions would have a majority, complicating efforts to form a new state government. Von Beust has shown interest in a CDU-Green coalition -- a move that could help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. Both the CDU and SPD hope to end the national "grand coalition" after national elections next year. "Ole von Beust has a clear mandate to form a government," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. "He has the possibility to form a majority with the Greens or with the SPD," he said, adding that it was too early to dismiss chances of a coalition with the Free Democrats. Senior members of the Greens, who traditionally have partnered the SPD and have strongly left-leaning grass roots, were coy on their intentions. "To talk about any combination at this point in time is fairly absurd," party chairman Reinhard Buetikofer said. "On top of that, it became pretty clear in the election campaign where the differences lie." Von Beust's SPD challenger, Michael Naumann, had hoped to form a coalition with the Greens. He has said he will not work with The Left. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080225.0734.LDC2009T13::1	 Germany ' s Merkel rules out seeking early elections amid coalition tension BERLIN 2008-02-25 13:53:44 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday ruled out seeking early German national elections after a string of state votes increased tensions in her governing coalition. Merkel accused her partner in the alliance of behaving like an opposition leader. Elections in Hamburg Sunday and in Hesse last month gave neither traditional center-left nor center-right alliances a majority and saw The Left -- a fusion of ex-communists and opponents of economic reform -- expand its reach outside its traditional heartland in the former East Germany. That underlined the need for Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union and the center-left Social Democrats, Germany's two biggest parties, to seek new alliances as they look to escape from their bad-tempered national "grand coalition" after an election next year. In recent days, Merkel's party has attacked the Social Democrats over reports that party leader Kurt Beck might allow their candidate in Hesse to form a minority government and seek election as governor by accepting votes from The Left -- with which they so far have refused to work in western Germany. However, Merkel rebuffed some conservatives' suggestions that such a move could endanger the national coalition. "We will continue the work of the 'grand coalition' -- we will not speculate with any thoughts of new elections, because we do not want to play games at the expense of voters," she said at a news conference. The "grand coalition" -- the result of an indecisive 2005 election -- has presided over an economic upturn but has found it increasingly tough to agree on policy as the next election, due in late 2009, comes into sight. The Social Democrats, or SPD, have been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite Beck's attempts to polish his party's left-wing image. Beck has stayed out of Merkel's Cabinet -- a decision that gives him latitude to attack the chancellor's party. Merkel said Monday that Beck "embodies ... the whole inner conflict of the Social Democrats in Germany -- on one hand, belonging to some extent to the 'grand coalition' and on the other, so to speak, playing the opposition as well." That "naturally does not make work easier," she said. Merkel pointed to the SPD's poor results in two of three state elections this year as evidence that moving leftward had not helped the party squeeze out The Left. "The Social Democrats' answer to that is a broken word, a broken election promise," she said. "That will naturally remain as an experience for the German people" before next year's election. Merkel's CDU has a chance to test a coalition with the Greens -- the SPD's traditional partner -- after it won the most votes in Sunday's Hamburg election, but lost its majority in the state parliament. National leaders gave CDU Mayor Ole von Beust their blessing to seek a coalition with the Greens, never tried at state level -- a move that could widen Merkel's options for staying in power next year. If he succeeds, "we have the chance to see for a year or a year and a half how well cooperation would work," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla told N24 television. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080225.0734.LDC2009T13::2	 Germany ' s Merkel rules out seeking early elections amid coalition tension BERLIN 2008-02-25 13:53:44 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday ruled out seeking early German national elections after a string of state votes increased tensions in her governing coalition. Merkel accused her partner in the alliance of behaving like an opposition leader. Elections in Hamburg Sunday and in Hesse last month gave neither traditional center-left nor center-right alliances a majority and saw The Left -- a fusion of ex-communists and opponents of economic reform -- expand its reach outside its traditional heartland in the former East Germany. That underlined the need for Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union and the center-left Social Democrats, Germany's two biggest parties, to seek new alliances as they look to escape from their bad-tempered national "grand coalition" after an election next year. In recent days, Merkel's party has attacked the Social Democrats over reports that party leader Kurt Beck might allow their candidate in Hesse to form a minority government and seek election as governor by accepting votes from The Left -- with which they so far have refused to work in western Germany. However, Merkel rebuffed some conservatives' suggestions that such a move could endanger the national coalition. "We will continue the work of the 'grand coalition' -- we will not speculate with any thoughts of new elections, because we do not want to play games at the expense of voters," she said at a news conference. The "grand coalition" -- the result of an indecisive 2005 election -- has presided over an economic upturn but has found it increasingly tough to agree on policy as the next election, due in late 2009, comes into sight. The Social Democrats, or SPD, have been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite Beck's attempts to polish his party's left-wing image. Beck has stayed out of Merkel's Cabinet -- a decision that gives him latitude to attack the chancellor's party. Merkel said Monday that Beck "embodies ... the whole inner conflict of the Social Democrats in Germany -- on one hand, belonging to some extent to the 'grand coalition' and on the other, so to speak, playing the opposition as well." That "naturally does not make work easier," she said. Merkel pointed to the SPD's poor results in two of three state elections this year as evidence that moving leftward had not helped the party squeeze out The Left. "The Social Democrats' answer to that is a broken word, a broken election promise," she said. "That will naturally remain as an experience for the German people" before next year's election. Merkel's CDU has a chance to test a coalition with the Greens -- the SPD's traditional partner -- after it won the most votes in Sunday's Hamburg election, but lost its majority in the state parliament. National leaders gave CDU Mayor Ole von Beust their blessing to seek a coalition with the Greens, never tried at state level -- a move that could widen Merkel's options for staying in power next year. If he succeeds, "we have the chance to see for a year or a year and a half how well cooperation would work," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla told N24 television. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080225.0734.LDC2009T13::3	 Germany ' s Merkel rules out seeking early elections amid coalition tension BERLIN 2008-02-25 13:53:44 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday ruled out seeking early German national elections after a string of state votes increased tensions in her governing coalition. Merkel accused her partner in the alliance of behaving like an opposition leader. Elections in Hamburg Sunday and in Hesse last month gave neither traditional center-left nor center-right alliances a majority and saw The Left -- a fusion of ex-communists and opponents of economic reform -- expand its reach outside its traditional heartland in the former East Germany. That underlined the need for Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union and the center-left Social Democrats, Germany's two biggest parties, to seek new alliances as they look to escape from their bad-tempered national "grand coalition" after an election next year. In recent days, Merkel's party has attacked the Social Democrats over reports that party leader Kurt Beck might allow their candidate in Hesse to form a minority government and seek election as governor by accepting votes from The Left -- with which they so far have refused to work in western Germany. However, Merkel rebuffed some conservatives' suggestions that such a move could endanger the national coalition. "We will continue the work of the 'grand coalition' -- we will not speculate with any thoughts of new elections, because we do not want to play games at the expense of voters," she said at a news conference. The "grand coalition" -- the result of an indecisive 2005 election -- has presided over an economic upturn but has found it increasingly tough to agree on policy as the next election, due in late 2009, comes into sight. The Social Democrats, or SPD, have been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite Beck's attempts to polish his party's left-wing image. Beck has stayed out of Merkel's Cabinet -- a decision that gives him latitude to attack the chancellor's party. Merkel said Monday that Beck "embodies ... the whole inner conflict of the Social Democrats in Germany -- on one hand, belonging to some extent to the 'grand coalition' and on the other, so to speak, playing the opposition as well." That "naturally does not make work easier," she said. Merkel pointed to the SPD's poor results in two of three state elections this year as evidence that moving leftward had not helped the party squeeze out The Left. "The Social Democrats' answer to that is a broken word, a broken election promise," she said. "That will naturally remain as an experience for the German people" before next year's election. Merkel's CDU has a chance to test a coalition with the Greens -- the SPD's traditional partner -- after it won the most votes in Sunday's Hamburg election, but lost its majority in the state parliament. National leaders gave CDU Mayor Ole von Beust their blessing to seek a coalition with the Greens, never tried at state level -- a move that could widen Merkel's options for staying in power next year. If he succeeds, "we have the chance to see for a year or a year and a half how well cooperation would work," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla told N24 television. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080305.1012.LDC2009T13::1	 Poll shows German Social Democrats ' support sliding amid discussion over Left party BERLIN 2008-03-05 15:42:52 UTC Support for Germany's center-left Social Democrats, who make up half the country's governing coalition, has slid amid heated discussion over whether they should work with the new Left party, according to a poll published Wednesday. The findings come as the Social Democrats and Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union look toward a national election next year in which both want to end their bad- tempered governing "grand coalition." Two recent state elections left traditional center-left and center-right coalitions without a majority, partly due to the success of The Left -- a combination of eastern German ex- communists and western opponents of economic reform -- in establishing itself since it emerged in 2005. That underlined the need for the big parties to consider new alliances. The Social Democrats, or SPD, long refused to work with The Left in western Germany. However, party leader Kurt Beck last month abruptly backed off that stance, pushing through a ruling that left state branches free to decide who they work with, despite loud criticism from some SPD members. A poll conducted Feb. 25-29 by the Forsa institute for Stern magazine suggested that the SPD's change of course had hurt the long-struggling party's ratings further. It put support for the SPD at 24 percent -- down four points from the previous week -- while Merkel's CDU and its Bavaria-only sister party, the Christian Social Union, gained two points to 38 percent. The Left, one of whose leaders is a former SPD chairman, gained two points to 14 percent. The other two opposition parties -- the pro-business Free Democrats and the Greens -- had 10 percent each, the poll found. The SPD's candidate for governor in the western state of Hesse has said she may accept The Left's support to unseat her conservative rival after a bitterly fought January election gave neither contender a parliamentary majority. Merkel last week charged that the SPD had failed to deal with the challenge from The Left, and that its "answer to that is a broken word." However, she ruled out seeking early national elections. The SPD says it stands by its refusal to work at national level with The Left -- which opposes economic reforms and German military deployments abroad. Conservatives have questioned that, but a senior Left party figure said that any national cooperation is unlikely soon. "The SPD is too similar to the CDU today," said Gregor Gysi, its parliamentary leader. "If it remains neoliberal, (cooperation) won't work at the federal level." The poorly communicated change of tack by Beck, Merkel's most likely challenger in the 2009 election, has raised widespread questions over his leadership style. The Forsa survey found that only 14 percent of Germans would elect him directly as chancellor if they were able -- a four- point decline from the previous week -- far behind the 56 percent who would choose Merkel. It put Merkel ahead even among SPD supporters. Forsa surveyed 2,501 people. Its poll gave a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080305.1012.LDC2009T13::2	 Poll shows German Social Democrats ' support sliding amid discussion over Left party BERLIN 2008-03-05 15:42:52 UTC Support for Germany's center-left Social Democrats, who make up half the country's governing coalition, has slid amid heated discussion over whether they should work with the new Left party, according to a poll published Wednesday. The findings come as the Social Democrats and Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union look toward a national election next year in which both want to end their bad- tempered governing "grand coalition." Two recent state elections left traditional center-left and center-right coalitions without a majority, partly due to the success of The Left -- a combination of eastern German ex- communists and western opponents of economic reform -- in establishing itself since it emerged in 2005. That underlined the need for the big parties to consider new alliances. The Social Democrats, or SPD, long refused to work with The Left in western Germany. However, party leader Kurt Beck last month abruptly backed off that stance, pushing through a ruling that left state branches free to decide who they work with, despite loud criticism from some SPD members. A poll conducted Feb. 25-29 by the Forsa institute for Stern magazine suggested that the SPD's change of course had hurt the long-struggling party's ratings further. It put support for the SPD at 24 percent -- down four points from the previous week -- while Merkel's CDU and its Bavaria-only sister party, the Christian Social Union, gained two points to 38 percent. The Left, one of whose leaders is a former SPD chairman, gained two points to 14 percent. The other two opposition parties -- the pro-business Free Democrats and the Greens -- had 10 percent each, the poll found. The SPD's candidate for governor in the western state of Hesse has said she may accept The Left's support to unseat her conservative rival after a bitterly fought January election gave neither contender a parliamentary majority. Merkel last week charged that the SPD had failed to deal with the challenge from The Left, and that its "answer to that is a broken word." However, she ruled out seeking early national elections. The SPD says it stands by its refusal to work at national level with The Left -- which opposes economic reforms and German military deployments abroad. Conservatives have questioned that, but a senior Left party figure said that any national cooperation is unlikely soon. "The SPD is too similar to the CDU today," said Gregor Gysi, its parliamentary leader. "If it remains neoliberal, (cooperation) won't work at the federal level." The poorly communicated change of tack by Beck, Merkel's most likely challenger in the 2009 election, has raised widespread questions over his leadership style. The Forsa survey found that only 14 percent of Germans would elect him directly as chancellor if they were able -- a four- point decline from the previous week -- far behind the 56 percent who would choose Merkel. It put Merkel ahead even among SPD supporters. Forsa surveyed 2,501 people. Its poll gave a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0249.LDC2007T07::1	 Kohl, a political colossus of German and European unity Helmsman of German reunification and a driving force today of the European Union, Chancellor Helmut Kohl stands out like a political colossus as the 20th century draws to a close. He has led Germany's Christian Democrats since 1973, and has headed the federal German government since 1982. Kohl recognised the importance of the movement of 1989-90 which brought down the Berlin Wall and reunited Germany. As some equivocated or opposed it, he favoured the momentum while channelling its course. Kohl's answer to foreign fears of resurgent German domination is to anchor Germany in the centre of a stronger European Union. His electoral success owes much to a popular style. His approach to economic problems is one of common-sense "good-housekeeping". At least 1.93 metres (six foot four inches) tall and weighing easily 110 kilos (242 pounds), Kohl is a giant of impressive physical stature who incarnates the virtues of middle-class moderation. In retrospect his rise to the top of the CDU appears almost natural, and his accession to the chancellorship the logical triumph of a certain German conservatism. Helmut Kohl was born April 3, 1930 at Ludwigshafen, in the Rhineland- Palatinate region. His father was a civil service finance official, his mother's family were teachers. His upbringing has been described as "Catholic but liberal". He studied history, law and political science at Frankfurt, and earned a doctorate at Heidelberg in 1958 with a thesis on "political development in the Palatinate and the restoration of parties after 1945". From 1959 to 1969 he worked as an adviser to the chemical industry in Ludwigshafen. He joined the CDU in 1947. In 1959 Kohl was elected to the Rhineland- Palatinate parliament. He became premier of Rhineland-Palatinate in 1969. After the CDU lost the election of 1972, Kohl succeeded Rainer Barzel as national party leader. His break came when the FDP under Hans-Dietrich Genscher, then foreign minister, switched the liberals' support to the Christian parties in 1982 and he replaced the Social Democrats' Helmut Schmidt as chancellor. Kohl has headed a Christian Union-led coalition with the FDP in Bonn ever since. The coalition was returned in general elections in 1983, 1987, 1990 and 1994. Deeply committed to the vision of a European political and economic union, Kohl nevertheless remains a hard-headed defender of industrial and business interests. In 1960 he married Hannelore Renner, an interpreter, and they have two sons, Walter and Peter. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0249.LDC2007T07::2	 Kohl, a political colossus of German and European unity Helmsman of German reunification and a driving force today of the European Union, Chancellor Helmut Kohl stands out like a political colossus as the 20th century draws to a close. He has led Germany's Christian Democrats since 1973, and has headed the federal German government since 1982. Kohl recognised the importance of the movement of 1989-90 which brought down the Berlin Wall and reunited Germany. As some equivocated or opposed it, he favoured the momentum while channelling its course. Kohl's answer to foreign fears of resurgent German domination is to anchor Germany in the centre of a stronger European Union. His electoral success owes much to a popular style. His approach to economic problems is one of common-sense "good-housekeeping". At least 1.93 metres (six foot four inches) tall and weighing easily 110 kilos (242 pounds), Kohl is a giant of impressive physical stature who incarnates the virtues of middle-class moderation. In retrospect his rise to the top of the CDU appears almost natural, and his accession to the chancellorship the logical triumph of a certain German conservatism. Helmut Kohl was born April 3, 1930 at Ludwigshafen, in the Rhineland- Palatinate region. His father was a civil service finance official, his mother's family were teachers. His upbringing has been described as "Catholic but liberal". He studied history, law and political science at Frankfurt, and earned a doctorate at Heidelberg in 1958 with a thesis on "political development in the Palatinate and the restoration of parties after 1945". From 1959 to 1969 he worked as an adviser to the chemical industry in Ludwigshafen. He joined the CDU in 1947. In 1959 Kohl was elected to the Rhineland- Palatinate parliament. He became premier of Rhineland-Palatinate in 1969. After the CDU lost the election of 1972, Kohl succeeded Rainer Barzel as national party leader. His break came when the FDP under Hans-Dietrich Genscher, then foreign minister, switched the liberals' support to the Christian parties in 1982 and he replaced the Social Democrats' Helmut Schmidt as chancellor. Kohl has headed a Christian Union-led coalition with the FDP in Bonn ever since. The coalition was returned in general elections in 1983, 1987, 1990 and 1994. Deeply committed to the vision of a European political and economic union, Kohl nevertheless remains a hard-headed defender of industrial and business interests. In 1960 he married Hannelore Renner, an interpreter, and they have two sons, Walter and Peter. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0249.LDC2007T07::3	 Kohl, a political colossus of German and European unity Helmsman of German reunification and a driving force today of the European Union, Chancellor Helmut Kohl stands out like a political colossus as the 20th century draws to a close. He has led Germany's Christian Democrats since 1973, and has headed the federal German government since 1982. Kohl recognised the importance of the movement of 1989-90 which brought down the Berlin Wall and reunited Germany. As some equivocated or opposed it, he favoured the momentum while channelling its course. Kohl's answer to foreign fears of resurgent German domination is to anchor Germany in the centre of a stronger European Union. His electoral success owes much to a popular style. His approach to economic problems is one of common-sense "good-housekeeping". At least 1.93 metres (six foot four inches) tall and weighing easily 110 kilos (242 pounds), Kohl is a giant of impressive physical stature who incarnates the virtues of middle-class moderation. In retrospect his rise to the top of the CDU appears almost natural, and his accession to the chancellorship the logical triumph of a certain German conservatism. Helmut Kohl was born April 3, 1930 at Ludwigshafen, in the Rhineland- Palatinate region. His father was a civil service finance official, his mother's family were teachers. His upbringing has been described as "Catholic but liberal". He studied history, law and political science at Frankfurt, and earned a doctorate at Heidelberg in 1958 with a thesis on "political development in the Palatinate and the restoration of parties after 1945". From 1959 to 1969 he worked as an adviser to the chemical industry in Ludwigshafen. He joined the CDU in 1947. In 1959 Kohl was elected to the Rhineland- Palatinate parliament. He became premier of Rhineland-Palatinate in 1969. After the CDU lost the election of 1972, Kohl succeeded Rainer Barzel as national party leader. His break came when the FDP under Hans-Dietrich Genscher, then foreign minister, switched the liberals' support to the Christian parties in 1982 and he replaced the Social Democrats' Helmut Schmidt as chancellor. Kohl has headed a Christian Union-led coalition with the FDP in Bonn ever since. The coalition was returned in general elections in 1983, 1987, 1990 and 1994. Deeply committed to the vision of a European political and economic union, Kohl nevertheless remains a hard-headed defender of industrial and business interests. In 1960 he married Hannelore Renner, an interpreter, and they have two sons, Walter and Peter. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080307.0782.LDC2009T13::1	 After 25 years in parliament, Germany ' s Greens reach new milestone BERLIN 2008-03-07 13:42:58 UTC When Germany's Greens first entered parliament 25 years ago, few imagined that the protest party -- with its penchant for beards, dungarees and sunflowers -- would one day become a sought-after ally for conservatives. On Thursday night, though, Greens in Hamburg voted to launch negotiations with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union on what would be their first state- level coalition. If successful, that tie-up could help set the scene for a future national alliance. The decision came two days after party leaders marked the anniversary of their arrival in the national parliament with organic wine but respectable suits -- reflecting a long journey to the political center for one of Europe's most successful ecology-based parties. Today's Greens are a far cry from the 28 lawmakers who took their seats in Bonn in 1983 -- after marching through the West German capital with a tree felled to make way for an airport runway and a dead fir from the Black Forest. "Back then, no one could have imagined our working together with the CDU," Renate Kuenast, the party's co-leader in parliament, said this week. Now, she argued, the Greens should be prepared to cooperate with conservatives "if they're intent on improving society." "But they should understand that even though we no longer have the same clothes and beards ... we still have the same political visions," she said. With Germany's coalitions in flux, trying out an alliance with the Christian Democratic Union could free the Greens from relying on their usual partnership with the center-left Social Democrats, the struggling party of ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, with whom they governed Germany for seven years. And such an alliance could expand Merkel's options in the future. On Thursday, Hamburg Greens endorsed the idea after lawmaker Krista Sager urged them to seize the opportunity. "This is a historic chance now, and we must try to get as much as possible out of this chance for people in our city," she said. Still, these are insecure times for the party, which has struggled for direction since Schroeder's government lost power in 2005 and their de facto leader, former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, went into retirement. Its current leaders will have to be careful about embracing new partners, given the risk of alienating grass-roots members who are often left-leaning and pacifist. Earlier this week, top Greens decided to go into next year's national election with a leadership duo that reflects those tensions -- pairing Kuenast, a pragmatist who was Schroeder's agriculture minister, with Juergen Trittin, a former environment minister who is closer to the party's left wing. Trittin and others have suggested the party could work with the new Left party -- a combination of former East German communists and western ex-Social Democrats disgruntled by economic reform that has drained votes from the center-left and complicated coalition-building since it emerged in 2005. In Hamburg, some Greens suggest speculation about a possible coalition with the CDU ahead of last month's state election contributed to a relatively poor vote tally for the party in a traditional stronghold. But they see opportunities too. "We Greens have arrived in the middle of society, and it's time to position ourselves anew," said Helmut Deecke, the party's treasurer in Hamburg. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080307.0782.LDC2009T13::2	 After 25 years in parliament, Germany ' s Greens reach new milestone BERLIN 2008-03-07 13:42:58 UTC When Germany's Greens first entered parliament 25 years ago, few imagined that the protest party -- with its penchant for beards, dungarees and sunflowers -- would one day become a sought-after ally for conservatives. On Thursday night, though, Greens in Hamburg voted to launch negotiations with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union on what would be their first state- level coalition. If successful, that tie-up could help set the scene for a future national alliance. The decision came two days after party leaders marked the anniversary of their arrival in the national parliament with organic wine but respectable suits -- reflecting a long journey to the political center for one of Europe's most successful ecology-based parties. Today's Greens are a far cry from the 28 lawmakers who took their seats in Bonn in 1983 -- after marching through the West German capital with a tree felled to make way for an airport runway and a dead fir from the Black Forest. "Back then, no one could have imagined our working together with the CDU," Renate Kuenast, the party's co-leader in parliament, said this week. Now, she argued, the Greens should be prepared to cooperate with conservatives "if they're intent on improving society." "But they should understand that even though we no longer have the same clothes and beards ... we still have the same political visions," she said. With Germany's coalitions in flux, trying out an alliance with the Christian Democratic Union could free the Greens from relying on their usual partnership with the center-left Social Democrats, the struggling party of ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, with whom they governed Germany for seven years. And such an alliance could expand Merkel's options in the future. On Thursday, Hamburg Greens endorsed the idea after lawmaker Krista Sager urged them to seize the opportunity. "This is a historic chance now, and we must try to get as much as possible out of this chance for people in our city," she said. Still, these are insecure times for the party, which has struggled for direction since Schroeder's government lost power in 2005 and their de facto leader, former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, went into retirement. Its current leaders will have to be careful about embracing new partners, given the risk of alienating grass-roots members who are often left-leaning and pacifist. Earlier this week, top Greens decided to go into next year's national election with a leadership duo that reflects those tensions -- pairing Kuenast, a pragmatist who was Schroeder's agriculture minister, with Juergen Trittin, a former environment minister who is closer to the party's left wing. Trittin and others have suggested the party could work with the new Left party -- a combination of former East German communists and western ex-Social Democrats disgruntled by economic reform that has drained votes from the center-left and complicated coalition-building since it emerged in 2005. In Hamburg, some Greens suggest speculation about a possible coalition with the CDU ahead of last month's state election contributed to a relatively poor vote tally for the party in a traditional stronghold. But they see opportunities too. "We Greens have arrived in the middle of society, and it's time to position ourselves anew," said Helmut Deecke, the party's treasurer in Hamburg. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0256.LDC2007T07::1	 Some key dates in the career of Germany's Chancellor Kohl Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced Thursday on his 67th birthday that he would run for a fifth term as candidate for chancellor in the 1998 legislative election in Germany. Here are some of the main dates in the chronology of his career: - April 3 1930: birth at Ludwigshafen to a Roman Catholic family. His father is a tax office official, his mother a teacher. - 1947: joins the Christian Democratic Union, a party formed post- World War II and grouping together Protestants and Catholics for the first time in Germany. - 1959: election to the regional parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate - 1969: becomes premier (chief minister) of Rhineland-Palatinate, elected a vice-president of the CDU. - 1973: elected CDU president (chairman). - 1976: Candidate for the post of chancellor against the Social Democrat Helmut Schmidt. The CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, just fail to win an absolute majority and thereby oust Schmidt's coalition with the Free Democrats. Kohl resigns his regional premiership to devote himself to leading the Christian Union parties in opposition in the federal parliament in Bonn. - 1980: Kohl is obliged to let Franz Josef Strauss, president of the CSU, to head the election race for the chancellor's office. But Strauss's outright defeat by Schmidt strengthens Kohl's position. - October 1 1982: elected chancellor by the Bundestag after the Free Democrats quit Helmut Schmidt and the Social Democrats to throw in their lot with the Christian Union parties. - March 6 1983: Kohl and the Christian Union-FDP coalition are returned for the first time in a general, legislative election. - January 25 1987: Kohl and his centre-right coalition are returned again, although the Christian Union parties' vote is 4.5 percentage points down. - September 1989: he foils an attempted internal putsch against him in the party after repeated setbacks in local and regional elections. - November 1989: after the historic November 9 opening of the Berlin Wall, Kohl comes up with a 10-point for a gradual reunification of Germany. - October 3 1990: the day Germany is officially reunited, making Kohl the first chancellor of a united, federal Germany. - December 2 1990: borne on a wave of post-reunification euphoria, he is returned for a third term as chancellor of the centre-right coalition. - October 16 1994: narrowly re-elected for a fourth term at the head of the same coalition of Christian Union and Free Democrat parties - October 31 1996: after 5,145 days as chancellor, beats Konrad Adenauer's time in the post. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0256.LDC2007T07::2	 Some key dates in the career of Germany's Chancellor Kohl Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced Thursday on his 67th birthday that he would run for a fifth term as candidate for chancellor in the 1998 legislative election in Germany. Here are some of the main dates in the chronology of his career: - April 3 1930: birth at Ludwigshafen to a Roman Catholic family. His father is a tax office official, his mother a teacher. - 1947: joins the Christian Democratic Union, a party formed post- World War II and grouping together Protestants and Catholics for the first time in Germany. - 1959: election to the regional parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate - 1969: becomes premier (chief minister) of Rhineland-Palatinate, elected a vice-president of the CDU. - 1973: elected CDU president (chairman). - 1976: Candidate for the post of chancellor against the Social Democrat Helmut Schmidt. The CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, just fail to win an absolute majority and thereby oust Schmidt's coalition with the Free Democrats. Kohl resigns his regional premiership to devote himself to leading the Christian Union parties in opposition in the federal parliament in Bonn. - 1980: Kohl is obliged to let Franz Josef Strauss, president of the CSU, to head the election race for the chancellor's office. But Strauss's outright defeat by Schmidt strengthens Kohl's position. - October 1 1982: elected chancellor by the Bundestag after the Free Democrats quit Helmut Schmidt and the Social Democrats to throw in their lot with the Christian Union parties. - March 6 1983: Kohl and the Christian Union-FDP coalition are returned for the first time in a general, legislative election. - January 25 1987: Kohl and his centre-right coalition are returned again, although the Christian Union parties' vote is 4.5 percentage points down. - September 1989: he foils an attempted internal putsch against him in the party after repeated setbacks in local and regional elections. - November 1989: after the historic November 9 opening of the Berlin Wall, Kohl comes up with a 10-point for a gradual reunification of Germany. - October 3 1990: the day Germany is officially reunited, making Kohl the first chancellor of a united, federal Germany. - December 2 1990: borne on a wave of post-reunification euphoria, he is returned for a third term as chancellor of the centre-right coalition. - October 16 1994: narrowly re-elected for a fourth term at the head of the same coalition of Christian Union and Free Democrat parties - October 31 1996: after 5,145 days as chancellor, beats Konrad Adenauer's time in the post. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19970403.0256.LDC2007T07::3	 Some key dates in the career of Germany's Chancellor Kohl Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced Thursday on his 67th birthday that he would run for a fifth term as candidate for chancellor in the 1998 legislative election in Germany. Here are some of the main dates in the chronology of his career: - April 3 1930: birth at Ludwigshafen to a Roman Catholic family. His father is a tax office official, his mother a teacher. - 1947: joins the Christian Democratic Union, a party formed post- World War II and grouping together Protestants and Catholics for the first time in Germany. - 1959: election to the regional parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate - 1969: becomes premier (chief minister) of Rhineland-Palatinate, elected a vice-president of the CDU. - 1973: elected CDU president (chairman). - 1976: Candidate for the post of chancellor against the Social Democrat Helmut Schmidt. The CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, just fail to win an absolute majority and thereby oust Schmidt's coalition with the Free Democrats. Kohl resigns his regional premiership to devote himself to leading the Christian Union parties in opposition in the federal parliament in Bonn. - 1980: Kohl is obliged to let Franz Josef Strauss, president of the CSU, to head the election race for the chancellor's office. But Strauss's outright defeat by Schmidt strengthens Kohl's position. - October 1 1982: elected chancellor by the Bundestag after the Free Democrats quit Helmut Schmidt and the Social Democrats to throw in their lot with the Christian Union parties. - March 6 1983: Kohl and the Christian Union-FDP coalition are returned for the first time in a general, legislative election. - January 25 1987: Kohl and his centre-right coalition are returned again, although the Christian Union parties' vote is 4.5 percentage points down. - September 1989: he foils an attempted internal putsch against him in the party after repeated setbacks in local and regional elections. - November 1989: after the historic November 9 opening of the Berlin Wall, Kohl comes up with a 10-point for a gradual reunification of Germany. - October 3 1990: the day Germany is officially reunited, making Kohl the first chancellor of a united, federal Germany. - December 2 1990: borne on a wave of post-reunification euphoria, he is returned for a third term as chancellor of the centre-right coalition. - October 16 1994: narrowly re-elected for a fourth term at the head of the same coalition of Christian Union and Free Democrat parties - October 31 1996: after 5,145 days as chancellor, beats Konrad Adenauer's time in the post. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::1	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::2	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::3	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::4	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::5	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::6	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::7	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::8	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::9	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020108.0460.LDC2007T07::10	 Bavarian party asks Christian Democrats to agree to Stoiber candidacy WILDBAD KREUTH, Germany, Jan 8 (AFP) - Bavaria's ultra-conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) called Tuesday for the southern German state's premier Edmund Stoiber to lead the right-wing challenge to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in general elections in September. CSU parliamentary leader Michael Glos said the party was asking the main conservative grouping, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to accept Stoiber, who heads the CSU, as candidate over CDU leader Angela Merkel. Glos, speaking at a meeting in the Alpine resort of Wildbad Kreuth of the CSU parliamentary delegation, said: "We need the full support of the CDU, therefore we are seeking the agreement of our sister party to our proposal that the CSU party leader be one of the chancellor candidates." Friedrich Merz, a CDU member who heads the joint CDU/CSU delegation in parliament, told the newspaper Tagespiegel, in a report to be published Wednesday, that it was now up to the CDU to react. Pressure appeared to be growing in favor of Stoiber, who leads Merkel in public opinion polls. Analysts have said that Stoiber is trying to leave the door open for Merkel to abandon the race without being humiliated. Stoiber, 60, repeated in Wildbad Kreuth Monday that he hoped to reach an amicable agreement with Merkel, 47, and that their rivalry should not hurt the drive to unseat Schroeder's centre-left Social Democrat- Greens coalition. The coalition came to office in 1998 with a crushing defeat of then CDU chancellor Helmut Kohl's centre-right government. Stoiber said he and Merkel "will present a joint decision." Merz had said Monday that if the two leaders could not reach an agreement, then the parliamentary group could decide, perhaps at a meeting of the two parties on January 21 marking the end of the parliamentary winter pause. Merkel has said the CDU/CSU coalition would decide this month on who will be their candidate. She said she and Stoiber would meet after the CSU meeting and a CDU executive gathering Friday and Saturday in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Merkel had been hoping to postpone the candidacy decision until spring, in order to give her time to recover from the widespread perception that she has been a weak leader since taking over the CDU in April 2000 amid a financial scandal surrounding Kohl. The tall, white-haired Stoiber, a polished orator with solid credentials as leader of Bavaria, Germany's most prosperous federal state, has hard-line, nationalist positions on issues such as European integration and immigration. Merkel, a relative moderate from the formerly communist east of Germany, is a political newcomer compared to Stoiber, with a low-key speaking style that some criticize as lacking punch. She has only been involved in Western-style politics since 1990, when communism fell, and has never headed a government. But the weekly magazine Der Spiegel said that even Merkel's friends are advising her to make way for Stoiber. One element in the debate is fear about Hamburg's ultra-conservative interior minister Roland Schill. Schill has said that he and his new Law-and-Order Offensive Party would bow out of the national election if Stoiber were the Christian Union candidate, but would run against Merkel. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::1	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::2	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::3	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::4	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::5	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::6	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::7	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::8	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020617.0564.LDC2007T07::9	 Kohl addresses German conservatives confident of taking power by Michael Adler FRANKFURT, June 17 (AFP) - Former chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke to his party Monday for the first time since he became embroiled in a slush funds scandal three years ago as Germany's conservatives sought to put the past behind them looking confidently towards general elections in September. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel told the congress in the western city of Frankfurt that the opposition conservatives were "ready to take on the responsibility for (running) Germany." But she warned against over-confidence in the campaign saying "every game must first be played." Kohl's speech was not only an emotional farewell to his 44-year career in government as he prepares to quit parliament after the September 22 vote, but also a sign that the CDU has now put behind it the scandal that broke in 1999, costing the party votes in local elections and popularity nationwide. Kohl has not addresssed a CDU congress since 1999, when he admitted to running illegal secret funds while chancellor between 1982 and 1998. In a speech that included a ringing endorsement of Edmund Stoiber, the Bavarian state premier, as the conservatives' candidate for chancellor, Kohl recalled the struggle for German unity that ended with reunification in 1990 while he was chancellor. CDU legislator Andreas Schmidt told reporters afterwards that Kohl's "life accomplishment (as chancellor of German unity) had benefitted both the party and the country. Kohl embodies this accomplishment." He said the warm reception Kohl had received here showed that "his mistakes pale in comparison with his accomplishments." "The slush funds scandal is over for us and will play no role in the campaign," he said only five days after a German appeals court ruled that the Christian Democrats must pay a 21-million euro (19.7-million dollar) fine levied over the funds. A spokesman for the Berlin court said Wednesday it had ruled that a political party was responsible for its bookkeeping and that the CDU had violated German law in failing to report any campaign contributions of more than 10,000 euros. Kohl has admitted to receiving some two million marks in funds that he did not declare. Parliament speaker Wolfgang Thierse imposed a 21 million euro fine on the CDU in February 2000. The 21 million euros would come from campaign funding the party had received from the federal government. The CDU can appeal the decision to a higher court. Kohl blasted Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for allowing his party to form a local alliance in the city-state of Berlin with the successor to the party that once ruled hardline communist East Germany. He also called on the CDU to look towards unifying Europe. "The gift of (German) unification obligates us to do this," Kohl said. "German unity and European unity are two sides of the same coin," he said. And about European enlargement he said: "No time should be lost." Kohl, who is 72, often fought back tears as he spoke on the 49th anniversary of a worker's uprising against former communist East Germany. June 17 became a symbol of German unity and was West Germany's national holiday until unification in 1990. Stoiber will address the congress on its final day Tuesday, when the CDU adopts a joint campaign platform with its sister party, the Christian Social Union which is only filing candidates in Bavaria. Leading in public opinion polls, he is expected to press his advantage by attacking Schroeder on the economy. Stoiber, 60, vaunts his economic savvy as governor of Germany's most prosperous state and attacks Schroeder, 58, for failing to bring high unemployment down from over four million to under 3.5 million as he had promised upon taking office four years ago. A Forsa poll said last week that Schroeder's SPD-Greens coalition would fail to reach a governing majority, winning only 42-percent support, while a conservative coalition of the Christian Union parties and the liberal Free Democrats would get 48 percent. Stoiber has stressed that he has no miracle economic cures and will need a first four-year term as chancellor just to get started on reviving the German economy. He wants to slash both taxes and government spending in order to get the economy, among the most labor-expensive and least competitive in western Europe, out of the doldrums. But Schroeder has charged that Stoiber will not be able to finance his reforms. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::1	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::2	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::3	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::4	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::5	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::6	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030211.0362.LDC2007T07::7	 German opposition party appeals fine over state slush fund affair Germany's chief opposition party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said Tuesday it would appeal a multi-million- euro fine imposed over a slush fund scandal to the country's highest court. The CDU lost an appeal earlier Tuesday before the federal administrative court in Leipzig, eastern Germany, against the 21 -million-euro (22-million-dollar) fine by parliament stemming from a campaign financing affair in the western state of Hesse. A lower court in Berlin had earlier upheld the fine, leveled by the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Thierse. CDU national manager Willi Hausmann said the party would now take the case to the federal constitutional court. Former federal interior minister Manfred Kanther, the ex-chairman of the Hesse state CDU, was cleared of breach of trust charges in the sleaze scandal last year. Although Kanther, who served under ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, admitted to running secret Swiss bank accounts for the party in the 1980s, a superior court ruled that Kanther had not brought the CDU lasting damage with his actions. Kohl was forced to relinquish the chairmanship of the national CDU after admitting in December 1999 he accepted illegal party contributions, a scandal that has had lasting political consequences for the CDU. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030915.0304.LDC2007T07::1	 Germany dares to dream of a woman president by Geraldine Schwarz When German President Johannes Rau said he would not stand for reelection next May, he threw the race wide open and the hunt is now on for another leader, with many Germans dreaming of their first woman president. "It would be a good thing for our republic if a woman could win," the Social Democrat (SPD) Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said. Schroeder almost went up against a woman during the race for the chancellory last year. The head of the Christian Democrat Union (CDU), Angela Merkel, was in the running befsa polling institute. As for the population at large, opinion polls during last year's general election showed Germans were largely enthusiastic about the idea of a woman chancellor. "The population has been ready to accept women in high-ranking positions for a long time," said Manfred Guellner of the forsa institute. But the reality is far different. Women are largely absent from top political posts. Five federal ministers are women, but none of them hold key ministries. Out of the 16 regional states, only one is run by a woman: the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. Two political parties are led by women: Angela Merkel for the CDU and Angelika Beer for the Greens while the FDP has a woman vice president in Cornelia Pieper. But the situation has improved over the years. Almost one third of German deputies in 1998 were women, against just 10 percent in 1983. Within the SPD, 46 percent of leading posts were held by women in 1998 compared with just 29 percent for the right-wing CDU, according to Federal centre for political formations. A woman president, yes but who? Descriptions of the possible candidate have included: "highly qualified", "open to reforms", "implicated" and "inspiring trust and security among the people". No party has yet put forward an official candidate for the post, a job that traditionally transcends political differences. The president is elected for five years by a federal assembly composed of 603 regional deputies and 603 well-known Germans from all circles of life. The ballot is conducted by proportional representation according to the political profile and demographic size of each state. Some names have already been bandied around by the SPD and Greens, parties that make up the ruling coalition. They have talked of the SPD deputy and highly respected president of the Goethe Institute, Jutta Limbach, or Schleswig-Holstein's state president, Heide Simonis, also of the SPD, or vice pcal. "A taxi-driver must be polite, know how to speak a foreign language if possible and offer his fare an umbrella if needed," Turkey's Standardisation Board (TSE) has recommended. It has proposed that cabbies ban loud music, learn some first aid, have basic maths and know the layout of the town like the back of their hands. The suggestions are part of a wider drive by the state-controlled TSE to bring in across-the-board standards for Turkish goods and services to be enforced by government departments. Nobody knows yet how the Turkish transport ministry will respond to the TSE proposals. But Istanbul cabbies -- criticised for driving too fast often in a haze of cigarette smoke -- admitted that often they have to turn to their fares for help, and acknowledged there was room for improvement. "At times the tourists will guide us as they are better at reading a map than we are," said Ishan Aknur, Istanbul's "best taxi-driver" -- or so claims his Web-site. Not only is there no special training, but "if you want your driving licence all you need to do is to pay,", said a colleague, Yasar Dincer, 28. Whether he has a proper driving licence or not, Aknur has taken some English classes and, yes, he keeps an umbrella in the boot. He even admitted that many of his colleagues were lacking over the issue of personal hygiene. "Cabbies will not always shave, at times they cannot even speak proper Turkish, their cars are dirty and, to put it briefly, they show little respect for customers." But many remained cynical of the TSE's recommendations. Ahmet Kizilkaya, 35, objected that escorting fares with an umbrella to their homes was an odd sort of idea, arguing it would add to Istanbul's legendary traffic congestion. Contrary to the custom in other capitals, there is no central office to regulate the taxi business in Turkey's economic capital, whose 15 million population straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus. Istanbul's cabs, she believed the taxis' lack of hygiene was as indelible as their bright yellow chasses. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030915.0304.LDC2007T07::2	 Germany dares to dream of a woman president by Geraldine Schwarz When German President Johannes Rau said he would not stand for reelection next May, he threw the race wide open and the hunt is now on for another leader, with many Germans dreaming of their first woman president. "It would be a good thing for our republic if a woman could win," the Social Democrat (SPD) Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said. Schroeder almost went up against a woman during the race for the chancellory last year. The head of the Christian Democrat Union (CDU), Angela Merkel, was in the running befsa polling institute. As for the population at large, opinion polls during last year's general election showed Germans were largely enthusiastic about the idea of a woman chancellor. "The population has been ready to accept women in high-ranking positions for a long time," said Manfred Guellner of the forsa institute. But the reality is far different. Women are largely absent from top political posts. Five federal ministers are women, but none of them hold key ministries. Out of the 16 regional states, only one is run by a woman: the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. Two political parties are led by women: Angela Merkel for the CDU and Angelika Beer for the Greens while the FDP has a woman vice president in Cornelia Pieper. But the situation has improved over the years. Almost one third of German deputies in 1998 were women, against just 10 percent in 1983. Within the SPD, 46 percent of leading posts were held by women in 1998 compared with just 29 percent for the right-wing CDU, according to Federal centre for political formations. A woman president, yes but who? Descriptions of the possible candidate have included: "highly qualified", "open to reforms", "implicated" and "inspiring trust and security among the people". No party has yet put forward an official candidate for the post, a job that traditionally transcends political differences. The president is elected for five years by a federal assembly composed of 603 regional deputies and 603 well-known Germans from all circles of life. The ballot is conducted by proportional representation according to the political profile and demographic size of each state. Some names have already been bandied around by the SPD and Greens, parties that make up the ruling coalition. They have talked of the SPD deputy and highly respected president of the Goethe Institute, Jutta Limbach, or Schleswig-Holstein's state president, Heide Simonis, also of the SPD, or vice pcal. "A taxi-driver must be polite, know how to speak a foreign language if possible and offer his fare an umbrella if needed," Turkey's Standardisation Board (TSE) has recommended. It has proposed that cabbies ban loud music, learn some first aid, have basic maths and know the layout of the town like the back of their hands. The suggestions are part of a wider drive by the state-controlled TSE to bring in across-the-board standards for Turkish goods and services to be enforced by government departments. Nobody knows yet how the Turkish transport ministry will respond to the TSE proposals. But Istanbul cabbies -- criticised for driving too fast often in a haze of cigarette smoke -- admitted that often they have to turn to their fares for help, and acknowledged there was room for improvement. "At times the tourists will guide us as they are better at reading a map than we are," said Ishan Aknur, Istanbul's "best taxi-driver" -- or so claims his Web-site. Not only is there no special training, but "if you want your driving licence all you need to do is to pay,", said a colleague, Yasar Dincer, 28. Whether he has a proper driving licence or not, Aknur has taken some English classes and, yes, he keeps an umbrella in the boot. He even admitted that many of his colleagues were lacking over the issue of personal hygiene. "Cabbies will not always shave, at times they cannot even speak proper Turkish, their cars are dirty and, to put it briefly, they show little respect for customers." But many remained cynical of the TSE's recommendations. Ahmet Kizilkaya, 35, objected that escorting fares with an umbrella to their homes was an odd sort of idea, arguing it would add to Istanbul's legendary traffic congestion. Contrary to the custom in other capitals, there is no central office to regulate the taxi business in Turkey's economic capital, whose 15 million population straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus. Istanbul's cabs, she believed the taxis' lack of hygiene was as indelible as their bright yellow chasses. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030915.0304.LDC2007T07::3	 Germany dares to dream of a woman president by Geraldine Schwarz When German President Johannes Rau said he would not stand for reelection next May, he threw the race wide open and the hunt is now on for another leader, with many Germans dreaming of their first woman president. "It would be a good thing for our republic if a woman could win," the Social Democrat (SPD) Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said. Schroeder almost went up against a woman during the race for the chancellory last year. The head of the Christian Democrat Union (CDU), Angela Merkel, was in the running befsa polling institute. As for the population at large, opinion polls during last year's general election showed Germans were largely enthusiastic about the idea of a woman chancellor. "The population has been ready to accept women in high-ranking positions for a long time," said Manfred Guellner of the forsa institute. But the reality is far different. Women are largely absent from top political posts. Five federal ministers are women, but none of them hold key ministries. Out of the 16 regional states, only one is run by a woman: the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. Two political parties are led by women: Angela Merkel for the CDU and Angelika Beer for the Greens while the FDP has a woman vice president in Cornelia Pieper. But the situation has improved over the years. Almost one third of German deputies in 1998 were women, against just 10 percent in 1983. Within the SPD, 46 percent of leading posts were held by women in 1998 compared with just 29 percent for the right-wing CDU, according to Federal centre for political formations. A woman president, yes but who? Descriptions of the possible candidate have included: "highly qualified", "open to reforms", "implicated" and "inspiring trust and security among the people". No party has yet put forward an official candidate for the post, a job that traditionally transcends political differences. The president is elected for five years by a federal assembly composed of 603 regional deputies and 603 well-known Germans from all circles of life. The ballot is conducted by proportional representation according to the political profile and demographic size of each state. Some names have already been bandied around by the SPD and Greens, parties that make up the ruling coalition. They have talked of the SPD deputy and highly respected president of the Goethe Institute, Jutta Limbach, or Schleswig-Holstein's state president, Heide Simonis, also of the SPD, or vice pcal. "A taxi-driver must be polite, know how to speak a foreign language if possible and offer his fare an umbrella if needed," Turkey's Standardisation Board (TSE) has recommended. It has proposed that cabbies ban loud music, learn some first aid, have basic maths and know the layout of the town like the back of their hands. The suggestions are part of a wider drive by the state-controlled TSE to bring in across-the-board standards for Turkish goods and services to be enforced by government departments. Nobody knows yet how the Turkish transport ministry will respond to the TSE proposals. But Istanbul cabbies -- criticised for driving too fast often in a haze of cigarette smoke -- admitted that often they have to turn to their fares for help, and acknowledged there was room for improvement. "At times the tourists will guide us as they are better at reading a map than we are," said Ishan Aknur, Istanbul's "best taxi-driver" -- or so claims his Web-site. Not only is there no special training, but "if you want your driving licence all you need to do is to pay,", said a colleague, Yasar Dincer, 28. Whether he has a proper driving licence or not, Aknur has taken some English classes and, yes, he keeps an umbrella in the boot. He even admitted that many of his colleagues were lacking over the issue of personal hygiene. "Cabbies will not always shave, at times they cannot even speak proper Turkish, their cars are dirty and, to put it briefly, they show little respect for customers." But many remained cynical of the TSE's recommendations. Ahmet Kizilkaya, 35, objected that escorting fares with an umbrella to their homes was an odd sort of idea, arguing it would add to Istanbul's legendary traffic congestion. Contrary to the custom in other capitals, there is no central office to regulate the taxi business in Turkey's economic capital, whose 15 million population straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus. Istanbul's cabs, she believed the taxis' lack of hygiene was as indelible as their bright yellow chasses. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20031129.0157.LDC2007T07::1	 Germany's conservatives to firm up party line, and leader by Fabien Novial Germany's main conservative party begins its annual congress Monday under the increasingly steady hand of its first female leader, seeking to present itself as politically and personally fit for power. Angela Merkel has been called a Teutonic Maggie Thatcher for her political instincts and career to date, although she rejects such comparisons. But after a hesitant beginning, she seems to be tightening her grasp on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), both in redefining its policies and firming up her own profile with a view to a tilt at the chancellery. The conference in Leipzig, eastern Germany, also sees Merkel return to her roots: it was there she studied under the former communist regime. That a Protestant woman from the east, divorced and remarried, should make it so far through the ranks of a party steeped in traditional, Catholic, west German values shows how far she has come. At Leipzig, she will be defending her constructive opposition to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's centre-left government. The CDU, with its Bavarian sister CSU, is riding high in the polls, winning three of four state elections this year. It is in opposition in the Bundestag lower house of parliament but holds a blocking majority in the upper house. With a clutch of Schroeder's key reforms sent to a mediation committee, it also has a say in amending the proposed tax cuts and overhaul of unemployment and social welfare legislation. One of Merkel's proposals is to reduce high labour costs by making everyone pay 200 euros a month for health insurance regardless of income. In return, the well-off would face higher taxes restructured to favour the poor. The idea is not popular with some CDU members, who fear it could undermine Germany's treasured welfare system. Other proposals are more consensual, such as extending the working week and tackling the rising budget deficit. Merkel has indicated she is willing to strike a deal with Schroeder on the reforms: "if we reach a compromise we would be doing a good thing for Germany, even though we know we could do it better if we were ruling," she has said. Among the conservatives, arguably her biggest rival is Edmund Stoiber, the CSU premier of Bavaria state. He was the conservatives' candidate for chancellor in last year's election, losing by a whisker, after Merkel agreed to stand aside. Stoiber harbours ambitions of standing again but Merkel, more confident now after sidelining some of her party critics, is also keen. They haverlined Germany's extreme sensitivity to its Nazi past. But many rank and file CDU members grumble that he was badly treated, and Merkel cannot afford to lose her party's right wing. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20031129.0157.LDC2007T07::2	 Germany's conservatives to firm up party line, and leader by Fabien Novial Germany's main conservative party begins its annual congress Monday under the increasingly steady hand of its first female leader, seeking to present itself as politically and personally fit for power. Angela Merkel has been called a Teutonic Maggie Thatcher for her political instincts and career to date, although she rejects such comparisons. But after a hesitant beginning, she seems to be tightening her grasp on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), both in redefining its policies and firming up her own profile with a view to a tilt at the chancellery. The conference in Leipzig, eastern Germany, also sees Merkel return to her roots: it was there she studied under the former communist regime. That a Protestant woman from the east, divorced and remarried, should make it so far through the ranks of a party steeped in traditional, Catholic, west German values shows how far she has come. At Leipzig, she will be defending her constructive opposition to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's centre-left government. The CDU, with its Bavarian sister CSU, is riding high in the polls, winning three of four state elections this year. It is in opposition in the Bundestag lower house of parliament but holds a blocking majority in the upper house. With a clutch of Schroeder's key reforms sent to a mediation committee, it also has a say in amending the proposed tax cuts and overhaul of unemployment and social welfare legislation. One of Merkel's proposals is to reduce high labour costs by making everyone pay 200 euros a month for health insurance regardless of income. In return, the well-off would face higher taxes restructured to favour the poor. The idea is not popular with some CDU members, who fear it could undermine Germany's treasured welfare system. Other proposals are more consensual, such as extending the working week and tackling the rising budget deficit. Merkel has indicated she is willing to strike a deal with Schroeder on the reforms: "if we reach a compromise we would be doing a good thing for Germany, even though we know we could do it better if we were ruling," she has said. Among the conservatives, arguably her biggest rival is Edmund Stoiber, the CSU premier of Bavaria state. He was the conservatives' candidate for chancellor in last year's election, losing by a whisker, after Merkel agreed to stand aside. Stoiber harbours ambitions of standing again but Merkel, more confident now after sidelining some of her party critics, is also keen. They haverlined Germany's extreme sensitivity to its Nazi past. But many rank and file CDU members grumble that he was badly treated, and Merkel cannot afford to lose her party's right wing. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20031129.0157.LDC2007T07::3	 Germany's conservatives to firm up party line, and leader by Fabien Novial Germany's main conservative party begins its annual congress Monday under the increasingly steady hand of its first female leader, seeking to present itself as politically and personally fit for power. Angela Merkel has been called a Teutonic Maggie Thatcher for her political instincts and career to date, although she rejects such comparisons. But after a hesitant beginning, she seems to be tightening her grasp on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), both in redefining its policies and firming up her own profile with a view to a tilt at the chancellery. The conference in Leipzig, eastern Germany, also sees Merkel return to her roots: it was there she studied under the former communist regime. That a Protestant woman from the east, divorced and remarried, should make it so far through the ranks of a party steeped in traditional, Catholic, west German values shows how far she has come. At Leipzig, she will be defending her constructive opposition to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's centre-left government. The CDU, with its Bavarian sister CSU, is riding high in the polls, winning three of four state elections this year. It is in opposition in the Bundestag lower house of parliament but holds a blocking majority in the upper house. With a clutch of Schroeder's key reforms sent to a mediation committee, it also has a say in amending the proposed tax cuts and overhaul of unemployment and social welfare legislation. One of Merkel's proposals is to reduce high labour costs by making everyone pay 200 euros a month for health insurance regardless of income. In return, the well-off would face higher taxes restructured to favour the poor. The idea is not popular with some CDU members, who fear it could undermine Germany's treasured welfare system. Other proposals are more consensual, such as extending the working week and tackling the rising budget deficit. Merkel has indicated she is willing to strike a deal with Schroeder on the reforms: "if we reach a compromise we would be doing a good thing for Germany, even though we know we could do it better if we were ruling," she has said. Among the conservatives, arguably her biggest rival is Edmund Stoiber, the CSU premier of Bavaria state. He was the conservatives' candidate for chancellor in last year's election, losing by a whisker, after Merkel agreed to stand aside. Stoiber harbours ambitions of standing again but Merkel, more confident now after sidelining some of her party critics, is also keen. They haverlined Germany's extreme sensitivity to its Nazi past. But many rank and file CDU members grumble that he was badly treated, and Merkel cannot afford to lose her party's right wing. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20031129.0157.LDC2007T07::4	 Germany's conservatives to firm up party line, and leader by Fabien Novial Germany's main conservative party begins its annual congress Monday under the increasingly steady hand of its first female leader, seeking to present itself as politically and personally fit for power. Angela Merkel has been called a Teutonic Maggie Thatcher for her political instincts and career to date, although she rejects such comparisons. But after a hesitant beginning, she seems to be tightening her grasp on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), both in redefining its policies and firming up her own profile with a view to a tilt at the chancellery. The conference in Leipzig, eastern Germany, also sees Merkel return to her roots: it was there she studied under the former communist regime. That a Protestant woman from the east, divorced and remarried, should make it so far through the ranks of a party steeped in traditional, Catholic, west German values shows how far she has come. At Leipzig, she will be defending her constructive opposition to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's centre-left government. The CDU, with its Bavarian sister CSU, is riding high in the polls, winning three of four state elections this year. It is in opposition in the Bundestag lower house of parliament but holds a blocking majority in the upper house. With a clutch of Schroeder's key reforms sent to a mediation committee, it also has a say in amending the proposed tax cuts and overhaul of unemployment and social welfare legislation. One of Merkel's proposals is to reduce high labour costs by making everyone pay 200 euros a month for health insurance regardless of income. In return, the well-off would face higher taxes restructured to favour the poor. The idea is not popular with some CDU members, who fear it could undermine Germany's treasured welfare system. Other proposals are more consensual, such as extending the working week and tackling the rising budget deficit. Merkel has indicated she is willing to strike a deal with Schroeder on the reforms: "if we reach a compromise we would be doing a good thing for Germany, even though we know we could do it better if we were ruling," she has said. Among the conservatives, arguably her biggest rival is Edmund Stoiber, the CSU premier of Bavaria state. He was the conservatives' candidate for chancellor in last year's election, losing by a whisker, after Merkel agreed to stand aside. Stoiber harbours ambitions of standing again but Merkel, more confident now after sidelining some of her party critics, is also keen. They haverlined Germany's extreme sensitivity to its Nazi past. But many rank and file CDU members grumble that he was badly treated, and Merkel cannot afford to lose her party's right wing. 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20050914.0157.LDC2007T07::1	 Merkel learned priceless political skills in communist East Germany by Deborah Cole = (PICTURES) = Angela Merkel honed the fighting instincts and chameleon-like qualities that have helped propel her unlikely political career as a pastor's daughter in a small town under communism. Angela Kasner, as she was known then, came to Templin as a three- year-old in 1957 when her father Horst Kasner was assigned to a local seminary. He had left Hamburg in the capitalist west to work in East Germany, where he thought Christians needed him more. Nearly five decades on, Templin is a picture-perfect village of half- timbered houses and cobblestone streets where residents have vivid memories of the woman who may become Germany's first female leader and the first chancellor from the east. In interviews this week in the run-up to Sunday's election, those in Templin who knew young Angela Kasner told AFP she was a brilliant and headstrong yet modest student who had cautiously made her way through the minefield of communist society. Christians were viewed as pariahs in the atheist state, and the Kasners had to make compromises to get by, said Hans-Ulrich Beeskow, Angela's coach when she was 14 and 15 for the Mathematics Olympics held throughout the Soviet bloc. "She was a disaster at sports but good at everything else," he said. "I never had another girl like her in math class. She was a real rarity -- logical, analytical, very focused." Beeskow's eyes glow when he recalls Merkel's outsized intellect. "She was sometimes able to find solutions to equations that I had missed as a teacher," he said, adding that Merkel was also "an ace in Russian" -- a skill that would help her when her later boss, East Germany's last leader Lothar de Maziere, was negotiating German reunification with the Soviets. The fact that Merkel was a leading member of the Free German Youth (FDJ) -- the communist indoctrination program for young people -- has been a lightning rod for her enemies in the past, carrying the whiff of collaboration that can be deadly in German politics. Beeskow calls such charges "nonsense" and said playing along to get along was a fine line every easterner walked. "Her mother told her: 'Don't isolate yourself -- integrate yourself, don't stand out'. She could have faced serious reprisals, including refusal of entry to university," he said. "Her only choice was to succeed." Beeskow, who is also active in Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said his former pupil had learned a "healthy mistrust" and discretion in Templin that have helped her in the political shark tank of Berlin. "I wish her continued tenacity and perseverance to fight her rivals in the CDU -- she'll need it," Beeskow said. Elke Schulz, who was a schoolmate of Angela's from the age of 15, said she had inspired some jealousy because teachers reserved the top grades for her but that she was well-liked. "She could always adapt well -- we all learned to do that in the DDR (East Germany) from the time we were children," she said. "Each of us had to have two faces." But Schulz recalled fondly that her fellow pupil was far from a docile sheep. When their new history teacher asked the pupils to introduce themselves, 15-year-old Angela said her name as she always had, putting the accent on the first syllable. The teacher told her that there were only two ways to pronounce Angela -- the German way with the accent on the "e" or the English way with a soft "g". "But my name is Angela," she retorted, stamping her feet and putting extra stress on the first syllable. The teacher quickly recognized her error. Nevertheless, Merkel and the rest of the class were almost barred by the Stasi secret police from taking their school-leaving examinations because they rebelled during a social studies competition to raise money for Vietnam during the US-led war there. The pupils wanted to support a charity in Mozambique instead. Schulz said the officials eventually recognized that expelling the group would be a loss to the state due to their academic caliber and let the pupils graduate. "People from the Uckermark (this region north of Berlin) tend to watch from the sidelines but as soon as they decide to do something then there is no stopping them," she said. Meanwhile Templin Mayor Ulrich Schoeneich, a supporter of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrats, displays a degree of bitterness about Merkel. Schoeneich said his own father was also a Lutheran preacher and that fact, combined with his refusal to join the FDJ, had kept him from studying. "I was an intellectual's son but this was the farmers' and workers' state," he said. "I had to find another way to study" -- an arduous route including night school, laborer's training and finally university admission. Schoeneich regards Merkel's path with suspicion, a deviation from his own "straight and narrow" road that he said avoided compromises with the state. He said he believed Merkel had taken a leaf from her mother, who was barred from a teaching career in the East because her husband was active in the Church, and was even more determined to find her own way to pursue her goals. But Schoeneich warned that the male rivals from the west Merkel had shunted aside on her way to the top would seek opportunities to take her down a notch. "All those men will be looking for their chance," he said. "Politics is a dirty business." 
CDU::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20050914.0157.LDC2007T07::2	 Merkel learned priceless political skills in communist East Germany by Deborah Cole = (PICTURES) = Angela Merkel honed the fighting instincts and chameleon-like qualities that have helped propel her unlikely political career as a pastor's daughter in a small town under communism. Angela Kasner, as she was known then, came to Templin as a three- year-old in 1957 when her father Horst Kasner was assigned to a local seminary. He had left Hamburg in the capitalist west to work in East Germany, where he thought Christians needed him more. Nearly five decades on, Templin is a picture-perfect village of half- timbered houses and cobblestone streets where residents have vivid memories of the woman who may become Germany's first female leader and the first chancellor from the east. In interviews this week in the run-up to Sunday's election, those in Templin who knew young Angela Kasner told AFP she was a brilliant and headstrong yet modest student who had cautiously made her way through the minefield of communist society. Christians were viewed as pariahs in the atheist state, and the Kasners had to make compromises to get by, said Hans-Ulrich Beeskow, Angela's coach when she was 14 and 15 for the Mathematics Olympics held throughout the Soviet bloc. "She was a disaster at sports but good at everything else," he said. "I never had another girl like her in math class. She was a real rarity -- logical, analytical, very focused." Beeskow's eyes glow when he recalls Merkel's outsized intellect. "She was sometimes able to find solutions to equations that I had missed as a teacher," he said, adding that Merkel was also "an ace in Russian" -- a skill that would help her when her later boss, East Germany's last leader Lothar de Maziere, was negotiating German reunification with the Soviets. The fact that Merkel was a leading member of the Free German Youth (FDJ) -- the communist indoctrination program for young people -- has been a lightning rod for her enemies in the past, carrying the whiff of collaboration that can be deadly in German politics. Beeskow calls such charges "nonsense" and said playing along to get along was a fine line every easterner walked. "Her mother told her: 'Don't isolate yourself -- integrate yourself, don't stand out'. She could have faced serious reprisals, including refusal of entry to university," he said. "Her only choice was to succeed." Beeskow, who is also active in Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said his former pupil had learned a "healthy mistrust" and discretion in Templin that have helped her in the political shark tank of Berlin. "I wish her continued tenacity and perseverance to fight her rivals in the CDU -- she'll need it," Beeskow said. Elke Schulz, who was a schoolmate of Angela's from the age of 15, said she had inspired some jealousy because teachers reserved the top grades for her but that she was well-liked. "She could always adapt well -- we all learned to do that in the DDR (East Germany) from the time we were children," she said. "Each of us had to have two faces." But Schulz recalled fondly that her fellow pupil was far from a docile sheep. When their new history teacher asked the pupils to introduce themselves, 15-year-old Angela said her name as she always had, putting the accent on the first syllable. The teacher told her that there were only two ways to pronounce Angela -- the German way with the accent on the "e" or the English way with a soft "g". "But my name is Angela," she retorted, stamping her feet and putting extra stress on the first syllable. The teacher quickly recognized her error. Nevertheless, Merkel and the rest of the class were almost barred by the Stasi secret police from taking their school-leaving examinations because they rebelled during a social studies competition to raise money for Vietnam during the US-led war there. The pupils wanted to support a charity in Mozambique instead. Schulz said the officials eventually recognized that expelling the group would be a loss to the state due to their academic caliber and let the pupils graduate. "People from the Uckermark (this region north of Berlin) tend to watch from the sidelines but as soon as they decide to do something then there is no stopping them," she said. Meanwhile Templin Mayor Ulrich Schoeneich, a supporter of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrats, displays a degree of bitterness about Merkel. Schoeneich said his own father was also a Lutheran preacher and that fact, combined with his refusal to join the FDJ, had kept him from studying. "I was an intellectual's son but this was the farmers' and workers' state," he said. "I had to find another way to study" -- an arduous route including night school, laborer's training and finally university admission. Schoeneich regards Merkel's path with suspicion, a deviation from his own "straight and narrow" road that he said avoided compromises with the state. He said he believed Merkel had taken a leaf from her mother, who was barred from a teaching career in the East because her husband was active in the Church, and was even more determined to find her own way to pursue her goals. But Schoeneich warned that the male rivals from the west Merkel had shunted aside on her way to the top would seek opportunities to take her down a notch. "All those men will be looking for their chance," he said. "Politics is a dirty business." 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080127.0745.LDC2009T13::1	 Merkel ' s party suffers losses in German votes, ally in danger of losing job BERLIN 2008-01-27 18:29:06 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost ground in two state elections Sunday, projections showed, and one of her top allies was in danger of losing his job after a divisive campaign. Two deputy leaders of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union -- Governor Roland Koch of Hesse and Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony -- were defending big victories they won five years ago. Sunday's elections are being viewed as a major test for the CDU and its partner in a fractious national "grand coalition," the Social Democrats. Projections showed Wulff comfortably winning re-election -- but also showed major losses in Hesse for Koch, with a small advantage for Koch's Social Democratic challenger, Andrea Ypsilanti. ARD and ZDF television projections, based on exit polls and partial results, put support for the CDU in Hesse at between 36 and 36.5 percent, with the Social Democrats, or SPD, at up to 37.2 percent. However, it was not immediately clear who might be able to form a government. The projections put Koch's preferred coalition partner, the pro-business Free Democrats, slightly ahead of the Greens, Ypsilanti's preferred partner. In addition, it was unclear whether The Left -- a combination of former Social Democrats and ex-communists -- would clear the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state legislature. In 2003, Koch won 48.8 percent and an absolute majority in the state legislature, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Koch had fought an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime -- particularly that committed by immigrant offenders. Ypsilanti pushed a popular demand for a national minimum wage, which the CDU opposes, and better education -- reflecting her party's recent national drive to strengthen its left-wing credentials. "We have shown that elections can be won with the theme of social justice," Ypsilanti told cheering supporters. "That goes for the federal level too." "We would have liked a better result in Hesse," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said in Berlin, acknowledging "significant" losses. However, he said the party had not given up hope that Koch could still form a center-right majority with the Free Democrats. While it was unclear whether they would enter Hesse's Parliament, projections showed The Left entering the legislature in Lower Saxony with an estimated 6.6 percent of the vote -- apparently helping push the Social Democrats there to around 30 percent, their worst showing in that state since World War II. "The Left can no longer be reckoned without," senior party official Dietmar Bartsch said of the result, which extended the party's reach in the former West Germany. Wulff ran a far less polarizing campaign than Koch and faced a weaker SPD challenge. The CDU won 43.8 percent of the vote in the northern state, according to ARD projections, far ahead of the Social Democrats' 29.6 percent. Wulff won 48.3 percent in 2003, and has governed in a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats. The votes in Hesse and Lower Saxony come as Germany starts to look ahead to national elections next year. The two big parties hope their increasingly fractious "grand coalition" at the national level -- which, they hope, will end with next year's parliamentary election. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080127.0745.LDC2009T13::2	 Merkel ' s party suffers losses in German votes, ally in danger of losing job BERLIN 2008-01-27 18:29:06 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost ground in two state elections Sunday, projections showed, and one of her top allies was in danger of losing his job after a divisive campaign. Two deputy leaders of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union -- Governor Roland Koch of Hesse and Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony -- were defending big victories they won five years ago. Sunday's elections are being viewed as a major test for the CDU and its partner in a fractious national "grand coalition," the Social Democrats. Projections showed Wulff comfortably winning re-election -- but also showed major losses in Hesse for Koch, with a small advantage for Koch's Social Democratic challenger, Andrea Ypsilanti. ARD and ZDF television projections, based on exit polls and partial results, put support for the CDU in Hesse at between 36 and 36.5 percent, with the Social Democrats, or SPD, at up to 37.2 percent. However, it was not immediately clear who might be able to form a government. The projections put Koch's preferred coalition partner, the pro-business Free Democrats, slightly ahead of the Greens, Ypsilanti's preferred partner. In addition, it was unclear whether The Left -- a combination of former Social Democrats and ex-communists -- would clear the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state legislature. In 2003, Koch won 48.8 percent and an absolute majority in the state legislature, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Koch had fought an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime -- particularly that committed by immigrant offenders. Ypsilanti pushed a popular demand for a national minimum wage, which the CDU opposes, and better education -- reflecting her party's recent national drive to strengthen its left-wing credentials. "We have shown that elections can be won with the theme of social justice," Ypsilanti told cheering supporters. "That goes for the federal level too." "We would have liked a better result in Hesse," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said in Berlin, acknowledging "significant" losses. However, he said the party had not given up hope that Koch could still form a center-right majority with the Free Democrats. While it was unclear whether they would enter Hesse's Parliament, projections showed The Left entering the legislature in Lower Saxony with an estimated 6.6 percent of the vote -- apparently helping push the Social Democrats there to around 30 percent, their worst showing in that state since World War II. "The Left can no longer be reckoned without," senior party official Dietmar Bartsch said of the result, which extended the party's reach in the former West Germany. Wulff ran a far less polarizing campaign than Koch and faced a weaker SPD challenge. The CDU won 43.8 percent of the vote in the northern state, according to ARD projections, far ahead of the Social Democrats' 29.6 percent. Wulff won 48.3 percent in 2003, and has governed in a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats. The votes in Hesse and Lower Saxony come as Germany starts to look ahead to national elections next year. The two big parties hope their increasingly fractious "grand coalition" at the national level -- which, they hope, will end with next year's parliamentary election. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080127.0745.LDC2009T13::3	 Merkel ' s party suffers losses in German votes, ally in danger of losing job BERLIN 2008-01-27 18:29:06 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost ground in two state elections Sunday, projections showed, and one of her top allies was in danger of losing his job after a divisive campaign. Two deputy leaders of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union -- Governor Roland Koch of Hesse and Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony -- were defending big victories they won five years ago. Sunday's elections are being viewed as a major test for the CDU and its partner in a fractious national "grand coalition," the Social Democrats. Projections showed Wulff comfortably winning re-election -- but also showed major losses in Hesse for Koch, with a small advantage for Koch's Social Democratic challenger, Andrea Ypsilanti. ARD and ZDF television projections, based on exit polls and partial results, put support for the CDU in Hesse at between 36 and 36.5 percent, with the Social Democrats, or SPD, at up to 37.2 percent. However, it was not immediately clear who might be able to form a government. The projections put Koch's preferred coalition partner, the pro-business Free Democrats, slightly ahead of the Greens, Ypsilanti's preferred partner. In addition, it was unclear whether The Left -- a combination of former Social Democrats and ex-communists -- would clear the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state legislature. In 2003, Koch won 48.8 percent and an absolute majority in the state legislature, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Koch had fought an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime -- particularly that committed by immigrant offenders. Ypsilanti pushed a popular demand for a national minimum wage, which the CDU opposes, and better education -- reflecting her party's recent national drive to strengthen its left-wing credentials. "We have shown that elections can be won with the theme of social justice," Ypsilanti told cheering supporters. "That goes for the federal level too." "We would have liked a better result in Hesse," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said in Berlin, acknowledging "significant" losses. However, he said the party had not given up hope that Koch could still form a center-right majority with the Free Democrats. While it was unclear whether they would enter Hesse's Parliament, projections showed The Left entering the legislature in Lower Saxony with an estimated 6.6 percent of the vote -- apparently helping push the Social Democrats there to around 30 percent, their worst showing in that state since World War II. "The Left can no longer be reckoned without," senior party official Dietmar Bartsch said of the result, which extended the party's reach in the former West Germany. Wulff ran a far less polarizing campaign than Koch and faced a weaker SPD challenge. The CDU won 43.8 percent of the vote in the northern state, according to ARD projections, far ahead of the Social Democrats' 29.6 percent. Wulff won 48.3 percent in 2003, and has governed in a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats. The votes in Hesse and Lower Saxony come as Germany starts to look ahead to national elections next year. The two big parties hope their increasingly fractious "grand coalition" at the national level -- which, they hope, will end with next year's parliamentary election. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080127.0745.LDC2009T13::4	 Merkel ' s party suffers losses in German votes, ally in danger of losing job BERLIN 2008-01-27 18:29:06 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost ground in two state elections Sunday, projections showed, and one of her top allies was in danger of losing his job after a divisive campaign. Two deputy leaders of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union -- Governor Roland Koch of Hesse and Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony -- were defending big victories they won five years ago. Sunday's elections are being viewed as a major test for the CDU and its partner in a fractious national "grand coalition," the Social Democrats. Projections showed Wulff comfortably winning re-election -- but also showed major losses in Hesse for Koch, with a small advantage for Koch's Social Democratic challenger, Andrea Ypsilanti. ARD and ZDF television projections, based on exit polls and partial results, put support for the CDU in Hesse at between 36 and 36.5 percent, with the Social Democrats, or SPD, at up to 37.2 percent. However, it was not immediately clear who might be able to form a government. The projections put Koch's preferred coalition partner, the pro-business Free Democrats, slightly ahead of the Greens, Ypsilanti's preferred partner. In addition, it was unclear whether The Left -- a combination of former Social Democrats and ex-communists -- would clear the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state legislature. In 2003, Koch won 48.8 percent and an absolute majority in the state legislature, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Koch had fought an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime -- particularly that committed by immigrant offenders. Ypsilanti pushed a popular demand for a national minimum wage, which the CDU opposes, and better education -- reflecting her party's recent national drive to strengthen its left-wing credentials. "We have shown that elections can be won with the theme of social justice," Ypsilanti told cheering supporters. "That goes for the federal level too." "We would have liked a better result in Hesse," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said in Berlin, acknowledging "significant" losses. However, he said the party had not given up hope that Koch could still form a center-right majority with the Free Democrats. While it was unclear whether they would enter Hesse's Parliament, projections showed The Left entering the legislature in Lower Saxony with an estimated 6.6 percent of the vote -- apparently helping push the Social Democrats there to around 30 percent, their worst showing in that state since World War II. "The Left can no longer be reckoned without," senior party official Dietmar Bartsch said of the result, which extended the party's reach in the former West Germany. Wulff ran a far less polarizing campaign than Koch and faced a weaker SPD challenge. The CDU won 43.8 percent of the vote in the northern state, according to ARD projections, far ahead of the Social Democrats' 29.6 percent. Wulff won 48.3 percent in 2003, and has governed in a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats. The votes in Hesse and Lower Saxony come as Germany starts to look ahead to national elections next year. The two big parties hope their increasingly fractious "grand coalition" at the national level -- which, they hope, will end with next year's parliamentary election. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080127.0745.LDC2009T13::5	 Merkel ' s party suffers losses in German votes, ally in danger of losing job BERLIN 2008-01-27 18:29:06 UTC Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost ground in two state elections Sunday, projections showed, and one of her top allies was in danger of losing his job after a divisive campaign. Two deputy leaders of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union -- Governor Roland Koch of Hesse and Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony -- were defending big victories they won five years ago. Sunday's elections are being viewed as a major test for the CDU and its partner in a fractious national "grand coalition," the Social Democrats. Projections showed Wulff comfortably winning re-election -- but also showed major losses in Hesse for Koch, with a small advantage for Koch's Social Democratic challenger, Andrea Ypsilanti. ARD and ZDF television projections, based on exit polls and partial results, put support for the CDU in Hesse at between 36 and 36.5 percent, with the Social Democrats, or SPD, at up to 37.2 percent. However, it was not immediately clear who might be able to form a government. The projections put Koch's preferred coalition partner, the pro-business Free Democrats, slightly ahead of the Greens, Ypsilanti's preferred partner. In addition, it was unclear whether The Left -- a combination of former Social Democrats and ex-communists -- would clear the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state legislature. In 2003, Koch won 48.8 percent and an absolute majority in the state legislature, helped by the unpopularity of Germany's then center-left government. Koch had fought an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime -- particularly that committed by immigrant offenders. Ypsilanti pushed a popular demand for a national minimum wage, which the CDU opposes, and better education -- reflecting her party's recent national drive to strengthen its left-wing credentials. "We have shown that elections can be won with the theme of social justice," Ypsilanti told cheering supporters. "That goes for the federal level too." "We would have liked a better result in Hesse," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said in Berlin, acknowledging "significant" losses. However, he said the party had not given up hope that Koch could still form a center-right majority with the Free Democrats. While it was unclear whether they would enter Hesse's Parliament, projections showed The Left entering the legislature in Lower Saxony with an estimated 6.6 percent of the vote -- apparently helping push the Social Democrats there to around 30 percent, their worst showing in that state since World War II. "The Left can no longer be reckoned without," senior party official Dietmar Bartsch said of the result, which extended the party's reach in the former West Germany. Wulff ran a far less polarizing campaign than Koch and faced a weaker SPD challenge. The CDU won 43.8 percent of the vote in the northern state, according to ARD projections, far ahead of the Social Democrats' 29.6 percent. Wulff won 48.3 percent in 2003, and has governed in a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats. The votes in Hesse and Lower Saxony come as Germany starts to look ahead to national elections next year. The two big parties hope their increasingly fractious "grand coalition" at the national level -- which, they hope, will end with next year's parliamentary election. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0511.LDC2009T13::1	 State elections raise awkward questions for major German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 10:46:40 UTC German politicians puzzled Monday over how to form a government in a western state after Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives suffered big losses in voting that raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. In two elections Sunday that offered a test of strength ahead of national elections next year, a deputy leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, Hesse state governor Roland Koch, lost his majority after a divisive campaign that targeted crime by young immigrants. While the center-left Social Democrats drew almost level with Koch in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens respectively. That left a situation similar to the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the two big parties eventually formed an awkward "grand coalition." Hesse's SPD leader, Andrea Ypsilanti, ruled out working with The Left, and both sides were bearish about a possible "grand coalition." "Hesse is in an extremely difficult starting position now," Koch said Monday. He argued that a "grand coalition" was "almost inconceivable" in view of Ypsilanti's left-wing program. Ypsilanti hoped to win over the pro-business Free Democrats for a three-way alliance with her party and the Greens, and signaled that she would take her time. "We don't have to rush into something today or tomorrow," she said. Koch ran an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders -- a gamble that appeared to have backfired. "With this, he simply was not electable for some of the liberal, cosmopolitan citizens of the big cities," said Paul Nolte, a political science expert at Berlin's Free University. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity in a campaign that avoided Koch's shrill tones. His victory also strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The Social Democrats failed to mount a strong challenge and emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, their worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into the state parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling party leaders' hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group that so far has been strongest in the once- communist east. "That we have achieved this now is a remarkable advance and the other parties will now have to come to terms with a five-party system," party leader Gregor Gysi said Sunday night. "It is confusing them already." The SPD's national leader, Kurt Beck, has sought to strengthen his party's left-wing credentials over recent months as it seeks to emerge from a lengthy slump in national polls. Beck hailed Ypsilanti's gains in Hesse. "I think it is clear -- the (Christian Democratic) Union must recognize this too -- that people want more social justice," Beck said on ARD television. Merkel has been trying to claim the middle ground for the CDU, projecting a more socially caring image. The mass-circulation Bild daily described the Hesse result as "a shock" for Merkel and argued that Koch, a figure on the party's conservative wing, was unable to convince voters he could uphold "the values that made the party great." "The bad performance in Hesse is the price for the CDU leadership's populist quest in a leftward direction," the newspaper said in a commentary. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0511.LDC2009T13::2	 State elections raise awkward questions for major German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 10:46:40 UTC German politicians puzzled Monday over how to form a government in a western state after Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives suffered big losses in voting that raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. In two elections Sunday that offered a test of strength ahead of national elections next year, a deputy leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, Hesse state governor Roland Koch, lost his majority after a divisive campaign that targeted crime by young immigrants. While the center-left Social Democrats drew almost level with Koch in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens respectively. That left a situation similar to the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the two big parties eventually formed an awkward "grand coalition." Hesse's SPD leader, Andrea Ypsilanti, ruled out working with The Left, and both sides were bearish about a possible "grand coalition." "Hesse is in an extremely difficult starting position now," Koch said Monday. He argued that a "grand coalition" was "almost inconceivable" in view of Ypsilanti's left-wing program. Ypsilanti hoped to win over the pro-business Free Democrats for a three-way alliance with her party and the Greens, and signaled that she would take her time. "We don't have to rush into something today or tomorrow," she said. Koch ran an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders -- a gamble that appeared to have backfired. "With this, he simply was not electable for some of the liberal, cosmopolitan citizens of the big cities," said Paul Nolte, a political science expert at Berlin's Free University. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity in a campaign that avoided Koch's shrill tones. His victory also strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The Social Democrats failed to mount a strong challenge and emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, their worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into the state parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling party leaders' hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group that so far has been strongest in the once- communist east. "That we have achieved this now is a remarkable advance and the other parties will now have to come to terms with a five-party system," party leader Gregor Gysi said Sunday night. "It is confusing them already." The SPD's national leader, Kurt Beck, has sought to strengthen his party's left-wing credentials over recent months as it seeks to emerge from a lengthy slump in national polls. Beck hailed Ypsilanti's gains in Hesse. "I think it is clear -- the (Christian Democratic) Union must recognize this too -- that people want more social justice," Beck said on ARD television. Merkel has been trying to claim the middle ground for the CDU, projecting a more socially caring image. The mass-circulation Bild daily described the Hesse result as "a shock" for Merkel and argued that Koch, a figure on the party's conservative wing, was unable to convince voters he could uphold "the values that made the party great." "The bad performance in Hesse is the price for the CDU leadership's populist quest in a leftward direction," the newspaper said in a commentary. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0511.LDC2009T13::3	 State elections raise awkward questions for major German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 10:46:40 UTC German politicians puzzled Monday over how to form a government in a western state after Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives suffered big losses in voting that raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. In two elections Sunday that offered a test of strength ahead of national elections next year, a deputy leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, Hesse state governor Roland Koch, lost his majority after a divisive campaign that targeted crime by young immigrants. While the center-left Social Democrats drew almost level with Koch in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens respectively. That left a situation similar to the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the two big parties eventually formed an awkward "grand coalition." Hesse's SPD leader, Andrea Ypsilanti, ruled out working with The Left, and both sides were bearish about a possible "grand coalition." "Hesse is in an extremely difficult starting position now," Koch said Monday. He argued that a "grand coalition" was "almost inconceivable" in view of Ypsilanti's left-wing program. Ypsilanti hoped to win over the pro-business Free Democrats for a three-way alliance with her party and the Greens, and signaled that she would take her time. "We don't have to rush into something today or tomorrow," she said. Koch ran an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders -- a gamble that appeared to have backfired. "With this, he simply was not electable for some of the liberal, cosmopolitan citizens of the big cities," said Paul Nolte, a political science expert at Berlin's Free University. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity in a campaign that avoided Koch's shrill tones. His victory also strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The Social Democrats failed to mount a strong challenge and emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, their worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into the state parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling party leaders' hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group that so far has been strongest in the once- communist east. "That we have achieved this now is a remarkable advance and the other parties will now have to come to terms with a five-party system," party leader Gregor Gysi said Sunday night. "It is confusing them already." The SPD's national leader, Kurt Beck, has sought to strengthen his party's left-wing credentials over recent months as it seeks to emerge from a lengthy slump in national polls. Beck hailed Ypsilanti's gains in Hesse. "I think it is clear -- the (Christian Democratic) Union must recognize this too -- that people want more social justice," Beck said on ARD television. Merkel has been trying to claim the middle ground for the CDU, projecting a more socially caring image. The mass-circulation Bild daily described the Hesse result as "a shock" for Merkel and argued that Koch, a figure on the party's conservative wing, was unable to convince voters he could uphold "the values that made the party great." "The bad performance in Hesse is the price for the CDU leadership's populist quest in a leftward direction," the newspaper said in a commentary. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0511.LDC2009T13::4	 State elections raise awkward questions for major German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 10:46:40 UTC German politicians puzzled Monday over how to form a government in a western state after Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives suffered big losses in voting that raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. In two elections Sunday that offered a test of strength ahead of national elections next year, a deputy leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, Hesse state governor Roland Koch, lost his majority after a divisive campaign that targeted crime by young immigrants. While the center-left Social Democrats drew almost level with Koch in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens respectively. That left a situation similar to the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the two big parties eventually formed an awkward "grand coalition." Hesse's SPD leader, Andrea Ypsilanti, ruled out working with The Left, and both sides were bearish about a possible "grand coalition." "Hesse is in an extremely difficult starting position now," Koch said Monday. He argued that a "grand coalition" was "almost inconceivable" in view of Ypsilanti's left-wing program. Ypsilanti hoped to win over the pro-business Free Democrats for a three-way alliance with her party and the Greens, and signaled that she would take her time. "We don't have to rush into something today or tomorrow," she said. Koch ran an abrasive and much-criticized campaign for a third term, making a major issue of youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders -- a gamble that appeared to have backfired. "With this, he simply was not electable for some of the liberal, cosmopolitan citizens of the big cities," said Paul Nolte, a political science expert at Berlin's Free University. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity in a campaign that avoided Koch's shrill tones. His victory also strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The Social Democrats failed to mount a strong challenge and emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, their worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into the state parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling party leaders' hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group that so far has been strongest in the once- communist east. "That we have achieved this now is a remarkable advance and the other parties will now have to come to terms with a five-party system," party leader Gregor Gysi said Sunday night. "It is confusing them already." The SPD's national leader, Kurt Beck, has sought to strengthen his party's left-wing credentials over recent months as it seeks to emerge from a lengthy slump in national polls. Beck hailed Ypsilanti's gains in Hesse. "I think it is clear -- the (Christian Democratic) Union must recognize this too -- that people want more social justice," Beck said on ARD television. Merkel has been trying to claim the middle ground for the CDU, projecting a more socially caring image. The mass-circulation Bild daily described the Hesse result as "a shock" for Merkel and argued that Koch, a figure on the party's conservative wing, was unable to convince voters he could uphold "the values that made the party great." "The bad performance in Hesse is the price for the CDU leadership's populist quest in a leftward direction," the newspaper said in a commentary. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0783.LDC2009T13::1	 Merkel acknowledges painful losses as elections pose tough questions for German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 14:35:22 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday acknowledged her party's painful losses in a weekend state election, but stood by a top conservative ally whose divisive campaign ended with him losing his majority. Merkel also celebrated her Christian Democratic Union's victory in the second of two state votes Sunday that came as Germany eyes national elections next year -- and raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. Politicians puzzled over how to form a government in Hesse state after conservative Governor Roland Koch's much-criticized campaign -- in which he targeted crime by young immigrants -- left him with a wafer-thin lead in votes over the center-left Social Democrats, and tied in parliamentary seats. "This hurts -- we cannot talk around that," Merkel told reporters. "But the CDU ended up as the strongest party, and that means Roland Koch has the task of forming a government." The Social Democrats, Merkel's partner in an awkward national "grand coalition," also claimed the right to form a government after drawing 36.7 percent of the vote in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, just short of Koch's 36.8 percent. However, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on "social justice" and popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens, respectively. That echoed the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the big parties eventually agreed on a "grand coalition." The SPD's leader firmly rejected a coalition with "the so-called Left." "There can be no talk in the foreseeable future of working in government with a party that behaves in such a purely populist way," Kurt Beck said. In postelection posturing Monday, both big parties were pessimistic about a "grand coalition," and Koch appeared to have little chance of persuading the SPD to accept him as leader of one. The pro-business Free Democrats rejected a three-way alliance with SPD challenger Andrea Ypsilanti and the Greens. Koch drew accusations of encouraging racism after seizing on youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders, in his bid for a third term. The gamble apparently backfired, although Merkel defended him. "I think that the direction of the state election campaigns was absolutely right," she said. However, she acknowledged her party failed to make clear that youth crime was a long-term concern, not just an election issue. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity and avoiding Koch's shrill tones. His victory strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The SPD emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, its worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into its parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group so far strongest in the once-communist east. Leader Lothar Bisky said the results were "an important milestone (on the way) to a party for the whole of Germany." The SPD recently has tried to strengthen its left-wing credentials as it seeks to end a lengthy slump in national polls. Merkel suggested the strategy had failed. "The SPD's route of trying to marginalize the Left party by moving a bit left itself has not been vindicated," said Merkel -- who also has been trying to claim the center ground for the CDU and sound a more socially caring tone. Merkel said her right-left government in Berlin would "carry on and solve people's real problems," highlighting jobs as a priority. National elections are expected in late 2009, and the CDU and SPD are keen to end their coalition then. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0783.LDC2009T13::2	 Merkel acknowledges painful losses as elections pose tough questions for German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 14:35:22 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday acknowledged her party's painful losses in a weekend state election, but stood by a top conservative ally whose divisive campaign ended with him losing his majority. Merkel also celebrated her Christian Democratic Union's victory in the second of two state votes Sunday that came as Germany eyes national elections next year -- and raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. Politicians puzzled over how to form a government in Hesse state after conservative Governor Roland Koch's much-criticized campaign -- in which he targeted crime by young immigrants -- left him with a wafer-thin lead in votes over the center-left Social Democrats, and tied in parliamentary seats. "This hurts -- we cannot talk around that," Merkel told reporters. "But the CDU ended up as the strongest party, and that means Roland Koch has the task of forming a government." The Social Democrats, Merkel's partner in an awkward national "grand coalition," also claimed the right to form a government after drawing 36.7 percent of the vote in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, just short of Koch's 36.8 percent. However, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on "social justice" and popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens, respectively. That echoed the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the big parties eventually agreed on a "grand coalition." The SPD's leader firmly rejected a coalition with "the so-called Left." "There can be no talk in the foreseeable future of working in government with a party that behaves in such a purely populist way," Kurt Beck said. In postelection posturing Monday, both big parties were pessimistic about a "grand coalition," and Koch appeared to have little chance of persuading the SPD to accept him as leader of one. The pro-business Free Democrats rejected a three-way alliance with SPD challenger Andrea Ypsilanti and the Greens. Koch drew accusations of encouraging racism after seizing on youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders, in his bid for a third term. The gamble apparently backfired, although Merkel defended him. "I think that the direction of the state election campaigns was absolutely right," she said. However, she acknowledged her party failed to make clear that youth crime was a long-term concern, not just an election issue. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity and avoiding Koch's shrill tones. His victory strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The SPD emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, its worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into its parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group so far strongest in the once-communist east. Leader Lothar Bisky said the results were "an important milestone (on the way) to a party for the whole of Germany." The SPD recently has tried to strengthen its left-wing credentials as it seeks to end a lengthy slump in national polls. Merkel suggested the strategy had failed. "The SPD's route of trying to marginalize the Left party by moving a bit left itself has not been vindicated," said Merkel -- who also has been trying to claim the center ground for the CDU and sound a more socially caring tone. Merkel said her right-left government in Berlin would "carry on and solve people's real problems," highlighting jobs as a priority. National elections are expected in late 2009, and the CDU and SPD are keen to end their coalition then. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0783.LDC2009T13::3	 Merkel acknowledges painful losses as elections pose tough questions for German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 14:35:22 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday acknowledged her party's painful losses in a weekend state election, but stood by a top conservative ally whose divisive campaign ended with him losing his majority. Merkel also celebrated her Christian Democratic Union's victory in the second of two state votes Sunday that came as Germany eyes national elections next year -- and raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. Politicians puzzled over how to form a government in Hesse state after conservative Governor Roland Koch's much-criticized campaign -- in which he targeted crime by young immigrants -- left him with a wafer-thin lead in votes over the center-left Social Democrats, and tied in parliamentary seats. "This hurts -- we cannot talk around that," Merkel told reporters. "But the CDU ended up as the strongest party, and that means Roland Koch has the task of forming a government." The Social Democrats, Merkel's partner in an awkward national "grand coalition," also claimed the right to form a government after drawing 36.7 percent of the vote in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, just short of Koch's 36.8 percent. However, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on "social justice" and popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens, respectively. That echoed the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the big parties eventually agreed on a "grand coalition." The SPD's leader firmly rejected a coalition with "the so-called Left." "There can be no talk in the foreseeable future of working in government with a party that behaves in such a purely populist way," Kurt Beck said. In postelection posturing Monday, both big parties were pessimistic about a "grand coalition," and Koch appeared to have little chance of persuading the SPD to accept him as leader of one. The pro-business Free Democrats rejected a three-way alliance with SPD challenger Andrea Ypsilanti and the Greens. Koch drew accusations of encouraging racism after seizing on youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders, in his bid for a third term. The gamble apparently backfired, although Merkel defended him. "I think that the direction of the state election campaigns was absolutely right," she said. However, she acknowledged her party failed to make clear that youth crime was a long-term concern, not just an election issue. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity and avoiding Koch's shrill tones. His victory strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The SPD emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, its worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into its parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group so far strongest in the once-communist east. Leader Lothar Bisky said the results were "an important milestone (on the way) to a party for the whole of Germany." The SPD recently has tried to strengthen its left-wing credentials as it seeks to end a lengthy slump in national polls. Merkel suggested the strategy had failed. "The SPD's route of trying to marginalize the Left party by moving a bit left itself has not been vindicated," said Merkel -- who also has been trying to claim the center ground for the CDU and sound a more socially caring tone. Merkel said her right-left government in Berlin would "carry on and solve people's real problems," highlighting jobs as a priority. National elections are expected in late 2009, and the CDU and SPD are keen to end their coalition then. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0783.LDC2009T13::4	 Merkel acknowledges painful losses as elections pose tough questions for German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 14:35:22 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday acknowledged her party's painful losses in a weekend state election, but stood by a top conservative ally whose divisive campaign ended with him losing his majority. Merkel also celebrated her Christian Democratic Union's victory in the second of two state votes Sunday that came as Germany eyes national elections next year -- and raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. Politicians puzzled over how to form a government in Hesse state after conservative Governor Roland Koch's much-criticized campaign -- in which he targeted crime by young immigrants -- left him with a wafer-thin lead in votes over the center-left Social Democrats, and tied in parliamentary seats. "This hurts -- we cannot talk around that," Merkel told reporters. "But the CDU ended up as the strongest party, and that means Roland Koch has the task of forming a government." The Social Democrats, Merkel's partner in an awkward national "grand coalition," also claimed the right to form a government after drawing 36.7 percent of the vote in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, just short of Koch's 36.8 percent. However, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on "social justice" and popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens, respectively. That echoed the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the big parties eventually agreed on a "grand coalition." The SPD's leader firmly rejected a coalition with "the so-called Left." "There can be no talk in the foreseeable future of working in government with a party that behaves in such a purely populist way," Kurt Beck said. In postelection posturing Monday, both big parties were pessimistic about a "grand coalition," and Koch appeared to have little chance of persuading the SPD to accept him as leader of one. The pro-business Free Democrats rejected a three-way alliance with SPD challenger Andrea Ypsilanti and the Greens. Koch drew accusations of encouraging racism after seizing on youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders, in his bid for a third term. The gamble apparently backfired, although Merkel defended him. "I think that the direction of the state election campaigns was absolutely right," she said. However, she acknowledged her party failed to make clear that youth crime was a long-term concern, not just an election issue. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity and avoiding Koch's shrill tones. His victory strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The SPD emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, its worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into its parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group so far strongest in the once-communist east. Leader Lothar Bisky said the results were "an important milestone (on the way) to a party for the whole of Germany." The SPD recently has tried to strengthen its left-wing credentials as it seeks to end a lengthy slump in national polls. Merkel suggested the strategy had failed. "The SPD's route of trying to marginalize the Left party by moving a bit left itself has not been vindicated," said Merkel -- who also has been trying to claim the center ground for the CDU and sound a more socially caring tone. Merkel said her right-left government in Berlin would "carry on and solve people's real problems," highlighting jobs as a priority. National elections are expected in late 2009, and the CDU and SPD are keen to end their coalition then. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080128.0783.LDC2009T13::5	 Merkel acknowledges painful losses as elections pose tough questions for German parties BERLIN 2008-01-28 14:35:22 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday acknowledged her party's painful losses in a weekend state election, but stood by a top conservative ally whose divisive campaign ended with him losing his majority. Merkel also celebrated her Christian Democratic Union's victory in the second of two state votes Sunday that came as Germany eyes national elections next year -- and raised awkward questions for both the country's major parties. Politicians puzzled over how to form a government in Hesse state after conservative Governor Roland Koch's much-criticized campaign -- in which he targeted crime by young immigrants -- left him with a wafer-thin lead in votes over the center-left Social Democrats, and tied in parliamentary seats. "This hurts -- we cannot talk around that," Merkel told reporters. "But the CDU ended up as the strongest party, and that means Roland Koch has the task of forming a government." The Social Democrats, Merkel's partner in an awkward national "grand coalition," also claimed the right to form a government after drawing 36.7 percent of the vote in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt, just short of Koch's 36.8 percent. However, they came nowhere near unseating another deputy CDU leader, Christian Wulff, as governor of neighboring Lower Saxony. And despite a left-leaning campaign that focused on "social justice" and popular demands for a national minimum wage, the Social Democrats, or SPD, failed to prevent The Left, a combination of ex-communists and other left-wingers, from entering both state parliaments. The Left won just enough votes to win seats in Hesse's legislature and prevent both the CDU and SPD from forming coalitions with their preferred smaller partners, the Free Democrats and Greens, respectively. That echoed the chaotic aftermath of Germany's 2005 national election, when the big parties eventually agreed on a "grand coalition." The SPD's leader firmly rejected a coalition with "the so-called Left." "There can be no talk in the foreseeable future of working in government with a party that behaves in such a purely populist way," Kurt Beck said. In postelection posturing Monday, both big parties were pessimistic about a "grand coalition," and Koch appeared to have little chance of persuading the SPD to accept him as leader of one. The pro-business Free Democrats rejected a three-way alliance with SPD challenger Andrea Ypsilanti and the Greens. Koch drew accusations of encouraging racism after seizing on youth crime, particularly that committed by immigrant offenders, in his bid for a third term. The gamble apparently backfired, although Merkel defended him. "I think that the direction of the state election campaigns was absolutely right," she said. However, she acknowledged her party failed to make clear that youth crime was a long-term concern, not just an election issue. In Lower Saxony, Wulff comfortably won re-election in a coalition with the Free Democrats, drawing on his personal popularity and avoiding Koch's shrill tones. His victory strengthened his status as a leading potential rival to Merkel, at Koch's expense. The SPD emerged with only 30.3 percent of the vote, its worst showing since World War II in a state once governed by Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The Left soared into its parliament with 7.1 percent, fulfilling hopes of anchoring in the former West Germany a group so far strongest in the once-communist east. Leader Lothar Bisky said the results were "an important milestone (on the way) to a party for the whole of Germany." The SPD recently has tried to strengthen its left-wing credentials as it seeks to end a lengthy slump in national polls. Merkel suggested the strategy had failed. "The SPD's route of trying to marginalize the Left party by moving a bit left itself has not been vindicated," said Merkel -- who also has been trying to claim the center ground for the CDU and sound a more socially caring tone. Merkel said her right-left government in Berlin would "carry on and solve people's real problems," highlighting jobs as a priority. National elections are expected in late 2009, and the CDU and SPD are keen to end their coalition then. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080221.0570.LDC2009T13::1	 Hamburg election could bring new flexibility to German politics BERLIN 2008-02-21 10:37:38 UTC Germany's second-biggest city holds an election this weekend that could open the way for untried political alliances ahead of next year's national vote, and appears likely to bring more success for the new Left party. Polls ahead of Sunday's vote in Hamburg suggest that Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union is likely to lose its majority in the city-state's legislature. Mayor Ole von Beust took power in 2001, ending decades of domination in Hamburg by the center-left Social Democrats. Despite a campaign drawing heavily on his personal popularity, he is struggling to hold the majority he won four years ago, when an unpopular center-left government ran Germany at a federal level. That raises the prospect of a result like Germany's last national election, with no majority for either a center-right or center- left coalition. Neither side wants a "grand coalition" like Merkel's national alliance of the CDU and Social Democrats, which has long turned fractious. An inconclusive outcome "will raise the pressure on all parties ... to see what new coalitions are feasible," said Lothar Probst, a political scientist at the University of Bremen. Von Beust already has shown interest in a never-before-tried coalition with the Greens, the junior coalition partner in Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's national government. That might help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. However, the advances have drawn a cool response from leading members of the Greens, a party with left-leaning grass roots. Von Beust's Social Democratic challenger himself wants to govern with the Greens and maintains that a coalition with the conservatives would be "political suicide" for the smaller party. But the hopes of Michael Naumann -- a former federal culture minister -- could well be dashed by The Left, with whom he has ruled out working. The fusion of former East German communists and ex-Social Democrats alienated by Schroeder's economic reforms has set its sights on expanding its reach in western Germany. It has won seats in three western state parliaments over the past year and looks likely to win the necessary 5 percent of the vote to enter the legislature in Hamburg as well -- despite the Social Democrats' attempts to shore up their left-wing credentials by advocating a national minimum wage and questioning excessive executive pay. It may be helped by a large-scale tax-evasion investigation that resulted in the resignation of Deutsche Post CEO Klaus Zumwinkel and is strengthening sentiment that wealth is distributed unfairly in Germany. "In one of the richest countries on earth, it is important that a party like The Left works for the people who are written off in other parties," the party's campaign chief, Bodo Ramelow, said this week. Last month, Germany's major parties fought each other to a stalemate in another western state, Hesse, where CDU governor Roland Koch suffered heavy losses after an abrasive campaign. The form of the future government there remains unclear. Probst suggested Germany's major parties will be hesitant to form yet more "grand coalitions." "That is hard to argue for with voters and could lead to the small parties benefiting yet more in future," he said. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080221.0570.LDC2009T13::2	 Hamburg election could bring new flexibility to German politics BERLIN 2008-02-21 10:37:38 UTC Germany's second-biggest city holds an election this weekend that could open the way for untried political alliances ahead of next year's national vote, and appears likely to bring more success for the new Left party. Polls ahead of Sunday's vote in Hamburg suggest that Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union is likely to lose its majority in the city-state's legislature. Mayor Ole von Beust took power in 2001, ending decades of domination in Hamburg by the center-left Social Democrats. Despite a campaign drawing heavily on his personal popularity, he is struggling to hold the majority he won four years ago, when an unpopular center-left government ran Germany at a federal level. That raises the prospect of a result like Germany's last national election, with no majority for either a center-right or center- left coalition. Neither side wants a "grand coalition" like Merkel's national alliance of the CDU and Social Democrats, which has long turned fractious. An inconclusive outcome "will raise the pressure on all parties ... to see what new coalitions are feasible," said Lothar Probst, a political scientist at the University of Bremen. Von Beust already has shown interest in a never-before-tried coalition with the Greens, the junior coalition partner in Social Democratic ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's national government. That might help expand Merkel's options after next year's federal election. However, the advances have drawn a cool response from leading members of the Greens, a party with left-leaning grass roots. Von Beust's Social Democratic challenger himself wants to govern with the Greens and maintains that a coalition with the conservatives would be "political suicide" for the smaller party. But the hopes of Michael Naumann -- a former federal culture minister -- could well be dashed by The Left, with whom he has ruled out working. The fusion of former East German communists and ex-Social Democrats alienated by Schroeder's economic reforms has set its sights on expanding its reach in western Germany. It has won seats in three western state parliaments over the past year and looks likely to win the necessary 5 percent of the vote to enter the legislature in Hamburg as well -- despite the Social Democrats' attempts to shore up their left-wing credentials by advocating a national minimum wage and questioning excessive executive pay. It may be helped by a large-scale tax-evasion investigation that resulted in the resignation of Deutsche Post CEO Klaus Zumwinkel and is strengthening sentiment that wealth is distributed unfairly in Germany. "In one of the richest countries on earth, it is important that a party like The Left works for the people who are written off in other parties," the party's campaign chief, Bodo Ramelow, said this week. Last month, Germany's major parties fought each other to a stalemate in another western state, Hesse, where CDU governor Roland Koch suffered heavy losses after an abrasive campaign. The form of the future government there remains unclear. Probst suggested Germany's major parties will be hesitant to form yet more "grand coalitions." "That is hard to argue for with voters and could lead to the small parties benefiting yet more in future," he said. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080223.0492.LDC2009T13::1	 German Social Democrats under pressure on dealings with new Left party BERLIN 2008-02-23 15:09:20 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives on Saturday attacked their national coalition partner, the Social Democrats, over suggestions that they might accept help from the new Left party. Questions about the center-left Social Democrats' intentions were triggered by reports that leader Kurt Beck might be prepared to get an ally elected governor of western Hesse state with votes from The Left -- a mix of East German ex-communists and former Social Democrat left-wingers. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union suggested that voters should punish the Social Democrats, or SPD, in a state election Sunday in Hamburg. "Those who set out to make common cause with The Left must get what they deserve tomorrow," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. The CDU and SPD govern Germany in an uncomfortable "grand coalition" of Germany's biggest parties, which both hope to end after national elections next year. The SPD has been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite the SPD's attempts to polish its left-wing image. SPD leaders have long balked at the idea of allying with The Left at the national level or in western states. They ruled out working with it before last month's election in Hesse, where the CDU and SPD fought each other to a stalemate that gave neither a majority to govern their traditional smaller partners. This week, several media reports emerged that SPD candidate Andrea Ypsilanti might form a minority government and seek election as governor by the state legislature, where The Left has said it would vote for her -- with Beck's apparent blessing. Beck responded by saying that "there will be no agreement or any other kind of understanding" with The Left, but did not explicitly rule out Ypsilanti winning election with its informal help. Other SPD members were divided over the idea. "Voters in Hamburg have the unique chance to vote on Mr. Beck's and Ms. Ypsilanti's breach of their word," Pofalla said. Bavarian conservative leader Erwin Huber suggested any move to work with The Left could worsen the atmosphere in Merkel's federal coalition. "A pact with the communist Left in Hesse would be a serious burden for the 'grand coalition,'" the daily Bild quoted him as saying. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080223.0492.LDC2009T13::2	 German Social Democrats under pressure on dealings with new Left party BERLIN 2008-02-23 15:09:20 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives on Saturday attacked their national coalition partner, the Social Democrats, over suggestions that they might accept help from the new Left party. Questions about the center-left Social Democrats' intentions were triggered by reports that leader Kurt Beck might be prepared to get an ally elected governor of western Hesse state with votes from The Left -- a mix of East German ex-communists and former Social Democrat left-wingers. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union suggested that voters should punish the Social Democrats, or SPD, in a state election Sunday in Hamburg. "Those who set out to make common cause with The Left must get what they deserve tomorrow," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. The CDU and SPD govern Germany in an uncomfortable "grand coalition" of Germany's biggest parties, which both hope to end after national elections next year. The SPD has been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite the SPD's attempts to polish its left-wing image. SPD leaders have long balked at the idea of allying with The Left at the national level or in western states. They ruled out working with it before last month's election in Hesse, where the CDU and SPD fought each other to a stalemate that gave neither a majority to govern their traditional smaller partners. This week, several media reports emerged that SPD candidate Andrea Ypsilanti might form a minority government and seek election as governor by the state legislature, where The Left has said it would vote for her -- with Beck's apparent blessing. Beck responded by saying that "there will be no agreement or any other kind of understanding" with The Left, but did not explicitly rule out Ypsilanti winning election with its informal help. Other SPD members were divided over the idea. "Voters in Hamburg have the unique chance to vote on Mr. Beck's and Ms. Ypsilanti's breach of their word," Pofalla said. Bavarian conservative leader Erwin Huber suggested any move to work with The Left could worsen the atmosphere in Merkel's federal coalition. "A pact with the communist Left in Hesse would be a serious burden for the 'grand coalition,'" the daily Bild quoted him as saying. 
CDU::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080223.0492.LDC2009T13::3	 German Social Democrats under pressure on dealings with new Left party BERLIN 2008-02-23 15:09:20 UTC German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives on Saturday attacked their national coalition partner, the Social Democrats, over suggestions that they might accept help from the new Left party. Questions about the center-left Social Democrats' intentions were triggered by reports that leader Kurt Beck might be prepared to get an ally elected governor of western Hesse state with votes from The Left -- a mix of East German ex-communists and former Social Democrat left-wingers. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union suggested that voters should punish the Social Democrats, or SPD, in a state election Sunday in Hamburg. "Those who set out to make common cause with The Left must get what they deserve tomorrow," CDU general secretary Ronald Pofalla said. The CDU and SPD govern Germany in an uncomfortable "grand coalition" of Germany's biggest parties, which both hope to end after national elections next year. The SPD has been squeezed in polls both by Merkel's popularity and by The Left, which emerged in 2005 and has been establishing itself in western Germany despite the SPD's attempts to polish its left-wing image. SPD leaders have long balked at the idea of allying with The Left at the national level or in western states. They ruled out working with it before last month's election in Hesse, where the CDU and SPD fought each other to a stalemate that gave neither a majority to govern their traditional smaller partners. This week, several media reports emerged that SPD candidate Andrea Ypsilanti might form a minority government and seek election as governor by the state legislature, where The Left has said it would vote for her -- with Beck's apparent blessing. Beck responded by saying that "there will be no agreement or any other kind of understanding" with The Left, but did not explicitly rule out Ypsilanti winning election with its informal help. Other SPD members were divided over the idea. "Voters in Hamburg have the unique chance to vote on Mr. Beck's and Ms. Ypsilanti's breach of their word," Pofalla said. Bavarian conservative leader Erwin Huber suggested any move to work with The Left could worsen the atmosphere in Merkel's federal coalition. "A pact with the communist Left in Hesse would be a serious burden for the 'grand coalition,'" the daily Bild quoted him as saying. 
Chicago::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070203.0440.LDC2009T13::1	 Tokyo bourse pins hopes on alliances to fend off Asian rivals by Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura Its reputation tarnished by a series of technical mishaps, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is now pursuing a host of global alliances as part of stepped up efforts to safeguard its dominance as Asia's top bourse. The ink was barely dry last week on an agreement by the Tokyo exchange to partner with the New York Stock Exchange before TSE chief executive Taizo Nishimuro set off for Chicago for talks with the largest US futures market. As Hong Kong and Shanghai vie for the crown as China's main financial centre, Tokyo is looking to expand its global reach to avoid being overtaken by fast- growing Asian rivals. "The TSE had no choice but to link with the NYSE, or else China's Hong Kong Exchange would soon catch up and the TSE would become a minor market," said Toshihiro Matsuno, research head at SMBC Friend Securities. While Shanghai's stock market is still smaller than the Hong Kong bourse, it is rapidly expanding, with the key Shanghai composite index up about 150 percent over the past year. Chinese companies raised a record 559.4 billion yuan (71.7 billion dollars) in the local equities markets last year, an increase of nearly 200 percent, the Chinese government said Friday. Daily trading turnover on all Chinese stock exchanges is now running at over 20 billion dollars -- a level that rivals the New York and Tokyo markets. "I think it is positive that the TSE linked up with the NYSE because if it didn't it has risk of being left out of globalisation," said Hiroyuki Nakai, chief strategist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. "Many Chinese companies are actively listing themselves on US markets, while Japanese companies are mostly retreating. So I think by linking up with the NYSE and sharing the same rules, the TSE can stop this trend," said Nakai. Despite Japan's economic recovery after a decade in the deflation doldrums, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is struggling to attract foreign firms, with only 25 now listed on the main Japanese bourse. "The TSE is trying to appeal to Chinese companies but due to a lack of personnel it has proven difficult to appeal to them on a large scale," said TSE spokesman Satoshi Futagi. "So we thought our tie-up (with the NYSE) would make the TSE more appealing," he said. As for the Chinese stock exchanges, foreign companies have been signalling a desire to list there for years, but while Chinese officials have shown they are not opposed to such a move, so far it has been merely talk. One obstacle is China's closed capital account which makes it hard for companies to repatriate funds raised in China. As well as the talks with NYSE and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the TSE is discussing ways to bolster ties with the London Stock Exchange and Germany's Deutsche Boerse. The alliance with the NYSE would, for now, focus on technology collaboration and cross-listings by companies, the heads of the two exchanges said at a press conference last week. In December the TSE agreed on a closer collaboration with Singapore Exchange Ltd. For now any, however, capital tieups are unlikely as the Tokyo exchange has delayed plans for its own stock market listing until by 2009 after a series of technical glitches. The TSE suffered its worst-ever system crash in November 2005. Then in January last year it was forced to close early for the first time after a scandal at Internet firm Livedoor sparked a wave of selling. Even so, not everyone is persuaded about the merits of a tieup with the New York Exchange. "There is more merit to link up with Asian markets, such as with Singapore or Shanghai," suggested Kenichi Azuma, equity strategist at Cosmo Securities. By tying up with an Asian market, the TSE could raise its brand recognition in Asia," he said. 
Chicago::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070203.0440.LDC2009T13::2	 Tokyo bourse pins hopes on alliances to fend off Asian rivals by Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura Its reputation tarnished by a series of technical mishaps, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is now pursuing a host of global alliances as part of stepped up efforts to safeguard its dominance as Asia's top bourse. The ink was barely dry last week on an agreement by the Tokyo exchange to partner with the New York Stock Exchange before TSE chief executive Taizo Nishimuro set off for Chicago for talks with the largest US futures market. As Hong Kong and Shanghai vie for the crown as China's main financial centre, Tokyo is looking to expand its global reach to avoid being overtaken by fast- growing Asian rivals. "The TSE had no choice but to link with the NYSE, or else China's Hong Kong Exchange would soon catch up and the TSE would become a minor market," said Toshihiro Matsuno, research head at SMBC Friend Securities. While Shanghai's stock market is still smaller than the Hong Kong bourse, it is rapidly expanding, with the key Shanghai composite index up about 150 percent over the past year. Chinese companies raised a record 559.4 billion yuan (71.7 billion dollars) in the local equities markets last year, an increase of nearly 200 percent, the Chinese government said Friday. Daily trading turnover on all Chinese stock exchanges is now running at over 20 billion dollars -- a level that rivals the New York and Tokyo markets. "I think it is positive that the TSE linked up with the NYSE because if it didn't it has risk of being left out of globalisation," said Hiroyuki Nakai, chief strategist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. "Many Chinese companies are actively listing themselves on US markets, while Japanese companies are mostly retreating. So I think by linking up with the NYSE and sharing the same rules, the TSE can stop this trend," said Nakai. Despite Japan's economic recovery after a decade in the deflation doldrums, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is struggling to attract foreign firms, with only 25 now listed on the main Japanese bourse. "The TSE is trying to appeal to Chinese companies but due to a lack of personnel it has proven difficult to appeal to them on a large scale," said TSE spokesman Satoshi Futagi. "So we thought our tie-up (with the NYSE) would make the TSE more appealing," he said. As for the Chinese stock exchanges, foreign companies have been signalling a desire to list there for years, but while Chinese officials have shown they are not opposed to such a move, so far it has been merely talk. One obstacle is China's closed capital account which makes it hard for companies to repatriate funds raised in China. As well as the talks with NYSE and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the TSE is discussing ways to bolster ties with the London Stock Exchange and Germany's Deutsche Boerse. The alliance with the NYSE would, for now, focus on technology collaboration and cross-listings by companies, the heads of the two exchanges said at a press conference last week. In December the TSE agreed on a closer collaboration with Singapore Exchange Ltd. For now any, however, capital tieups are unlikely as the Tokyo exchange has delayed plans for its own stock market listing until by 2009 after a series of technical glitches. The TSE suffered its worst-ever system crash in November 2005. Then in January last year it was forced to close early for the first time after a scandal at Internet firm Livedoor sparked a wave of selling. Even so, not everyone is persuaded about the merits of a tieup with the New York Exchange. "There is more merit to link up with Asian markets, such as with Singapore or Shanghai," suggested Kenichi Azuma, equity strategist at Cosmo Securities. By tying up with an Asian market, the TSE could raise its brand recognition in Asia," he said. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::1	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::2	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::3	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::4	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::5	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941024.0011.LDC2007T07::6	 China steps on to information superhighway China has taken its first tentative steps along the information super highway with the inauguration of the country's first nationwide digital data network, a report said Monday. The network, based on powerful fibre-optic, digital microwave and satellite transmission systems, connects 21 municipalities and provincial capitals. According to a senior Posts and Telecommunications Ministry official, Hao Weimin, the main users of the network will be the securities and banking industries, scientific research institutes and major companies. Among the first group of users following the inauguration of the network on Saturday are the Bank of Communications, the Bank of Construction, the Agricultural Bank of China, the State Foreign Exchange Administration and the State Administration of Taxation, the China Daily said. Until now, China's information sector -- while undergoing rapid expansion -- has been hampered by a chronic lack of communication between government agencies and different industries. Each of the central government's 55 ministries has an information centre, but each is divorced from the others, exclusively serving its respective ministry. Hao said his ministry planned to expand the new network, known as CHINADDN, by building a second phase next year that will hook up an additional 300 cities. All computer and information networks will ultimately be linked through CHINADDN, forming a public information network with functions including human-to-computer and computer-to-computer communication, Hao added. Of the 300 databanks currently in operation in China, only 60 can be said to really serve the public as the others are exclusively aimed at providing information to the government for policy making. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941120.0006.LDC2007T07::1	 China launches new agricultural policy-oriented bank China's Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), one of three new policy banks set up under the country's financial reforms, came into being this weekend, the China Daily Business Weekly reported Sunday. The bank's establishment Saturday followed the long-awaited break up of the Agricultural Bank of China into separate policy and commercially oriented banks, the report quoted ADB president Zhu Yuanliang as saying. The ADB, with registered assets of 20 billion yuan (2.3 billion dollars), is to grant low-interest, long-term loans to important agricultural projects that have large initial outlays and slow returns. The three new policy-lending banks -- ADB, the State Development Bank and the State Import and Export Bank -- are banned from providing commercial loans or handling any business in competition with specialised banks. The move is part of a major upheaval of the banking system, under which specialised banks, including the new-look Agricultural Bank of China, are to move towards purely commercial business and to be responsible for balancing their own assets and liabilities and managing business risk. The reforms are aimed at rationalising the present system, which has allowed state funds to haemorrhage through state banks to high-risk speculative projects while important projects have been neglected. Eleven billion yuan of the new bank's registered assets come from capital earmarked for policy lending from the Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank and People's Bank, the report said. The remaining nine billion yuan will be raised through several years of tax-free operation, while the bank's total assets are to accrue from bond issues to commercial banks, government subsidies, inter-bank borrowing from overseas markets and companies' savings, it quoted Zhu as saying. More than 50 percent of funds will come from issuing bonds on both domestic and international financial markets, Zhu added. With interest on its bonds higher than on its bank savings and its lending rate lower than that of commercial banks, the president predicted that the ADB would need huge government subsidies "in the near term." However, the report said that the central bank had set a target date for the policy-oriented banks to become profit-making, but gave no details. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941120.0006.LDC2007T07::2	 China launches new agricultural policy-oriented bank China's Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), one of three new policy banks set up under the country's financial reforms, came into being this weekend, the China Daily Business Weekly reported Sunday. The bank's establishment Saturday followed the long-awaited break up of the Agricultural Bank of China into separate policy and commercially oriented banks, the report quoted ADB president Zhu Yuanliang as saying. The ADB, with registered assets of 20 billion yuan (2.3 billion dollars), is to grant low-interest, long-term loans to important agricultural projects that have large initial outlays and slow returns. The three new policy-lending banks -- ADB, the State Development Bank and the State Import and Export Bank -- are banned from providing commercial loans or handling any business in competition with specialised banks. The move is part of a major upheaval of the banking system, under which specialised banks, including the new-look Agricultural Bank of China, are to move towards purely commercial business and to be responsible for balancing their own assets and liabilities and managing business risk. The reforms are aimed at rationalising the present system, which has allowed state funds to haemorrhage through state banks to high-risk speculative projects while important projects have been neglected. Eleven billion yuan of the new bank's registered assets come from capital earmarked for policy lending from the Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank and People's Bank, the report said. The remaining nine billion yuan will be raised through several years of tax-free operation, while the bank's total assets are to accrue from bond issues to commercial banks, government subsidies, inter-bank borrowing from overseas markets and companies' savings, it quoted Zhu as saying. More than 50 percent of funds will come from issuing bonds on both domestic and international financial markets, Zhu added. With interest on its bonds higher than on its bank savings and its lending rate lower than that of commercial banks, the president predicted that the ADB would need huge government subsidies "in the near term." However, the report said that the central bank had set a target date for the policy-oriented banks to become profit-making, but gave no details. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941120.0006.LDC2007T07::3	 China launches new agricultural policy-oriented bank China's Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), one of three new policy banks set up under the country's financial reforms, came into being this weekend, the China Daily Business Weekly reported Sunday. The bank's establishment Saturday followed the long-awaited break up of the Agricultural Bank of China into separate policy and commercially oriented banks, the report quoted ADB president Zhu Yuanliang as saying. The ADB, with registered assets of 20 billion yuan (2.3 billion dollars), is to grant low-interest, long-term loans to important agricultural projects that have large initial outlays and slow returns. The three new policy-lending banks -- ADB, the State Development Bank and the State Import and Export Bank -- are banned from providing commercial loans or handling any business in competition with specialised banks. The move is part of a major upheaval of the banking system, under which specialised banks, including the new-look Agricultural Bank of China, are to move towards purely commercial business and to be responsible for balancing their own assets and liabilities and managing business risk. The reforms are aimed at rationalising the present system, which has allowed state funds to haemorrhage through state banks to high-risk speculative projects while important projects have been neglected. Eleven billion yuan of the new bank's registered assets come from capital earmarked for policy lending from the Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank and People's Bank, the report said. The remaining nine billion yuan will be raised through several years of tax-free operation, while the bank's total assets are to accrue from bond issues to commercial banks, government subsidies, inter-bank borrowing from overseas markets and companies' savings, it quoted Zhu as saying. More than 50 percent of funds will come from issuing bonds on both domestic and international financial markets, Zhu added. With interest on its bonds higher than on its bank savings and its lending rate lower than that of commercial banks, the president predicted that the ADB would need huge government subsidies "in the near term." However, the report said that the central bank had set a target date for the policy-oriented banks to become profit-making, but gave no details. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941120.0006.LDC2007T07::4	 China launches new agricultural policy-oriented bank China's Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), one of three new policy banks set up under the country's financial reforms, came into being this weekend, the China Daily Business Weekly reported Sunday. The bank's establishment Saturday followed the long-awaited break up of the Agricultural Bank of China into separate policy and commercially oriented banks, the report quoted ADB president Zhu Yuanliang as saying. The ADB, with registered assets of 20 billion yuan (2.3 billion dollars), is to grant low-interest, long-term loans to important agricultural projects that have large initial outlays and slow returns. The three new policy-lending banks -- ADB, the State Development Bank and the State Import and Export Bank -- are banned from providing commercial loans or handling any business in competition with specialised banks. The move is part of a major upheaval of the banking system, under which specialised banks, including the new-look Agricultural Bank of China, are to move towards purely commercial business and to be responsible for balancing their own assets and liabilities and managing business risk. The reforms are aimed at rationalising the present system, which has allowed state funds to haemorrhage through state banks to high-risk speculative projects while important projects have been neglected. Eleven billion yuan of the new bank's registered assets come from capital earmarked for policy lending from the Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank and People's Bank, the report said. The remaining nine billion yuan will be raised through several years of tax-free operation, while the bank's total assets are to accrue from bond issues to commercial banks, government subsidies, inter-bank borrowing from overseas markets and companies' savings, it quoted Zhu as saying. More than 50 percent of funds will come from issuing bonds on both domestic and international financial markets, Zhu added. With interest on its bonds higher than on its bank savings and its lending rate lower than that of commercial banks, the president predicted that the ADB would need huge government subsidies "in the near term." However, the report said that the central bank had set a target date for the policy-oriented banks to become profit-making, but gave no details. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941120.0006.LDC2007T07::5	 China launches new agricultural policy-oriented bank China's Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), one of three new policy banks set up under the country's financial reforms, came into being this weekend, the China Daily Business Weekly reported Sunday. The bank's establishment Saturday followed the long-awaited break up of the Agricultural Bank of China into separate policy and commercially oriented banks, the report quoted ADB president Zhu Yuanliang as saying. The ADB, with registered assets of 20 billion yuan (2.3 billion dollars), is to grant low-interest, long-term loans to important agricultural projects that have large initial outlays and slow returns. The three new policy-lending banks -- ADB, the State Development Bank and the State Import and Export Bank -- are banned from providing commercial loans or handling any business in competition with specialised banks. The move is part of a major upheaval of the banking system, under which specialised banks, including the new-look Agricultural Bank of China, are to move towards purely commercial business and to be responsible for balancing their own assets and liabilities and managing business risk. The reforms are aimed at rationalising the present system, which has allowed state funds to haemorrhage through state banks to high-risk speculative projects while important projects have been neglected. Eleven billion yuan of the new bank's registered assets come from capital earmarked for policy lending from the Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank and People's Bank, the report said. The remaining nine billion yuan will be raised through several years of tax-free operation, while the bank's total assets are to accrue from bond issues to commercial banks, government subsidies, inter-bank borrowing from overseas markets and companies' savings, it quoted Zhu as saying. More than 50 percent of funds will come from issuing bonds on both domestic and international financial markets, Zhu added. With interest on its bonds higher than on its bank savings and its lending rate lower than that of commercial banks, the president predicted that the ADB would need huge government subsidies "in the near term." However, the report said that the central bank had set a target date for the policy-oriented banks to become profit-making, but gave no details. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951206.0136.LDC2007T07::1	 Europeans set up joint venture in new sign of confidence on aircraft deal A European consortium said Wednesday it was setting up a joint venture to boost its bid to become the Western partner helping China and South Korea develop a 100-seater jet, in a further sign it was near to winning the hotly-contested deal. Aero International Asia (AIA) -- grouping France's Aerospatiale, Italy's Alenia SpA and British Aerospace plc -- is to have a representative office in Beijing "to act as a single entity to achieve the selection as the western partner on the Asian 100-seat jet programme," the consortium said in a statement. Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG of Germany, listed in recent media reports as a member of the European consortium, was not among AIA's partners. Phillippe Lebouc, who is to lead AIA's team of staff drawn from the three parent companies, declined comment on whether the the joint venture's establishment signalled the consortium's imminent victory over separate bids from US giants Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Corp. However, a source within the consortium said it was "confident" that its bid for a 20 percent stake in the two-billion-dollar project -- on which Chinese officials have said a decision will be announced by the end of the year -- would be successful. Lebouc said that since the European bid involved three companies rather than just one, "we are creating the company to avoid any confusing interface for China and South Korea." "It is necessary to have a clear interface for an industrial project of this magnitude," he said, adding that the joint venture was "in the process" of being established and would be disbanded should the consortium fail to win the deal. He made no comment on why the new company had not been set up earlier if it was to act simply as a "clear interface" for the long-standing European bid -- rather than as an actual partner in the project. Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) Vice President Wang Ang increased speculation Saturday that the European consortium had the edge over its US rivals by saying that production of the aircraft would involve overseas aviation companies, "European ones especially." AVIC and Korea Commercial Aircraft Development Consortium (KCDC) led by Samsum Aerospace Industries Co. Ltd. are the main partners in developing the aircraft which they hope will fill a short-haul niche in the Asian aircraft market after it goes into service at the end of the decade. "We have been working closely with our friends at AVIC in China and KCDC in Korea on the Asian 100-seat jet programme for some time," the AIA statement quoted the presidents of the European partner companies as saying. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951206.0136.LDC2007T07::2	 Europeans set up joint venture in new sign of confidence on aircraft deal A European consortium said Wednesday it was setting up a joint venture to boost its bid to become the Western partner helping China and South Korea develop a 100-seater jet, in a further sign it was near to winning the hotly-contested deal. Aero International Asia (AIA) -- grouping France's Aerospatiale, Italy's Alenia SpA and British Aerospace plc -- is to have a representative office in Beijing "to act as a single entity to achieve the selection as the western partner on the Asian 100-seat jet programme," the consortium said in a statement. Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG of Germany, listed in recent media reports as a member of the European consortium, was not among AIA's partners. Phillippe Lebouc, who is to lead AIA's team of staff drawn from the three parent companies, declined comment on whether the the joint venture's establishment signalled the consortium's imminent victory over separate bids from US giants Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Corp. However, a source within the consortium said it was "confident" that its bid for a 20 percent stake in the two-billion-dollar project -- on which Chinese officials have said a decision will be announced by the end of the year -- would be successful. Lebouc said that since the European bid involved three companies rather than just one, "we are creating the company to avoid any confusing interface for China and South Korea." "It is necessary to have a clear interface for an industrial project of this magnitude," he said, adding that the joint venture was "in the process" of being established and would be disbanded should the consortium fail to win the deal. He made no comment on why the new company had not been set up earlier if it was to act simply as a "clear interface" for the long-standing European bid -- rather than as an actual partner in the project. Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) Vice President Wang Ang increased speculation Saturday that the European consortium had the edge over its US rivals by saying that production of the aircraft would involve overseas aviation companies, "European ones especially." AVIC and Korea Commercial Aircraft Development Consortium (KCDC) led by Samsum Aerospace Industries Co. Ltd. are the main partners in developing the aircraft which they hope will fill a short-haul niche in the Asian aircraft market after it goes into service at the end of the decade. "We have been working closely with our friends at AVIC in China and KCDC in Korea on the Asian 100-seat jet programme for some time," the AIA statement quoted the presidents of the European partner companies as saying. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951206.0136.LDC2007T07::3	 Europeans set up joint venture in new sign of confidence on aircraft deal A European consortium said Wednesday it was setting up a joint venture to boost its bid to become the Western partner helping China and South Korea develop a 100-seater jet, in a further sign it was near to winning the hotly-contested deal. Aero International Asia (AIA) -- grouping France's Aerospatiale, Italy's Alenia SpA and British Aerospace plc -- is to have a representative office in Beijing "to act as a single entity to achieve the selection as the western partner on the Asian 100-seat jet programme," the consortium said in a statement. Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG of Germany, listed in recent media reports as a member of the European consortium, was not among AIA's partners. Phillippe Lebouc, who is to lead AIA's team of staff drawn from the three parent companies, declined comment on whether the the joint venture's establishment signalled the consortium's imminent victory over separate bids from US giants Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Corp. However, a source within the consortium said it was "confident" that its bid for a 20 percent stake in the two-billion-dollar project -- on which Chinese officials have said a decision will be announced by the end of the year -- would be successful. Lebouc said that since the European bid involved three companies rather than just one, "we are creating the company to avoid any confusing interface for China and South Korea." "It is necessary to have a clear interface for an industrial project of this magnitude," he said, adding that the joint venture was "in the process" of being established and would be disbanded should the consortium fail to win the deal. He made no comment on why the new company had not been set up earlier if it was to act simply as a "clear interface" for the long-standing European bid -- rather than as an actual partner in the project. Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) Vice President Wang Ang increased speculation Saturday that the European consortium had the edge over its US rivals by saying that production of the aircraft would involve overseas aviation companies, "European ones especially." AVIC and Korea Commercial Aircraft Development Consortium (KCDC) led by Samsum Aerospace Industries Co. Ltd. are the main partners in developing the aircraft which they hope will fill a short-haul niche in the Asian aircraft market after it goes into service at the end of the decade. "We have been working closely with our friends at AVIC in China and KCDC in Korea on the Asian 100-seat jet programme for some time," the AIA statement quoted the presidents of the European partner companies as saying. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951206.0136.LDC2007T07::4	 Europeans set up joint venture in new sign of confidence on aircraft deal A European consortium said Wednesday it was setting up a joint venture to boost its bid to become the Western partner helping China and South Korea develop a 100-seater jet, in a further sign it was near to winning the hotly-contested deal. Aero International Asia (AIA) -- grouping France's Aerospatiale, Italy's Alenia SpA and British Aerospace plc -- is to have a representative office in Beijing "to act as a single entity to achieve the selection as the western partner on the Asian 100-seat jet programme," the consortium said in a statement. Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG of Germany, listed in recent media reports as a member of the European consortium, was not among AIA's partners. Phillippe Lebouc, who is to lead AIA's team of staff drawn from the three parent companies, declined comment on whether the the joint venture's establishment signalled the consortium's imminent victory over separate bids from US giants Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Corp. However, a source within the consortium said it was "confident" that its bid for a 20 percent stake in the two-billion-dollar project -- on which Chinese officials have said a decision will be announced by the end of the year -- would be successful. Lebouc said that since the European bid involved three companies rather than just one, "we are creating the company to avoid any confusing interface for China and South Korea." "It is necessary to have a clear interface for an industrial project of this magnitude," he said, adding that the joint venture was "in the process" of being established and would be disbanded should the consortium fail to win the deal. He made no comment on why the new company had not been set up earlier if it was to act simply as a "clear interface" for the long-standing European bid -- rather than as an actual partner in the project. Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) Vice President Wang Ang increased speculation Saturday that the European consortium had the edge over its US rivals by saying that production of the aircraft would involve overseas aviation companies, "European ones especially." AVIC and Korea Commercial Aircraft Development Consortium (KCDC) led by Samsum Aerospace Industries Co. Ltd. are the main partners in developing the aircraft which they hope will fill a short-haul niche in the Asian aircraft market after it goes into service at the end of the decade. "We have been working closely with our friends at AVIC in China and KCDC in Korea on the Asian 100-seat jet programme for some time," the AIA statement quoted the presidents of the European partner companies as saying. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::1	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::2	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::3	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::4	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::5	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::6	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960206.0102.LDC2007T07::7	 Bombardier to introduce executive air charters in China Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace Group said Tuesday that it was introducing the first Western-style executive air charter service to operate from a base in China. Bombardier said it had teamed up with Global Aviation Ltd., the Asia- Pacific arm of the Global Aviation Group of companies headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to start the service from February 12. Together with China Southern Airlines Ltd., based in Guangzhou, they will operate Bombardier business jets from Zhuhai in China near Hong Kong and Macau. The fleet of five aircraft will transport executives to more cities in less time than possible on scheduled airline service, Bombardier officials told reporters at the Asian Aerospace '96 air show here. Bombardier Aerospace Group president Robert Brown said the service would serve as a "reliable and efficient alternative" to scheduled commercial flights and cater to business and government leaders travelling in China. "This heralds a new era for air travel within China, and we are very proud to be part of this historic development," he said. Maurice Amon, Global Aviation co-chairman, said the operators expected a strong market reponse and would increase the fleet if demand increased. Bombardier, whose spares depot based in Singapore will support the fleet, also said it was establishing a permanent representative office in China to reinforce its presence in the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. 
CN::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070225.0423.LDC2009T13::1	 Canadian rail firm in tentative deal with strikers Canadian rail company CN has reached a tentative agreement with the United Transportation Union aimed at ending a workers' strike that has paralyzed merchandise transport for two weeks. "Details of the settlement will be released at a later date," CN said in a statement released late Saturday. "The UTU's 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees remain on strike at CN pending ratification," it added. The union, however, has invited its workers to return to work until the agreement is ratified by employees in a vote that ends March 16. The strike will officially end when the deal is approved. The Canadian government had introduced Friday legislation to force strikers to return to work, saying the work stoppage was becoming risky for the Canadian economy. The 2,800 workers launched the strike February 10 after the collapse of salary negotiations. 
CN::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070225.0423.LDC2009T13::2	 Canadian rail firm in tentative deal with strikers Canadian rail company CN has reached a tentative agreement with the United Transportation Union aimed at ending a workers' strike that has paralyzed merchandise transport for two weeks. "Details of the settlement will be released at a later date," CN said in a statement released late Saturday. "The UTU's 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees remain on strike at CN pending ratification," it added. The union, however, has invited its workers to return to work until the agreement is ratified by employees in a vote that ends March 16. The strike will officially end when the deal is approved. The Canadian government had introduced Friday legislation to force strikers to return to work, saying the work stoppage was becoming risky for the Canadian economy. The 2,800 workers launched the strike February 10 after the collapse of salary negotiations. 
CN::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070225.0423.LDC2009T13::3	 Canadian rail firm in tentative deal with strikers Canadian rail company CN has reached a tentative agreement with the United Transportation Union aimed at ending a workers' strike that has paralyzed merchandise transport for two weeks. "Details of the settlement will be released at a later date," CN said in a statement released late Saturday. "The UTU's 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees remain on strike at CN pending ratification," it added. The union, however, has invited its workers to return to work until the agreement is ratified by employees in a vote that ends March 16. The strike will officially end when the deal is approved. The Canadian government had introduced Friday legislation to force strikers to return to work, saying the work stoppage was becoming risky for the Canadian economy. The 2,800 workers launched the strike February 10 after the collapse of salary negotiations. 
CN::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0530.LDC2009T13::1	 Mohawks block main rail line in eastern Canada Rogue Mohawks parked an old school bus on railway tracks in eastern Canada Friday blocking passenger and cargo traffic along a main rail corridor to protest a lack of progress on their land claims. The protest, not sanctioned by the Mohawk council, has so far prevented 25 freight trains and 22 passenger trains from reaching Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, Canadian National Railway spokesman Mark Hallman told AFP. About 102 million Canadian dollars (91 million US) worth of commodities are shipped along the track on a daily basis, but Hallman would not say how much the blockade has cost CN. "The company has obtained an injunction to dismantle the protest," he said. But the indigenous people have ignored it and refused to leave for the next 48 hours to make a point. The group is protesting a developer's plan to build condominiums using material from a quarry on land they claim is theirs near Deseronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Toronto. They had set up barricades at the quarry a month ago, but moved overnight to the tracks near Kingston, Ontario, lamenting the slow pace of negotiations between Mohawk leaders and the federal government, started in November. "It's very difficult to carry out meaningful negotiations at the table while they're taking out 10,000 truckloads a year of our land," protest leader Shawn Brant told public broadcaster CBC. "We shut (the rail lines) down as part of the ongoing rotational economic disruption campaign we promised," he said. Ontario Provincial Police Constable Jackie Perry told CBC: "We are in discussions right now (with CN police) trying to determine the most peaceful resolution." "We don't want to see anyone hurt," she said. 
CN::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0530.LDC2009T13::2	 Mohawks block main rail line in eastern Canada Rogue Mohawks parked an old school bus on railway tracks in eastern Canada Friday blocking passenger and cargo traffic along a main rail corridor to protest a lack of progress on their land claims. The protest, not sanctioned by the Mohawk council, has so far prevented 25 freight trains and 22 passenger trains from reaching Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, Canadian National Railway spokesman Mark Hallman told AFP. About 102 million Canadian dollars (91 million US) worth of commodities are shipped along the track on a daily basis, but Hallman would not say how much the blockade has cost CN. "The company has obtained an injunction to dismantle the protest," he said. But the indigenous people have ignored it and refused to leave for the next 48 hours to make a point. The group is protesting a developer's plan to build condominiums using material from a quarry on land they claim is theirs near Deseronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Toronto. They had set up barricades at the quarry a month ago, but moved overnight to the tracks near Kingston, Ontario, lamenting the slow pace of negotiations between Mohawk leaders and the federal government, started in November. "It's very difficult to carry out meaningful negotiations at the table while they're taking out 10,000 truckloads a year of our land," protest leader Shawn Brant told public broadcaster CBC. "We shut (the rail lines) down as part of the ongoing rotational economic disruption campaign we promised," he said. Ontario Provincial Police Constable Jackie Perry told CBC: "We are in discussions right now (with CN police) trying to determine the most peaceful resolution." "We don't want to see anyone hurt," she said. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070223.1073.LDC2009T13::1	 Canadian Labor Minister says CN Rail talks unproductive, will introduce back-to-work legislation OTTAWA 2007-02-23 16:56:07 UTC Canada's Labor Minister said Friday the government is preparing to introduce legislation ordering 2,800 striking employees at CN Rail back to work, ending a walkout that has already all but crippled key industrial sectors and isolated communities. Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn told a government committee the strike "cannot be allowed to continue" in the face of layoffs, backlogs and supply shortages throughout industry across the country. "I want to be clear: This government will not allow the CN strike to continue any longer," Blackburn told the House of Commons committee. "It's already gone on too long. "The economy of Canada, the economic activity of Canada, is going off the rails." He said the domino effect of the strike has been devastating and could get worse because it will take four to five days to pass the back-to-work legislation. "Imagine what could happen to the economy in that length of time," he said. "It could be in chaos by then." He said companies are not getting the materials they need to produce goods and many can no longer deliver the goods they've produced, "either domestically or abroad." "Companies are shutting down, one after another. Workers are losing their jobs. . . . Citizens of our country aren't getting the basic necessities of life, food and fuel. "Enough's enough." Blackburn said he has been talking several times daily to federal mediators involved in the talks and he says "there's nothing that would lead us to believe, according to my latest information . . . that there may be a settlement." He said he did not want to pass the legislation and he hoped the parties would settle before he tabled it after question period on Friday, but he was not optimistic. The ruling Conservative government had the support of the Opposition Liberals on the motion to order the striking the conductors and yard-service staff back to work, Blackburn said. Safety, working conditions and wages have been the main sticking points in the dispute, now in its 14th day. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070223.1073.LDC2009T13::2	 Canadian Labor Minister says CN Rail talks unproductive, will introduce back-to-work legislation OTTAWA 2007-02-23 16:56:07 UTC Canada's Labor Minister said Friday the government is preparing to introduce legislation ordering 2,800 striking employees at CN Rail back to work, ending a walkout that has already all but crippled key industrial sectors and isolated communities. Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn told a government committee the strike "cannot be allowed to continue" in the face of layoffs, backlogs and supply shortages throughout industry across the country. "I want to be clear: This government will not allow the CN strike to continue any longer," Blackburn told the House of Commons committee. "It's already gone on too long. "The economy of Canada, the economic activity of Canada, is going off the rails." He said the domino effect of the strike has been devastating and could get worse because it will take four to five days to pass the back-to-work legislation. "Imagine what could happen to the economy in that length of time," he said. "It could be in chaos by then." He said companies are not getting the materials they need to produce goods and many can no longer deliver the goods they've produced, "either domestically or abroad." "Companies are shutting down, one after another. Workers are losing their jobs. . . . Citizens of our country aren't getting the basic necessities of life, food and fuel. "Enough's enough." Blackburn said he has been talking several times daily to federal mediators involved in the talks and he says "there's nothing that would lead us to believe, according to my latest information . . . that there may be a settlement." He said he did not want to pass the legislation and he hoped the parties would settle before he tabled it after question period on Friday, but he was not optimistic. The ruling Conservative government had the support of the Opposition Liberals on the motion to order the striking the conductors and yard-service staff back to work, Blackburn said. Safety, working conditions and wages have been the main sticking points in the dispute, now in its 14th day. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070223.1073.LDC2009T13::3	 Canadian Labor Minister says CN Rail talks unproductive, will introduce back-to-work legislation OTTAWA 2007-02-23 16:56:07 UTC Canada's Labor Minister said Friday the government is preparing to introduce legislation ordering 2,800 striking employees at CN Rail back to work, ending a walkout that has already all but crippled key industrial sectors and isolated communities. Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn told a government committee the strike "cannot be allowed to continue" in the face of layoffs, backlogs and supply shortages throughout industry across the country. "I want to be clear: This government will not allow the CN strike to continue any longer," Blackburn told the House of Commons committee. "It's already gone on too long. "The economy of Canada, the economic activity of Canada, is going off the rails." He said the domino effect of the strike has been devastating and could get worse because it will take four to five days to pass the back-to-work legislation. "Imagine what could happen to the economy in that length of time," he said. "It could be in chaos by then." He said companies are not getting the materials they need to produce goods and many can no longer deliver the goods they've produced, "either domestically or abroad." "Companies are shutting down, one after another. Workers are losing their jobs. . . . Citizens of our country aren't getting the basic necessities of life, food and fuel. "Enough's enough." Blackburn said he has been talking several times daily to federal mediators involved in the talks and he says "there's nothing that would lead us to believe, according to my latest information . . . that there may be a settlement." He said he did not want to pass the legislation and he hoped the parties would settle before he tabled it after question period on Friday, but he was not optimistic. The ruling Conservative government had the support of the Opposition Liberals on the motion to order the striking the conductors and yard-service staff back to work, Blackburn said. Safety, working conditions and wages have been the main sticking points in the dispute, now in its 14th day. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070804.0803.LDC2009T13::1	 2 trains collide in western Canada, causing fuel leak into nearby river PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia 2007-08-04 23:48:59 UTC A train derailed and collided with an oncoming train Saturday, causing fuel to leak into a nearby river and smoke to blacken the sky. No one was injured. Canadian National Railway spokesman Jim Feeny said the trains collided in the CN yard. He could not say how many cars were involved. He said environmental damage has not yet been assessed from the fuel that leaked into the Fraser River. He said crews were able to remove cars not directly involved in the resulting fire. The derailment came a day after CN Rail faced federal and provincial charges as a result of a 2005 derailment that sent toxic chemicals into a river north of Vancouver. In the 2005 accident, 40,000 liters of sodium hydroxide spilled into the Cheakamus River, killing more than 500,000 fish. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070804.0803.LDC2009T13::2	 2 trains collide in western Canada, causing fuel leak into nearby river PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia 2007-08-04 23:48:59 UTC A train derailed and collided with an oncoming train Saturday, causing fuel to leak into a nearby river and smoke to blacken the sky. No one was injured. Canadian National Railway spokesman Jim Feeny said the trains collided in the CN yard. He could not say how many cars were involved. He said environmental damage has not yet been assessed from the fuel that leaked into the Fraser River. He said crews were able to remove cars not directly involved in the resulting fire. The derailment came a day after CN Rail faced federal and provincial charges as a result of a 2005 derailment that sent toxic chemicals into a river north of Vancouver. In the 2005 accident, 40,000 liters of sodium hydroxide spilled into the Cheakamus River, killing more than 500,000 fish. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080318.1951.LDC2009T13::1	 Canadian National Railway facing charges after 2005 oil spill that fouled Alberta lake EDMONTON, Alberta 2008-03-18 20:35:09 UTC Canadian National Railway is facing federal charges in Canada after a 2005 train derailment dumped 800,000 liters of oil on the shore of a popular Alberta lake, the government said Tuesday. Environment Canada said CN, Canada's biggest railway, is facing charges for destruction of bird and fish habitat. The Aug. 3, 2005, spill fouled Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton and forced 20 people from their homes and cottages. The railway is to make its first court appearance in an Edmonton courtroom Wednesday. The Transportation Safety Board found the accident was caused by an aging, defective replacement rail that broke under the weight of the train. The charges come the same day CN announced it will spend about $730 million Canadian (US$737 million) this year on rail improvements across Canada. 
CN::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080318.1951.LDC2009T13::2	 Canadian National Railway facing charges after 2005 oil spill that fouled Alberta lake EDMONTON, Alberta 2008-03-18 20:35:09 UTC Canadian National Railway is facing federal charges in Canada after a 2005 train derailment dumped 800,000 liters of oil on the shore of a popular Alberta lake, the government said Tuesday. Environment Canada said CN, Canada's biggest railway, is facing charges for destruction of bird and fish habitat. The Aug. 3, 2005, spill fouled Lake Wabamun west of Edmonton and forced 20 people from their homes and cottages. The railway is to make its first court appearance in an Edmonton courtroom Wednesday. The Transportation Safety Board found the accident was caused by an aging, defective replacement rail that broke under the weight of the train. The charges come the same day CN announced it will spend about $730 million Canadian (US$737 million) this year on rail improvements across Canada. 
CN_Railway::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070804.0188.LDC2009T13::1	 Train collision causes fuel leak in Canada OTTAWA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) A train ran off the rails and hit an oncoming train head on in the eastern Canadian city of Prince George Saturday, causing a fuel leak into the nearby Fraser River, but no injury was reported. The collision took place in a railway yard and caused a fire, said Canadian National Railway (CN Railway) spokesman Jim Feeny, quoted by local news media. He said the number of train cars involved in the accident remains unknown, and those not directly involved in the resulting fire had been removed. Environmental damage caused by the fuel leak has yet to be evaluated, he said. A day before the accident, the CN Railway was accused of being responsible for environmental damage caused by a train derailment in 2005. In that accident, some 40,000 liters of sodium hydroxide leaked into the Cheakamus River north of Vancouver, killing more than 500,000 fish. 
CN_Railway::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070804.0188.LDC2009T13::2	 Train collision causes fuel leak in Canada OTTAWA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) A train ran off the rails and hit an oncoming train head on in the eastern Canadian city of Prince George Saturday, causing a fuel leak into the nearby Fraser River, but no injury was reported. The collision took place in a railway yard and caused a fire, said Canadian National Railway (CN Railway) spokesman Jim Feeny, quoted by local news media. He said the number of train cars involved in the accident remains unknown, and those not directly involved in the resulting fire had been removed. Environmental damage caused by the fuel leak has yet to be evaluated, he said. A day before the accident, the CN Railway was accused of being responsible for environmental damage caused by a train derailment in 2005. In that accident, some 40,000 liters of sodium hydroxide leaked into the Cheakamus River north of Vancouver, killing more than 500,000 fish. 
CNA::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080524.0040.LDC2009T13::1	 Squaring Off Over Labor's Future When an internal fight at a trade union erupts into the news, American culture has a ready frame. It's Marlon Brando versus Lee J. Cobb in "On the Waterfront" once again, perhaps updated by a recent episode of "The Wire," set among the corrupt and gritty longshoremen of the Baltimore docks. Or it's a modern-day retelling of the Jimmy Hoffa/Teamsters story, destined to end in another mysterious gangland murder. But there are no shiny suits or pinkie rings in the conflict at the Service Employees International Union, the big, fast-growing organization of janitors, hospital workers and public employees. All the dramatis personae are idealists who came out of the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and although turf battles and dues money are certainly on the agenda, the real question they are debating is the road forward for the American trade union movement. Leading the cast is Andy Stern, the SEIU's national president since 1996. A Pennsylvania SEIU activist in the 1970s, Stern was put in charge of union organizing efforts in the 1980s, just as President Reagan and other resurgent Republicans helped stiffen corporate management's hostility to trade unionism. The SEIU was one of the few unions that continued to grow in those difficult times, sparked by militant organizing campaigns such as the Justice for Janitors movement, which had its epicenter in Los Angeles. Stern, now 57, has been a bold, impatient leader, which has earned him a spot on the cover of almost every mass circulation magazine, including Business Week under the query "Can This Man Save Labor?" Stern's ambition is to transform and revive American unionism. In 2005, he led several big unions, including the SEIU, the Teamsters and the United Food and Commercial Workers, out of the AFL-CIO. In their new coalition, known as Change to Win, Stern pushed each of the unions to devote a qualitatively large proportion of their resources to organizing, even if it meant reducing the number of staff who "serviced" existing members. He insisted that unless unions such as the SEIU achieved a far higher degree of "density" in specific industries, such as healthcare, they wouldn't be strong enough to raise wages and working conditions for everyone. Stern also has made it clear that he sees the U.S. economy as a single integrated system in which the status of labor is closely related to the structure of capitalism. This has led the SEIU to take great interest in issues that once would have been considered irrelevant to what went on at the bargaining table, such as how to regulate private equity companies, which now control companies that employ more than a million workers in industries the SEIU seeks to organize. Stern has sought to strike deals, or at least open negotiations, on a variety of employment-related issues with politicians and businessmen, including Wal-Mart's H. Lee Scott and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who have often been hostile to unionism. But Stern's ambitions have not been universally applauded. For instance, the California Nurses Association, the union representing 80,000 registered nurses across the country, has been a highly vocal critic of and competitor to the SEIU, denouncing what it sees as Stern's willingness to trade away nurse staffing ratios and other labor standards for organizing agreements with hospital chains that are viewed as anti-union. In recent months, the CNA and the SEIU have competed for the allegiance of nurses in Las Vegas hospitals and in medical facilities throughout Ohio. The clash has been bitter, with the SEIU charging that the nurses organization is a "union buster" at the same time the CNA claims that SEIU organizing tactics pave the way for management-dominated "company unionism." Within the SEIU itself, Stern is facing a revolt by United Healthcare Workers West, the 150,000-member California local that is led by Sal Rosselli, a former nursing home worker who has been a union leader since 1988, when he won an insurgent campaign to rebuild what was then Local 250 in the Bay Area. In the years since, Rosselli has been a pioneering militant, organizing nursing homes, hospitals and home-care workers throughout California. Rosselli once worked cooperatively with Stern, but tensions have arisen in recent years over what the UHW considers an SEIU effort to sideline local leaders in hospital and nursing home contract negotiations. Rosselli and others at the UHW are just as sophisticated as Stern, but they take a darker view of their business and political adversaries. Thus Rosselli objected to Stern's endorsement of Schwarzenegger's proposed health insurance plan, which the UHW chief, like many other unionists in California, considered far too friendly to insurance company interests. The plan was never enacted. Stern and Rosselli are playing familiar roles in our labor history. When American corporations became giant institutions more than a century ago, trade unions were soon forced to mirror their centralized structure in order to bargain for better wages and benefits. But centralizing union authority in Pittsburgh, Detroit or Washington came at a price. United Auto Workers President Walter Reuther, for instance, who was every bit as ambitious and imaginative as Stern, faced a constant rumble of discontent from the big auto locals in Flint, Fremont and Dearborn. Local unionists insisted that regardless of the success Reuther enjoyed bargaining with Henry Ford II or planning the Great Society with LBJ, the union's first and most essential duty was to make sure that dignity and safety did not vanish from their arduous, if well-compensated, life on the assembly line. Similarly, Rosselli and his supporters (not all of whom are in the UHW) argue that the very meaning of unionism will be bleached out of the SEIU unless local voices are once again made potent. "I want a movement of workers governed by workers for workers," said Rosselli, "to be in control of their relationship with their employer, to be in control of the political direction of their union." But Stern and his allies within the SEIU believe that with a Democratic Party landslide in the offing this November, unions are on the verge of an historic breakthrough. This is not the time for what they label "Just Us" unionism devoted to the advancement of the wages and working conditions of those already enrolled in a labor organization. All this will be fought out next week at the SEIU national convention in Puerto Rico. Rosselli and his UHW supporters will put forward resolutions calling for more local control of contract negotiations, organizing and finances, as well as direct, union-wide election of national SEIU officers (rather than selection by convention action). They are unlikely to win any votes there, but if the issues they have raised become part of the general discussion within the labor movement and the larger progressive community, these rebels will have shown that union democracy and union growth are not incompatible. Lichtenstein is a professor of history at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he directs the Center for the Study of Work, Labor and Democracy. 
CNA::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080524.0040.LDC2009T13::2	 Squaring Off Over Labor's Future When an internal fight at a trade union erupts into the news, American culture has a ready frame. It's Marlon Brando versus Lee J. Cobb in "On the Waterfront" once again, perhaps updated by a recent episode of "The Wire," set among the corrupt and gritty longshoremen of the Baltimore docks. Or it's a modern-day retelling of the Jimmy Hoffa/Teamsters story, destined to end in another mysterious gangland murder. But there are no shiny suits or pinkie rings in the conflict at the Service Employees International Union, the big, fast-growing organization of janitors, hospital workers and public employees. All the dramatis personae are idealists who came out of the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and although turf battles and dues money are certainly on the agenda, the real question they are debating is the road forward for the American trade union movement. Leading the cast is Andy Stern, the SEIU's national president since 1996. A Pennsylvania SEIU activist in the 1970s, Stern was put in charge of union organizing efforts in the 1980s, just as President Reagan and other resurgent Republicans helped stiffen corporate management's hostility to trade unionism. The SEIU was one of the few unions that continued to grow in those difficult times, sparked by militant organizing campaigns such as the Justice for Janitors movement, which had its epicenter in Los Angeles. Stern, now 57, has been a bold, impatient leader, which has earned him a spot on the cover of almost every mass circulation magazine, including Business Week under the query "Can This Man Save Labor?" Stern's ambition is to transform and revive American unionism. In 2005, he led several big unions, including the SEIU, the Teamsters and the United Food and Commercial Workers, out of the AFL-CIO. In their new coalition, known as Change to Win, Stern pushed each of the unions to devote a qualitatively large proportion of their resources to organizing, even if it meant reducing the number of staff who "serviced" existing members. He insisted that unless unions such as the SEIU achieved a far higher degree of "density" in specific industries, such as healthcare, they wouldn't be strong enough to raise wages and working conditions for everyone. Stern also has made it clear that he sees the U.S. economy as a single integrated system in which the status of labor is closely related to the structure of capitalism. This has led the SEIU to take great interest in issues that once would have been considered irrelevant to what went on at the bargaining table, such as how to regulate private equity companies, which now control companies that employ more than a million workers in industries the SEIU seeks to organize. Stern has sought to strike deals, or at least open negotiations, on a variety of employment-related issues with politicians and businessmen, including Wal-Mart's H. Lee Scott and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who have often been hostile to unionism. But Stern's ambitions have not been universally applauded. For instance, the California Nurses Association, the union representing 80,000 registered nurses across the country, has been a highly vocal critic of and competitor to the SEIU, denouncing what it sees as Stern's willingness to trade away nurse staffing ratios and other labor standards for organizing agreements with hospital chains that are viewed as anti-union. In recent months, the CNA and the SEIU have competed for the allegiance of nurses in Las Vegas hospitals and in medical facilities throughout Ohio. The clash has been bitter, with the SEIU charging that the nurses organization is a "union buster" at the same time the CNA claims that SEIU organizing tactics pave the way for management-dominated "company unionism." Within the SEIU itself, Stern is facing a revolt by United Healthcare Workers West, the 150,000-member California local that is led by Sal Rosselli, a former nursing home worker who has been a union leader since 1988, when he won an insurgent campaign to rebuild what was then Local 250 in the Bay Area. In the years since, Rosselli has been a pioneering militant, organizing nursing homes, hospitals and home-care workers throughout California. Rosselli once worked cooperatively with Stern, but tensions have arisen in recent years over what the UHW considers an SEIU effort to sideline local leaders in hospital and nursing home contract negotiations. Rosselli and others at the UHW are just as sophisticated as Stern, but they take a darker view of their business and political adversaries. Thus Rosselli objected to Stern's endorsement of Schwarzenegger's proposed health insurance plan, which the UHW chief, like many other unionists in California, considered far too friendly to insurance company interests. The plan was never enacted. Stern and Rosselli are playing familiar roles in our labor history. When American corporations became giant institutions more than a century ago, trade unions were soon forced to mirror their centralized structure in order to bargain for better wages and benefits. But centralizing union authority in Pittsburgh, Detroit or Washington came at a price. United Auto Workers President Walter Reuther, for instance, who was every bit as ambitious and imaginative as Stern, faced a constant rumble of discontent from the big auto locals in Flint, Fremont and Dearborn. Local unionists insisted that regardless of the success Reuther enjoyed bargaining with Henry Ford II or planning the Great Society with LBJ, the union's first and most essential duty was to make sure that dignity and safety did not vanish from their arduous, if well-compensated, life on the assembly line. Similarly, Rosselli and his supporters (not all of whom are in the UHW) argue that the very meaning of unionism will be bleached out of the SEIU unless local voices are once again made potent. "I want a movement of workers governed by workers for workers," said Rosselli, "to be in control of their relationship with their employer, to be in control of the political direction of their union." But Stern and his allies within the SEIU believe that with a Democratic Party landslide in the offing this November, unions are on the verge of an historic breakthrough. This is not the time for what they label "Just Us" unionism devoted to the advancement of the wages and working conditions of those already enrolled in a labor organization. All this will be fought out next week at the SEIU national convention in Puerto Rico. Rosselli and his UHW supporters will put forward resolutions calling for more local control of contract negotiations, organizing and finances, as well as direct, union-wide election of national SEIU officers (rather than selection by convention action). They are unlikely to win any votes there, but if the issues they have raised become part of the general discussion within the labor movement and the larger progressive community, these rebels will have shown that union democracy and union growth are not incompatible. Lichtenstein is a professor of history at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he directs the Center for the Study of Work, Labor and Democracy. 
CNA::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080214.0316.LDC2009T13::1	 Alaska diocese to seek bankruptcy protection after negotiations in sex abuse cases fail ANCHORAGE, Alaska 2008-02-14 05:38:50 UTC The Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks plans to file for bankruptcy after negotiations to settle sexual abuse claims failed, the bishop said. Bishop Donald J. Kettler said he anticipates filing for bankruptcy reorganization protection within five weeks. "I am legally and morally bound to both fulfill our mission and to pursue healing for those injured," he said in a prepared statement Wednesday. More than 150 claims were filed against the Roman Catholic church, alleging abuse by clergy or church workers between the 1950s and 1980s. The plaintiffs' lawyer Ken Roosa said 135 of those cases are still pending. Negotiations have been ongoing with lawyers in the remaining cases since last summer, Kettler said. "While filing for reorganization is not my first choice, I believe that at this time this is the best way to bring all parties together and to provide for fair and equitable treatment of all who have been harmed." However, he said settlement talks have failed because its main insurance carrier has not participated meaningfully in the process. The insurance carrier was identified as CNA. Kettler also cited high legal expenses as a reason for seeking bankruptcy protection. Roosa said bankruptcy protection should help speed the process of getting his clients what they fairly deserve. Now, instead of pursuing the cases in state and federal courts, everything will be pulled together into one court, he said. "It was clear to an objective observer that this was going to happen. We embrace it," Roosa said. He said he does not know what the diocese's assets may be worth because he has never been provided with that information. Kettler said only eight of the 46 parishes within the diocese are financially self-sufficient, requiring the diocese to rely on the generosity of donors. Robert Hannon, chancellor and special assistant to the diocese, said quite a few of the cases were uninsured because the abuse took place decades ago. "We didn't have this kind of insurance coverage that protects us against these kinds of actions," he said. Hannon said the diocese's three other insurance carriers participated in the mediation process, but not CNA. The company could not immediately be reached for comment. Barbara Dorris, outreach director for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the bishop is trying to avoid having to disclose in court "how much he knew and how little he did about pedophile priests, nuns, seminarians and other church employees." "Instead of fostering healing, he's delaying it," she said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. In November, a Roman Catholic religious order agreed to pay $50 million to more than 100 Alaska Natives who alleged sexual abuse by Jesuit priests. The settlement with the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus was the largest one yet against a Catholic religious order. However, the cases did not include those against the Diocese of Fairbanks, which owned and managed the churches in the villages in rural Alaska where the Jesuit priests were assigned. The Fairbanks diocese is the nation's largest geographically, extending to more than 400,000 square miles. It is the only diocese in the United States to fall under the Catholic Church's missionary wing. ------ On the Net: 
CNA::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080214.0316.LDC2009T13::2	 Alaska diocese to seek bankruptcy protection after negotiations in sex abuse cases fail ANCHORAGE, Alaska 2008-02-14 05:38:50 UTC The Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks plans to file for bankruptcy after negotiations to settle sexual abuse claims failed, the bishop said. Bishop Donald J. Kettler said he anticipates filing for bankruptcy reorganization protection within five weeks. "I am legally and morally bound to both fulfill our mission and to pursue healing for those injured," he said in a prepared statement Wednesday. More than 150 claims were filed against the Roman Catholic church, alleging abuse by clergy or church workers between the 1950s and 1980s. The plaintiffs' lawyer Ken Roosa said 135 of those cases are still pending. Negotiations have been ongoing with lawyers in the remaining cases since last summer, Kettler said. "While filing for reorganization is not my first choice, I believe that at this time this is the best way to bring all parties together and to provide for fair and equitable treatment of all who have been harmed." However, he said settlement talks have failed because its main insurance carrier has not participated meaningfully in the process. The insurance carrier was identified as CNA. Kettler also cited high legal expenses as a reason for seeking bankruptcy protection. Roosa said bankruptcy protection should help speed the process of getting his clients what they fairly deserve. Now, instead of pursuing the cases in state and federal courts, everything will be pulled together into one court, he said. "It was clear to an objective observer that this was going to happen. We embrace it," Roosa said. He said he does not know what the diocese's assets may be worth because he has never been provided with that information. Kettler said only eight of the 46 parishes within the diocese are financially self-sufficient, requiring the diocese to rely on the generosity of donors. Robert Hannon, chancellor and special assistant to the diocese, said quite a few of the cases were uninsured because the abuse took place decades ago. "We didn't have this kind of insurance coverage that protects us against these kinds of actions," he said. Hannon said the diocese's three other insurance carriers participated in the mediation process, but not CNA. The company could not immediately be reached for comment. Barbara Dorris, outreach director for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the bishop is trying to avoid having to disclose in court "how much he knew and how little he did about pedophile priests, nuns, seminarians and other church employees." "Instead of fostering healing, he's delaying it," she said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. In November, a Roman Catholic religious order agreed to pay $50 million to more than 100 Alaska Natives who alleged sexual abuse by Jesuit priests. The settlement with the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus was the largest one yet against a Catholic religious order. However, the cases did not include those against the Diocese of Fairbanks, which owned and managed the churches in the villages in rural Alaska where the Jesuit priests were assigned. The Fairbanks diocese is the nation's largest geographically, extending to more than 400,000 square miles. It is the only diocese in the United States to fall under the Catholic Church's missionary wing. ------ On the Net: 
CNA::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070115.0238.LDC2009T13::1	 Singapore to trade CDM credits SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) Singapore plans to enter the field of trading unused greenhouse gas quotas, Channel NewsAsia ( CNA) reported on Monday. "This is really one of the economic opportunities that has resulted from our efforts to mitigate and address climate change," Amy Khor, the head of Singapore's National Climate Change Committee, was quoted by the CNA as saying. Under the Kyoto protocol to reduce harmful emissions by 2012, some countries can buy extra greenhouse gas allowances from developing countries under a scheme called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) credits. The committee has talked with local industries which are interested in the CDM projects and discussed with them how to take advantage of the carbon trading, said Khor. Singapore's carbon trading was estimated to be worth at least 25 billion U.S. dollars last year, the report said. Furthermore, the Singapore government plans to take a central role in carbon trading. It is working with the Southeast region to research where the carbon credits can be traded, according to the report. 
CNA::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070115.0238.LDC2009T13::2	 Singapore to trade CDM credits SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) Singapore plans to enter the field of trading unused greenhouse gas quotas, Channel NewsAsia ( CNA) reported on Monday. "This is really one of the economic opportunities that has resulted from our efforts to mitigate and address climate change," Amy Khor, the head of Singapore's National Climate Change Committee, was quoted by the CNA as saying. Under the Kyoto protocol to reduce harmful emissions by 2012, some countries can buy extra greenhouse gas allowances from developing countries under a scheme called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) credits. The committee has talked with local industries which are interested in the CDM projects and discussed with them how to take advantage of the carbon trading, said Khor. Singapore's carbon trading was estimated to be worth at least 25 billion U.S. dollars last year, the report said. Furthermore, the Singapore government plans to take a central role in carbon trading. It is working with the Southeast region to research where the carbon credits can be traded, according to the report. 
CNA::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080108.0352.LDC2009T13::1	 Cambodia rejects Taiwan's bid to open business representative office PHNOM PENH, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) The Cambodian government has reiterated its rejection of the so- called Taiwan External Trade Development Council's request to open a business representative office in Cambodia, local newspaper the Deum Ampil reported on Wednesday. The council plans to open a branch in Cambodia and a number of other countries in Asia to seek new markets for Taiwanese businesses, according to the reports of Channel News Asia (CNA) on Monday. The attempt to reopen a business representative office is impossible, said Om Yentieng, advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen. A Taiwanese business representative office was opened in 1993 in Cambodia but closed following factional fighting in 1997. The Taiwan business council also plans to organize a delegation visit to promote business ties with both Cambodia and Myanmar, according to CNA. Some 1,000 Taiwanese investors do business here, mainly in the garment sector, said Om Yentieng, adding that five shoemaking factories in Cambodia are owned by Taiwanese investors, with each employing around 8,000 to 10,000 Cambodian workers. The Cambodian government consistently supports China's One- China policy and in July last year announced its opposition to Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations. "There is only one China in the world, namely the People's Republic of China, and Taiwan is an integral part of China," Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong told Xinhua at the time. 
CNA::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080108.0352.LDC2009T13::2	 Cambodia rejects Taiwan's bid to open business representative office PHNOM PENH, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) The Cambodian government has reiterated its rejection of the so- called Taiwan External Trade Development Council's request to open a business representative office in Cambodia, local newspaper the Deum Ampil reported on Wednesday. The council plans to open a branch in Cambodia and a number of other countries in Asia to seek new markets for Taiwanese businesses, according to the reports of Channel News Asia (CNA) on Monday. The attempt to reopen a business representative office is impossible, said Om Yentieng, advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen. A Taiwanese business representative office was opened in 1993 in Cambodia but closed following factional fighting in 1997. The Taiwan business council also plans to organize a delegation visit to promote business ties with both Cambodia and Myanmar, according to CNA. Some 1,000 Taiwanese investors do business here, mainly in the garment sector, said Om Yentieng, adding that five shoemaking factories in Cambodia are owned by Taiwanese investors, with each employing around 8,000 to 10,000 Cambodian workers. The Cambodian government consistently supports China's One- China policy and in July last year announced its opposition to Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations. "There is only one China in the world, namely the People's Republic of China, and Taiwan is an integral part of China," Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong told Xinhua at the time. 
Communist_Party_of_Great_Britain::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081004.0094.LDC2009T13::1	 Britain's Communist Party celebrates 59th anniversary of New China LONDON, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) The Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) celebrated on Saturday evening the 59th anniversary of the founding of the New China, lending its unswerving support to China's pursuit of socialism. Reviewing China's development since 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, Harpal Brar, chair of the party, hailed China's evolving in the past decades into a "thriving economy." "China has come a long way since it had been the miserable place under imperialist control. When 13 million children in Africa under the age of 15 die every year, over 400 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 30 years... China has achieved the basic human rights. It's a living example of socialism," he said. Although the Chinese people know they still have a long way to go, "so far it has been fantastic," he added. According to Brar, China has long been supporting countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America in their struggle for independence and development. The Chinese revolution has inspired the world with great lessons, therefore, celebrating China's National Day, which falls on Oct. 1, is actually "paying back a little to China for what it does for us," he said. Some 80 party members and representatives from the Indian Workers' Association, Communist Workers & Peasants Party of Pakistan attended the celebration. Jack Shapiro, a veteran member of the Society for Anglo-China Understanding who had facilitated exchanges between Britain and China on rehabilitation for the disabled, and Kojo Gottfried, former Ghanaian Ambassador to China, also shared their memories of China experience. A resolution passed at the meeting congratulated China on the success of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics as well as the Shenzhou-7 manned space mission, in particular China's first ever spacewalk. "Through these epic events, the people of the whole world have been able to see the enormous progress and tremendous achievements of socialist China, which stand in stark and growing contrast to the crisis, chaos and despondency now gripping the capitalist world," said the resolution. The party also reaffirms its "invariable solidarity with the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government and people in their struggle to build a powerful, modernized and prosperous socialist nation, to reunify the country and to contribute to the building of an independent and peaceful world against imperialist aggression and war." In July this year, the Communist Party of Great Britain launched a "Hands off China" campaign, supporting China in the waves of China-bashing in western media in the run up to the Beijing Olympics. 
Communist_Party_of_Great_Britain::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081004.0094.LDC2009T13::2	 Britain's Communist Party celebrates 59th anniversary of New China LONDON, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) The Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) celebrated on Saturday evening the 59th anniversary of the founding of the New China, lending its unswerving support to China's pursuit of socialism. Reviewing China's development since 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, Harpal Brar, chair of the party, hailed China's evolving in the past decades into a "thriving economy." "China has come a long way since it had been the miserable place under imperialist control. When 13 million children in Africa under the age of 15 die every year, over 400 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 30 years... China has achieved the basic human rights. It's a living example of socialism," he said. Although the Chinese people know they still have a long way to go, "so far it has been fantastic," he added. According to Brar, China has long been supporting countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America in their struggle for independence and development. The Chinese revolution has inspired the world with great lessons, therefore, celebrating China's National Day, which falls on Oct. 1, is actually "paying back a little to China for what it does for us," he said. Some 80 party members and representatives from the Indian Workers' Association, Communist Workers & Peasants Party of Pakistan attended the celebration. Jack Shapiro, a veteran member of the Society for Anglo-China Understanding who had facilitated exchanges between Britain and China on rehabilitation for the disabled, and Kojo Gottfried, former Ghanaian Ambassador to China, also shared their memories of China experience. A resolution passed at the meeting congratulated China on the success of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics as well as the Shenzhou-7 manned space mission, in particular China's first ever spacewalk. "Through these epic events, the people of the whole world have been able to see the enormous progress and tremendous achievements of socialist China, which stand in stark and growing contrast to the crisis, chaos and despondency now gripping the capitalist world," said the resolution. The party also reaffirms its "invariable solidarity with the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government and people in their struggle to build a powerful, modernized and prosperous socialist nation, to reunify the country and to contribute to the building of an independent and peaceful world against imperialist aggression and war." In July this year, the Communist Party of Great Britain launched a "Hands off China" campaign, supporting China in the waves of China-bashing in western media in the run up to the Beijing Olympics. 
Communist_Party_of_Greece::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081125.0224.LDC2009T13::1	 Chinese president meets Greek political party leaders ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao met separately Tuesday with leaders of the the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement and the Communist Party of Greece and said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would further enhance its relations with the two Greek political parties. During his meeting with George Papandreou, leader of the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu, also the CPC general secretary, said that the movement is an important political force in Greece and an old friend of the CPC. The relationship between the CPC and the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has become an important part of the political ties between China and Greece, Hu said. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu said, always carries out a good-will policy toward China and adheres to the one-China policy. Hu spoke highly of the important role the party played in expanding friendly cooperation between Greece and China. He said that the CPC would increase exchanges and enhance cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Greek people, and strengthen the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. Papandreou said that Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has maintained good, cooperative relations with the CPC and would make additional efforts to enhance friendly cooperation between Greece and China. During his meeting with Aleka Papariga, general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Hu said that the Communist Party of Greece adheres to the theory of Marxism and has rich experience in party development. He expressed his gratitude to Papariga for the party's support for the Beijing Olympic Games and its stand on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. The CPC would further its ties with the Communist Party of Greece on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs, Hu said. In reply, Papariga said that the Communist Party of Greece attaches importance to its cooperation with the CPC and China's significant role in dealing with international affairs. The party would continue to work for lasting and friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two parties, and increase exchanges of views with the CPC on how to deal with world issues such as the international financial crisis. President Hu flew to Athens on Monday for a state visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip. He has already attended a financial summit in Washington and the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima. He also paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru. 
Communist_Party_of_Greece::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081125.0224.LDC2009T13::2	 Chinese president meets Greek political party leaders ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao met separately Tuesday with leaders of the the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement and the Communist Party of Greece and said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would further enhance its relations with the two Greek political parties. During his meeting with George Papandreou, leader of the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu, also the CPC general secretary, said that the movement is an important political force in Greece and an old friend of the CPC. The relationship between the CPC and the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has become an important part of the political ties between China and Greece, Hu said. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu said, always carries out a good-will policy toward China and adheres to the one-China policy. Hu spoke highly of the important role the party played in expanding friendly cooperation between Greece and China. He said that the CPC would increase exchanges and enhance cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Greek people, and strengthen the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. Papandreou said that Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has maintained good, cooperative relations with the CPC and would make additional efforts to enhance friendly cooperation between Greece and China. During his meeting with Aleka Papariga, general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Hu said that the Communist Party of Greece adheres to the theory of Marxism and has rich experience in party development. He expressed his gratitude to Papariga for the party's support for the Beijing Olympic Games and its stand on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. The CPC would further its ties with the Communist Party of Greece on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs, Hu said. In reply, Papariga said that the Communist Party of Greece attaches importance to its cooperation with the CPC and China's significant role in dealing with international affairs. The party would continue to work for lasting and friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two parties, and increase exchanges of views with the CPC on how to deal with world issues such as the international financial crisis. President Hu flew to Athens on Monday for a state visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip. He has already attended a financial summit in Washington and the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima. He also paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru. 
Communist_Party_of_Greece::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081125.0224.LDC2009T13::3	 Chinese president meets Greek political party leaders ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao met separately Tuesday with leaders of the the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement and the Communist Party of Greece and said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would further enhance its relations with the two Greek political parties. During his meeting with George Papandreou, leader of the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu, also the CPC general secretary, said that the movement is an important political force in Greece and an old friend of the CPC. The relationship between the CPC and the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has become an important part of the political ties between China and Greece, Hu said. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu said, always carries out a good-will policy toward China and adheres to the one-China policy. Hu spoke highly of the important role the party played in expanding friendly cooperation between Greece and China. He said that the CPC would increase exchanges and enhance cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Greek people, and strengthen the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. Papandreou said that Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has maintained good, cooperative relations with the CPC and would make additional efforts to enhance friendly cooperation between Greece and China. During his meeting with Aleka Papariga, general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Hu said that the Communist Party of Greece adheres to the theory of Marxism and has rich experience in party development. He expressed his gratitude to Papariga for the party's support for the Beijing Olympic Games and its stand on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. The CPC would further its ties with the Communist Party of Greece on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs, Hu said. In reply, Papariga said that the Communist Party of Greece attaches importance to its cooperation with the CPC and China's significant role in dealing with international affairs. The party would continue to work for lasting and friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two parties, and increase exchanges of views with the CPC on how to deal with world issues such as the international financial crisis. President Hu flew to Athens on Monday for a state visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip. He has already attended a financial summit in Washington and the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima. He also paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru. 
Communist_Party_of_Greece::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081125.0224.LDC2009T13::4	 Chinese president meets Greek political party leaders ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao met separately Tuesday with leaders of the the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement and the Communist Party of Greece and said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would further enhance its relations with the two Greek political parties. During his meeting with George Papandreou, leader of the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu, also the CPC general secretary, said that the movement is an important political force in Greece and an old friend of the CPC. The relationship between the CPC and the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has become an important part of the political ties between China and Greece, Hu said. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu said, always carries out a good-will policy toward China and adheres to the one-China policy. Hu spoke highly of the important role the party played in expanding friendly cooperation between Greece and China. He said that the CPC would increase exchanges and enhance cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Greek people, and strengthen the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. Papandreou said that Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has maintained good, cooperative relations with the CPC and would make additional efforts to enhance friendly cooperation between Greece and China. During his meeting with Aleka Papariga, general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Hu said that the Communist Party of Greece adheres to the theory of Marxism and has rich experience in party development. He expressed his gratitude to Papariga for the party's support for the Beijing Olympic Games and its stand on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. The CPC would further its ties with the Communist Party of Greece on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs, Hu said. In reply, Papariga said that the Communist Party of Greece attaches importance to its cooperation with the CPC and China's significant role in dealing with international affairs. The party would continue to work for lasting and friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two parties, and increase exchanges of views with the CPC on how to deal with world issues such as the international financial crisis. President Hu flew to Athens on Monday for a state visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip. He has already attended a financial summit in Washington and the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima. He also paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru. 
Communist_Party_of_Greece::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20081125.0224.LDC2009T13::5	 Chinese president meets Greek political party leaders ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao met separately Tuesday with leaders of the the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement and the Communist Party of Greece and said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would further enhance its relations with the two Greek political parties. During his meeting with George Papandreou, leader of the Pan- Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu, also the CPC general secretary, said that the movement is an important political force in Greece and an old friend of the CPC. The relationship between the CPC and the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has become an important part of the political ties between China and Greece, Hu said. The Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, Hu said, always carries out a good-will policy toward China and adheres to the one-China policy. Hu spoke highly of the important role the party played in expanding friendly cooperation between Greece and China. He said that the CPC would increase exchanges and enhance cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the Greek people, and strengthen the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. Papandreou said that Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement has maintained good, cooperative relations with the CPC and would make additional efforts to enhance friendly cooperation between Greece and China. During his meeting with Aleka Papariga, general secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Hu said that the Communist Party of Greece adheres to the theory of Marxism and has rich experience in party development. He expressed his gratitude to Papariga for the party's support for the Beijing Olympic Games and its stand on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. The CPC would further its ties with the Communist Party of Greece on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs, Hu said. In reply, Papariga said that the Communist Party of Greece attaches importance to its cooperation with the CPC and China's significant role in dealing with international affairs. The party would continue to work for lasting and friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two parties, and increase exchanges of views with the CPC on how to deal with world issues such as the international financial crisis. President Hu flew to Athens on Monday for a state visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip. He has already attended a financial summit in Washington and the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima. He also paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru. 
Communist_Party_of_India::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070511.0115.LDC2009T13::1	 News analysis: Two-party system a far cry for India by Neeraja Ganesh NEW DELHI, May 11 (Xinhua) Perhaps Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had not imagined that his remarks would not go down well in Indian political circles when he advocated a stable two- party system for India while speaking at a function to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's first war of Independence here Thursday evening. "Many challenges need to be responded to: the emergence of multi- party coalitions as a regular form of government, that needs to rapidly evolve as a stable, two-party system...," Kalam said Thursday evening. While India's two biggest political parties, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chose to be neutral to the president's remarks, the left parties were more vocal and opposing. Communist Party of India took a strong exception to the statement. "It is unwarranted, harmful and not consistent with the democratic traditions, and from a person who is holding the highest constitutional office," Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Gurudas Dasgupta told the media here Thursday. While opposition from the left parties was evident, even the BJP and Congress have realized that latching on to smaller parties can make them stronger contenders in race to power. India is a country with a multi-party system, with a number of national and regional parties, each differing in their ideologies, and reflecting varied segments of the Indian society. While BJP and INC have been leading national political parties since the beginning, regional parties like the CPI and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) gradually gained the status of national political parties by expanding to other states. It was first in the 1990s when India saw a transition in politics. Smaller parties, deeply aligned to their ideologies, scored over the BJP and the INC, forcing the latter to ally with them to form the government. India had mainly been ruled by the INC till the 1980s. The first coalition government was formed by the BJP, with support of 13 regional parties, under the banner National Democratic Alliance in 1998, when no party could gain clear majority. In 2004 again, India saw another coalition government, this time led by the INC, with support from smaller parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal from central Indian state Bihar. Friday, the Bahujan Samaj Party, a native party in Uttar Pradesh, was leading the state Assembly election there, as results came out, till the filing of this report, leaving the INC and the BJP way behind. In fact, the main national parties may have to rely more on their smaller friends if they want to sustain power and emerge stronger than they would on their own. They have learnt to unite and rule. 
Communist_Party_of_India::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070511.0115.LDC2009T13::2	 News analysis: Two-party system a far cry for India by Neeraja Ganesh NEW DELHI, May 11 (Xinhua) Perhaps Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had not imagined that his remarks would not go down well in Indian political circles when he advocated a stable two- party system for India while speaking at a function to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's first war of Independence here Thursday evening. "Many challenges need to be responded to: the emergence of multi- party coalitions as a regular form of government, that needs to rapidly evolve as a stable, two-party system...," Kalam said Thursday evening. While India's two biggest political parties, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chose to be neutral to the president's remarks, the left parties were more vocal and opposing. Communist Party of India took a strong exception to the statement. "It is unwarranted, harmful and not consistent with the democratic traditions, and from a person who is holding the highest constitutional office," Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Gurudas Dasgupta told the media here Thursday. While opposition from the left parties was evident, even the BJP and Congress have realized that latching on to smaller parties can make them stronger contenders in race to power. India is a country with a multi-party system, with a number of national and regional parties, each differing in their ideologies, and reflecting varied segments of the Indian society. While BJP and INC have been leading national political parties since the beginning, regional parties like the CPI and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) gradually gained the status of national political parties by expanding to other states. It was first in the 1990s when India saw a transition in politics. Smaller parties, deeply aligned to their ideologies, scored over the BJP and the INC, forcing the latter to ally with them to form the government. India had mainly been ruled by the INC till the 1980s. The first coalition government was formed by the BJP, with support of 13 regional parties, under the banner National Democratic Alliance in 1998, when no party could gain clear majority. In 2004 again, India saw another coalition government, this time led by the INC, with support from smaller parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal from central Indian state Bihar. Friday, the Bahujan Samaj Party, a native party in Uttar Pradesh, was leading the state Assembly election there, as results came out, till the filing of this report, leaving the INC and the BJP way behind. In fact, the main national parties may have to rely more on their smaller friends if they want to sustain power and emerge stronger than they would on their own. They have learnt to unite and rule. 
Communist_Party_of_Nepal::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081120.0295.LDC2009T13::1	 Protest over killings shuts down Nepal ' s capital KATMANDU, Nepal 2008-11-20 06:08:14 UTC Activists chanted slogans and halted traffic by burning tires in Nepal's capital in a general strike Thursday protesting alleged killings by former communist rebels who head the country's coalition government. Schools and markets were closed in Katmandu and several vehicles that tried to defy the strike were attacked and vandalized. Strikers accuse members of the Young Communist League, the youth wing of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) which leads the coalition government, of killing two supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), the second largest communist party in the Himalayan nation. Although the two communist parties are partners in the government, there have been several clashes between their members over influence and control of voters and trade unions. The Young Communist League has denied involvement in the deaths. Its chief, Ganesh Pun, told reporters Thursday that it did not kill the two men and was also investigating the incident. The two men were abducted last month and their bodies were found Tuesday buried in a river bank. Witnesses said they saw the men being taken from a restaurant by people identified as Maoists. Police and the National Human Rights Commission are investigating the killings. 
Communist_Party_of_Nepal::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081120.0295.LDC2009T13::2	 Protest over killings shuts down Nepal ' s capital KATMANDU, Nepal 2008-11-20 06:08:14 UTC Activists chanted slogans and halted traffic by burning tires in Nepal's capital in a general strike Thursday protesting alleged killings by former communist rebels who head the country's coalition government. Schools and markets were closed in Katmandu and several vehicles that tried to defy the strike were attacked and vandalized. Strikers accuse members of the Young Communist League, the youth wing of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) which leads the coalition government, of killing two supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), the second largest communist party in the Himalayan nation. Although the two communist parties are partners in the government, there have been several clashes between their members over influence and control of voters and trade unions. The Young Communist League has denied involvement in the deaths. Its chief, Ganesh Pun, told reporters Thursday that it did not kill the two men and was also investigating the incident. The two men were abducted last month and their bodies were found Tuesday buried in a river bank. Witnesses said they saw the men being taken from a restaurant by people identified as Maoists. Police and the National Human Rights Commission are investigating the killings. 
Communist_Party_of_Nepal::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070310.0142.LDC2009T13::1	 Feature: Nepal's CPN-M lawmakers experience parliamentarian politics by Rajeeb Tamrakar, Zhang Jianhua KATHMANDU, March 10 (Xinhua) Although they saw lots of ups and downs, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) lawmakers have been present in the interim parliament for nearly two months since Jan. 15. Surprisingly, the CPN-M cadres who fought for more than a decade comfortably managed to fit into parliamentary politics. And moreover, the same party with the theory that states political power grows out of the barrel of a gun is now looking forward to get the deputy prime minister's seat very soon after restructuring of the Interim Government. After being accommodated into the Interim Parliamentary by the Interim Constitution on Jan. 15, the CPN-M became the second largest party in the Interim Parliament of Nepal with 83 lawmakers from its side. The Nepali Congress has the highest number of representatives in the 330-member Interim Parliament while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) also has 83 representatives. In this regard, different lawmakers representing CPN-M in the parliament have their own experiences regarding the parliamentary politics they became a part recently. And some of them, with the looks of college students, are adamantly trying to achieve the goal of their Party to completely restructure the parliamentary politics to shape a new Nepal. Despite some disappointments, majority of the CPN-M lawmakers still express their commitment to sticking on with the parliamentary democracy. However, some of them also displayed their frustrations towards the "Old Ways" of the parliamentary process. Even after reaching the position of the country's policy-making level, the lawmakers of the CPN-M agreed to shun the private property and transferred them in the name of the party. The total amount of money they receive as allowances and other facilities from the parliament goes into the Party's fund while they receive less than 10 U.S. dollars in form of pocket money from the Party. In a drive to create a communist "commune" or just because of being lack of financial support, the CPN-M lawmaker decided to follow the party's instruction to stay in the apartment they share with fellow party cadres. Central leader of the CPN-M and recently selected lawmaker Hisila Yami, while sharing her experience, told Xinhua that they are currently trying to persuade their fellow lawmakers from other political parties to give up their old methods and move forward in progress manner. "Initially we found it uncomfortable to get used to the proceedings of the parliament and stayed with the fellow cadres but now we have started mixing up with other political party's representatives too," said Yami. "We wish to show the world that it is possible to give up our weapons and successfully pursue the parliamentary democracy," she said, adding their effort during the first month of joining the Interim Parliament was to restructure the ways of the Interim Parliament. In response to a query regarding their lack of experience since there is only the party whip in the Interim Parliament Krishna Bahadur Mahara who once was a lawmaker, Yami said that the Party is trying to teach their MPs to actively participate in the debates of the parliament. Mahara is also the spokesman of CPN-M, he had ever entered the parliament's premises in 1990s. Meanwhile, another CPN-M lawmaker Deelip Maharjan expressed his surprise towards the lack of respect from other party members showed towards the authority of the parliament. "At first, I really found it ridiculous as other party's lawmakers continued to speak for more than 30 minutes when the Speaker only gave them three- minute time to express their views," he told Xinhua. 
Communist_Party_of_Nepal::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070310.0142.LDC2009T13::2	 Feature: Nepal's CPN-M lawmakers experience parliamentarian politics by Rajeeb Tamrakar, Zhang Jianhua KATHMANDU, March 10 (Xinhua) Although they saw lots of ups and downs, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) lawmakers have been present in the interim parliament for nearly two months since Jan. 15. Surprisingly, the CPN-M cadres who fought for more than a decade comfortably managed to fit into parliamentary politics. And moreover, the same party with the theory that states political power grows out of the barrel of a gun is now looking forward to get the deputy prime minister's seat very soon after restructuring of the Interim Government. After being accommodated into the Interim Parliamentary by the Interim Constitution on Jan. 15, the CPN-M became the second largest party in the Interim Parliament of Nepal with 83 lawmakers from its side. The Nepali Congress has the highest number of representatives in the 330-member Interim Parliament while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) also has 83 representatives. In this regard, different lawmakers representing CPN-M in the parliament have their own experiences regarding the parliamentary politics they became a part recently. And some of them, with the looks of college students, are adamantly trying to achieve the goal of their Party to completely restructure the parliamentary politics to shape a new Nepal. Despite some disappointments, majority of the CPN-M lawmakers still express their commitment to sticking on with the parliamentary democracy. However, some of them also displayed their frustrations towards the "Old Ways" of the parliamentary process. Even after reaching the position of the country's policy-making level, the lawmakers of the CPN-M agreed to shun the private property and transferred them in the name of the party. The total amount of money they receive as allowances and other facilities from the parliament goes into the Party's fund while they receive less than 10 U.S. dollars in form of pocket money from the Party. In a drive to create a communist "commune" or just because of being lack of financial support, the CPN-M lawmaker decided to follow the party's instruction to stay in the apartment they share with fellow party cadres. Central leader of the CPN-M and recently selected lawmaker Hisila Yami, while sharing her experience, told Xinhua that they are currently trying to persuade their fellow lawmakers from other political parties to give up their old methods and move forward in progress manner. "Initially we found it uncomfortable to get used to the proceedings of the parliament and stayed with the fellow cadres but now we have started mixing up with other political party's representatives too," said Yami. "We wish to show the world that it is possible to give up our weapons and successfully pursue the parliamentary democracy," she said, adding their effort during the first month of joining the Interim Parliament was to restructure the ways of the Interim Parliament. In response to a query regarding their lack of experience since there is only the party whip in the Interim Parliament Krishna Bahadur Mahara who once was a lawmaker, Yami said that the Party is trying to teach their MPs to actively participate in the debates of the parliament. Mahara is also the spokesman of CPN-M, he had ever entered the parliament's premises in 1990s. Meanwhile, another CPN-M lawmaker Deelip Maharjan expressed his surprise towards the lack of respect from other party members showed towards the authority of the parliament. "At first, I really found it ridiculous as other party's lawmakers continued to speak for more than 30 minutes when the Speaker only gave them three- minute time to express their views," he told Xinhua. 
Communist_Party_of_Peru::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071024.0198.LDC2009T13::1	 More leaders of foreign counties, political parties congratulate Hu on reelection as CPC party chief BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) More leaders of foreign countries or political parties have sent messages to Hu Jintao, congratulating him on his reelection as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In his message, French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed the warmest felicitations on Hu's reelection. He expressed firm belief that the Chinese people would march forward on the route of harmony and prosperity and play increasingly important role in the world arena under Hu's leadership. On behalf of her party and in her own name, Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress party, conveyed "warm greetings and felicitations on the successful completion of the 17th Congress of the Communist Party of China" and on Hu's reelection. She made a retrospection over the history of the two parties' friendly cooperation, saying that "we look forward to strengthening our Party-to-Party relations and to joining hands with the Communist Party of China in consolidating the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity between our two countries." Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov also offered congratulations on Hu's reelection. He wished good health to Hu and continued prosperity and progress to the Chinese people. Francois Bozize Yangouvonda, president of the Central African Republic, said in his congratulatory message that he believes the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries would become even more dynamic in the future. Abdelaziz Belkhadem, general secretary of the National Liberation Front Party of Algeria and the country's prime minister, reiterated his party's readiness to further consolidate and strengthen the traditionally friendly and cooperative relations with the CPC. Girija Prasad Koirala, prime minister of Nepal and president of the Nepali Congress Party, said Nepal and China have been enjoying most cordial relations "from the time immemorial." "I am confident that the relations, subsisting between our two friendly countries, would be fortified further to a new height," he added. Idriss Arnaoud Ali, general secretary of Djibouti's People's Union for Progress and speaker of the National Assembly, said the 17th CPC National Congress, which has achieved enormous success, has not only consolidated the CPC's ruling position, but also made a series of decisions which are good for China's economic and social development. Speaker of the People's Assembly of Egypt Ahmed Fathi Sorour said Hu's reelection has embodied an affirmation of his outstanding role in leading the CPC in fulfilling people's welfare and promoting China's national status. He expressed his willingness to enhance the cooperation between the Egyptian and the Chinese peoples. Chea Sim, chairman of the Cambodian People's Party and president of the Senate of Cambodia, said that under Hu's leadership, China has made huge achievements in the past years and Hu himself has won the trust of the whole Chinese people. He said he was confident that Hu would lead China to bigger progress in the 21st Century. In their messages, the Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain and Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed extended their heartfelt felicitations to Hu on his reelection. They wished the Chinese people "tremendous strides in obtaining greater progress and prosperity" under Hu's leadership. Nepali Congress party Acting President Sushil Koirala said in his message that his party has enjoyed very close and friendly relations with the CPC, adding that he firmly believed the ties between the two parties would be "strengthened further in the days to come." "On behalf of the Nepal Communist Party (UML) and on my own, I would like to extend our cordial felicitations to you on the happy occasion of your election," General Secretary of the UML Madhav Kumar Nepal said in a message to Hu. He expressed firm belief that the new CPC leadership will further widen and strengthen the Party's role among the Chinese people. In a congratulatory message, Yulia Tymoshenko, president of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko of Ukraine, praised the CPC's efforts to build a harmonious society which has benefited all Chinese people and inspired Ukraine. She said the CPC has made China a better place and at the same time made the world better. She expressed her wish for a China tour at an early date to witness the great achievements made by the CPC. Chairman of the Communist Party of Tajikistan Chodi Chabdolov, in his message, expressed his appreciation for Hu's contribution to the international community. Chabdolov said the Communist Party and the working people of Tajikistan highly appreciate the notions of mutual trust, harmony and peace, proposed by Hu, to secure the interests of the people in Asia and the world as a whole. He also praised Hu's proposals made to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the United Nations and other major international organizations for the implementation of these notions. Davlytali Davlyatzoda, first vice chairman of the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, said the historic resolution passed by the 17th CPC National Congress will add great impetus to China's prosperity and rejuvenation. The CPC has successfully carried out reform and opening-up by adopting a scientific approach and led the Chinese people toward a better future, he said, noting that the reform led by the CPC, not only epitomizes political wisdom, but also serves to further the well-being of the Chinese people. In his message, Yussuf Rajab Makamba, general secretary of Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, said Hu's reelection "is a clear manifestation of the high confidence and expectations that the entire members of your party have in you." He also expressed his firm belief that the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two parties "will continue to be further expanded and developed in favorable way for the benefits of our parties and our people." In his message, Katele Kalumba, national secretary of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy of Zambia, said Hu's reelection has manifested the confidence that the CPC has in his leadership. He said his party will make joint efforts with the CPC to "advance global understanding and mutually beneficial development particularly for Africa." In their congratulatory messages, Patricio Echegaray, general secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina, and Jorge A. Kreyness, the party's secretary of international relations, said they hope Hu and the CPC will make new achievements in the cause of building socialism and make greater contributions to world peace. Jose Antonio Cafiero, president of the Permanent Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Political Parties, also sent a message to Hu, congratulating him on his reelection as the CPC general secretary and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Leaders, parties and organizations that have also congratulated Hu on his reelection as the CPC general secretary include: Hamid Algabid, president of the Union for the Democracy and the Progress of Niger; Hakainde Hichilema, president of Zambia's United Party for National Development; Robert Hue, former president of the Communist Party of France and president of the Gabriel Peri Foundation; Jean-Pierre Chevenement, honorary president of the Republican and Citizen Movement of France; Joseph Daul, president of the Group of the European People's Party; Renan Raffo Munoz, general secretary of the Communist Party of Peru and the party's International Secretary Manuel Castillo Cabrera; Enrique Estrada, international relations secretary of the Communist Party of Peru (Red Fatherland); Jose Vega Antonio, general secretary of the Union for Peru party; Ota Akihiro, leader of Japan's New Komeito party; Narayan Man Bijukchhen, chairman of the Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party. 
Communist_Party_of_Peru::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071024.0198.LDC2009T13::2	 More leaders of foreign counties, political parties congratulate Hu on reelection as CPC party chief BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) More leaders of foreign countries or political parties have sent messages to Hu Jintao, congratulating him on his reelection as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In his message, French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed the warmest felicitations on Hu's reelection. He expressed firm belief that the Chinese people would march forward on the route of harmony and prosperity and play increasingly important role in the world arena under Hu's leadership. On behalf of her party and in her own name, Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress party, conveyed "warm greetings and felicitations on the successful completion of the 17th Congress of the Communist Party of China" and on Hu's reelection. She made a retrospection over the history of the two parties' friendly cooperation, saying that "we look forward to strengthening our Party-to-Party relations and to joining hands with the Communist Party of China in consolidating the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity between our two countries." Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov also offered congratulations on Hu's reelection. He wished good health to Hu and continued prosperity and progress to the Chinese people. Francois Bozize Yangouvonda, president of the Central African Republic, said in his congratulatory message that he believes the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries would become even more dynamic in the future. Abdelaziz Belkhadem, general secretary of the National Liberation Front Party of Algeria and the country's prime minister, reiterated his party's readiness to further consolidate and strengthen the traditionally friendly and cooperative relations with the CPC. Girija Prasad Koirala, prime minister of Nepal and president of the Nepali Congress Party, said Nepal and China have been enjoying most cordial relations "from the time immemorial." "I am confident that the relations, subsisting between our two friendly countries, would be fortified further to a new height," he added. Idriss Arnaoud Ali, general secretary of Djibouti's People's Union for Progress and speaker of the National Assembly, said the 17th CPC National Congress, which has achieved enormous success, has not only consolidated the CPC's ruling position, but also made a series of decisions which are good for China's economic and social development. Speaker of the People's Assembly of Egypt Ahmed Fathi Sorour said Hu's reelection has embodied an affirmation of his outstanding role in leading the CPC in fulfilling people's welfare and promoting China's national status. He expressed his willingness to enhance the cooperation between the Egyptian and the Chinese peoples. Chea Sim, chairman of the Cambodian People's Party and president of the Senate of Cambodia, said that under Hu's leadership, China has made huge achievements in the past years and Hu himself has won the trust of the whole Chinese people. He said he was confident that Hu would lead China to bigger progress in the 21st Century. In their messages, the Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain and Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed extended their heartfelt felicitations to Hu on his reelection. They wished the Chinese people "tremendous strides in obtaining greater progress and prosperity" under Hu's leadership. Nepali Congress party Acting President Sushil Koirala said in his message that his party has enjoyed very close and friendly relations with the CPC, adding that he firmly believed the ties between the two parties would be "strengthened further in the days to come." "On behalf of the Nepal Communist Party (UML) and on my own, I would like to extend our cordial felicitations to you on the happy occasion of your election," General Secretary of the UML Madhav Kumar Nepal said in a message to Hu. He expressed firm belief that the new CPC leadership will further widen and strengthen the Party's role among the Chinese people. In a congratulatory message, Yulia Tymoshenko, president of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko of Ukraine, praised the CPC's efforts to build a harmonious society which has benefited all Chinese people and inspired Ukraine. She said the CPC has made China a better place and at the same time made the world better. She expressed her wish for a China tour at an early date to witness the great achievements made by the CPC. Chairman of the Communist Party of Tajikistan Chodi Chabdolov, in his message, expressed his appreciation for Hu's contribution to the international community. Chabdolov said the Communist Party and the working people of Tajikistan highly appreciate the notions of mutual trust, harmony and peace, proposed by Hu, to secure the interests of the people in Asia and the world as a whole. He also praised Hu's proposals made to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the United Nations and other major international organizations for the implementation of these notions. Davlytali Davlyatzoda, first vice chairman of the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, said the historic resolution passed by the 17th CPC National Congress will add great impetus to China's prosperity and rejuvenation. The CPC has successfully carried out reform and opening-up by adopting a scientific approach and led the Chinese people toward a better future, he said, noting that the reform led by the CPC, not only epitomizes political wisdom, but also serves to further the well-being of the Chinese people. In his message, Yussuf Rajab Makamba, general secretary of Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, said Hu's reelection "is a clear manifestation of the high confidence and expectations that the entire members of your party have in you." He also expressed his firm belief that the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two parties "will continue to be further expanded and developed in favorable way for the benefits of our parties and our people." In his message, Katele Kalumba, national secretary of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy of Zambia, said Hu's reelection has manifested the confidence that the CPC has in his leadership. He said his party will make joint efforts with the CPC to "advance global understanding and mutually beneficial development particularly for Africa." In their congratulatory messages, Patricio Echegaray, general secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina, and Jorge A. Kreyness, the party's secretary of international relations, said they hope Hu and the CPC will make new achievements in the cause of building socialism and make greater contributions to world peace. Jose Antonio Cafiero, president of the Permanent Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Political Parties, also sent a message to Hu, congratulating him on his reelection as the CPC general secretary and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Leaders, parties and organizations that have also congratulated Hu on his reelection as the CPC general secretary include: Hamid Algabid, president of the Union for the Democracy and the Progress of Niger; Hakainde Hichilema, president of Zambia's United Party for National Development; Robert Hue, former president of the Communist Party of France and president of the Gabriel Peri Foundation; Jean-Pierre Chevenement, honorary president of the Republican and Citizen Movement of France; Joseph Daul, president of the Group of the European People's Party; Renan Raffo Munoz, general secretary of the Communist Party of Peru and the party's International Secretary Manuel Castillo Cabrera; Enrique Estrada, international relations secretary of the Communist Party of Peru (Red Fatherland); Jose Vega Antonio, general secretary of the Union for Peru party; Ota Akihiro, leader of Japan's New Komeito party; Narayan Man Bijukchhen, chairman of the Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party. 
Communist_Party_of_Spain::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070919.0044.LDC2009T13::1	 CPC delegate leaves to attend Spanish Communist Party Festival BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) Wang Anshun, deputy secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese Communist Party of China, left here Wednesday for Spain to attend the 2007 Festival of the Communist Party of Spain. Wang attended the festival at the invitation of the Communist Party of Spain. 
Communist_Party_of_Spain::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070919.0044.LDC2009T13::2	 CPC delegate leaves to attend Spanish Communist Party Festival BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) Wang Anshun, deputy secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese Communist Party of China, left here Wednesday for Spain to attend the 2007 Festival of the Communist Party of Spain. Wang attended the festival at the invitation of the Communist Party of Spain. 
Communist_Party_of_Spain::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070614.0410.LDC2009T13::1	 Spain to mark 30 years since first post-Franco democratic vote by Gabriela Calotti Spain marks the 30th anniversary Friday of its first democratic elections following the death of dictator Francisco Franco and the subsequent end of his right-wing regime. King Juan Carlos, who played a key role in Spain's transition to democracy, is scheduled to preside over a ceremony at Spain's lower chamber of parliament attended also by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. More than 5,300 candidates from 22 political parties, including the recently legalized Communist Party of Spain, took part in the general election on June 15, 1977. Spain has since emerged as one of Europe's largest economies and the alternation of power from one party to another has become the norm, leading it to be held up as an example for other nations emerging from dictatorships to follow. The country had no significant experience with democratic governance when the 1977 general election took place, yet the public was eager to take part. Voter turnout was 78 percent, at a time when bell-bottoms were in fashion and Madrid was living its "movida", the nickname for the explosion of creativity in culture and nightlife that followed the death of Franco in 1975. Spain's previous democratic elections were in February 1936, just five months before a military coup toppled a liberal government of the Second Republic that had given women the right to vote, leading to the Spanish Civil War. The 1977 elections were characterized by "the lack of democratic traditions, the permanent presence of factors of instability and the naiveness of many politicians," journalist Augusto Delkader wrote earlier this week in daily newspaper El Pais. It took three days for the results to be known, reportedly because of the lack of experience in holding democratic elections. The Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), a moderate centre-right coalition, captured 166 seats in parliament, more than any other party but not an absolute majority and it had to form parliamentary coalitions to govern. The election confirmed the existence of three other political forces: the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) which captured 118 seats; the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) which took 20 seats; and the Popular Alliance (AP) which got 16 seats. Six former ministers of Franco's regime stood in the electoral lists of the AP, the precursor to today's main opposition conservative Popular Party. The leader of the UCD, Adolfo Suarez who today suffers from Alzheimer's, became Spain's first democratically-elected prime minister after Franco's dictatorship. King Juan Carlos had appointed Suarez to the head of a caretaker government following Franco's death. Under Suarez's guidance party leaders in October 1977 signed the "Moncloa pacts" which established agreed rules of political engagement during the transition to democracy. The following year the people of Spain voted to endorse a new constitution that enshrined democracy as the nation's political system which remains in force today. But despite the success of the transition to democracy, Spain remains sharply divided between right and left. The right accuses Zapatero's Socialist government of "breaking the spirit of the transition" by opening the wounds of the past, especially with its law aimed at rehabilitating the memory of the victims of the 1936-1939 Civil War and Franco's 36-year dictatorship. Guillermo, a Madrid designer in his 30s, said it is still hard to debate ideas in Spain. "If you are from the left but agree with the right on a certain subject, your friends say you are a fascist. If you are from the right but agree with the left on a certain subject, you are called a 'red'," he said. 
Communist_Party_of_Spain::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070614.0410.LDC2009T13::2	 Spain to mark 30 years since first post-Franco democratic vote by Gabriela Calotti Spain marks the 30th anniversary Friday of its first democratic elections following the death of dictator Francisco Franco and the subsequent end of his right-wing regime. King Juan Carlos, who played a key role in Spain's transition to democracy, is scheduled to preside over a ceremony at Spain's lower chamber of parliament attended also by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. More than 5,300 candidates from 22 political parties, including the recently legalized Communist Party of Spain, took part in the general election on June 15, 1977. Spain has since emerged as one of Europe's largest economies and the alternation of power from one party to another has become the norm, leading it to be held up as an example for other nations emerging from dictatorships to follow. The country had no significant experience with democratic governance when the 1977 general election took place, yet the public was eager to take part. Voter turnout was 78 percent, at a time when bell-bottoms were in fashion and Madrid was living its "movida", the nickname for the explosion of creativity in culture and nightlife that followed the death of Franco in 1975. Spain's previous democratic elections were in February 1936, just five months before a military coup toppled a liberal government of the Second Republic that had given women the right to vote, leading to the Spanish Civil War. The 1977 elections were characterized by "the lack of democratic traditions, the permanent presence of factors of instability and the naiveness of many politicians," journalist Augusto Delkader wrote earlier this week in daily newspaper El Pais. It took three days for the results to be known, reportedly because of the lack of experience in holding democratic elections. The Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), a moderate centre-right coalition, captured 166 seats in parliament, more than any other party but not an absolute majority and it had to form parliamentary coalitions to govern. The election confirmed the existence of three other political forces: the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) which captured 118 seats; the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) which took 20 seats; and the Popular Alliance (AP) which got 16 seats. Six former ministers of Franco's regime stood in the electoral lists of the AP, the precursor to today's main opposition conservative Popular Party. The leader of the UCD, Adolfo Suarez who today suffers from Alzheimer's, became Spain's first democratically-elected prime minister after Franco's dictatorship. King Juan Carlos had appointed Suarez to the head of a caretaker government following Franco's death. Under Suarez's guidance party leaders in October 1977 signed the "Moncloa pacts" which established agreed rules of political engagement during the transition to democracy. The following year the people of Spain voted to endorse a new constitution that enshrined democracy as the nation's political system which remains in force today. But despite the success of the transition to democracy, Spain remains sharply divided between right and left. The right accuses Zapatero's Socialist government of "breaking the spirit of the transition" by opening the wounds of the past, especially with its law aimed at rehabilitating the memory of the victims of the 1936-1939 Civil War and Franco's 36-year dictatorship. Guillermo, a Madrid designer in his 30s, said it is still hard to debate ideas in Spain. "If you are from the left but agree with the right on a certain subject, your friends say you are a fascist. If you are from the right but agree with the left on a certain subject, you are called a 'red'," he said. 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070422.0012.LDC2009T13::1	 Read and Not Destroyed: Communist Party USA Archives By Erika Hayasaki=(c) 2007, Los Angeles Times= NEW YORK -- Crammed with Lenin buttons, dusty memos from the McCarthy period, and crumbling pages of internal briefings dating back a century, the 2,000 cardboard boxes handed over to New York University last month hold secrets about the Communist Party USA that make archivist Peter Filardo's heart flutter. Decades ago, they would have been gold mines for the FBI. ``Oh yeah, this is it,'' Filardo said, sifting through one box. ``National convention material from 1919 -- this is the founding convention of the Communist Party. Handwritten notes, let's see.'' He pulled out a 1927 typewritten document bearing the words in faded black ink: ``READ AND DESTROY.'' The memo was written by William Z. Foster. ``He was probably the most prominent U.S. Communist,'' Filardo said. ``This is a valuable document.'' Last year, Filardo received a phone call from the Communist Party's national chairman, Sam Webb, who told him the organization wanted to donate its entire archival collection to the Tamiment Library at NYU. The party planned to renovate its headquarters, Webb said, and it no longer had room for the cache, which took up several floors. Filardo's pulse raced at the notion of rummaging through the attic of American communism. An archivist for 28 years, his passion is progressive American history. What a thrill it would be, he thought, to examine membership lists, read confidential letters intended for party leaders, sort through the Daily Worker newspaper morgue. What debate, he wondered, would the archives spark about communism's links to women's suffrage and the civil rights movement? Filardo contacted the library director, Michael Nash. This call, he told him, was important. The NYU library is one of the nation's premier research centers for the history of the American left. The proposal seemed fit for marriage, and Nash agreed. A few months later, wearing masks to protect them from inhaling dust, Filardo, Nash and a team of workers spent weeks packing the material from inside the Communist Party's national headquarters on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. Most of it ended up in storage in an old video shop, the contents waiting to be carefully cataloged. The process could take up to five years. An exhibit of some of the contents has been started at the library. ``It's an incredibly rich trove of documents,'' said Nash. ``Most have never been seen before. It's virgin territory.'' Box by box, the sorting began. Filardo and his crew came across revealing artifacts: instructions of theoretical perspectives that communists should follow written by Nikolai Bukharin, a leader of the Russian Revolution; party members' secret pseudonyms like Cook, Wheat, Ward, Rafael; buttons with slogans like ``I won't live with Jim Crow,'' and ``Free Angela Davis''; bios and files full of clippings about thousands of members. As word spread about NYU's archival windfall, Filardo began fielding daily phone calls from historians wanting information on the McCarthy period, espionage, black communists. Genealogists called asking for people who may have popped up in party files or on rosters. Veteran Communist Party members called curious if their names had appeared. For Filardo, 56, who wears wrinkled button-down shirts and quotes Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin in everyday conversation, the relics are a way to understand an era he has been fascinated by since childhood. (Begin optional trim) Taped to his office walls are photographs of Sally Belfrage, an activist and journalist who covered the civil rights movement. His mind is a database of historical facts about people such as Charles Ruthenberg, a founder of the American Communist Party; Robert Minor, a famous cartoonist who joined the movement; and James W. Ford, the first black to run for U.S. vice president, who did so on the Communist ticket in 1932. The boxes hold hints of all of their lives. ``What we now see as the mainstream usually begins on the left, if you look on historical terms,'' Filardo said. ``It's inspiring to see stories of people who make their own history and become actors on a historical stage instead of just being acted upon.'' Filardo can narrate the history of the Communist Party USA, as if he lived through all of it. The party strengthened in the 1920s and 1930s, he said, as people began to question the government, especially during the Great Depression. It became influential in the U.S. labor movement, and its members also worked on issues such as black rights, women's rights and other movements -- despite strong government efforts to curb its work. When the Cold War began, he said, the party's association with the Soviet Union was looked at more negatively. It became ``an albatross around their neck,'' Filardo said. Labor union leaders associated with communism were marginalized. When the Soviet Union broke apart, he said, the American communist party split too. It still exists, though less prominently, with chapters around the country and its headquarters in New York. (End optional trim) At the NYU library, Filardo lifted the top of a glass case to get a closer look at one the gems discovered in the archives so far: A pencil-written verse of what became a famous labor anthem, ``My Will is easy to decide / For there is nothing to divide.'' It was written by Joe Hill, a songwriter and labor organizer, jailed for a murder some believed he did not commit. Next to it sits a scrapbook made by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a women's rights activist and a founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. It was dedicated to Hill, covered with newspaper clippings about him and the words: ``make the next few days count in the struggle to save Joe Hill's life.'' Efforts to free him didn't work. Hill was executed by a firing squad in Utah in 1915. The faded poetry of his will was written while he was in jail not long before his death. ``This was the original,'' Filardo said, delicately touching the yellowed paper that is part of the library exhibit. Before delving into the archives, ``I didn't even know the original existed.'' 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070422.0012.LDC2009T13::2	 Read and Not Destroyed: Communist Party USA Archives By Erika Hayasaki=(c) 2007, Los Angeles Times= NEW YORK -- Crammed with Lenin buttons, dusty memos from the McCarthy period, and crumbling pages of internal briefings dating back a century, the 2,000 cardboard boxes handed over to New York University last month hold secrets about the Communist Party USA that make archivist Peter Filardo's heart flutter. Decades ago, they would have been gold mines for the FBI. ``Oh yeah, this is it,'' Filardo said, sifting through one box. ``National convention material from 1919 -- this is the founding convention of the Communist Party. Handwritten notes, let's see.'' He pulled out a 1927 typewritten document bearing the words in faded black ink: ``READ AND DESTROY.'' The memo was written by William Z. Foster. ``He was probably the most prominent U.S. Communist,'' Filardo said. ``This is a valuable document.'' Last year, Filardo received a phone call from the Communist Party's national chairman, Sam Webb, who told him the organization wanted to donate its entire archival collection to the Tamiment Library at NYU. The party planned to renovate its headquarters, Webb said, and it no longer had room for the cache, which took up several floors. Filardo's pulse raced at the notion of rummaging through the attic of American communism. An archivist for 28 years, his passion is progressive American history. What a thrill it would be, he thought, to examine membership lists, read confidential letters intended for party leaders, sort through the Daily Worker newspaper morgue. What debate, he wondered, would the archives spark about communism's links to women's suffrage and the civil rights movement? Filardo contacted the library director, Michael Nash. This call, he told him, was important. The NYU library is one of the nation's premier research centers for the history of the American left. The proposal seemed fit for marriage, and Nash agreed. A few months later, wearing masks to protect them from inhaling dust, Filardo, Nash and a team of workers spent weeks packing the material from inside the Communist Party's national headquarters on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. Most of it ended up in storage in an old video shop, the contents waiting to be carefully cataloged. The process could take up to five years. An exhibit of some of the contents has been started at the library. ``It's an incredibly rich trove of documents,'' said Nash. ``Most have never been seen before. It's virgin territory.'' Box by box, the sorting began. Filardo and his crew came across revealing artifacts: instructions of theoretical perspectives that communists should follow written by Nikolai Bukharin, a leader of the Russian Revolution; party members' secret pseudonyms like Cook, Wheat, Ward, Rafael; buttons with slogans like ``I won't live with Jim Crow,'' and ``Free Angela Davis''; bios and files full of clippings about thousands of members. As word spread about NYU's archival windfall, Filardo began fielding daily phone calls from historians wanting information on the McCarthy period, espionage, black communists. Genealogists called asking for people who may have popped up in party files or on rosters. Veteran Communist Party members called curious if their names had appeared. For Filardo, 56, who wears wrinkled button-down shirts and quotes Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin in everyday conversation, the relics are a way to understand an era he has been fascinated by since childhood. (Begin optional trim) Taped to his office walls are photographs of Sally Belfrage, an activist and journalist who covered the civil rights movement. His mind is a database of historical facts about people such as Charles Ruthenberg, a founder of the American Communist Party; Robert Minor, a famous cartoonist who joined the movement; and James W. Ford, the first black to run for U.S. vice president, who did so on the Communist ticket in 1932. The boxes hold hints of all of their lives. ``What we now see as the mainstream usually begins on the left, if you look on historical terms,'' Filardo said. ``It's inspiring to see stories of people who make their own history and become actors on a historical stage instead of just being acted upon.'' Filardo can narrate the history of the Communist Party USA, as if he lived through all of it. The party strengthened in the 1920s and 1930s, he said, as people began to question the government, especially during the Great Depression. It became influential in the U.S. labor movement, and its members also worked on issues such as black rights, women's rights and other movements -- despite strong government efforts to curb its work. When the Cold War began, he said, the party's association with the Soviet Union was looked at more negatively. It became ``an albatross around their neck,'' Filardo said. Labor union leaders associated with communism were marginalized. When the Soviet Union broke apart, he said, the American communist party split too. It still exists, though less prominently, with chapters around the country and its headquarters in New York. (End optional trim) At the NYU library, Filardo lifted the top of a glass case to get a closer look at one the gems discovered in the archives so far: A pencil-written verse of what became a famous labor anthem, ``My Will is easy to decide / For there is nothing to divide.'' It was written by Joe Hill, a songwriter and labor organizer, jailed for a murder some believed he did not commit. Next to it sits a scrapbook made by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a women's rights activist and a founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. It was dedicated to Hill, covered with newspaper clippings about him and the words: ``make the next few days count in the struggle to save Joe Hill's life.'' Efforts to free him didn't work. Hill was executed by a firing squad in Utah in 1915. The faded poetry of his will was written while he was in jail not long before his death. ``This was the original,'' Filardo said, delicately touching the yellowed paper that is part of the library exhibit. Before delving into the archives, ``I didn't even know the original existed.'' 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070422.0012.LDC2009T13::3	 Read and Not Destroyed: Communist Party USA Archives By Erika Hayasaki=(c) 2007, Los Angeles Times= NEW YORK -- Crammed with Lenin buttons, dusty memos from the McCarthy period, and crumbling pages of internal briefings dating back a century, the 2,000 cardboard boxes handed over to New York University last month hold secrets about the Communist Party USA that make archivist Peter Filardo's heart flutter. Decades ago, they would have been gold mines for the FBI. ``Oh yeah, this is it,'' Filardo said, sifting through one box. ``National convention material from 1919 -- this is the founding convention of the Communist Party. Handwritten notes, let's see.'' He pulled out a 1927 typewritten document bearing the words in faded black ink: ``READ AND DESTROY.'' The memo was written by William Z. Foster. ``He was probably the most prominent U.S. Communist,'' Filardo said. ``This is a valuable document.'' Last year, Filardo received a phone call from the Communist Party's national chairman, Sam Webb, who told him the organization wanted to donate its entire archival collection to the Tamiment Library at NYU. The party planned to renovate its headquarters, Webb said, and it no longer had room for the cache, which took up several floors. Filardo's pulse raced at the notion of rummaging through the attic of American communism. An archivist for 28 years, his passion is progressive American history. What a thrill it would be, he thought, to examine membership lists, read confidential letters intended for party leaders, sort through the Daily Worker newspaper morgue. What debate, he wondered, would the archives spark about communism's links to women's suffrage and the civil rights movement? Filardo contacted the library director, Michael Nash. This call, he told him, was important. The NYU library is one of the nation's premier research centers for the history of the American left. The proposal seemed fit for marriage, and Nash agreed. A few months later, wearing masks to protect them from inhaling dust, Filardo, Nash and a team of workers spent weeks packing the material from inside the Communist Party's national headquarters on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. Most of it ended up in storage in an old video shop, the contents waiting to be carefully cataloged. The process could take up to five years. An exhibit of some of the contents has been started at the library. ``It's an incredibly rich trove of documents,'' said Nash. ``Most have never been seen before. It's virgin territory.'' Box by box, the sorting began. Filardo and his crew came across revealing artifacts: instructions of theoretical perspectives that communists should follow written by Nikolai Bukharin, a leader of the Russian Revolution; party members' secret pseudonyms like Cook, Wheat, Ward, Rafael; buttons with slogans like ``I won't live with Jim Crow,'' and ``Free Angela Davis''; bios and files full of clippings about thousands of members. As word spread about NYU's archival windfall, Filardo began fielding daily phone calls from historians wanting information on the McCarthy period, espionage, black communists. Genealogists called asking for people who may have popped up in party files or on rosters. Veteran Communist Party members called curious if their names had appeared. For Filardo, 56, who wears wrinkled button-down shirts and quotes Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin in everyday conversation, the relics are a way to understand an era he has been fascinated by since childhood. (Begin optional trim) Taped to his office walls are photographs of Sally Belfrage, an activist and journalist who covered the civil rights movement. His mind is a database of historical facts about people such as Charles Ruthenberg, a founder of the American Communist Party; Robert Minor, a famous cartoonist who joined the movement; and James W. Ford, the first black to run for U.S. vice president, who did so on the Communist ticket in 1932. The boxes hold hints of all of their lives. ``What we now see as the mainstream usually begins on the left, if you look on historical terms,'' Filardo said. ``It's inspiring to see stories of people who make their own history and become actors on a historical stage instead of just being acted upon.'' Filardo can narrate the history of the Communist Party USA, as if he lived through all of it. The party strengthened in the 1920s and 1930s, he said, as people began to question the government, especially during the Great Depression. It became influential in the U.S. labor movement, and its members also worked on issues such as black rights, women's rights and other movements -- despite strong government efforts to curb its work. When the Cold War began, he said, the party's association with the Soviet Union was looked at more negatively. It became ``an albatross around their neck,'' Filardo said. Labor union leaders associated with communism were marginalized. When the Soviet Union broke apart, he said, the American communist party split too. It still exists, though less prominently, with chapters around the country and its headquarters in New York. (End optional trim) At the NYU library, Filardo lifted the top of a glass case to get a closer look at one the gems discovered in the archives so far: A pencil-written verse of what became a famous labor anthem, ``My Will is easy to decide / For there is nothing to divide.'' It was written by Joe Hill, a songwriter and labor organizer, jailed for a murder some believed he did not commit. Next to it sits a scrapbook made by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a women's rights activist and a founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. It was dedicated to Hill, covered with newspaper clippings about him and the words: ``make the next few days count in the struggle to save Joe Hill's life.'' Efforts to free him didn't work. Hill was executed by a firing squad in Utah in 1915. The faded poetry of his will was written while he was in jail not long before his death. ``This was the original,'' Filardo said, delicately touching the yellowed paper that is part of the library exhibit. Before delving into the archives, ``I didn't even know the original existed.'' 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070319.0213.LDC2009T13::1	 PARTY FILES IN BLACK AND WHITE, AND RED ALL OVER NEW YORK The songwriter, labor organizer, and folk hero Joe Hill has been the subject of poems, songs, an opera, books, and movies. His will, written in verse the night before a Utah firing squad executed him in 1915 and later put to music, became part of the labor movement's soundtrack. Now the original copy of that penciled will is among the unexpected historical gems unearthed from a vast collection of papers and photographs never before seen publicly that the Communist Party USA has donated to New York University. The cache contains decades of party history including founding documents, secret code words, stacks of personal letters, smuggled directives from Moscow, Lenin buttons, photographs, and stern commands about how good party members should behave (no charity work, for instance, to distract them from their revolutionary duties). By offering such an inside view, the archives have the potential to revise assumptions on both the left and the right about one of the most contentious subjects in American history, in addition to filling out the story of progressive politics, the labor movement, and the civil rights struggles. "It is one of the most exciting collecting opportunities that has ever presented itself here," said Michael Nash, the director of New York University's Tamiment Library, which will announce the donation on Friday. Liberal and conservative historians, told by The New York Times about the archives, were enthusiastic about the addition of so many original documents to the historical record. No one yet knows whether they can resolve the die-hard disputes about the extent of the links between American subversives and Moscow since, as Nash said, "it will take us years to catalog." But what is most exciting, said Nash and other scholars, is the new areas it opens up for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. Hill's last rhyme -- which begins, "My Will is easy to decide/For there is nothing to divide" -- was discovered in one of the 12,000 cartons. (Hill was convicted, some thought wrongly, of murder.) In other boxes were drafts of the party's programs with handwritten editing changes and a stapled copy of its first constitution. "The Communist Party is a fact," C.E. Ruthenberg, the executive secretary wrote on Sept. 18, 1919, days after the founders met in Chicago. A 1920 document marks the merger of the Communist Party and the Workers Party. It lists "Dix" as the secret party name of Earl R. Browder, who would later become general secretary of the party, "L.C. Wheat" as Jay Lovestone, who later turned against communism and worked with the AFL-CIO and the CIA, and Alexander Trachtenberg as "one of the confidential agents of Lenin in America." From years of being folded, many of the pages are impressed with grooved lines like wrinkled faces; others are scarred by cigarette burns and thin as onion skin. Some folders, filled with crumbling artifacts, look as if they've been sprinkled with yellowed confetti. Ruthenberg underscores the "secret manner in which the party is conducted." The Los Angeles branch, known as "XO1XO5" uses the password "'Kur-heiny,' which means: 'Are you advancing?,"' he writes. "The answer is: 'Teip,' meaning 'yes."' He copies a letter signed by the Russians Nikolai Bukharin and Ian Berzin that he said was hidden in the coat lining of a Bolshevik about how the Americans should operate. The two order the party to urge soldiers and sailors to agitate "against officers" and to arm workers. They warn against allowing members to engage in philanthropic or educational activities, insisting that they form "FIGHTING ORGANIZATIONS FOR SEIZING CONTROL OF THE STATE, for the overthrow of government and the establishment of the workers' dictatorship." (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) Robert Minor, a cartoonist and radical who covered the Russian civil war, has a clear-eyed and lyrical account of an interview with Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, dated December 1918. Lenin was fascinated by America, calling it a "great country in some respects," and shot question after question at Minor: "'How soon will the revolution come in America?' He did not ask me if it would come, but when it would come." Minor, who had not yet joined the party, found Lenin a bewitching figure. "When he thunders his dogma, one sees the fighting Lenin. He is iron. He is political Calvin," Minor says in his typewritten notes. "And yet, Calvin has his other side. During all the discussion he had been hitching his chair toward me," he writes. "I felt myself queerly submerged by his personality. He filled the room." As he leaves the Kremlin, Minor notices two men drive up in limousines. "A few months ago they were 'bloodthirsty minions of predatory capital,"' he writes, "But now they are 'people's commissaries' and ride in the fine automobiles as before, live in the fine mansions." They rule "under red silk flags to protect them from all disorders. They have learned the rose smells as sweetly under another name." That description is "very important," said John P. Diggins, a historian at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. He said he expected a lot of new dissertations and books to result from the new archives. Historians have spent too much time arguing about the party's subservience to Moscow, he said, neglecting Communists' work in organizing labor and fighting racism, and their philosophical take on Marxism. Every box offers up a different morsel of history. One contains a 1940 newsletter from students at City College in New York criticizing Britain for betraying the Jews in Palestine; another has a 1964 flyer from the Metropolitan Council on Housing urging rent strikes "to oppose the decontrol of over-$250 apartments." There are the handwritten lyrics to Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!"; a letter from W.E.B Du Bois in 1939 denying he took money from Japan for propagandizing on its behalf; and detailed complaints of police brutality against African-Americans. Piles of prison correspondence from activists or party members show the human hand behind the rhetoric. "My dear wife Lydia," Minor writes in pencil after being arrested in 1930 during a labor rally in Union Square in Manhattan. "That little half-hour today seemed the shortest of my whole lifetime. And so indescribably sweet!" The party started out as an underground revolutionary organization but achieved its greatest successes and popularity in the late 1930s as part of the Popular Front, which it joined at Moscow's direction, said Maurice Isserman, a historian at Hamilton College who has written several books on American communism. At the same time, he said, some Communist Party members were recruited into an espionage network, which expanded tremendously during World War II, and ultimately infiltrated the team working on the atomic bomb. Despite its devotion to the Soviet line, the party was still influential in left-wing and labor circles into the first few years of the Cold War era. But in 1948 it suffered a triple whammy: the Progressives expelled the Communists; the Czechoslovakia coup, in which Moscow had an undisputed hand, soured many of its members; and the Red Scare ravaged its ranks. Later revelations about Stalin's crimes disillusioned many of those who remained and dealt the party a near-fatal blow. The Communist Party USA contacted Tamiment, which is devoted to the study of labor history and progressive politics, a year ago. Nash said he was surprised when he got the call. "I didn't really realize it still existed," he admitted. During the summer, Nash said, he and a group of students scoured the party's offices on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. They frantically packed up papers before contractors came in to renovate the space, which was being rented out. The donation includes 20,000 books, journals, and pamphlets, and a million photographs from The Daily Worker's archives. Sam Webb, national chairman of the Communist Party USA, said, "We felt that Tamiment could better maintain the collection and provide for a much wider audience." He said hardly any of the files were reviewed before being given away. The primary source of American party documents available to the public has been the Library of Congress, which microfilmed a batch of Communist Party USA records in Soviet archives that had been shipped there 50 years earlier for safekeeping. John Earl Haynes, a historian at the Library of Congress who was the first American to examine the Soviet files, said that since NYU has a copy of the Library of Congress material, "This will give Tamiment the enviable position of being able to offer researchers access to what is in Moscow as well as the new CPUSA collection." When the collection opened in 2000, the Library of Congress said, "the CPUSA has always been a secretive organization," and "the previous paucity of the archival record has been a major obstacle to scholarship on the history of the American communist movement," and a reason for "highly contentious" debates. That contentiousness continues. In an article on The New Republic Web site last week completely unrelated to the donated archives, Ronald Radosh, a historian, attacked NYU's newly created Center for the United States and the Cold War, which is partly sponsored by the Tamiment Library. Looking at its spring calendar of public events, he accused it of planning "completely one-sided and partisan events" and said the guests invited to Friday's gathering are "all, without an exception, either communists or still-believing fellow-travelers." Nash, who is a co-director of the center, characterized Friday as a public relations event, and said overall its programs represent all views. After flipping through boxes, Nash moved to a glass case that contained a photograph from the files, a picture of eight American officers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. In the next room was Moe Fishman, 92, one of the brigade's last surviving members, who just happened to be in the library that day for the filming of an unrelated documentary. He had carried over the battalion's tattered blue flag. Asked if he was in the black-and-white photograph, he slowly walked over, put on his glasses and peered down. "I'm not in that," he said, "I wasn't an officer." But he added, "I have the same one at home." 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070319.0213.LDC2009T13::2	 PARTY FILES IN BLACK AND WHITE, AND RED ALL OVER NEW YORK The songwriter, labor organizer, and folk hero Joe Hill has been the subject of poems, songs, an opera, books, and movies. His will, written in verse the night before a Utah firing squad executed him in 1915 and later put to music, became part of the labor movement's soundtrack. Now the original copy of that penciled will is among the unexpected historical gems unearthed from a vast collection of papers and photographs never before seen publicly that the Communist Party USA has donated to New York University. The cache contains decades of party history including founding documents, secret code words, stacks of personal letters, smuggled directives from Moscow, Lenin buttons, photographs, and stern commands about how good party members should behave (no charity work, for instance, to distract them from their revolutionary duties). By offering such an inside view, the archives have the potential to revise assumptions on both the left and the right about one of the most contentious subjects in American history, in addition to filling out the story of progressive politics, the labor movement, and the civil rights struggles. "It is one of the most exciting collecting opportunities that has ever presented itself here," said Michael Nash, the director of New York University's Tamiment Library, which will announce the donation on Friday. Liberal and conservative historians, told by The New York Times about the archives, were enthusiastic about the addition of so many original documents to the historical record. No one yet knows whether they can resolve the die-hard disputes about the extent of the links between American subversives and Moscow since, as Nash said, "it will take us years to catalog." But what is most exciting, said Nash and other scholars, is the new areas it opens up for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. Hill's last rhyme -- which begins, "My Will is easy to decide/For there is nothing to divide" -- was discovered in one of the 12,000 cartons. (Hill was convicted, some thought wrongly, of murder.) In other boxes were drafts of the party's programs with handwritten editing changes and a stapled copy of its first constitution. "The Communist Party is a fact," C.E. Ruthenberg, the executive secretary wrote on Sept. 18, 1919, days after the founders met in Chicago. A 1920 document marks the merger of the Communist Party and the Workers Party. It lists "Dix" as the secret party name of Earl R. Browder, who would later become general secretary of the party, "L.C. Wheat" as Jay Lovestone, who later turned against communism and worked with the AFL-CIO and the CIA, and Alexander Trachtenberg as "one of the confidential agents of Lenin in America." From years of being folded, many of the pages are impressed with grooved lines like wrinkled faces; others are scarred by cigarette burns and thin as onion skin. Some folders, filled with crumbling artifacts, look as if they've been sprinkled with yellowed confetti. Ruthenberg underscores the "secret manner in which the party is conducted." The Los Angeles branch, known as "XO1XO5" uses the password "'Kur-heiny,' which means: 'Are you advancing?,"' he writes. "The answer is: 'Teip,' meaning 'yes."' He copies a letter signed by the Russians Nikolai Bukharin and Ian Berzin that he said was hidden in the coat lining of a Bolshevik about how the Americans should operate. The two order the party to urge soldiers and sailors to agitate "against officers" and to arm workers. They warn against allowing members to engage in philanthropic or educational activities, insisting that they form "FIGHTING ORGANIZATIONS FOR SEIZING CONTROL OF THE STATE, for the overthrow of government and the establishment of the workers' dictatorship." (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) Robert Minor, a cartoonist and radical who covered the Russian civil war, has a clear-eyed and lyrical account of an interview with Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, dated December 1918. Lenin was fascinated by America, calling it a "great country in some respects," and shot question after question at Minor: "'How soon will the revolution come in America?' He did not ask me if it would come, but when it would come." Minor, who had not yet joined the party, found Lenin a bewitching figure. "When he thunders his dogma, one sees the fighting Lenin. He is iron. He is political Calvin," Minor says in his typewritten notes. "And yet, Calvin has his other side. During all the discussion he had been hitching his chair toward me," he writes. "I felt myself queerly submerged by his personality. He filled the room." As he leaves the Kremlin, Minor notices two men drive up in limousines. "A few months ago they were 'bloodthirsty minions of predatory capital,"' he writes, "But now they are 'people's commissaries' and ride in the fine automobiles as before, live in the fine mansions." They rule "under red silk flags to protect them from all disorders. They have learned the rose smells as sweetly under another name." That description is "very important," said John P. Diggins, a historian at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. He said he expected a lot of new dissertations and books to result from the new archives. Historians have spent too much time arguing about the party's subservience to Moscow, he said, neglecting Communists' work in organizing labor and fighting racism, and their philosophical take on Marxism. Every box offers up a different morsel of history. One contains a 1940 newsletter from students at City College in New York criticizing Britain for betraying the Jews in Palestine; another has a 1964 flyer from the Metropolitan Council on Housing urging rent strikes "to oppose the decontrol of over-$250 apartments." There are the handwritten lyrics to Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!"; a letter from W.E.B Du Bois in 1939 denying he took money from Japan for propagandizing on its behalf; and detailed complaints of police brutality against African-Americans. Piles of prison correspondence from activists or party members show the human hand behind the rhetoric. "My dear wife Lydia," Minor writes in pencil after being arrested in 1930 during a labor rally in Union Square in Manhattan. "That little half-hour today seemed the shortest of my whole lifetime. And so indescribably sweet!" The party started out as an underground revolutionary organization but achieved its greatest successes and popularity in the late 1930s as part of the Popular Front, which it joined at Moscow's direction, said Maurice Isserman, a historian at Hamilton College who has written several books on American communism. At the same time, he said, some Communist Party members were recruited into an espionage network, which expanded tremendously during World War II, and ultimately infiltrated the team working on the atomic bomb. Despite its devotion to the Soviet line, the party was still influential in left-wing and labor circles into the first few years of the Cold War era. But in 1948 it suffered a triple whammy: the Progressives expelled the Communists; the Czechoslovakia coup, in which Moscow had an undisputed hand, soured many of its members; and the Red Scare ravaged its ranks. Later revelations about Stalin's crimes disillusioned many of those who remained and dealt the party a near-fatal blow. The Communist Party USA contacted Tamiment, which is devoted to the study of labor history and progressive politics, a year ago. Nash said he was surprised when he got the call. "I didn't really realize it still existed," he admitted. During the summer, Nash said, he and a group of students scoured the party's offices on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. They frantically packed up papers before contractors came in to renovate the space, which was being rented out. The donation includes 20,000 books, journals, and pamphlets, and a million photographs from The Daily Worker's archives. Sam Webb, national chairman of the Communist Party USA, said, "We felt that Tamiment could better maintain the collection and provide for a much wider audience." He said hardly any of the files were reviewed before being given away. The primary source of American party documents available to the public has been the Library of Congress, which microfilmed a batch of Communist Party USA records in Soviet archives that had been shipped there 50 years earlier for safekeeping. John Earl Haynes, a historian at the Library of Congress who was the first American to examine the Soviet files, said that since NYU has a copy of the Library of Congress material, "This will give Tamiment the enviable position of being able to offer researchers access to what is in Moscow as well as the new CPUSA collection." When the collection opened in 2000, the Library of Congress said, "the CPUSA has always been a secretive organization," and "the previous paucity of the archival record has been a major obstacle to scholarship on the history of the American communist movement," and a reason for "highly contentious" debates. That contentiousness continues. In an article on The New Republic Web site last week completely unrelated to the donated archives, Ronald Radosh, a historian, attacked NYU's newly created Center for the United States and the Cold War, which is partly sponsored by the Tamiment Library. Looking at its spring calendar of public events, he accused it of planning "completely one-sided and partisan events" and said the guests invited to Friday's gathering are "all, without an exception, either communists or still-believing fellow-travelers." Nash, who is a co-director of the center, characterized Friday as a public relations event, and said overall its programs represent all views. After flipping through boxes, Nash moved to a glass case that contained a photograph from the files, a picture of eight American officers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. In the next room was Moe Fishman, 92, one of the brigade's last surviving members, who just happened to be in the library that day for the filming of an unrelated documentary. He had carried over the battalion's tattered blue flag. Asked if he was in the black-and-white photograph, he slowly walked over, put on his glasses and peered down. "I'm not in that," he said, "I wasn't an officer." But he added, "I have the same one at home." 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070319.0213.LDC2009T13::3	 PARTY FILES IN BLACK AND WHITE, AND RED ALL OVER NEW YORK The songwriter, labor organizer, and folk hero Joe Hill has been the subject of poems, songs, an opera, books, and movies. His will, written in verse the night before a Utah firing squad executed him in 1915 and later put to music, became part of the labor movement's soundtrack. Now the original copy of that penciled will is among the unexpected historical gems unearthed from a vast collection of papers and photographs never before seen publicly that the Communist Party USA has donated to New York University. The cache contains decades of party history including founding documents, secret code words, stacks of personal letters, smuggled directives from Moscow, Lenin buttons, photographs, and stern commands about how good party members should behave (no charity work, for instance, to distract them from their revolutionary duties). By offering such an inside view, the archives have the potential to revise assumptions on both the left and the right about one of the most contentious subjects in American history, in addition to filling out the story of progressive politics, the labor movement, and the civil rights struggles. "It is one of the most exciting collecting opportunities that has ever presented itself here," said Michael Nash, the director of New York University's Tamiment Library, which will announce the donation on Friday. Liberal and conservative historians, told by The New York Times about the archives, were enthusiastic about the addition of so many original documents to the historical record. No one yet knows whether they can resolve the die-hard disputes about the extent of the links between American subversives and Moscow since, as Nash said, "it will take us years to catalog." But what is most exciting, said Nash and other scholars, is the new areas it opens up for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. Hill's last rhyme -- which begins, "My Will is easy to decide/For there is nothing to divide" -- was discovered in one of the 12,000 cartons. (Hill was convicted, some thought wrongly, of murder.) In other boxes were drafts of the party's programs with handwritten editing changes and a stapled copy of its first constitution. "The Communist Party is a fact," C.E. Ruthenberg, the executive secretary wrote on Sept. 18, 1919, days after the founders met in Chicago. A 1920 document marks the merger of the Communist Party and the Workers Party. It lists "Dix" as the secret party name of Earl R. Browder, who would later become general secretary of the party, "L.C. Wheat" as Jay Lovestone, who later turned against communism and worked with the AFL-CIO and the CIA, and Alexander Trachtenberg as "one of the confidential agents of Lenin in America." From years of being folded, many of the pages are impressed with grooved lines like wrinkled faces; others are scarred by cigarette burns and thin as onion skin. Some folders, filled with crumbling artifacts, look as if they've been sprinkled with yellowed confetti. Ruthenberg underscores the "secret manner in which the party is conducted." The Los Angeles branch, known as "XO1XO5" uses the password "'Kur-heiny,' which means: 'Are you advancing?,"' he writes. "The answer is: 'Teip,' meaning 'yes."' He copies a letter signed by the Russians Nikolai Bukharin and Ian Berzin that he said was hidden in the coat lining of a Bolshevik about how the Americans should operate. The two order the party to urge soldiers and sailors to agitate "against officers" and to arm workers. They warn against allowing members to engage in philanthropic or educational activities, insisting that they form "FIGHTING ORGANIZATIONS FOR SEIZING CONTROL OF THE STATE, for the overthrow of government and the establishment of the workers' dictatorship." (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) Robert Minor, a cartoonist and radical who covered the Russian civil war, has a clear-eyed and lyrical account of an interview with Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, dated December 1918. Lenin was fascinated by America, calling it a "great country in some respects," and shot question after question at Minor: "'How soon will the revolution come in America?' He did not ask me if it would come, but when it would come." Minor, who had not yet joined the party, found Lenin a bewitching figure. "When he thunders his dogma, one sees the fighting Lenin. He is iron. He is political Calvin," Minor says in his typewritten notes. "And yet, Calvin has his other side. During all the discussion he had been hitching his chair toward me," he writes. "I felt myself queerly submerged by his personality. He filled the room." As he leaves the Kremlin, Minor notices two men drive up in limousines. "A few months ago they were 'bloodthirsty minions of predatory capital,"' he writes, "But now they are 'people's commissaries' and ride in the fine automobiles as before, live in the fine mansions." They rule "under red silk flags to protect them from all disorders. They have learned the rose smells as sweetly under another name." That description is "very important," said John P. Diggins, a historian at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. He said he expected a lot of new dissertations and books to result from the new archives. Historians have spent too much time arguing about the party's subservience to Moscow, he said, neglecting Communists' work in organizing labor and fighting racism, and their philosophical take on Marxism. Every box offers up a different morsel of history. One contains a 1940 newsletter from students at City College in New York criticizing Britain for betraying the Jews in Palestine; another has a 1964 flyer from the Metropolitan Council on Housing urging rent strikes "to oppose the decontrol of over-$250 apartments." There are the handwritten lyrics to Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!"; a letter from W.E.B Du Bois in 1939 denying he took money from Japan for propagandizing on its behalf; and detailed complaints of police brutality against African-Americans. Piles of prison correspondence from activists or party members show the human hand behind the rhetoric. "My dear wife Lydia," Minor writes in pencil after being arrested in 1930 during a labor rally in Union Square in Manhattan. "That little half-hour today seemed the shortest of my whole lifetime. And so indescribably sweet!" The party started out as an underground revolutionary organization but achieved its greatest successes and popularity in the late 1930s as part of the Popular Front, which it joined at Moscow's direction, said Maurice Isserman, a historian at Hamilton College who has written several books on American communism. At the same time, he said, some Communist Party members were recruited into an espionage network, which expanded tremendously during World War II, and ultimately infiltrated the team working on the atomic bomb. Despite its devotion to the Soviet line, the party was still influential in left-wing and labor circles into the first few years of the Cold War era. But in 1948 it suffered a triple whammy: the Progressives expelled the Communists; the Czechoslovakia coup, in which Moscow had an undisputed hand, soured many of its members; and the Red Scare ravaged its ranks. Later revelations about Stalin's crimes disillusioned many of those who remained and dealt the party a near-fatal blow. The Communist Party USA contacted Tamiment, which is devoted to the study of labor history and progressive politics, a year ago. Nash said he was surprised when he got the call. "I didn't really realize it still existed," he admitted. During the summer, Nash said, he and a group of students scoured the party's offices on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. They frantically packed up papers before contractors came in to renovate the space, which was being rented out. The donation includes 20,000 books, journals, and pamphlets, and a million photographs from The Daily Worker's archives. Sam Webb, national chairman of the Communist Party USA, said, "We felt that Tamiment could better maintain the collection and provide for a much wider audience." He said hardly any of the files were reviewed before being given away. The primary source of American party documents available to the public has been the Library of Congress, which microfilmed a batch of Communist Party USA records in Soviet archives that had been shipped there 50 years earlier for safekeeping. John Earl Haynes, a historian at the Library of Congress who was the first American to examine the Soviet files, said that since NYU has a copy of the Library of Congress material, "This will give Tamiment the enviable position of being able to offer researchers access to what is in Moscow as well as the new CPUSA collection." When the collection opened in 2000, the Library of Congress said, "the CPUSA has always been a secretive organization," and "the previous paucity of the archival record has been a major obstacle to scholarship on the history of the American communist movement," and a reason for "highly contentious" debates. That contentiousness continues. In an article on The New Republic Web site last week completely unrelated to the donated archives, Ronald Radosh, a historian, attacked NYU's newly created Center for the United States and the Cold War, which is partly sponsored by the Tamiment Library. Looking at its spring calendar of public events, he accused it of planning "completely one-sided and partisan events" and said the guests invited to Friday's gathering are "all, without an exception, either communists or still-believing fellow-travelers." Nash, who is a co-director of the center, characterized Friday as a public relations event, and said overall its programs represent all views. After flipping through boxes, Nash moved to a glass case that contained a photograph from the files, a picture of eight American officers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. In the next room was Moe Fishman, 92, one of the brigade's last surviving members, who just happened to be in the library that day for the filming of an unrelated documentary. He had carried over the battalion's tattered blue flag. Asked if he was in the black-and-white photograph, he slowly walked over, put on his glasses and peered down. "I'm not in that," he said, "I wasn't an officer." But he added, "I have the same one at home." 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070319.0213.LDC2009T13::4	 PARTY FILES IN BLACK AND WHITE, AND RED ALL OVER NEW YORK The songwriter, labor organizer, and folk hero Joe Hill has been the subject of poems, songs, an opera, books, and movies. His will, written in verse the night before a Utah firing squad executed him in 1915 and later put to music, became part of the labor movement's soundtrack. Now the original copy of that penciled will is among the unexpected historical gems unearthed from a vast collection of papers and photographs never before seen publicly that the Communist Party USA has donated to New York University. The cache contains decades of party history including founding documents, secret code words, stacks of personal letters, smuggled directives from Moscow, Lenin buttons, photographs, and stern commands about how good party members should behave (no charity work, for instance, to distract them from their revolutionary duties). By offering such an inside view, the archives have the potential to revise assumptions on both the left and the right about one of the most contentious subjects in American history, in addition to filling out the story of progressive politics, the labor movement, and the civil rights struggles. "It is one of the most exciting collecting opportunities that has ever presented itself here," said Michael Nash, the director of New York University's Tamiment Library, which will announce the donation on Friday. Liberal and conservative historians, told by The New York Times about the archives, were enthusiastic about the addition of so many original documents to the historical record. No one yet knows whether they can resolve the die-hard disputes about the extent of the links between American subversives and Moscow since, as Nash said, "it will take us years to catalog." But what is most exciting, said Nash and other scholars, is the new areas it opens up for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. Hill's last rhyme -- which begins, "My Will is easy to decide/For there is nothing to divide" -- was discovered in one of the 12,000 cartons. (Hill was convicted, some thought wrongly, of murder.) In other boxes were drafts of the party's programs with handwritten editing changes and a stapled copy of its first constitution. "The Communist Party is a fact," C.E. Ruthenberg, the executive secretary wrote on Sept. 18, 1919, days after the founders met in Chicago. A 1920 document marks the merger of the Communist Party and the Workers Party. It lists "Dix" as the secret party name of Earl R. Browder, who would later become general secretary of the party, "L.C. Wheat" as Jay Lovestone, who later turned against communism and worked with the AFL-CIO and the CIA, and Alexander Trachtenberg as "one of the confidential agents of Lenin in America." From years of being folded, many of the pages are impressed with grooved lines like wrinkled faces; others are scarred by cigarette burns and thin as onion skin. Some folders, filled with crumbling artifacts, look as if they've been sprinkled with yellowed confetti. Ruthenberg underscores the "secret manner in which the party is conducted." The Los Angeles branch, known as "XO1XO5" uses the password "'Kur-heiny,' which means: 'Are you advancing?,"' he writes. "The answer is: 'Teip,' meaning 'yes."' He copies a letter signed by the Russians Nikolai Bukharin and Ian Berzin that he said was hidden in the coat lining of a Bolshevik about how the Americans should operate. The two order the party to urge soldiers and sailors to agitate "against officers" and to arm workers. They warn against allowing members to engage in philanthropic or educational activities, insisting that they form "FIGHTING ORGANIZATIONS FOR SEIZING CONTROL OF THE STATE, for the overthrow of government and the establishment of the workers' dictatorship." (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) Robert Minor, a cartoonist and radical who covered the Russian civil war, has a clear-eyed and lyrical account of an interview with Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, dated December 1918. Lenin was fascinated by America, calling it a "great country in some respects," and shot question after question at Minor: "'How soon will the revolution come in America?' He did not ask me if it would come, but when it would come." Minor, who had not yet joined the party, found Lenin a bewitching figure. "When he thunders his dogma, one sees the fighting Lenin. He is iron. He is political Calvin," Minor says in his typewritten notes. "And yet, Calvin has his other side. During all the discussion he had been hitching his chair toward me," he writes. "I felt myself queerly submerged by his personality. He filled the room." As he leaves the Kremlin, Minor notices two men drive up in limousines. "A few months ago they were 'bloodthirsty minions of predatory capital,"' he writes, "But now they are 'people's commissaries' and ride in the fine automobiles as before, live in the fine mansions." They rule "under red silk flags to protect them from all disorders. They have learned the rose smells as sweetly under another name." That description is "very important," said John P. Diggins, a historian at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. He said he expected a lot of new dissertations and books to result from the new archives. Historians have spent too much time arguing about the party's subservience to Moscow, he said, neglecting Communists' work in organizing labor and fighting racism, and their philosophical take on Marxism. Every box offers up a different morsel of history. One contains a 1940 newsletter from students at City College in New York criticizing Britain for betraying the Jews in Palestine; another has a 1964 flyer from the Metropolitan Council on Housing urging rent strikes "to oppose the decontrol of over-$250 apartments." There are the handwritten lyrics to Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!"; a letter from W.E.B Du Bois in 1939 denying he took money from Japan for propagandizing on its behalf; and detailed complaints of police brutality against African-Americans. Piles of prison correspondence from activists or party members show the human hand behind the rhetoric. "My dear wife Lydia," Minor writes in pencil after being arrested in 1930 during a labor rally in Union Square in Manhattan. "That little half-hour today seemed the shortest of my whole lifetime. And so indescribably sweet!" The party started out as an underground revolutionary organization but achieved its greatest successes and popularity in the late 1930s as part of the Popular Front, which it joined at Moscow's direction, said Maurice Isserman, a historian at Hamilton College who has written several books on American communism. At the same time, he said, some Communist Party members were recruited into an espionage network, which expanded tremendously during World War II, and ultimately infiltrated the team working on the atomic bomb. Despite its devotion to the Soviet line, the party was still influential in left-wing and labor circles into the first few years of the Cold War era. But in 1948 it suffered a triple whammy: the Progressives expelled the Communists; the Czechoslovakia coup, in which Moscow had an undisputed hand, soured many of its members; and the Red Scare ravaged its ranks. Later revelations about Stalin's crimes disillusioned many of those who remained and dealt the party a near-fatal blow. The Communist Party USA contacted Tamiment, which is devoted to the study of labor history and progressive politics, a year ago. Nash said he was surprised when he got the call. "I didn't really realize it still existed," he admitted. During the summer, Nash said, he and a group of students scoured the party's offices on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. They frantically packed up papers before contractors came in to renovate the space, which was being rented out. The donation includes 20,000 books, journals, and pamphlets, and a million photographs from The Daily Worker's archives. Sam Webb, national chairman of the Communist Party USA, said, "We felt that Tamiment could better maintain the collection and provide for a much wider audience." He said hardly any of the files were reviewed before being given away. The primary source of American party documents available to the public has been the Library of Congress, which microfilmed a batch of Communist Party USA records in Soviet archives that had been shipped there 50 years earlier for safekeeping. John Earl Haynes, a historian at the Library of Congress who was the first American to examine the Soviet files, said that since NYU has a copy of the Library of Congress material, "This will give Tamiment the enviable position of being able to offer researchers access to what is in Moscow as well as the new CPUSA collection." When the collection opened in 2000, the Library of Congress said, "the CPUSA has always been a secretive organization," and "the previous paucity of the archival record has been a major obstacle to scholarship on the history of the American communist movement," and a reason for "highly contentious" debates. That contentiousness continues. In an article on The New Republic Web site last week completely unrelated to the donated archives, Ronald Radosh, a historian, attacked NYU's newly created Center for the United States and the Cold War, which is partly sponsored by the Tamiment Library. Looking at its spring calendar of public events, he accused it of planning "completely one-sided and partisan events" and said the guests invited to Friday's gathering are "all, without an exception, either communists or still-believing fellow-travelers." Nash, who is a co-director of the center, characterized Friday as a public relations event, and said overall its programs represent all views. After flipping through boxes, Nash moved to a glass case that contained a photograph from the files, a picture of eight American officers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. In the next room was Moe Fishman, 92, one of the brigade's last surviving members, who just happened to be in the library that day for the filming of an unrelated documentary. He had carried over the battalion's tattered blue flag. Asked if he was in the black-and-white photograph, he slowly walked over, put on his glasses and peered down. "I'm not in that," he said, "I wasn't an officer." But he added, "I have the same one at home." 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070320.0932.LDC2009T13::1	 Communist Party USA donates its archives to New York University NEW YORK 2007-03-20 15:26:03 UTC New York University has received a vast collection of documents and photographs from the Communist Party USA offering an inside view of the party's history in the United States. NYU issued a statement calling the archives "among the most important ones in the United States documenting the history of the American Left." It will take years to catalog and include original founding papers, smuggled directives from Moscow, personal letters and secret code words, The New York Times reported Tuesday. Michael Nash, the director of NYU's Tamiment Library where the collection will be stores, told the Times that the cache opens up new areas for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. The Communist Party USA contacted Nash a year ago about donating the documents. He told the newspaper he was surprised to get the call, conceding, "I didn't realize it (the party) still existed." Over the summer, Nash said the university removed 20,000 books, journals and pamphlets and a million photographs from the party's New York offices. NYU said the documents have never been made public before. It has planned a symposium to talk about the acquisition on Friday. ------ On the Net: http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/tam 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070320.0932.LDC2009T13::2	 Communist Party USA donates its archives to New York University NEW YORK 2007-03-20 15:26:03 UTC New York University has received a vast collection of documents and photographs from the Communist Party USA offering an inside view of the party's history in the United States. NYU issued a statement calling the archives "among the most important ones in the United States documenting the history of the American Left." It will take years to catalog and include original founding papers, smuggled directives from Moscow, personal letters and secret code words, The New York Times reported Tuesday. Michael Nash, the director of NYU's Tamiment Library where the collection will be stores, told the Times that the cache opens up new areas for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. The Communist Party USA contacted Nash a year ago about donating the documents. He told the newspaper he was surprised to get the call, conceding, "I didn't realize it (the party) still existed." Over the summer, Nash said the university removed 20,000 books, journals and pamphlets and a million photographs from the party's New York offices. NYU said the documents have never been made public before. It has planned a symposium to talk about the acquisition on Friday. ------ On the Net: http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/tam 
Communist_Party_USA::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070320.0932.LDC2009T13::3	 Communist Party USA donates its archives to New York University NEW YORK 2007-03-20 15:26:03 UTC New York University has received a vast collection of documents and photographs from the Communist Party USA offering an inside view of the party's history in the United States. NYU issued a statement calling the archives "among the most important ones in the United States documenting the history of the American Left." It will take years to catalog and include original founding papers, smuggled directives from Moscow, personal letters and secret code words, The New York Times reported Tuesday. Michael Nash, the director of NYU's Tamiment Library where the collection will be stores, told the Times that the cache opens up new areas for research beyond the homegrown threat to security during the Cold War. The Communist Party USA contacted Nash a year ago about donating the documents. He told the newspaper he was surprised to get the call, conceding, "I didn't realize it (the party) still existed." Over the summer, Nash said the university removed 20,000 books, journals and pamphlets and a million photographs from the party's New York offices. NYU said the documents have never been made public before. It has planned a symposium to talk about the acquisition on Friday. ------ On the Net: http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/tam 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070507.0229.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyL: Thurston sparks Cowboys to strong NRL win over Titans North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston sparked a 24-10 victory over competition newcomers Gold Coast Monday to move to outright third in Australia's National Rugby League. Thurston set up his team's three tries and kicked six goals to decisively win his battle with opposite number Scott Prince. Test incumbent Thurston has a mortgage on the Queensland scrumhalf spot for this month's State of Origin series opener against NSW in Brisbane ahead of Prince. Dual international Mat Rogers was easily the Titans' best player, scoring a brace of tries to keep the home side in the hunt after they had trailed 16-4 at halftime. The Cowboys can now claim bragging rights over their Queensland rivals after defeating champions Brisbane Broncos in round one. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070507.0229.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyL: Thurston sparks Cowboys to strong NRL win over Titans North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston sparked a 24-10 victory over competition newcomers Gold Coast Monday to move to outright third in Australia's National Rugby League. Thurston set up his team's three tries and kicked six goals to decisively win his battle with opposite number Scott Prince. Test incumbent Thurston has a mortgage on the Queensland scrumhalf spot for this month's State of Origin series opener against NSW in Brisbane ahead of Prince. Dual international Mat Rogers was easily the Titans' best player, scoring a brace of tries to keep the home side in the hunt after they had trailed 16-4 at halftime. The Cowboys can now claim bragging rights over their Queensland rivals after defeating champions Brisbane Broncos in round one. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070525.0317.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyL: Origin star Thurston sparks Cowboys win State of Origin hero Johnathan Thurston sparked North Queensland Cowboys to a lively 26-16 win over Canterbury Bulldogs in Australia's National Rugby League on Friday. Just two days after the Test scrum-half's man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's win against New South Wales here, Thurston was everywhere again to spearhead the Cowboys to a strong win at Lang Park. Thurston set up a terrific try for fullback Matt Bowen shortly after half-time to give North Queensland an 18-0 lead. Minutes later he slipped a deft pass to back-rower Sione Faumuina, who handled twice before scoring a decisive try as the Cowboys skipped to a 24-0 advantage. The Bulldogs clawed back two converted tries to maintain interest until the end. But the Canterbury team, missing the presence of NSW forward Willie Mason (hamstring), have now suffered three straight losses. Meanwhile Canberra sent St. George Illawarra's season into a tailspin with a 30-6 rout at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders were never headed as they surged to their fifth straight win on the back of a hat-trick of tries to centre Adrian Purtell. The loss was the Dragons' seventh in 10 games with coach Nathan Brown under increasing pressure. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070525.0317.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyL: Origin star Thurston sparks Cowboys win State of Origin hero Johnathan Thurston sparked North Queensland Cowboys to a lively 26-16 win over Canterbury Bulldogs in Australia's National Rugby League on Friday. Just two days after the Test scrum-half's man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's win against New South Wales here, Thurston was everywhere again to spearhead the Cowboys to a strong win at Lang Park. Thurston set up a terrific try for fullback Matt Bowen shortly after half-time to give North Queensland an 18-0 lead. Minutes later he slipped a deft pass to back-rower Sione Faumuina, who handled twice before scoring a decisive try as the Cowboys skipped to a 24-0 advantage. The Bulldogs clawed back two converted tries to maintain interest until the end. But the Canterbury team, missing the presence of NSW forward Willie Mason (hamstring), have now suffered three straight losses. Meanwhile Canberra sent St. George Illawarra's season into a tailspin with a 30-6 rout at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders were never headed as they surged to their fifth straight win on the back of a hat-trick of tries to centre Adrian Purtell. The loss was the Dragons' seventh in 10 games with coach Nathan Brown under increasing pressure. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070525.0317.LDC2009T13::3	 RugbyL: Origin star Thurston sparks Cowboys win State of Origin hero Johnathan Thurston sparked North Queensland Cowboys to a lively 26-16 win over Canterbury Bulldogs in Australia's National Rugby League on Friday. Just two days after the Test scrum-half's man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's win against New South Wales here, Thurston was everywhere again to spearhead the Cowboys to a strong win at Lang Park. Thurston set up a terrific try for fullback Matt Bowen shortly after half-time to give North Queensland an 18-0 lead. Minutes later he slipped a deft pass to back-rower Sione Faumuina, who handled twice before scoring a decisive try as the Cowboys skipped to a 24-0 advantage. The Bulldogs clawed back two converted tries to maintain interest until the end. But the Canterbury team, missing the presence of NSW forward Willie Mason (hamstring), have now suffered three straight losses. Meanwhile Canberra sent St. George Illawarra's season into a tailspin with a 30-6 rout at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders were never headed as they surged to their fifth straight win on the back of a hat-trick of tries to centre Adrian Purtell. The loss was the Dragons' seventh in 10 games with coach Nathan Brown under increasing pressure. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070525.0317.LDC2009T13::4	 RugbyL: Origin star Thurston sparks Cowboys win State of Origin hero Johnathan Thurston sparked North Queensland Cowboys to a lively 26-16 win over Canterbury Bulldogs in Australia's National Rugby League on Friday. Just two days after the Test scrum-half's man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's win against New South Wales here, Thurston was everywhere again to spearhead the Cowboys to a strong win at Lang Park. Thurston set up a terrific try for fullback Matt Bowen shortly after half-time to give North Queensland an 18-0 lead. Minutes later he slipped a deft pass to back-rower Sione Faumuina, who handled twice before scoring a decisive try as the Cowboys skipped to a 24-0 advantage. The Bulldogs clawed back two converted tries to maintain interest until the end. But the Canterbury team, missing the presence of NSW forward Willie Mason (hamstring), have now suffered three straight losses. Meanwhile Canberra sent St. George Illawarra's season into a tailspin with a 30-6 rout at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders were never headed as they surged to their fifth straight win on the back of a hat-trick of tries to centre Adrian Purtell. The loss was the Dragons' seventh in 10 games with coach Nathan Brown under increasing pressure. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070810.0583.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyL: Murray quits as NSW State of Origin coach Graham Murray Friday stepped down as New South Wales coach after losing this year's Australian State of Origin rugby league series against Queensland. The North Queensland Cowboys mentor has also been the Blues' coach since last year, but has been unable to capture a series win against the Maroons. "It was a privilege and a great experience and I loved both series, but I think it's time for someone else to have a go," Murray said in announcing his unavailability for next year's series. Murray's Cowboys are fourth on the National Rugby League standings behind competition leaders Melbourne Storm. 
Cowboys::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070810.0583.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyL: Murray quits as NSW State of Origin coach Graham Murray Friday stepped down as New South Wales coach after losing this year's Australian State of Origin rugby league series against Queensland. The North Queensland Cowboys mentor has also been the Blues' coach since last year, but has been unable to capture a series win against the Maroons. "It was a privilege and a great experience and I loved both series, but I think it's time for someone else to have a go," Murray said in announcing his unavailability for next year's series. Murray's Cowboys are fourth on the National Rugby League standings behind competition leaders Melbourne Storm. 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::1	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::2	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::3	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::4	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::5	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080730.0702.LDC2009T13::6	 Tired of being sexy, Sao Paulo gives Brazil a new urban sound Forget picture-postcard Brazil with its sunny beaches, bikinis, palm trees and languid bossa novas: instead think abrasive, urban, industrial, think CCS, rising star of Sao Paulo’s very distinctive musical scene. "Sao Paulo is the economic centre of the country, a huge industrial town, culturally different to Rio or Bahia," said Carolina Parra of CSS, which this month released worldwide its second album "Donkey". "This town is a bit of a mix of Los Angeles, Chicago and some giant, fast growing Chinese city," said Olivier Durand of the indie French record label Nacopajaz, which recently released "Satanic Samba", a compilation of Sao Paulo's underground music. With 11 million inhabitants, Sao Paulo, capital of the region of the same name, is the biggest city in Brazil. "The climate is much colder and wetter than Rio, and there is no beach in the city," said Durand. "In a more urban and industrial environment like this, trends are more alternative, more underground." Although Durand shies away from categorising music by place of origin, he says the Sao Paulo sound is more corrosive, nervy and punkish than sounds normally associated with Brazil. Four women -- the singer Lovefoxxx, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina -- plus a lone male, Adriano Cintra, make up CSS, and its unbridled electro rock style with English lyrics. Since the stunning world success of its first album in 2006, CSS, which stands for "Cansei de Ser Sexy" or "Tired of being Sexy" (a name inspired by a quote attributed to American pop star, Beyonce) has been pulling international attention to Sao Paulo’s underground music scene. Here, along with CSS -- whose second album has pushed them towards a live rock style destined for stage rather than studio -- stand a host of other musicians, both new and old. The Satanic Samba album for example, includes, the new, such as CSS, Bonde do Role, Sulpa, Hurtmold, The Sao Paulo Underground and The Satanique Samba Trio, as well as Brazilian musical legends such as 71-year-old Tom Ze. Ze was one of the key figures in the so-called "Tropicalia", or tropicalist social, cultural and musical movement against the authoritarian Brazilian regime of the 1960s. Dubbed the "avant-tropicalist", Ze was followed by stars such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and the psychedelic Os Mutantes. The album and its music is stamped with aggressive urban energy, as well as deviant multi-racial mixes of punk, electro, hip hop, rock, bossa nova and samba. It also features, for those who know something about this kind of music and its history, a wacky version of Serge Gainsbourg’s "La decadanse" by another Sao Paulo local, Benzina, aka guitarist Edgard Scandurra. "Musically, Sao Paulo has always been a pioneer city," said Durand. It is also a boiling-pot of culture, particularly contemporary art forms. "It’s a city full of possibilities, there is an intense artistic life here, lots of clubs," said CSS's Ana, who knows that design, fashion and video form part of the artistic attraction of the group. And to clinch the deal on the city’s attractions over those of beach postcard style Brazil, she adds: "For young people, its easier to find new foreign music in Sao Paulo than anywhere else in the country." 
CSS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080904.0104.LDC2009T13::1	 NEW-CDS-0905-COX for release friday, Sept. 5, 2008 New CD's Cox News Service Artist: CSS CD title: "Donkey" Grade: B The mostly female Brazilian group CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy -- Portuguese for "Tired of Being So Sexy") aims to bring the party. Using everything in their funky dance arsenal, CSS parades new wave, electronica, rocking synth chords and pounding bouncy beats. I can't argue that the lyrics throughout much of the record are weak -- it's blatantly true throughout. On "Jager Yoga" -- the first song out of the gate -- lead singer Lovefoxxx sings, "Oh my god it's so hot, Oh my god it's so gold, Oh my god I'm so messed up, I don't know which way to go." It's pretty bad songwriting, really. ? Still,?"Donkey" manages to hold it's own with an infectious sound and self-assured delivery. This is stupid, infectious techno infused rock 'n' roll fun to help close out the end of summer. The fact that I've found myself going back to it for repeat listens is one of the best measures of success that comes to mind, silly lyrics or not. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: Brazilian Girls CD title: "New York City" Grade: C If there's one city in the U.S. that a random sampling of folks would name as fast paced, New York City would probably come up more often than not. So it's not surprising that an already fast- paced band would pick up the pace a bit more for an album named after the city that never sleeps. But when you visit New York you at least have a map to help you navigate. The Brazilian Girls ode to NYC has nothing to help the listener orient themselves and unlike previous albums, their third foray can lose you quickly. Eclectic doesn't begin to describe it. Boasting many different languages and countless influences and sounds, this is a broken jarring mixture that tires quickly leaving you longing for an intermission. With two tremendous previous releases under the band's belt, "New York City" makes for a rather disappointing trip. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: The Hold Steady CD title: "Stay Positive" Grade: C+ The kids who are listening to the Hold Steady are probably too young to remember that back in the late 1970s and early '80s, a spate of Bruce Springsteen-influenced groups spun off from his sudden popularization of the Jersey sound: bar-band energy, retro-rock hooks, long-form lyrical storytelling, gruff vocals and lots of keyboard marked everybody from Bon Jovi to Southside Johnny and the Jukes. Oh yeah, and at least one mention per album of a making out under a boardwalk. The Hold Steady, from Brooklyn, are working the very same turf long after even Bruce himself has moved onto different sorts of stuff, and they're doing it without even a trace of the irony one expects from guys this young who play it straight-faced with classic-rock forms these days. "Stay Positive," the band's fourth album since starting up in 2004, has the whole shtick down pat, from the songs about aging mill towns to the organ riffing a la Danny Federici, circa 1978. The gruff voice comes from singer Craig Finn, who unabashedly credits his influences; good for him. Despite the honesty, though, what is the difference between sincere homage and shameless rip-off? Dunno about you, but I don't think the aforementioned lack of irony helps. -- RON ROLLINS, Dayton Daily News 
CSS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080904.0104.LDC2009T13::2	 NEW-CDS-0905-COX for release friday, Sept. 5, 2008 New CD's Cox News Service Artist: CSS CD title: "Donkey" Grade: B The mostly female Brazilian group CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy -- Portuguese for "Tired of Being So Sexy") aims to bring the party. Using everything in their funky dance arsenal, CSS parades new wave, electronica, rocking synth chords and pounding bouncy beats. I can't argue that the lyrics throughout much of the record are weak -- it's blatantly true throughout. On "Jager Yoga" -- the first song out of the gate -- lead singer Lovefoxxx sings, "Oh my god it's so hot, Oh my god it's so gold, Oh my god I'm so messed up, I don't know which way to go." It's pretty bad songwriting, really. ? Still,?"Donkey" manages to hold it's own with an infectious sound and self-assured delivery. This is stupid, infectious techno infused rock 'n' roll fun to help close out the end of summer. The fact that I've found myself going back to it for repeat listens is one of the best measures of success that comes to mind, silly lyrics or not. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: Brazilian Girls CD title: "New York City" Grade: C If there's one city in the U.S. that a random sampling of folks would name as fast paced, New York City would probably come up more often than not. So it's not surprising that an already fast- paced band would pick up the pace a bit more for an album named after the city that never sleeps. But when you visit New York you at least have a map to help you navigate. The Brazilian Girls ode to NYC has nothing to help the listener orient themselves and unlike previous albums, their third foray can lose you quickly. Eclectic doesn't begin to describe it. Boasting many different languages and countless influences and sounds, this is a broken jarring mixture that tires quickly leaving you longing for an intermission. With two tremendous previous releases under the band's belt, "New York City" makes for a rather disappointing trip. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: The Hold Steady CD title: "Stay Positive" Grade: C+ The kids who are listening to the Hold Steady are probably too young to remember that back in the late 1970s and early '80s, a spate of Bruce Springsteen-influenced groups spun off from his sudden popularization of the Jersey sound: bar-band energy, retro-rock hooks, long-form lyrical storytelling, gruff vocals and lots of keyboard marked everybody from Bon Jovi to Southside Johnny and the Jukes. Oh yeah, and at least one mention per album of a making out under a boardwalk. The Hold Steady, from Brooklyn, are working the very same turf long after even Bruce himself has moved onto different sorts of stuff, and they're doing it without even a trace of the irony one expects from guys this young who play it straight-faced with classic-rock forms these days. "Stay Positive," the band's fourth album since starting up in 2004, has the whole shtick down pat, from the songs about aging mill towns to the organ riffing a la Danny Federici, circa 1978. The gruff voice comes from singer Craig Finn, who unabashedly credits his influences; good for him. Despite the honesty, though, what is the difference between sincere homage and shameless rip-off? Dunno about you, but I don't think the aforementioned lack of irony helps. -- RON ROLLINS, Dayton Daily News 
CSS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080904.0104.LDC2009T13::3	 NEW-CDS-0905-COX for release friday, Sept. 5, 2008 New CD's Cox News Service Artist: CSS CD title: "Donkey" Grade: B The mostly female Brazilian group CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy -- Portuguese for "Tired of Being So Sexy") aims to bring the party. Using everything in their funky dance arsenal, CSS parades new wave, electronica, rocking synth chords and pounding bouncy beats. I can't argue that the lyrics throughout much of the record are weak -- it's blatantly true throughout. On "Jager Yoga" -- the first song out of the gate -- lead singer Lovefoxxx sings, "Oh my god it's so hot, Oh my god it's so gold, Oh my god I'm so messed up, I don't know which way to go." It's pretty bad songwriting, really. ? Still,?"Donkey" manages to hold it's own with an infectious sound and self-assured delivery. This is stupid, infectious techno infused rock 'n' roll fun to help close out the end of summer. The fact that I've found myself going back to it for repeat listens is one of the best measures of success that comes to mind, silly lyrics or not. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: Brazilian Girls CD title: "New York City" Grade: C If there's one city in the U.S. that a random sampling of folks would name as fast paced, New York City would probably come up more often than not. So it's not surprising that an already fast- paced band would pick up the pace a bit more for an album named after the city that never sleeps. But when you visit New York you at least have a map to help you navigate. The Brazilian Girls ode to NYC has nothing to help the listener orient themselves and unlike previous albums, their third foray can lose you quickly. Eclectic doesn't begin to describe it. Boasting many different languages and countless influences and sounds, this is a broken jarring mixture that tires quickly leaving you longing for an intermission. With two tremendous previous releases under the band's belt, "New York City" makes for a rather disappointing trip. -- ALEXIS LARSEN, Dayton Daily News Artist: The Hold Steady CD title: "Stay Positive" Grade: C+ The kids who are listening to the Hold Steady are probably too young to remember that back in the late 1970s and early '80s, a spate of Bruce Springsteen-influenced groups spun off from his sudden popularization of the Jersey sound: bar-band energy, retro-rock hooks, long-form lyrical storytelling, gruff vocals and lots of keyboard marked everybody from Bon Jovi to Southside Johnny and the Jukes. Oh yeah, and at least one mention per album of a making out under a boardwalk. The Hold Steady, from Brooklyn, are working the very same turf long after even Bruce himself has moved onto different sorts of stuff, and they're doing it without even a trace of the irony one expects from guys this young who play it straight-faced with classic-rock forms these days. "Stay Positive," the band's fourth album since starting up in 2004, has the whole shtick down pat, from the songs about aging mill towns to the organ riffing a la Danny Federici, circa 1978. The gruff voice comes from singer Craig Finn, who unabashedly credits his influences; good for him. Despite the honesty, though, what is the difference between sincere homage and shameless rip-off? Dunno about you, but I don't think the aforementioned lack of irony helps. -- RON ROLLINS, Dayton Daily News 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::1	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::2	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::3	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::4	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::5	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::6	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::7	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::8	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::9	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::10	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::11	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::12	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::13	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::14	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::15	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::16	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::17	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::18	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::19	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::20	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::21	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::22	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::23	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::24	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::25	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::26	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070821.0708.LDC2009T13::27	 Texas shop goes back to the future to revive DeLorean cars HUMBLE, Texas 2007-08-21 13:55:40 UTC In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank. A quarter century after DeLorean Motor Co. began making its glitzy, $25,000 (euro18,507) two-seater -- an operation that collapsed after two years -- Wynne's small automotive outfit plans to bring the vehicle back into limited production at a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 sq. meter) factory in this Houston suburb. The creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC eventually made fewer than 9,000 cars, distinctive for their gull-wing doors, stainless-steel exterior and rear-engine design. An estimated 6,500 remain on the road. Despite DMC's flop, the car has persevered, gaining notoriety largely as the time machine Fox drove in the blockbuster 1985 movie, "Back to the Future," and its two sequels. The trilogy's enduring popularity on cable TV has exposed countless viewers -- and potential customers -- to a souped-up version of the DeLorean. "There isn't a day somewhere in the world that 'Back to the Future' isn't playing as a rerun," said Wynne, president of the new, privately held DeLorean Motor Co. Wynne formed the company in 1995, when the bulk of his business was working on original DeLoreans at a Houston garage. Still, he needed a name, and because there was nothing legally preventing him from using the original, he decided to give it a shot. He even called John DeLorean, who wished him luck. A dozen years later, Wynne hopes to parlay the car's celebrity -- along with the world's biggest stash of DeLorean parts and engines -- into a niche production business that begins hand- making two DeLoreans a month sometime next year. They've just started taking orders. Already, the Humble operation will take an existing DeLorean, strip it to the frame and rebuild it for a base price of $42,500 (euro31,463). Wynne's staff can rebuild one every couple of months. The company also handles routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tuneups, and ships between 20 and 50 parts orders a day to mechanics and individual owners worldwide. But because the original models are roughly 25 years old, finding suitable candidates to refurbish has become increasingly difficult. So Wynne figured: Why not use the thousands of parts and hundreds of engines sitting in his massive warehouse and build the cars from scratch? "Everything seems to evolve around here, and that seemed to be the next logical step," said Wynne, a Briton who began working on DeLoreans in the 1980s in Los Angeles, becoming expert in their mechanics and equipment. He eventually expanded to suburban Houston and opted to make his base here, in part because of the lower cost of living. Like other DeLorean mechanics at the time, Wynne bought replacement parts from an Ohio company, Kapac Co., which had acquired the original inventory when DeLorean failed. In 1997, when Kapac wanted out of the parts business, Wynne bought the supply for himself, though he declined to say how much he paid. A decade later, he's decided to take the company to the next level: Niche automaker. The handmade cars will feature about 80 percent original parts. The other 20 percent will be new, supplier-made parts from companies such Valeo SA and the Bosch Group, said DeLorean vice president James Espey. The one limiting factor is the doors. The company has enough for about 500 cars, though it's important to keep some in stock for repairs and such. Beyond that, Espey said, the company is studying its options. Enhancements to the new cars will include an improved stainless- steel frame, a stronger but lighter fiberglass underbody and electronics upgraded from the disastrous systems in the early DeLoreans. A peppier engine -- the original cars' 135 horsepower was a downer for performance enthusiasts -- will be available as an option. "After working on these cars practically every day for 25 years, we've identified most of the issues and replaced them," Wynne said. "If there's a better part available, we'll use it. If there's a better way to install it, we'll do it." The base price of a new DeLorean is expected to be $57,500 (euro42,567) -- roughly the same price a 1981 DeLorean would have cost in today's dollars. The company will sell the cars from its shop in Humble and affiliate shops in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Orange County, California. DMC also has a shop in the Netherlands for European owners. "It's taken years to get the wheels moving, and they're moving slowly, but we've got motion," Wynne said. Ken Baker likes the company's direction -- so much so that the Bentley and Rolls Royce sales executive in Fort Lauderdale drives his own original DeLorean and heads that region's DeLorean owners group. A car guy to the core, Baker says he became enamored with John DeLorean in high school after reading DeLorean's book, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors," the author's critical look inside his former employer. DeLorean was the antithesis of the buttoned-down auto executive of his day, sporting designer suits, dating models and moving in celebrity circles. While at GM in the 1960s, he created what some consider the first "muscle car," putting a V-8 engine into a Pontiac Tempest and calling it the GTO. When DeLorean began making his own car in Northern Ireland in 1981, Baker says he fell in love with it. Of course, as a teenager, he wasn't able to shell out $25,000 (euro18,507). Now, at 41, Baker is a proud DeLorean owner. "You have to understand it's a car that never got to its full development because it was gone before it really hit its prime," Baker said. "And you have to realize it's 25 years old. But understanding that, it's fun to drive and very comfortable." Unfortunately, DeLorean simply couldn't sell enough of the cars to sustain the business. The company folded in 1983, a year after DeLorean was busted in a drug trafficking sting and accused of conspiring to sell $24 million (euro18 million) worth of cocaine to salvage the venture. He used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, but legal entanglements plagued him for years to come. He died in 2005 at age 80. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said he's interested to see if the Humble effort fares better than the Irish debacle. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." ------ On the Net: 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::1	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::2	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::3	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::4	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::5	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::6	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::7	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::8	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::9	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::10	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::11	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::12	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::13	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::14	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::15	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::16	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::17	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::18	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::19	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070804.0027.LDC2009T13::20	 Keepers of DeLorean's Flame GARDEN GROVE, Calif. Danny Botkin's love affair with the DeLorean got off to an unpromising start. It was the early '80s and a teen-aged Botkin was tagging along while his father shopped for a new car. A Ford dealer had a rear- engined, gull-winged DeLorean on display, and the flash of stainless steel automotive skin caught Danny's eye. ``I was smitten,'' Botkin, now 40, recalls. ``I said `Hey Dad, let's get this.' ''He got a Bronco instead.`` Botkin eventually got his wish. He drives a restored DeLorean modeled after the one that served as a time machine in the 1980s blockbuster ''Back to the Future.`` He also manages a repair and refurbishing shop in Garden Grove that's affiliated with DeLorean Motor Co. (Texas), a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans and is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the company's assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor. Enthusiasts gather at clubs from Cleveland to Norway. ''People of all ages are interested in this car,`` Espey says. ''Kids who can't tell you what a Camaro is come through here on tours because they've seen `Back to the Future.' `` From the start, the DeLorean seemed destined for cult status. Its gull-wing doors and rakish lines stood out in an auto market that was still living down the AMC Pacer. And the stainless steel exterior looked like it belonged on a jet fighter. Then there was the man himself. John DeLorean had been a rising star at General Motors Corp. in the 1960s -- he's credited with conceiving the GTO and the Firebird -- when he decided to chuck it all and start his own car company. (He'd already shed the button-downed GM lifestyle, opting for flashy clothes, styled hair and celebutante girlfriends.) Despite his attention-grabbing persona and product, DeLorean couldn't sell enough of his eponymous $25,000 cars to stay afloat. By 1982, his company was in receivership. He hit rock bottom that year when he was busted for cocaine trafficking. He was acquitted, but the ordeal effectively ended his business career. He died in March 2005. DeLorean's car would live on, however, thanks primarily to its time-traveling adventures in ''Back to the Future,`` the top- grossing film of 1985. Ditching their original idea of using an old refrigerator as a time machine, the scriptwriters opted for a modified DeLorean because of its futuristic look, particularly the gull-wing doors, according to co-writer Bob Gale. The movie made Michael J. Fox a star -- and launched the DeLorean pop cult. ''John DeLorean wrote us a fan letter after the movie came out: `Thank you for keeping my dream alive,' `` recalls Gale. ''Probably half of the people who own DeLoreans today own them because they saw `Back to the Future.' `` The enduring appeal of the car keeps Espey's Texas shop and its affiliates busy. Espey's company acquired the parts and engines that were left over after DeLorean went belly up; it also owns the trademarks and many of the engineering drawings. His 20-person operation handles a dozen or so rebuilds a year, and has an eight-month waiting list. (Buying and restoring a used DeLorean will cost you around $25,000; they'll strip one to the frame and completely rebuild it for a base price of $42,500.) At DeLorean Motor Co. (California) in Garden Grove, there are 15 cars in for service or refurbishing at any given time, Botkin says. With 200 of the original 2.8 liter V-6 engines still in stock and facing a dwindling supply of cars suitable for restoration, Espey figures that within a year or so they'll start building the cars from scratch. Their manufacturing plans are modest -- maybe 20 or so cars a year. But it would be quite a comeback for a car that was given up for dead more than a quarter of a century ago. And based on the reaction Botkin receives when he takes his DeLorean out for a spin, there's a market out there. ''I can't park it without attracting a pile of people,`` he says. ''It's a smile maker.`` 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::1	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::2	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::3	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::4	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::5	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::6	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::7	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::8	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::9	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::10	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::11	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::12	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::13	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::14	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
DeLorean::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070820.0154.LDC2009T13::15	 The DeLorean is back. Twenty-five years after the stainless steel carmaker went belly up, the vehicle that starred in all three "Back to the Future" movies will get a new lease on life, according to executives of the new DeLorean company, formed in 1995. James Espey , vice president of DeLorean Motor Co., said the company will begin building new DeLoreans next year. The cars will sell for $57,500 and retain the squared-off looks and gull- wing doors that made them unique. Instead of mass producing the cars, DeLorean will assemble them by hand in Humble, Texas. Espey said the company will build one or two cars a month. "Job 1 will begin in the third quarter of next year," said Espey of a possible start time. Standing with several DeLorean owners along Woodward Avenue during Saturday's Dream Cruise, Espey described the cottage business that emerged from the wreckage of the bankrupt original DeLorean company. "When DeLorean closed in 1982, there were thousands of parts left untouched," he said. "Everything was shipped to a warehouse in Texas. We took those parts and have been helping people restore and repair their DeLoreans for the past 12 years." Dave Swingle, president of the company's Midwest office, said his 4,000-square-foot shop in Chicago remains busy strictly with DeLorean work. "There's currently about a one-month wait at the shop to get work done on a car," Swingle said. Espey said the idea to build new cars came because of the continued success of restoring the vehicles, which have grown in popularity. Out of the 9,000 DeLoreans originally sold, about 6,500 remain on the road. Even as the supply of spare parts diminished, the demand remained, Espey said. So the company decided to start producing new parts, which led to the decision to combine the old parts with the new. Roughly 80 percent of the new cars will be made from parts produced in the early 1980s. However, the company will update the interior, provide stronger engines and address any shortcomings in the original vehicles. The cars will be sold at five U.S. locations and one in Europe. Kevin Smith, editorial director for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, told the Associated Press he's interested to see if the effort fares better than the first attempt. He said quality control is often an issue with limited production, "but I'm always optimistic for people who want to make new and interesting cars." The newest version of the DeLorean will certainly be interesting and exclusive, Smith said, "and for some people with means, that's enough." Originally the creation of renowned automotive engineer John DeLorean, DMC folded in 1983. DeLorean was arrested the year before in a drug-trafficking sting. He was accused of conspiring to sell $24 million worth of cocaine to salvage his company. Although DeLorean used an entrapment defense to win acquittal, legal entanglements plagued him for years . He died in 2005 at age 80. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081219.0620.LDC2009T13::1	 New Zealand turning possum pest into luxury business The Australian brushtailed possum is an ecological disaster in New Zealand but these days it can be found in Washington and Hollywood as well. Millions of dollars are spent every year trying to control the millions of cute but destructive possums found throughout the country, and the rapid growth of a commercial industry to exploit its fur is making a difference. Former US president Bill Clinton, and his wife Hillary -- the incoming Secretary of State -- are among those who own clothing made from possum fur blended with merino wool. Peri Drysdale is the founder of New Zealand fashion label Untouched World, which has an emphasis on environmentally sustainable products and has won fans in the Clintons and Hollywood luminaries including "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman and Sharon Stone. Drysdale is one of the pioneers of blending possum fur with merino, knitting her first garment from the blend in 1992 and first selling it commercially in 1996. "The thing we really like about it is it creates a light, luxurious, beautifully soft garment and unusually for a very fine textile it has very good long wearing qualities," Drysdale told AFP. Possum fibres are hollow and fine, providing great warmth despite their light weight and they don't tangle and create fibre balls like wool. "We're passionate about it because it's such a good product," she said. The product is unique and Drysdale's Snowy Peak and Untouched World companies are among a rising number of New Zealand firms making products under names such as merinomink, eco-possum, possumdown, eco fur and possum wool. Sales of merino-and-possum-blend knitwear and accessories such as socks, scarves and gloves have grown rapidly and account for about 95 percent of all commercially caught possum fur. The rest in the form of possum pelts is used for fur trims, jackets, bed throws, possum leather gloves and even novelty items such as fur nipple warmers and g-strings. Demand has risen sharply worldwide in recent years despite the campaign by animal rights groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) against wearing fur. Industry figures say most criticism over possum dissipates when critics become aware of the facts about the environmental damage done by possums in New Zealand. Brushtailed possums were first introduced to New Zealand in 1837 from their native Australia in hopes of starting a fur industry, and their numbers have exploded in the absence of predators. "They destroy the trees, they eat birds, they eat eggs and they compete directly with many native species for resources," says Department of Conservation senior advisor Herb Christophers. Numbers of many native New Zealand birds including the iconic flightless kiwi are falling fast and they could be doomed to extinction in the wild unless possums and other pests including rats and stoats are brought under control. Possums also spread bovine tuberculosis, threatening New Zealand's beef, dairy and venison exports. Animal health and conservation authorities spend many millions of dollars each year on trapping and poisoning campaigns to try to control the pest. Controversially this includes dropping the sodium fluoroacetate poison, known as 1080, from the air over large tracts of forest, with deer and a small numbers of birds also falling victim to poisoning. Many in the commercial possum industry want the poisoning to be reduced or stopped and for government authorities to work more closely with the commercial industry. "The issue is whether the commercial industry can play a major role in meeting the animal health and biodiversity goals, and if it can then we should be giving it all the support we can give," says Steve Boot, owner of Basically Bush. Basically Bush is a trading company responsible for buying more than half the possum fur caught by hunters for commercial use in New Zealand. Boot estimates that around 1.8 million possums have been harvested in the wild by the commercial industry over the last year. "If we could grow it to three million possums harvested and keep that up for five to 10 years, it would be very difficult to find animals in some areas," he said. But the Department of Conservation's Christophers says commercial harvesting can never replace the trapping and poisoning possum control programme run by the government. "Some people think it's a substitute for possum management, it's certainly a good supplement but it's not a substitute," he said. "Show me the people who are going to go out there and do all this work. It's hard work and it's not everybody's cup of tea. "If we stop using 1080 we will lose species, it's as simple as that." But he says conservation authorities are happy to work with the fur industry and don't want any conflict. Boot says most in the possum business would be happy if their hunting was so successsful that it killed off their industry. "By and large the industry feels that if it ever got to the point in 15 to 20 years time that there weren't enough possums left to support it then we should all be able to hold our heads up and say well done." 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081219.0620.LDC2009T13::2	 New Zealand turning possum pest into luxury business The Australian brushtailed possum is an ecological disaster in New Zealand but these days it can be found in Washington and Hollywood as well. Millions of dollars are spent every year trying to control the millions of cute but destructive possums found throughout the country, and the rapid growth of a commercial industry to exploit its fur is making a difference. Former US president Bill Clinton, and his wife Hillary -- the incoming Secretary of State -- are among those who own clothing made from possum fur blended with merino wool. Peri Drysdale is the founder of New Zealand fashion label Untouched World, which has an emphasis on environmentally sustainable products and has won fans in the Clintons and Hollywood luminaries including "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman and Sharon Stone. Drysdale is one of the pioneers of blending possum fur with merino, knitting her first garment from the blend in 1992 and first selling it commercially in 1996. "The thing we really like about it is it creates a light, luxurious, beautifully soft garment and unusually for a very fine textile it has very good long wearing qualities," Drysdale told AFP. Possum fibres are hollow and fine, providing great warmth despite their light weight and they don't tangle and create fibre balls like wool. "We're passionate about it because it's such a good product," she said. The product is unique and Drysdale's Snowy Peak and Untouched World companies are among a rising number of New Zealand firms making products under names such as merinomink, eco-possum, possumdown, eco fur and possum wool. Sales of merino-and-possum-blend knitwear and accessories such as socks, scarves and gloves have grown rapidly and account for about 95 percent of all commercially caught possum fur. The rest in the form of possum pelts is used for fur trims, jackets, bed throws, possum leather gloves and even novelty items such as fur nipple warmers and g-strings. Demand has risen sharply worldwide in recent years despite the campaign by animal rights groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) against wearing fur. Industry figures say most criticism over possum dissipates when critics become aware of the facts about the environmental damage done by possums in New Zealand. Brushtailed possums were first introduced to New Zealand in 1837 from their native Australia in hopes of starting a fur industry, and their numbers have exploded in the absence of predators. "They destroy the trees, they eat birds, they eat eggs and they compete directly with many native species for resources," says Department of Conservation senior advisor Herb Christophers. Numbers of many native New Zealand birds including the iconic flightless kiwi are falling fast and they could be doomed to extinction in the wild unless possums and other pests including rats and stoats are brought under control. Possums also spread bovine tuberculosis, threatening New Zealand's beef, dairy and venison exports. Animal health and conservation authorities spend many millions of dollars each year on trapping and poisoning campaigns to try to control the pest. Controversially this includes dropping the sodium fluoroacetate poison, known as 1080, from the air over large tracts of forest, with deer and a small numbers of birds also falling victim to poisoning. Many in the commercial possum industry want the poisoning to be reduced or stopped and for government authorities to work more closely with the commercial industry. "The issue is whether the commercial industry can play a major role in meeting the animal health and biodiversity goals, and if it can then we should be giving it all the support we can give," says Steve Boot, owner of Basically Bush. Basically Bush is a trading company responsible for buying more than half the possum fur caught by hunters for commercial use in New Zealand. Boot estimates that around 1.8 million possums have been harvested in the wild by the commercial industry over the last year. "If we could grow it to three million possums harvested and keep that up for five to 10 years, it would be very difficult to find animals in some areas," he said. But the Department of Conservation's Christophers says commercial harvesting can never replace the trapping and poisoning possum control programme run by the government. "Some people think it's a substitute for possum management, it's certainly a good supplement but it's not a substitute," he said. "Show me the people who are going to go out there and do all this work. It's hard work and it's not everybody's cup of tea. "If we stop using 1080 we will lose species, it's as simple as that." But he says conservation authorities are happy to work with the fur industry and don't want any conflict. Boot says most in the possum business would be happy if their hunting was so successsful that it killed off their industry. "By and large the industry feels that if it ever got to the point in 15 to 20 years time that there weren't enough possums left to support it then we should all be able to hold our heads up and say well done." 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20071229.0031.LDC2009T13::1	 Conservation Efforts Are on an Up Cycle LOS ANGELES Diane Schoolsky is a recycling pro. She opens up the hatchback trunk of her silver Prius in a supermarket parking lot and quickly sets about relieving it of 11 paper bags and two white garbage bags that overflow onto her back seat. The pickings represent 12 days worth of recyclables, for which she earned about $22. Schoolsky, 60, has done this for decades. "It's a good way to recoup money you're already shelling out," she said. Environmental experts say more Californians are thinking like Schoolsky and getting into the game, helping break the state's record recycling levels this year. Californians recycled more than 6.9 billion beverage containers in the first half of 2007, up nearly 800 million from the same period a year ago, the state's largest recycling-rate increase in the past 15 years, according to a recent study released by the state's Department of Conservation. And officials think they know why. In January, the state increased the California Refund Value to a nickel for small beverage containers and a dime for large ones. The respective one- and two-cent hikes, they believe, might have changed many perceptions. "If you see four pennies on the ground and you're walking on the street, are you going to bother to pick them up?" asked Mark Murray, executive director for Californians Against Waste, an organization that focuses on recycling. "Whereas you see a nickel or dime on the ground, you're likely to pick that up. The same thing goes to just seeing that value in a can and thinking, `I'm tossing a nickel in the trash.' " Officials can't know for sure why recycling has increased -- no one asks why people recycle or when they started -- but a view from the ground lends credibility to the notion that nickel-and- diming consumers has worked. Seven in 10 deposit containers are now redeemed, according to the study. Maria Rivera has felt the weight of the change in her arms. She bustled about at a recycling center on a recent weekday, lifting blue bins and sorting and crushing water bottles and soda cans. Neon-orange plugs in her ears muted the crashing, crunching and banging that surrounded her. She brusquely pointed to a wad of receipts recording each day's gross weight (more than 2 tons) and daily payouts (upward of $1,000) during the past month. Rivera sees more of everything these days: more plastic, more glass, more aluminum, more people and more money. Meridith Lanning, 35, a self-employed Hollywood resident, said she wouldn't be recycling if a friend of hers hadn't mentioned making $7 from a month's worth of recycling. That was three months ago. She's been collecting her refunds ever since. "I've already paid the money; I might as well get it back," she said. Lanning always had recycled in her curbside blue bin, which allowed scavengers to redeem her bottles and cans, but she never thought of doing it herself. "If you buy a six-pack of something, that's 60 cents," she said. "It's real money ... and we could all use extra cash. The economy hasn't been kind to all of us." The 6 percentage point increase to 71 percent in the beverage container recycling rate comes after state officials worried that Californians were buying more plastic bottles, especially water bottles, and recycling fewer. In 2003, state officials turned to a media-heavy campaign and, in the past four years, have raised the refund value twice. (Begin optional trim) Recycling experts believe that the most recent raise seemed to show that the difference between four cents and a nickel was apparently more than a cent. "The signal that recycling is worth a nickel, that recycling is worth a dime, conveys a sense of value," Murray said. "It suggests to the public, recycling is not just about a couple pennies, and as symbolic and simplistic as it sounds, I do think it makes a difference to the public in making them feel they're doing something important." (End optional trim) In Wolfgang Braendle's case, the state is preaching to the choir. At first glance, Braendle looks like he works at the recycling center, from the dirty white cap atop his head to his grime- streaked white sneakers. Piled around him were seven 45-gallon trash bags, from which he sorted wine bottles and soda cans, spinning them onto the conveyor belt with a dexterity his fellow recyclers have dubbed a "magic touch." A retired software company executive with three master's degrees, Braendle moved to the United States from Germany seven years ago. He said many Americans seem to attach a social stigma to those who go around with bags full of bottles and cans. Braendle, 59, said Germany got over that prejudice 20 years ago. American recyclers, he said, could use etiquette training. "They're very aggressive here: `Oh, you have a lot (of bags), I want to go in front of you.' But when you go in the bank and want to pick up $10, and someone wants to pick up $1 million, you don't say, `I want to go in front of you.' You say, `Oh, he's a rich guy.' And that's the difference." Braendle has been a recycling devotee for the past 2 1/2 years, spending about four to eight hours most days gathering and turning in bottles and cans from neighbors and friends who often do not have the time or are not willing to parse the contents of their curbside bins. On a good day, he makes as much as $150, he said. Recently, his seven bags cashed out at $78. The redemption program generates $200 billion to $300 billion in unclaimed refund value that is used to pay for recycling-related education and grants and subsidies to local governments and conservation groups. An increase in overall recycling has played out in communities across the state, officials say. The city of Los Angeles estimates that it collected 230,000 tons of recyclables, including bottles, cans, cardboard, newspaper and wire hangers, from about 750,000 households this year, up about 10,000 tons from last year, said Neil Guglielmo, a manager of the citywide recycling division within the Bureau of Sanitation. "When you consider all the plastics we're collecting, and polystyrene foam, it doesn't weigh much," he said. "So you need to have a really sizable increase in the amount of materials to have a change in tons." (Begin optional trim) State officials hope Californians eventually recycle at least eight out of every 10 deposit beverage containers they buy. "It's such a hard number to get when the number of containers (used) just keeps increasing every year," said Bridgett Luther, director of the Department of Conservation. "If I was working on the numbers from even 10 years ago, I would have made it. I'd be at 100 percent. ... Sometimes it feels a bit like you're chasing your tail." Luther said people such as Schoolsky, who has persuaded her neighbors to leave their recyclables by her car or her condo, help the state battle the rising number of containers used. (End optional trim) Schoolsky said her younger sister, who lives nearby, urged the five women in her Mahjong group three years ago to start pooling the refunds from their recyclables. The money pays for much of their annual getaways. "You've already spent the money," Schoolsky said. "Why not?" 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20071229.0031.LDC2009T13::2	 Conservation Efforts Are on an Up Cycle LOS ANGELES Diane Schoolsky is a recycling pro. She opens up the hatchback trunk of her silver Prius in a supermarket parking lot and quickly sets about relieving it of 11 paper bags and two white garbage bags that overflow onto her back seat. The pickings represent 12 days worth of recyclables, for which she earned about $22. Schoolsky, 60, has done this for decades. "It's a good way to recoup money you're already shelling out," she said. Environmental experts say more Californians are thinking like Schoolsky and getting into the game, helping break the state's record recycling levels this year. Californians recycled more than 6.9 billion beverage containers in the first half of 2007, up nearly 800 million from the same period a year ago, the state's largest recycling-rate increase in the past 15 years, according to a recent study released by the state's Department of Conservation. And officials think they know why. In January, the state increased the California Refund Value to a nickel for small beverage containers and a dime for large ones. The respective one- and two-cent hikes, they believe, might have changed many perceptions. "If you see four pennies on the ground and you're walking on the street, are you going to bother to pick them up?" asked Mark Murray, executive director for Californians Against Waste, an organization that focuses on recycling. "Whereas you see a nickel or dime on the ground, you're likely to pick that up. The same thing goes to just seeing that value in a can and thinking, `I'm tossing a nickel in the trash.' " Officials can't know for sure why recycling has increased -- no one asks why people recycle or when they started -- but a view from the ground lends credibility to the notion that nickel-and- diming consumers has worked. Seven in 10 deposit containers are now redeemed, according to the study. Maria Rivera has felt the weight of the change in her arms. She bustled about at a recycling center on a recent weekday, lifting blue bins and sorting and crushing water bottles and soda cans. Neon-orange plugs in her ears muted the crashing, crunching and banging that surrounded her. She brusquely pointed to a wad of receipts recording each day's gross weight (more than 2 tons) and daily payouts (upward of $1,000) during the past month. Rivera sees more of everything these days: more plastic, more glass, more aluminum, more people and more money. Meridith Lanning, 35, a self-employed Hollywood resident, said she wouldn't be recycling if a friend of hers hadn't mentioned making $7 from a month's worth of recycling. That was three months ago. She's been collecting her refunds ever since. "I've already paid the money; I might as well get it back," she said. Lanning always had recycled in her curbside blue bin, which allowed scavengers to redeem her bottles and cans, but she never thought of doing it herself. "If you buy a six-pack of something, that's 60 cents," she said. "It's real money ... and we could all use extra cash. The economy hasn't been kind to all of us." The 6 percentage point increase to 71 percent in the beverage container recycling rate comes after state officials worried that Californians were buying more plastic bottles, especially water bottles, and recycling fewer. In 2003, state officials turned to a media-heavy campaign and, in the past four years, have raised the refund value twice. (Begin optional trim) Recycling experts believe that the most recent raise seemed to show that the difference between four cents and a nickel was apparently more than a cent. "The signal that recycling is worth a nickel, that recycling is worth a dime, conveys a sense of value," Murray said. "It suggests to the public, recycling is not just about a couple pennies, and as symbolic and simplistic as it sounds, I do think it makes a difference to the public in making them feel they're doing something important." (End optional trim) In Wolfgang Braendle's case, the state is preaching to the choir. At first glance, Braendle looks like he works at the recycling center, from the dirty white cap atop his head to his grime- streaked white sneakers. Piled around him were seven 45-gallon trash bags, from which he sorted wine bottles and soda cans, spinning them onto the conveyor belt with a dexterity his fellow recyclers have dubbed a "magic touch." A retired software company executive with three master's degrees, Braendle moved to the United States from Germany seven years ago. He said many Americans seem to attach a social stigma to those who go around with bags full of bottles and cans. Braendle, 59, said Germany got over that prejudice 20 years ago. American recyclers, he said, could use etiquette training. "They're very aggressive here: `Oh, you have a lot (of bags), I want to go in front of you.' But when you go in the bank and want to pick up $10, and someone wants to pick up $1 million, you don't say, `I want to go in front of you.' You say, `Oh, he's a rich guy.' And that's the difference." Braendle has been a recycling devotee for the past 2 1/2 years, spending about four to eight hours most days gathering and turning in bottles and cans from neighbors and friends who often do not have the time or are not willing to parse the contents of their curbside bins. On a good day, he makes as much as $150, he said. Recently, his seven bags cashed out at $78. The redemption program generates $200 billion to $300 billion in unclaimed refund value that is used to pay for recycling-related education and grants and subsidies to local governments and conservation groups. An increase in overall recycling has played out in communities across the state, officials say. The city of Los Angeles estimates that it collected 230,000 tons of recyclables, including bottles, cans, cardboard, newspaper and wire hangers, from about 750,000 households this year, up about 10,000 tons from last year, said Neil Guglielmo, a manager of the citywide recycling division within the Bureau of Sanitation. "When you consider all the plastics we're collecting, and polystyrene foam, it doesn't weigh much," he said. "So you need to have a really sizable increase in the amount of materials to have a change in tons." (Begin optional trim) State officials hope Californians eventually recycle at least eight out of every 10 deposit beverage containers they buy. "It's such a hard number to get when the number of containers (used) just keeps increasing every year," said Bridgett Luther, director of the Department of Conservation. "If I was working on the numbers from even 10 years ago, I would have made it. I'd be at 100 percent. ... Sometimes it feels a bit like you're chasing your tail." Luther said people such as Schoolsky, who has persuaded her neighbors to leave their recyclables by her car or her condo, help the state battle the rising number of containers used. (End optional trim) Schoolsky said her younger sister, who lives nearby, urged the five women in her Mahjong group three years ago to start pooling the refunds from their recyclables. The money pays for much of their annual getaways. "You've already spent the money," Schoolsky said. "Why not?" 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070318.0521.LDC2009T13::1	 New Zealand volcano calm after massive mudflow Scientists said Monday further massive mudflows from New Zealand's largest volcano were not expected, one day after it spewed some one million cubic metres of debris down its sides. Scientists visited Monday the crater lake of Mt Ruapehu where a dam of volcanic ash and debris collapsed, sending a four-metre (13-foot) high wall of water, ash, rocks and trees cascading into the countryside below. No one was reported hurt and there was little damage from Sunday's deluge, known as a lahar. Government scientists reported Monday that the lake was stable after the soft dam covering the rim of the crater lake had been swept away. The unstable dam had been created by eruptions of the 2,797-metre Mt Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996 and an emergency plan had been in place for years to deal with the expected lahar. The Department of Conservation said no further lahars were expected following Monday's examination of the crater lake. DOC senior conservation officer Dave Wakelin said staff had been up to the crater and the dam of loosely compacted ash and volcanic rock had completely disappeared. "It's great news from our point of view,' he said. "Now we have a crater lake back to what it was pre-1995. It's flowing down its natural outlet, rather than building up behind the dam." The lahar had long been expected and an early warning system allowed authorities to close roads and a railway line in the path of the lahar. The lack of casualties and damage was in contrast to a similar lahar on Christmas Eve 1953, which killed 151 train passengers when a rail bridge was swept away. Sunday's lahar followed the path of the Whangaehu river, taking huge boulders and trees with it in a three to four-metre high wave. The deluge lasted about three hours and the Department of Conservation said worse damage may have been avoided because the dam collapsed in stages. 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070318.0521.LDC2009T13::2	 New Zealand volcano calm after massive mudflow Scientists said Monday further massive mudflows from New Zealand's largest volcano were not expected, one day after it spewed some one million cubic metres of debris down its sides. Scientists visited Monday the crater lake of Mt Ruapehu where a dam of volcanic ash and debris collapsed, sending a four-metre (13-foot) high wall of water, ash, rocks and trees cascading into the countryside below. No one was reported hurt and there was little damage from Sunday's deluge, known as a lahar. Government scientists reported Monday that the lake was stable after the soft dam covering the rim of the crater lake had been swept away. The unstable dam had been created by eruptions of the 2,797-metre Mt Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996 and an emergency plan had been in place for years to deal with the expected lahar. The Department of Conservation said no further lahars were expected following Monday's examination of the crater lake. DOC senior conservation officer Dave Wakelin said staff had been up to the crater and the dam of loosely compacted ash and volcanic rock had completely disappeared. "It's great news from our point of view,' he said. "Now we have a crater lake back to what it was pre-1995. It's flowing down its natural outlet, rather than building up behind the dam." The lahar had long been expected and an early warning system allowed authorities to close roads and a railway line in the path of the lahar. The lack of casualties and damage was in contrast to a similar lahar on Christmas Eve 1953, which killed 151 train passengers when a rail bridge was swept away. Sunday's lahar followed the path of the Whangaehu river, taking huge boulders and trees with it in a three to four-metre high wave. The deluge lasted about three hours and the Department of Conservation said worse damage may have been avoided because the dam collapsed in stages. 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070721.0408.LDC2009T13::1	 Old New Zealand whalers turn skills to saving dwindling humpbacks The hunters are now protectors but the instincts of the former whalers are as sharp as ever as they scan the wild waters of New Zealand's Cook Strait. Perched high on a clifftop overlooking the stretch of sea dividing New Zealand's South and North Islands, the four men -- Joe Heberley, Tommy Norton, Johnny Norton and Peter Perano -- press their eyes to their binoculars as they scour the horizon for the telltale spout of a surfacing whale. "First thing in the morning is best for spotting whales. With the sun on the water, the spouts just seem to hang in the air," says Heberley. To the east of their open-fronted tent is the entrance from the strait to Tory Channel. On the opposite headland across the channel is the hilltop whaling lookout they manned nearly half a century earlier. In those days, a cry of "Thar she blows!" would set off a mad scramble down the hill to sleek chaser boats, which would pursue the whales -- almost always humpbacks -- with harpoons and deadly handthrown explosive lances. These days there are far fewer whales despite a worldwide 20-year International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling. For the past four years the former whalers have joined New Zealand's Department of Conservation in two-week-long surveys in early winter to count humpback whales migrating northwards through New Zealand waters. By the fifth day of this year's survey, the former whalers have already seen 15 humpbacks, more than the total spotted during the 2006 fortnight. They have also spotted a rare southern right whale, a species hunted to the brink of extinction in New Zealand by the mid-19th century. Although now in their 60s and 70s, the four men have lost none of the competitiveness from five decades earlier when being the first to spot a whale would mean a hefty bonus. "The only thing that has changed is the colour of our hair," says Heberley, still buoyant after earlier spotting the right whale. Department of Conservation marine biologist Nadine Gibbs, who is in charge of the humpback survey, agrees the former whalers still have what it takes. "They've got great eyes on them even though they're in their 60s and 70s," she says. "They get to relive their youth, which is great." Then as now, a new notch is carved into the wooden chair of the first man to spot a whale. "You have to be careful -- as soon as someone sees one, someone else will try to claim it," Heberley complains in jest. In whaling days, the men would climb up to the lookout before first light during the three-month season that began in early May. Sometimes in favourable conditions, the chasers would drive up to three whales into Tory Channel to be killed near the Fishing Bay processing works, where the valuable oil would be removed, along with meat and other by-products. "If you got a flood tide and got outside them, you could drive them into the channel like sheep," Johnny Norton said. The men look back to their days with the Perano family-owned firm as the best days of their lives. "It was the most exciting job I ever had," says Norton. "We got a real buzz out of it." Part of the buzz was the danger, hunting humpbacks up to 16 metres (50 feet) long and weighing as much as 36 tonnes in Cook Strait, famous for its wild seas and winds. But there were days when no whales appeared and the young men dreamed up some unusual ways of keeping boredom at bay. One of the whalers introduced stilts to the lookout, where they would totter along the narrow ridge surrounded by plunging cliffs. Chasing and wrestling a tame wild pig named Suzie was apparently loved by pig and whalers alike during the late 1940s. Suzie enjoyed more than her share of the men's lunches and the beer they wouldn't touch while working. Several generations of Heberleys, Nortons and Peranos have been whalers, an industry which goes back to the first days of European settlement in New Zealand in the early 19th century. The Perano business was set up in 1911, several years after fisherman Joe Perano was frightened witless by two enormous humpbacks surfacing either side of his small rowing boat, nearly knocking him into the water. The Perano whalers had their best year in 1960, catching 226 humpbacks. But illegal Soviet whaling in the Antarctic and around New Zealand waters decimated numbers with an estimated 25,000 taken in just two years in the early 1960s. The Perano humpback catch fell to 55 in 1961, then to 24 and nine in the subsequent two years. At the end of 1964, New Zealand's last whaling station closed for good. Now the whalers strongly support conservation, a cause New Zealand champions in the International Whaling Commission. "It's different now, there aren't enough whales to have an industry," says Johnny Norton. Gibbs says the number of whales seen in the last few years indicates some recovery but are still only about 29 percent of the numbers recorded at the start of the 1960s. The study aims to fill big holes in knowledge about humpback numbers, an issue made more pressing by Japan's plans to catch 50 of the marine giants under its so-called scientific whaling programme. After a whale is spotted, conservation officers sail out to take photographs and collect skin samples to help build up a bank of DNA samples. Today's boat carries cameras and dart guns rather than harpoons and explosive lances. But on the cliff above, the old whalers eyes' remain clamped to their binoculars. "Nothing has changed in 50 years," says Perano. 
Department_of_Conservation::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070721.0408.LDC2009T13::2	 Old New Zealand whalers turn skills to saving dwindling humpbacks The hunters are now protectors but the instincts of the former whalers are as sharp as ever as they scan the wild waters of New Zealand's Cook Strait. Perched high on a clifftop overlooking the stretch of sea dividing New Zealand's South and North Islands, the four men -- Joe Heberley, Tommy Norton, Johnny Norton and Peter Perano -- press their eyes to their binoculars as they scour the horizon for the telltale spout of a surfacing whale. "First thing in the morning is best for spotting whales. With the sun on the water, the spouts just seem to hang in the air," says Heberley. To the east of their open-fronted tent is the entrance from the strait to Tory Channel. On the opposite headland across the channel is the hilltop whaling lookout they manned nearly half a century earlier. In those days, a cry of "Thar she blows!" would set off a mad scramble down the hill to sleek chaser boats, which would pursue the whales -- almost always humpbacks -- with harpoons and deadly handthrown explosive lances. These days there are far fewer whales despite a worldwide 20-year International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling. For the past four years the former whalers have joined New Zealand's Department of Conservation in two-week-long surveys in early winter to count humpback whales migrating northwards through New Zealand waters. By the fifth day of this year's survey, the former whalers have already seen 15 humpbacks, more than the total spotted during the 2006 fortnight. They have also spotted a rare southern right whale, a species hunted to the brink of extinction in New Zealand by the mid-19th century. Although now in their 60s and 70s, the four men have lost none of the competitiveness from five decades earlier when being the first to spot a whale would mean a hefty bonus. "The only thing that has changed is the colour of our hair," says Heberley, still buoyant after earlier spotting the right whale. Department of Conservation marine biologist Nadine Gibbs, who is in charge of the humpback survey, agrees the former whalers still have what it takes. "They've got great eyes on them even though they're in their 60s and 70s," she says. "They get to relive their youth, which is great." Then as now, a new notch is carved into the wooden chair of the first man to spot a whale. "You have to be careful -- as soon as someone sees one, someone else will try to claim it," Heberley complains in jest. In whaling days, the men would climb up to the lookout before first light during the three-month season that began in early May. Sometimes in favourable conditions, the chasers would drive up to three whales into Tory Channel to be killed near the Fishing Bay processing works, where the valuable oil would be removed, along with meat and other by-products. "If you got a flood tide and got outside them, you could drive them into the channel like sheep," Johnny Norton said. The men look back to their days with the Perano family-owned firm as the best days of their lives. "It was the most exciting job I ever had," says Norton. "We got a real buzz out of it." Part of the buzz was the danger, hunting humpbacks up to 16 metres (50 feet) long and weighing as much as 36 tonnes in Cook Strait, famous for its wild seas and winds. But there were days when no whales appeared and the young men dreamed up some unusual ways of keeping boredom at bay. One of the whalers introduced stilts to the lookout, where they would totter along the narrow ridge surrounded by plunging cliffs. Chasing and wrestling a tame wild pig named Suzie was apparently loved by pig and whalers alike during the late 1940s. Suzie enjoyed more than her share of the men's lunches and the beer they wouldn't touch while working. Several generations of Heberleys, Nortons and Peranos have been whalers, an industry which goes back to the first days of European settlement in New Zealand in the early 19th century. The Perano business was set up in 1911, several years after fisherman Joe Perano was frightened witless by two enormous humpbacks surfacing either side of his small rowing boat, nearly knocking him into the water. The Perano whalers had their best year in 1960, catching 226 humpbacks. But illegal Soviet whaling in the Antarctic and around New Zealand waters decimated numbers with an estimated 25,000 taken in just two years in the early 1960s. The Perano humpback catch fell to 55 in 1961, then to 24 and nine in the subsequent two years. At the end of 1964, New Zealand's last whaling station closed for good. Now the whalers strongly support conservation, a cause New Zealand champions in the International Whaling Commission. "It's different now, there aren't enough whales to have an industry," says Johnny Norton. Gibbs says the number of whales seen in the last few years indicates some recovery but are still only about 29 percent of the numbers recorded at the start of the 1960s. The study aims to fill big holes in knowledge about humpback numbers, an issue made more pressing by Japan's plans to catch 50 of the marine giants under its so-called scientific whaling programme. After a whale is spotted, conservation officers sail out to take photographs and collect skin samples to help build up a bank of DNA samples. Today's boat carries cameras and dart guns rather than harpoons and explosive lances. But on the cliff above, the old whalers eyes' remain clamped to their binoculars. "Nothing has changed in 50 years," says Perano. 
Detroit::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070501.0534.LDC2009T13::1	 Hundreds of thousands in US May Day immigration marches by Mira Oberman Hundreds of thousands of activists rallied across the United States on Tuesday, demanding an overhaul of immigration laws and greater rights for the country's estimated 12 million illegal workers. May Day protests were underway in several major cities -- including Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New York -- by a broad coalition of immigrant rights' campaigners. The rallies took place on the one year anniversary of massive nationwide protests which saw more than one million mostly Hispanic workers stage an unprecedented "economic boycott" by skipping work for a day. Divisions among activist groups about the best way to campaign for reform as well as fear among illegal workers following a series of immigration crackdowns led to a lower a lower turnout, activists say. But in Chicago, many protesters said they were motivated by a high-profile raid by heavily-armed FBI agents in the heart of one of the largest Mexican neighborhoods in the Midwest. Police put the size of the demonstration at around 150,000, while organizers claimed 1 million protesters marched through the heart of the city waving US flags, wearing white t-shirts and chanting "si se puede" (yes we can.) A steady stream of protesters poured into the city's downtown Grant Park, where they were greeted by the city's powerful Democratic mayor Richard Daley, who castigated federal politicians for failing to pass substantive immigration reform. "Will you please stop dividing our families," Daley told the cheering crowd. "Our nation is one of compassion and understanding and we have to understand this country was built by immigrants past, present and future." In Los Angeles, where around 500,000 protestors brought the city's business district to a halt last year, police said between eight to 10,000 people had gathered for a march to city hall. Waving US and Mexican flags, marchers called for reform to offer a route to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Many carried placards reading "Legalization Now!" and chanted "stop the deportations." Flavia Jimenez, an analyst at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest non-profit Latino rights organization in the US, said workers were wary of possible repercussions if they protested. "There is more fear this time and that is preventing our community from mobilizing like last year," Jimenez told AFP. Although smaller than 12 months ago, the Los Angeles protests forced the closure of 17 downtown streets and altered some 60 bus routes. The murder trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector has also been adjourned for the day. In Detroit, about 10,000 people, also waving Mexican and American flags, marched carrying banners reading "Legislation Now, No Guest Worker Bill" and "Amnesty for All." "We're here for my late father who was an illegal," said Rosalie Delagarza Johnstone, a Detroit-born Mexican-American who attended the rally with her 18 -year-old son, David, who skipped school to participate. "He was deported, then fought his way back here to make a better life for me and my brothers and sisters. He joined the army and could have died, would have died, to help us." On the east coast, groups rallying under the New York Immigration Coalition and National May 1st Movement for Worker and Immigrant Rights marched to demand more rights for all undocumented immigrants. Downtown Manhattan's Union Square became a sea of color, with the Stars and Stripes mingling with flags from Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Ecuador. Live bands, including one offering a reggae rendition of "Don't want Your Homeland Security" gave the event a carnival-like atmosphere. "We will be creating a family tree to symbolize the struggles of millions of immigrant families to stay together," the coalition said in a statement, calling for the government to "stop tearing families apart!" President George W. Bush last month called for an overhaul of immigration laws by the end of the year. Analysts believe reform will stall if the issue drags into 2008, as focus turns to the race for the White House. Bush's proposals include the creation of a temporary guest worker program and clearing the way for some undocumented immigrants to become US citizens, coupled with a series of tougher security measures. In Miami, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean met leaders of Latino and Haitian groups, promising to address the immigration issue. "If we have a Democratic President this is all going to be fixed," said Dean, whose party backs an immigration reform that allows immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law to apply for citizenship. 
Detroit::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070501.0534.LDC2009T13::2	 Hundreds of thousands in US May Day immigration marches by Mira Oberman Hundreds of thousands of activists rallied across the United States on Tuesday, demanding an overhaul of immigration laws and greater rights for the country's estimated 12 million illegal workers. May Day protests were underway in several major cities -- including Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New York -- by a broad coalition of immigrant rights' campaigners. The rallies took place on the one year anniversary of massive nationwide protests which saw more than one million mostly Hispanic workers stage an unprecedented "economic boycott" by skipping work for a day. Divisions among activist groups about the best way to campaign for reform as well as fear among illegal workers following a series of immigration crackdowns led to a lower a lower turnout, activists say. But in Chicago, many protesters said they were motivated by a high-profile raid by heavily-armed FBI agents in the heart of one of the largest Mexican neighborhoods in the Midwest. Police put the size of the demonstration at around 150,000, while organizers claimed 1 million protesters marched through the heart of the city waving US flags, wearing white t-shirts and chanting "si se puede" (yes we can.) A steady stream of protesters poured into the city's downtown Grant Park, where they were greeted by the city's powerful Democratic mayor Richard Daley, who castigated federal politicians for failing to pass substantive immigration reform. "Will you please stop dividing our families," Daley told the cheering crowd. "Our nation is one of compassion and understanding and we have to understand this country was built by immigrants past, present and future." In Los Angeles, where around 500,000 protestors brought the city's business district to a halt last year, police said between eight to 10,000 people had gathered for a march to city hall. Waving US and Mexican flags, marchers called for reform to offer a route to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Many carried placards reading "Legalization Now!" and chanted "stop the deportations." Flavia Jimenez, an analyst at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest non-profit Latino rights organization in the US, said workers were wary of possible repercussions if they protested. "There is more fear this time and that is preventing our community from mobilizing like last year," Jimenez told AFP. Although smaller than 12 months ago, the Los Angeles protests forced the closure of 17 downtown streets and altered some 60 bus routes. The murder trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector has also been adjourned for the day. In Detroit, about 10,000 people, also waving Mexican and American flags, marched carrying banners reading "Legislation Now, No Guest Worker Bill" and "Amnesty for All." "We're here for my late father who was an illegal," said Rosalie Delagarza Johnstone, a Detroit-born Mexican-American who attended the rally with her 18 -year-old son, David, who skipped school to participate. "He was deported, then fought his way back here to make a better life for me and my brothers and sisters. He joined the army and could have died, would have died, to help us." On the east coast, groups rallying under the New York Immigration Coalition and National May 1st Movement for Worker and Immigrant Rights marched to demand more rights for all undocumented immigrants. Downtown Manhattan's Union Square became a sea of color, with the Stars and Stripes mingling with flags from Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Ecuador. Live bands, including one offering a reggae rendition of "Don't want Your Homeland Security" gave the event a carnival-like atmosphere. "We will be creating a family tree to symbolize the struggles of millions of immigrant families to stay together," the coalition said in a statement, calling for the government to "stop tearing families apart!" President George W. Bush last month called for an overhaul of immigration laws by the end of the year. Analysts believe reform will stall if the issue drags into 2008, as focus turns to the race for the White House. Bush's proposals include the creation of a temporary guest worker program and clearing the way for some undocumented immigrants to become US citizens, coupled with a series of tougher security measures. In Miami, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean met leaders of Latino and Haitian groups, promising to address the immigration issue. "If we have a Democratic President this is all going to be fixed," said Dean, whose party backs an immigration reform that allows immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law to apply for citizenship. 
Detroit::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070501.0534.LDC2009T13::3	 Hundreds of thousands in US May Day immigration marches by Mira Oberman Hundreds of thousands of activists rallied across the United States on Tuesday, demanding an overhaul of immigration laws and greater rights for the country's estimated 12 million illegal workers. May Day protests were underway in several major cities -- including Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New York -- by a broad coalition of immigrant rights' campaigners. The rallies took place on the one year anniversary of massive nationwide protests which saw more than one million mostly Hispanic workers stage an unprecedented "economic boycott" by skipping work for a day. Divisions among activist groups about the best way to campaign for reform as well as fear among illegal workers following a series of immigration crackdowns led to a lower a lower turnout, activists say. But in Chicago, many protesters said they were motivated by a high-profile raid by heavily-armed FBI agents in the heart of one of the largest Mexican neighborhoods in the Midwest. Police put the size of the demonstration at around 150,000, while organizers claimed 1 million protesters marched through the heart of the city waving US flags, wearing white t-shirts and chanting "si se puede" (yes we can.) A steady stream of protesters poured into the city's downtown Grant Park, where they were greeted by the city's powerful Democratic mayor Richard Daley, who castigated federal politicians for failing to pass substantive immigration reform. "Will you please stop dividing our families," Daley told the cheering crowd. "Our nation is one of compassion and understanding and we have to understand this country was built by immigrants past, present and future." In Los Angeles, where around 500,000 protestors brought the city's business district to a halt last year, police said between eight to 10,000 people had gathered for a march to city hall. Waving US and Mexican flags, marchers called for reform to offer a route to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Many carried placards reading "Legalization Now!" and chanted "stop the deportations." Flavia Jimenez, an analyst at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest non-profit Latino rights organization in the US, said workers were wary of possible repercussions if they protested. "There is more fear this time and that is preventing our community from mobilizing like last year," Jimenez told AFP. Although smaller than 12 months ago, the Los Angeles protests forced the closure of 17 downtown streets and altered some 60 bus routes. The murder trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector has also been adjourned for the day. In Detroit, about 10,000 people, also waving Mexican and American flags, marched carrying banners reading "Legislation Now, No Guest Worker Bill" and "Amnesty for All." "We're here for my late father who was an illegal," said Rosalie Delagarza Johnstone, a Detroit-born Mexican-American who attended the rally with her 18 -year-old son, David, who skipped school to participate. "He was deported, then fought his way back here to make a better life for me and my brothers and sisters. He joined the army and could have died, would have died, to help us." On the east coast, groups rallying under the New York Immigration Coalition and National May 1st Movement for Worker and Immigrant Rights marched to demand more rights for all undocumented immigrants. Downtown Manhattan's Union Square became a sea of color, with the Stars and Stripes mingling with flags from Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Ecuador. Live bands, including one offering a reggae rendition of "Don't want Your Homeland Security" gave the event a carnival-like atmosphere. "We will be creating a family tree to symbolize the struggles of millions of immigrant families to stay together," the coalition said in a statement, calling for the government to "stop tearing families apart!" President George W. Bush last month called for an overhaul of immigration laws by the end of the year. Analysts believe reform will stall if the issue drags into 2008, as focus turns to the race for the White House. Bush's proposals include the creation of a temporary guest worker program and clearing the way for some undocumented immigrants to become US citizens, coupled with a series of tougher security measures. In Miami, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean met leaders of Latino and Haitian groups, promising to address the immigration issue. "If we have a Democratic President this is all going to be fixed," said Dean, whose party backs an immigration reform that allows immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law to apply for citizenship. 
Downey::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080411.0035.LDC2009T13::1	 Families Find Comfort in Ritual for Their War Dead PALMDALE, Calif. The door of the charter plane lifted, and an honor guard in dress blues strode crisply across the tarmac at Palmdale Regional Airport. The only sounds were the occasional cry of crows, the flapping of U.S. flags held straight up and the low sighs of a mother trying to keep from sobbing. Out came the flag-draped, dove-gray casket. Variations on this scene have played out more than 4,000 times, each time an U.S. service person has been killed in Iraq. They gathered at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday for Army Pfc. George Delgado, 21, who died with three other soldiers March 24. The killings brought the number of U.S. deaths in Iraq to 4,000. Since then, 11 more soldiers have died. Capt. Luis Juarez offered his right arm to Delgado's mother, Maria Calle, who hid swollen eyes behind large brown sunglasses. Calle took the officer's arm and turned to her 19-year-old daughter, Cynthia Delgado. "Mija," she said quietly. My daughter. They walked slowly together toward the casket, trailed by Calle's sisters and brothers. Delgado's father, Elias Delgado, who had divorced Calle 18 years ago, followed. Each family member was lost in his or her own grief. Elias Delgado kept his left arm stiffly tucked behind his back and put only his right hand on a corner of the casket. Calle laid her cheek on the flag and petted the top in long, slow strokes. One of her sisters whispered "basta" -- enough. The honor guard slipped the casket into a white hearse. When the door closed, Calle and her brothers and sisters drifted away. Elias and Cynthia Delgado lingered behind. He finally moved his left arm to put it around his daughter. Only then, when they were alone with his son's body, did he begin to cry. Each serviceman's story is unique, but certain rituals occur again and again as families grieve and bury their dead. It was just as quiet at the Long Beach Airport in January, when the family and friends of Army Sgt. David J. Hart, 22, of Lake View Terrace in the San Fernando Valley gathered for the arrival of his casket. Among the few sounds: another mother weeping. Members of Patriot Guard Riders -- motorcycle enthusiasts who pay tribute to fallen U.S. military personnel -- greeted Hart's coffin and showed up as well in Palmdale, a community north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, riding in front of the hearse with U.S. and Army flags flying on their motorcycles. The long train of cars following the hearse made its way slowly across the high desert, and at 12:20 p.m. the procession passed Desert Christian High School. More than 100 students and teachers lined the curb, hands over their hearts. They held small U.S. flags and hand-painted signs that read, "George Delgado" and "Class of 04." This scene too has played out elsewhere. Children and adults lined the streets of Torrance in June as a horse-drawn carriage carried the coffin of Army Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20. When the body of Army Spc. Wayne M. Geiger, 23, was brought back to the Owens Valley town of Lone Pine in October, more than 2,000 people lined up along a desolate stretch of U.S. Highway 395. As Delgado's procession passed Desert Christian, Calle, riding in a slate-gray Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Capt. Juarez, nodded at the students. The honor guard placed the casket on a blue dais in a dimly lighted room at Halley-Olsen-Murphy Memorial Chapel in Lancaster. Stepping away from the private wake, the parents spoke about their son. Both had been upset that he joined the military. Elias Delgado, 52, asked his son to work with him at his dance studio in Downey, near L.A. Calle reminded him that he was taking classes at Antelope Valley College and working at Wal-Mart; he had a chance to get somewhere in life without the Army. Last spring, Delgado joined anyway, and in November he shipped out for Iraq from Fort Stewart, Ga.. The Bradley fighting vehicle Delgado was driving was hit by a roadside bomb Easter Sunday in Baghdad. He died the next day, along with Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26, of Enid, Okla.; Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, 22, of Festus, Mo.; and Spc. Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, 24, of Mission, Texas. George Delgado's friends from high school remember him as a young man who always wanted to help others, who always wanted to teach. "That was huge in his life," said Devin Thomas, dean of discipline and incoming principal at Desert Christian. "He was very inquisitive about the process, about what it took to become a teacher." Thomas said Delgado regularly visited the campus after his graduation and asked to sit in on Thomas' Bible classes to observe the teacher in action. Kathy Samudio, a high school pal, had kept in touch by e-mail and instant messages while he was in Iraq. She said Delgado rarely spoke in detail about his experiences. Instead, she said, "he wanted to know how I was doing." Delgado's family said he found a new sense of direction after he arrived in Iraq. "He felt more useful," Elias Delgado said. His son had talked about life after the Army. Perhaps, Delgado suggested, he could work as a police officer while he figured out how to become a teacher. He also talked to his sister about adopting a girl from Iraq because he saw so many orphans there. In March he wrote his father a letter. Outside the funeral home, Elias Delgado pulled a torn envelope from his pocket and unfolded the one-page note. In a jaunty hand, Delgado said he was writing from inside a Bradley. "It's safe over here which means boring, so that's a good thing." He told his father he planned to return home next February. "If we are lucky then we might go home sooner. Not holding my breath, though." The letter arrived at his father's Downey office March 24, the day George died. Military personnel notified Calle of her son's death the next day. Before they could reach the father, one of Elias Delgado's sisters called to say George had died. She happened to learn the news because she lived next door to Elias' old apartment, where the military unsuccessfully tried to find him. Delgado didn't believe his sister until the Army finally contacted him too. Later that day, Calle also received a letter from her son. He wanted to have a barbecue when he came home, he wrote. He promised to send a list of friends to invite. (Begin optional trim) Inside the chapel, Calle sat in the first pew, along with her 77 -year-old mother, Isabel Zanabria. Two flickering red candles flanked the casket. Nobody got up to speak at the wooden lectern. Calle, 43, said she never thought her son would come back to her this way. She said she kept asking the Army to do tests to make sure they had identified the body correctly. Calle never used to know what to say when she met someone who had lost a child. Now that she has lost George, she knows "It's something you never want to feel." She turned her eyes to the ceiling. "I know he is resting in peace," she said, almost to herself. "He is not suffering anymore." The family headed back to Calle's Spanish-style house in Palmdale at 4 p.m. Some aunts split off to bring back food from El Pollo Loco. They hadn't eaten all day. Cynthia Delgado led the way upstairs to her brother's room, where an Army sticker was the only decoration on the door. Calle had straightened up the room since her son had left, but his Youthwalk Devotional Bible still lay on the desk. The Xbox was still plugged into the television. Calle usually locked the door to George's room when he was away, she said. "After all this, I'm just going to leave it open," she said. (End optional trim) Since her brother's death, Cynthia Delgado has been sleeping in his room. 
Downey::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080411.0035.LDC2009T13::2	 Families Find Comfort in Ritual for Their War Dead PALMDALE, Calif. The door of the charter plane lifted, and an honor guard in dress blues strode crisply across the tarmac at Palmdale Regional Airport. The only sounds were the occasional cry of crows, the flapping of U.S. flags held straight up and the low sighs of a mother trying to keep from sobbing. Out came the flag-draped, dove-gray casket. Variations on this scene have played out more than 4,000 times, each time an U.S. service person has been killed in Iraq. They gathered at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday for Army Pfc. George Delgado, 21, who died with three other soldiers March 24. The killings brought the number of U.S. deaths in Iraq to 4,000. Since then, 11 more soldiers have died. Capt. Luis Juarez offered his right arm to Delgado's mother, Maria Calle, who hid swollen eyes behind large brown sunglasses. Calle took the officer's arm and turned to her 19-year-old daughter, Cynthia Delgado. "Mija," she said quietly. My daughter. They walked slowly together toward the casket, trailed by Calle's sisters and brothers. Delgado's father, Elias Delgado, who had divorced Calle 18 years ago, followed. Each family member was lost in his or her own grief. Elias Delgado kept his left arm stiffly tucked behind his back and put only his right hand on a corner of the casket. Calle laid her cheek on the flag and petted the top in long, slow strokes. One of her sisters whispered "basta" -- enough. The honor guard slipped the casket into a white hearse. When the door closed, Calle and her brothers and sisters drifted away. Elias and Cynthia Delgado lingered behind. He finally moved his left arm to put it around his daughter. Only then, when they were alone with his son's body, did he begin to cry. Each serviceman's story is unique, but certain rituals occur again and again as families grieve and bury their dead. It was just as quiet at the Long Beach Airport in January, when the family and friends of Army Sgt. David J. Hart, 22, of Lake View Terrace in the San Fernando Valley gathered for the arrival of his casket. Among the few sounds: another mother weeping. Members of Patriot Guard Riders -- motorcycle enthusiasts who pay tribute to fallen U.S. military personnel -- greeted Hart's coffin and showed up as well in Palmdale, a community north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, riding in front of the hearse with U.S. and Army flags flying on their motorcycles. The long train of cars following the hearse made its way slowly across the high desert, and at 12:20 p.m. the procession passed Desert Christian High School. More than 100 students and teachers lined the curb, hands over their hearts. They held small U.S. flags and hand-painted signs that read, "George Delgado" and "Class of 04." This scene too has played out elsewhere. Children and adults lined the streets of Torrance in June as a horse-drawn carriage carried the coffin of Army Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20. When the body of Army Spc. Wayne M. Geiger, 23, was brought back to the Owens Valley town of Lone Pine in October, more than 2,000 people lined up along a desolate stretch of U.S. Highway 395. As Delgado's procession passed Desert Christian, Calle, riding in a slate-gray Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Capt. Juarez, nodded at the students. The honor guard placed the casket on a blue dais in a dimly lighted room at Halley-Olsen-Murphy Memorial Chapel in Lancaster. Stepping away from the private wake, the parents spoke about their son. Both had been upset that he joined the military. Elias Delgado, 52, asked his son to work with him at his dance studio in Downey, near L.A. Calle reminded him that he was taking classes at Antelope Valley College and working at Wal-Mart; he had a chance to get somewhere in life without the Army. Last spring, Delgado joined anyway, and in November he shipped out for Iraq from Fort Stewart, Ga.. The Bradley fighting vehicle Delgado was driving was hit by a roadside bomb Easter Sunday in Baghdad. He died the next day, along with Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26, of Enid, Okla.; Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, 22, of Festus, Mo.; and Spc. Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, 24, of Mission, Texas. George Delgado's friends from high school remember him as a young man who always wanted to help others, who always wanted to teach. "That was huge in his life," said Devin Thomas, dean of discipline and incoming principal at Desert Christian. "He was very inquisitive about the process, about what it took to become a teacher." Thomas said Delgado regularly visited the campus after his graduation and asked to sit in on Thomas' Bible classes to observe the teacher in action. Kathy Samudio, a high school pal, had kept in touch by e-mail and instant messages while he was in Iraq. She said Delgado rarely spoke in detail about his experiences. Instead, she said, "he wanted to know how I was doing." Delgado's family said he found a new sense of direction after he arrived in Iraq. "He felt more useful," Elias Delgado said. His son had talked about life after the Army. Perhaps, Delgado suggested, he could work as a police officer while he figured out how to become a teacher. He also talked to his sister about adopting a girl from Iraq because he saw so many orphans there. In March he wrote his father a letter. Outside the funeral home, Elias Delgado pulled a torn envelope from his pocket and unfolded the one-page note. In a jaunty hand, Delgado said he was writing from inside a Bradley. "It's safe over here which means boring, so that's a good thing." He told his father he planned to return home next February. "If we are lucky then we might go home sooner. Not holding my breath, though." The letter arrived at his father's Downey office March 24, the day George died. Military personnel notified Calle of her son's death the next day. Before they could reach the father, one of Elias Delgado's sisters called to say George had died. She happened to learn the news because she lived next door to Elias' old apartment, where the military unsuccessfully tried to find him. Delgado didn't believe his sister until the Army finally contacted him too. Later that day, Calle also received a letter from her son. He wanted to have a barbecue when he came home, he wrote. He promised to send a list of friends to invite. (Begin optional trim) Inside the chapel, Calle sat in the first pew, along with her 77 -year-old mother, Isabel Zanabria. Two flickering red candles flanked the casket. Nobody got up to speak at the wooden lectern. Calle, 43, said she never thought her son would come back to her this way. She said she kept asking the Army to do tests to make sure they had identified the body correctly. Calle never used to know what to say when she met someone who had lost a child. Now that she has lost George, she knows "It's something you never want to feel." She turned her eyes to the ceiling. "I know he is resting in peace," she said, almost to herself. "He is not suffering anymore." The family headed back to Calle's Spanish-style house in Palmdale at 4 p.m. Some aunts split off to bring back food from El Pollo Loco. They hadn't eaten all day. Cynthia Delgado led the way upstairs to her brother's room, where an Army sticker was the only decoration on the door. Calle had straightened up the room since her son had left, but his Youthwalk Devotional Bible still lay on the desk. The Xbox was still plugged into the television. Calle usually locked the door to George's room when he was away, she said. "After all this, I'm just going to leave it open," she said. (End optional trim) Since her brother's death, Cynthia Delgado has been sleeping in his room. 
Downey::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080216.0859.LDC2009T13::1	 Carpenters fans try to save duo ' s former home DOWNEY, California 2008-02-16 21:32:20 UTC Owners of The Carpenters' former home are not feeling on top of the world about the legions of fans who keep stopping by to pay tribute to the brother and sister singing duo. The five-bedroom tract house, where Karen and Richard Carpenter lived and penned some of their greatest hits, was featured on the cover of their 1973 hit album "Now & Then." It was also where an anorexic Karen Carpenter collapsed in 1983 before dying. Owners Manuel and Blanca Melendez Parra have apparently grown weary of the parade of fans paying homage. The couple has submitted plans to officials in Downey, a city about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, to raze the 39-year-old main house. The Parras have aleady torn down an adjoining house and have begun construction on a larger home. The proposal to level the rest of the residence has angered fans. "This house is our version of Graceland," said Carpenters aficionado Jon Konjoyan. "When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized." The 57-year-old musician and promoter is heading a campaign to save the original home from the wrecker's ball. Some fans have proposed that Downey officials declare the house a historic landmark. The entire Carpenter family lived in the main house. The adjoining section was used as an office, rehearsal studio and recreation room. The Carpenters' parents lived in the residence until Harold Carpenter's death in 1988 and Agnes Carpenter's in 1996. Richard Carpenter sold the house a year later. After the Parras bought the house, Jessica Parra, said at first her parents invited fans into the home and gave away items left by Richard Carpenter. "In the beginning, we let everybody in. But honestly, it became horrible, not only for us but for the neighborhood," Parra said. "People peek in windows and take pictures. They leave flowers on the front porch." Downey officials said they received plans for a new residence, but no demolition permit has been issued. Konjoyan is holding out hope. He wants the home to be privately purchased and rehabilitated. If that is not possible, he wants the structure to be moved. "They were such a huge American act in the '70s," Konjoyan said of the duo. "So many people loved them." ------ Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com 
Downey::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080216.0859.LDC2009T13::2	 Carpenters fans try to save duo ' s former home DOWNEY, California 2008-02-16 21:32:20 UTC Owners of The Carpenters' former home are not feeling on top of the world about the legions of fans who keep stopping by to pay tribute to the brother and sister singing duo. The five-bedroom tract house, where Karen and Richard Carpenter lived and penned some of their greatest hits, was featured on the cover of their 1973 hit album "Now & Then." It was also where an anorexic Karen Carpenter collapsed in 1983 before dying. Owners Manuel and Blanca Melendez Parra have apparently grown weary of the parade of fans paying homage. The couple has submitted plans to officials in Downey, a city about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, to raze the 39-year-old main house. The Parras have aleady torn down an adjoining house and have begun construction on a larger home. The proposal to level the rest of the residence has angered fans. "This house is our version of Graceland," said Carpenters aficionado Jon Konjoyan. "When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized." The 57-year-old musician and promoter is heading a campaign to save the original home from the wrecker's ball. Some fans have proposed that Downey officials declare the house a historic landmark. The entire Carpenter family lived in the main house. The adjoining section was used as an office, rehearsal studio and recreation room. The Carpenters' parents lived in the residence until Harold Carpenter's death in 1988 and Agnes Carpenter's in 1996. Richard Carpenter sold the house a year later. After the Parras bought the house, Jessica Parra, said at first her parents invited fans into the home and gave away items left by Richard Carpenter. "In the beginning, we let everybody in. But honestly, it became horrible, not only for us but for the neighborhood," Parra said. "People peek in windows and take pictures. They leave flowers on the front porch." Downey officials said they received plans for a new residence, but no demolition permit has been issued. Konjoyan is holding out hope. He wants the home to be privately purchased and rehabilitated. If that is not possible, he wants the structure to be moved. "They were such a huge American act in the '70s," Konjoyan said of the duo. "So many people loved them." ------ Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com 
Downey::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080216.0859.LDC2009T13::3	 Carpenters fans try to save duo ' s former home DOWNEY, California 2008-02-16 21:32:20 UTC Owners of The Carpenters' former home are not feeling on top of the world about the legions of fans who keep stopping by to pay tribute to the brother and sister singing duo. The five-bedroom tract house, where Karen and Richard Carpenter lived and penned some of their greatest hits, was featured on the cover of their 1973 hit album "Now & Then." It was also where an anorexic Karen Carpenter collapsed in 1983 before dying. Owners Manuel and Blanca Melendez Parra have apparently grown weary of the parade of fans paying homage. The couple has submitted plans to officials in Downey, a city about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, to raze the 39-year-old main house. The Parras have aleady torn down an adjoining house and have begun construction on a larger home. The proposal to level the rest of the residence has angered fans. "This house is our version of Graceland," said Carpenters aficionado Jon Konjoyan. "When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized." The 57-year-old musician and promoter is heading a campaign to save the original home from the wrecker's ball. Some fans have proposed that Downey officials declare the house a historic landmark. The entire Carpenter family lived in the main house. The adjoining section was used as an office, rehearsal studio and recreation room. The Carpenters' parents lived in the residence until Harold Carpenter's death in 1988 and Agnes Carpenter's in 1996. Richard Carpenter sold the house a year later. After the Parras bought the house, Jessica Parra, said at first her parents invited fans into the home and gave away items left by Richard Carpenter. "In the beginning, we let everybody in. But honestly, it became horrible, not only for us but for the neighborhood," Parra said. "People peek in windows and take pictures. They leave flowers on the front porch." Downey officials said they received plans for a new residence, but no demolition permit has been issued. Konjoyan is holding out hope. He wants the home to be privately purchased and rehabilitated. If that is not possible, he wants the structure to be moved. "They were such a huge American act in the '70s," Konjoyan said of the duo. "So many people loved them." ------ Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com 
Downey::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080808.0137.LDC2009T13::1	 McCain Refunds $50,000 of Questioned Donations The supporter, Harry Sargeant III, a prominent leader in the Florida Republican Party, has raised about $500,000 for McCain's presidential bid. The Washington Post was the first to question Sargeant's network of donors. Some of them, who are Middle Eastern immigrants, live in modest Southern California homes, but gave as much as $4,600 each to McCain and other politicians. Some had never donated to a political campaign before, and some are not registered to vote. The campaign sent letters Thursday explaining federal campaign finance law to all donors whose contributions were solicited by Sargeant and his business partner, Mustafa Abu-Naba'a, believed to be a citizen of Jordan and the Dominican Republic. Only U.S. citizens can donate to federal campaigns, and the money must be their own. The letter said that if the contributions failed to meet these requirements, the donor should contact the campaign "immediately so that we can arrange a refund." But late in the day, rather than wait for a response, the campaign announced it would refund money to 13 California donors who accounted for about $50,000. "We're going to take the precautionary step of returning the contributions solicited by Mr. Abu-Naba'a," McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said. He noted that one of the donors was quoted in The New York Times this week as saying he would not vote for McCain even though he gave the money. "It just didn't sit right." The Republican National Committee also is reviewing donations arranged by Sargeant, RNC spokesman Alex Conant said. Sargeant, who could not be reached, is a major federal contractor. In 2004, his firm, International Oil Trading Co., won a contract that has grown to $1 billion to supply petroleum to U.S. troops in Iraq. One of Sargeant's partners, Mohammad Anwar Farid Al-Saleh, is related by marriage to King Abdullah II of Jordan. He has long been a major fundraiser. In the presidential race, he donated to Rudolph Giuliani and Mitt Romney. He is a significant donor to the Republican National Committee, the Republican Party of Florida, and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a college friend who has been mentioned as a possible McCain running mate. Crist aide George Lemieux said Crist donations in the 2006 campaign were vetted and deemed appropriate. Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer defended Sargeant, who is state party finance chairman, saying that the "laws and requirements" of a presidential campaign differ from those that apply to the state Republican Party. "I see no appearance of impropriety or anything that would require that the contribution be returned," Greer said. "Harry Sergeant has been a strong advocate for Republican principles, and has done well for the party." Sargeant was quoted in news reports as saying Abu-Naba'a and others helped to procure some California donations. Abdullah and Bahera Makhlouf each donated $4,600 to McCain on March 17. That's the most an individual can give for the primary and general election campaigns. On Federal Election Commission forms, the couple listed an address at a peach-colored single-story stucco house in the blue- collar town of Downey, Calif. A woman who came to the door said: "I'm sorry; no English." Abdullah Makhlouf, listed as president and manager of a discount stereo store, did not return calls left at the shop. Samer Abdalla, described in FEC documents as the owner of VIP West Insurance Services in Anaheim, Calif., declined to discuss his $500 contribution to Crist's 2006 campaign and $2,300 to New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton last year. A man who answered the phone at the Al Huda Meat Deli in Anaheim, where Mohammed Abdalla, a 2006 donor to Crist, was listed as owner, said Abdalla had returned to Jordan a year ago and the store was under new ownership. Berthelsen reported from Downey and Morain from Sacramento, Calif. 
Downey::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080808.0137.LDC2009T13::2	 McCain Refunds $50,000 of Questioned Donations The supporter, Harry Sargeant III, a prominent leader in the Florida Republican Party, has raised about $500,000 for McCain's presidential bid. The Washington Post was the first to question Sargeant's network of donors. Some of them, who are Middle Eastern immigrants, live in modest Southern California homes, but gave as much as $4,600 each to McCain and other politicians. Some had never donated to a political campaign before, and some are not registered to vote. The campaign sent letters Thursday explaining federal campaign finance law to all donors whose contributions were solicited by Sargeant and his business partner, Mustafa Abu-Naba'a, believed to be a citizen of Jordan and the Dominican Republic. Only U.S. citizens can donate to federal campaigns, and the money must be their own. The letter said that if the contributions failed to meet these requirements, the donor should contact the campaign "immediately so that we can arrange a refund." But late in the day, rather than wait for a response, the campaign announced it would refund money to 13 California donors who accounted for about $50,000. "We're going to take the precautionary step of returning the contributions solicited by Mr. Abu-Naba'a," McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said. He noted that one of the donors was quoted in The New York Times this week as saying he would not vote for McCain even though he gave the money. "It just didn't sit right." The Republican National Committee also is reviewing donations arranged by Sargeant, RNC spokesman Alex Conant said. Sargeant, who could not be reached, is a major federal contractor. In 2004, his firm, International Oil Trading Co., won a contract that has grown to $1 billion to supply petroleum to U.S. troops in Iraq. One of Sargeant's partners, Mohammad Anwar Farid Al-Saleh, is related by marriage to King Abdullah II of Jordan. He has long been a major fundraiser. In the presidential race, he donated to Rudolph Giuliani and Mitt Romney. He is a significant donor to the Republican National Committee, the Republican Party of Florida, and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a college friend who has been mentioned as a possible McCain running mate. Crist aide George Lemieux said Crist donations in the 2006 campaign were vetted and deemed appropriate. Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer defended Sargeant, who is state party finance chairman, saying that the "laws and requirements" of a presidential campaign differ from those that apply to the state Republican Party. "I see no appearance of impropriety or anything that would require that the contribution be returned," Greer said. "Harry Sergeant has been a strong advocate for Republican principles, and has done well for the party." Sargeant was quoted in news reports as saying Abu-Naba'a and others helped to procure some California donations. Abdullah and Bahera Makhlouf each donated $4,600 to McCain on March 17. That's the most an individual can give for the primary and general election campaigns. On Federal Election Commission forms, the couple listed an address at a peach-colored single-story stucco house in the blue- collar town of Downey, Calif. A woman who came to the door said: "I'm sorry; no English." Abdullah Makhlouf, listed as president and manager of a discount stereo store, did not return calls left at the shop. Samer Abdalla, described in FEC documents as the owner of VIP West Insurance Services in Anaheim, Calif., declined to discuss his $500 contribution to Crist's 2006 campaign and $2,300 to New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton last year. A man who answered the phone at the Al Huda Meat Deli in Anaheim, where Mohammed Abdalla, a 2006 donor to Crist, was listed as owner, said Abdalla had returned to Jordan a year ago and the store was under new ownership. Berthelsen reported from Downey and Morain from Sacramento, Calif. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070227.0431.LDC2009T13::1	 Report: Chinese automaker FAW Group eyeing stake in Chrysler SHANGHAI, China 2007-02-27 08:17:42 UTC Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp. refused comment Tuesday on a report it is considering bidding for a stake in DaimlerChrysler AG's ailing Chrysler Group. Meanwhile, a U.S. newspaper reported that Chrysler was seeking permission from its parent company to begin building small cars with China's Chery Automobile Co. for export to overseas markets. The Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post said FAW had sent representatives to the United States to negotiate a deal for a unspecified stake in Chrysler, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation. Staff at the FAW Group headquarters' publicity office refused comment on the report. DaimlerChrysler's public relations department in Beijing also would not comment. FAW, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, is one of China's biggest automobile makers and a local partner of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Speculation about possible deals for Chrysler surfaced after DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Feb. 14 that all options are on the table for the money-losing U.S. business and he would not rule out a possible sale. Big name automakers have set their sights on China and other fast-growing developing markets to help offset legacy costs and provide sales growth missing in the U.S. and other Western markets. So far, domestic and foreign manufacturers have focused mainly on meeting soaring demand inside China. But at the same time, Chinese automakers have begun looking overseas for acquisitions, both to expand their market reach and to tap advanced technology and design capacity. Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group bought the bulk of Britain's MG Rover Group's assets last year. State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., Shanghai partner of Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp., holds a 51 percent stake in South Korea's Ssangyong Motor Co. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Chrysler was moving ahead with its alliance with Chery, formed last year, to build small cars in China. It said DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board would review such a proposal in meetings this week. It said the German automaker was also in talks to expand its cooperation with Chery to include auto parts and other car models. DaimlerChysler's spokesman in Beijing could not be immediately reached for comment on the Detroit News report. The company recently announced it was preparing a dealership network to launch the Dodge brand in China this year. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070227.0431.LDC2009T13::2	 Report: Chinese automaker FAW Group eyeing stake in Chrysler SHANGHAI, China 2007-02-27 08:17:42 UTC Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp. refused comment Tuesday on a report it is considering bidding for a stake in DaimlerChrysler AG's ailing Chrysler Group. Meanwhile, a U.S. newspaper reported that Chrysler was seeking permission from its parent company to begin building small cars with China's Chery Automobile Co. for export to overseas markets. The Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post said FAW had sent representatives to the United States to negotiate a deal for a unspecified stake in Chrysler, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation. Staff at the FAW Group headquarters' publicity office refused comment on the report. DaimlerChrysler's public relations department in Beijing also would not comment. FAW, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, is one of China's biggest automobile makers and a local partner of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Speculation about possible deals for Chrysler surfaced after DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Feb. 14 that all options are on the table for the money-losing U.S. business and he would not rule out a possible sale. Big name automakers have set their sights on China and other fast-growing developing markets to help offset legacy costs and provide sales growth missing in the U.S. and other Western markets. So far, domestic and foreign manufacturers have focused mainly on meeting soaring demand inside China. But at the same time, Chinese automakers have begun looking overseas for acquisitions, both to expand their market reach and to tap advanced technology and design capacity. Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group bought the bulk of Britain's MG Rover Group's assets last year. State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., Shanghai partner of Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp., holds a 51 percent stake in South Korea's Ssangyong Motor Co. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Chrysler was moving ahead with its alliance with Chery, formed last year, to build small cars in China. It said DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board would review such a proposal in meetings this week. It said the German automaker was also in talks to expand its cooperation with Chery to include auto parts and other car models. DaimlerChysler's spokesman in Beijing could not be immediately reached for comment on the Detroit News report. The company recently announced it was preparing a dealership network to launch the Dodge brand in China this year. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070227.0431.LDC2009T13::3	 Report: Chinese automaker FAW Group eyeing stake in Chrysler SHANGHAI, China 2007-02-27 08:17:42 UTC Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp. refused comment Tuesday on a report it is considering bidding for a stake in DaimlerChrysler AG's ailing Chrysler Group. Meanwhile, a U.S. newspaper reported that Chrysler was seeking permission from its parent company to begin building small cars with China's Chery Automobile Co. for export to overseas markets. The Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post said FAW had sent representatives to the United States to negotiate a deal for a unspecified stake in Chrysler, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation. Staff at the FAW Group headquarters' publicity office refused comment on the report. DaimlerChrysler's public relations department in Beijing also would not comment. FAW, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, is one of China's biggest automobile makers and a local partner of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Speculation about possible deals for Chrysler surfaced after DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Feb. 14 that all options are on the table for the money-losing U.S. business and he would not rule out a possible sale. Big name automakers have set their sights on China and other fast-growing developing markets to help offset legacy costs and provide sales growth missing in the U.S. and other Western markets. So far, domestic and foreign manufacturers have focused mainly on meeting soaring demand inside China. But at the same time, Chinese automakers have begun looking overseas for acquisitions, both to expand their market reach and to tap advanced technology and design capacity. Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group bought the bulk of Britain's MG Rover Group's assets last year. State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., Shanghai partner of Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp., holds a 51 percent stake in South Korea's Ssangyong Motor Co. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Chrysler was moving ahead with its alliance with Chery, formed last year, to build small cars in China. It said DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board would review such a proposal in meetings this week. It said the German automaker was also in talks to expand its cooperation with Chery to include auto parts and other car models. DaimlerChysler's spokesman in Beijing could not be immediately reached for comment on the Detroit News report. The company recently announced it was preparing a dealership network to launch the Dodge brand in China this year. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070227.0431.LDC2009T13::4	 Report: Chinese automaker FAW Group eyeing stake in Chrysler SHANGHAI, China 2007-02-27 08:17:42 UTC Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp. refused comment Tuesday on a report it is considering bidding for a stake in DaimlerChrysler AG's ailing Chrysler Group. Meanwhile, a U.S. newspaper reported that Chrysler was seeking permission from its parent company to begin building small cars with China's Chery Automobile Co. for export to overseas markets. The Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post said FAW had sent representatives to the United States to negotiate a deal for a unspecified stake in Chrysler, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation. Staff at the FAW Group headquarters' publicity office refused comment on the report. DaimlerChrysler's public relations department in Beijing also would not comment. FAW, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, is one of China's biggest automobile makers and a local partner of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Speculation about possible deals for Chrysler surfaced after DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Feb. 14 that all options are on the table for the money-losing U.S. business and he would not rule out a possible sale. Big name automakers have set their sights on China and other fast-growing developing markets to help offset legacy costs and provide sales growth missing in the U.S. and other Western markets. So far, domestic and foreign manufacturers have focused mainly on meeting soaring demand inside China. But at the same time, Chinese automakers have begun looking overseas for acquisitions, both to expand their market reach and to tap advanced technology and design capacity. Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group bought the bulk of Britain's MG Rover Group's assets last year. State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., Shanghai partner of Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp., holds a 51 percent stake in South Korea's Ssangyong Motor Co. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Chrysler was moving ahead with its alliance with Chery, formed last year, to build small cars in China. It said DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board would review such a proposal in meetings this week. It said the German automaker was also in talks to expand its cooperation with Chery to include auto parts and other car models. DaimlerChysler's spokesman in Beijing could not be immediately reached for comment on the Detroit News report. The company recently announced it was preparing a dealership network to launch the Dodge brand in China this year. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070227.0431.LDC2009T13::5	 Report: Chinese automaker FAW Group eyeing stake in Chrysler SHANGHAI, China 2007-02-27 08:17:42 UTC Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp. refused comment Tuesday on a report it is considering bidding for a stake in DaimlerChrysler AG's ailing Chrysler Group. Meanwhile, a U.S. newspaper reported that Chrysler was seeking permission from its parent company to begin building small cars with China's Chery Automobile Co. for export to overseas markets. The Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post said FAW had sent representatives to the United States to negotiate a deal for a unspecified stake in Chrysler, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation. Staff at the FAW Group headquarters' publicity office refused comment on the report. DaimlerChrysler's public relations department in Beijing also would not comment. FAW, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, is one of China's biggest automobile makers and a local partner of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Speculation about possible deals for Chrysler surfaced after DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Feb. 14 that all options are on the table for the money-losing U.S. business and he would not rule out a possible sale. Big name automakers have set their sights on China and other fast-growing developing markets to help offset legacy costs and provide sales growth missing in the U.S. and other Western markets. So far, domestic and foreign manufacturers have focused mainly on meeting soaring demand inside China. But at the same time, Chinese automakers have begun looking overseas for acquisitions, both to expand their market reach and to tap advanced technology and design capacity. Chinese rival Nanjing Automobile Group bought the bulk of Britain's MG Rover Group's assets last year. State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., Shanghai partner of Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp., holds a 51 percent stake in South Korea's Ssangyong Motor Co. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Chrysler was moving ahead with its alliance with Chery, formed last year, to build small cars in China. It said DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board would review such a proposal in meetings this week. It said the German automaker was also in talks to expand its cooperation with Chery to include auto parts and other car models. DaimlerChysler's spokesman in Beijing could not be immediately reached for comment on the Detroit News report. The company recently announced it was preparing a dealership network to launch the Dodge brand in China this year. 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071123.1151.LDC2009T13::1	 Investors break ground on first Chinese car plant in Mexico MEXICO CITY 2007-11-23 23:40:49 UTC Construction began Friday on an auto assembly plant in central Mexico that will create thousands of jobs and be the country's first to produce Chinese cars. Mexican President Felipe Calderon led groundbreaking ceremonies for the factory, which will be financed by an arm of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas and China's state-owned FAW Group Corp., one of the nation's largest automakers. "Most of the world's investments used to go to China, and today China has come to invest in our country because it recognizes an enormous opportunity in Mexico thanks to its domestic market" and proximity to the U.S. and Latin America, Calderon said. Due to open by 2010 in Michoacan state, the plant is expected to churn out 100,000 cars a year for sale in Mexico and Central America, according to a statement from Grupo Elektra, Grupo Salinas's electronic goods and consumer financing unit. Grupo Elektra and FAW are investingUS$150 million (euro101 million) to construct the factory, which is expected to employ some 4,000 people and bring up to 20,000 additional jobs to the local economy, Javier Sarro Cortina, head of Grupo Salinas Motors, said Friday. FAW-line cars will start selling in Mexico early next year for as much as 10 percent less than the current market average, Grupo Elektra said. The cars will retail for 69,000 pesos (US$6,280; euro4,241) to 100,000 pesos (US$9,100; euro6,145), Grupo Salinas chairman Ricardo Salinas Pliego said at the groundbreaking. Chevrolet's smallest Chevy sedan, one of Mexico's most affordable cars, sells for about 78,000 pesos (US$7,100; euro4,794). 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071123.1151.LDC2009T13::2	 Investors break ground on first Chinese car plant in Mexico MEXICO CITY 2007-11-23 23:40:49 UTC Construction began Friday on an auto assembly plant in central Mexico that will create thousands of jobs and be the country's first to produce Chinese cars. Mexican President Felipe Calderon led groundbreaking ceremonies for the factory, which will be financed by an arm of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas and China's state-owned FAW Group Corp., one of the nation's largest automakers. "Most of the world's investments used to go to China, and today China has come to invest in our country because it recognizes an enormous opportunity in Mexico thanks to its domestic market" and proximity to the U.S. and Latin America, Calderon said. Due to open by 2010 in Michoacan state, the plant is expected to churn out 100,000 cars a year for sale in Mexico and Central America, according to a statement from Grupo Elektra, Grupo Salinas's electronic goods and consumer financing unit. Grupo Elektra and FAW are investingUS$150 million (euro101 million) to construct the factory, which is expected to employ some 4,000 people and bring up to 20,000 additional jobs to the local economy, Javier Sarro Cortina, head of Grupo Salinas Motors, said Friday. FAW-line cars will start selling in Mexico early next year for as much as 10 percent less than the current market average, Grupo Elektra said. The cars will retail for 69,000 pesos (US$6,280; euro4,241) to 100,000 pesos (US$9,100; euro6,145), Grupo Salinas chairman Ricardo Salinas Pliego said at the groundbreaking. Chevrolet's smallest Chevy sedan, one of Mexico's most affordable cars, sells for about 78,000 pesos (US$7,100; euro4,794). 
FAW::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071123.1151.LDC2009T13::3	 Investors break ground on first Chinese car plant in Mexico MEXICO CITY 2007-11-23 23:40:49 UTC Construction began Friday on an auto assembly plant in central Mexico that will create thousands of jobs and be the country's first to produce Chinese cars. Mexican President Felipe Calderon led groundbreaking ceremonies for the factory, which will be financed by an arm of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas and China's state-owned FAW Group Corp., one of the nation's largest automakers. "Most of the world's investments used to go to China, and today China has come to invest in our country because it recognizes an enormous opportunity in Mexico thanks to its domestic market" and proximity to the U.S. and Latin America, Calderon said. Due to open by 2010 in Michoacan state, the plant is expected to churn out 100,000 cars a year for sale in Mexico and Central America, according to a statement from Grupo Elektra, Grupo Salinas's electronic goods and consumer financing unit. Grupo Elektra and FAW are investingUS$150 million (euro101 million) to construct the factory, which is expected to employ some 4,000 people and bring up to 20,000 additional jobs to the local economy, Javier Sarro Cortina, head of Grupo Salinas Motors, said Friday. FAW-line cars will start selling in Mexico early next year for as much as 10 percent less than the current market average, Grupo Elektra said. The cars will retail for 69,000 pesos (US$6,280; euro4,241) to 100,000 pesos (US$9,100; euro6,145), Grupo Salinas chairman Ricardo Salinas Pliego said at the groundbreaking. Chevrolet's smallest Chevy sedan, one of Mexico's most affordable cars, sells for about 78,000 pesos (US$7,100; euro4,794). 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::1	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::2	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::3	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::4	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::5	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::6	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::7	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071126.0157.LDC2009T13::8	 Mexico is China's new target By Christine Tierney The Detroit News Within the past month, two high-ranking Chinese officials -- China's ambassador to the United States and a senior auto executive -- told audiences in Detroit that Chinese automakers would not be shipping cars to the United States in large numbers anytime soon. That's what global auto experts have been saying, too -- that the Chinese aren't ready to compete in the U.S. market and that they know it. Chrysler LLC officials recently disclosed that their Chinese partner Chery Automobile doesn't have a car now that meets their requirements. And a slew of recalls of defective toys and other products made in China seems to have pushed back the prospect of Chinese car imports even further. But a deal struck last week between a big Mexican retailer and China's First Automotive Works Group serves as a reminder that it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars are sold in the United States. Major milestone Mexico's Grupo Salinas announced last Thursday that it had formed a venture with FAW, one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers, to sell Chinese-built cars in Mexico early next year. The partners also are investing $150 million to build a plant in the western Mexican state of Michoacan. It will have an initial capacity to produce 100,000 FAW cars a year by 2010. If production gets under way on time, the FAW cars may be the first Chinese vehicles assembled in the North American free-trade zone comprising Mexico, Canada and the United States. Several Chinese automakers and North American importers have devised plans to bring Chinese-made cars into the region -- and some of them have already collapsed, including the first such scheme announced by U.S. entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin in 2005. One of China's Big 3 Founded in 1953 with help from Soviet engineers, state-owned FAW is one of China's most established automakers. It is one of the country's original Big Three, along with Dongfeng Motor Co. (formerly Second Automotive Works) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. FAW produces more than 1 million vehicles a year through ventures with Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG, and its own domestic operations. Its best-known model is the FAW Red Flag executive sedan. For now, FAW's venture with Grupo Salinas does not appear to be targeting U.S. customers. The cars, sold through Grupo Salinas's Elektra appliance stores, will be priced between $5,990 and $7,720 to appeal to Mexican entry-level buyers. The U.S. automakers may feel the competition at the low end of the models they sell in Mexico. The Chevrolet Corsa and Ford Ka cars cost only slightly more than the vehicles FAW will be selling. It's not a big concern--at least not yet. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierneydetnews.com. 
FAW::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070328.0409.LDC2009T13::1	 Feature: China, a new destination for Russians MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) A little more than half a century ago, China began its economic reconstruction and modernization process, after going through a few tumultuous decades of wars and uncertainty. The construction of its first automobile assembly line was a pilot project at the time. "We were then China's key partner and helped them build their first automobile works," Constantin Laptev, general manager of the Russian Lihachev automobile factory, recalled on Wednesday at the Crocus-Expo center in Moscow, where a Chinese National Exhibition is being held. Now, Laptev is eager to further cooperate with the FAW Group, the largest automobile enterprise in China with an annual output of more than 1 million cars, and which has also established joint ventures with Volkswagen and Toyota. "We will further exchange with our partners in northeast China's Changchun, where the FAW's headquarters are located, and expand our cooperation in making cars," he said. FAW is not the sole star in the exhibition covering an impressive floor area of 20,000-square-meter. Other auto makers from China such as Chery, Great Wall and Brilliance also attracted Russian interest. "Moscow is suffering from heavy traffic jams and Chery's small cars are easy to drive and park. I really want to try it on the road," said Leonid Kim, putting a hand on a red Chery. A number of Chinese car makers, including Chery and Great Wall, have sold their products in Russia and have also established joint ventures there. During Chinese President Hu Jintao's three-day state visit to Russia this week, he flew to Tatarstan and expressed support for the Great Wall, which is going to be one of the first companies to start a manufacturing plant in the Yelabuga free economic zone. Other Chinese heavyweights such as PetroChina are also taking part in the exhibition and leading companies like Haier and Lenovo are showcasing their air- conditioners, laptops and super computers. Models of the three-gorges dam, the rail link to Tibet and the Shenzhou VI manned spaceship are also attracting a lot of attention. "China used to produce only water bottles and toys. However, the Chinese National Exhibition shows that it has now recorded a much faster economic growth than the United States ever did," said former Prime Minister Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov, who is also chairman of the Russian chamber of commerce and industry. The other celebrities at Moscow's largest exhibition center are the "Fuwa" - the five mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They represent four popular animals from China -- the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope, the swallow -- and the Olympic Flame. "I learned from TV reports that Beijing will host the Olympics next year. I really want to go there then and travel around the country," said Anna Frumkina, a visitor. In the past years, Russia and China have gone through a period of bonhomie with a surge in bilateral ties. Gazing at dozens of old photos entitled "Flourishing red berry: Russians in Harbin," Valentina Yiakovlevna eagerly asked her Chinese interpreter for help. An uncle of this 80-year-old lady went to Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang province, in the 1930s where he married and settled down. "My uncle must have passed away but I have come here to find out if there is any way I can trace a relative of mine still living there," she said. "I get really excited when I look at these pictures because one of these people might very well be my relative, even though I can never be sure." 
FAW::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070328.0409.LDC2009T13::2	 Feature: China, a new destination for Russians MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) A little more than half a century ago, China began its economic reconstruction and modernization process, after going through a few tumultuous decades of wars and uncertainty. The construction of its first automobile assembly line was a pilot project at the time. "We were then China's key partner and helped them build their first automobile works," Constantin Laptev, general manager of the Russian Lihachev automobile factory, recalled on Wednesday at the Crocus-Expo center in Moscow, where a Chinese National Exhibition is being held. Now, Laptev is eager to further cooperate with the FAW Group, the largest automobile enterprise in China with an annual output of more than 1 million cars, and which has also established joint ventures with Volkswagen and Toyota. "We will further exchange with our partners in northeast China's Changchun, where the FAW's headquarters are located, and expand our cooperation in making cars," he said. FAW is not the sole star in the exhibition covering an impressive floor area of 20,000-square-meter. Other auto makers from China such as Chery, Great Wall and Brilliance also attracted Russian interest. "Moscow is suffering from heavy traffic jams and Chery's small cars are easy to drive and park. I really want to try it on the road," said Leonid Kim, putting a hand on a red Chery. A number of Chinese car makers, including Chery and Great Wall, have sold their products in Russia and have also established joint ventures there. During Chinese President Hu Jintao's three-day state visit to Russia this week, he flew to Tatarstan and expressed support for the Great Wall, which is going to be one of the first companies to start a manufacturing plant in the Yelabuga free economic zone. Other Chinese heavyweights such as PetroChina are also taking part in the exhibition and leading companies like Haier and Lenovo are showcasing their air- conditioners, laptops and super computers. Models of the three-gorges dam, the rail link to Tibet and the Shenzhou VI manned spaceship are also attracting a lot of attention. "China used to produce only water bottles and toys. However, the Chinese National Exhibition shows that it has now recorded a much faster economic growth than the United States ever did," said former Prime Minister Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov, who is also chairman of the Russian chamber of commerce and industry. The other celebrities at Moscow's largest exhibition center are the "Fuwa" - the five mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They represent four popular animals from China -- the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope, the swallow -- and the Olympic Flame. "I learned from TV reports that Beijing will host the Olympics next year. I really want to go there then and travel around the country," said Anna Frumkina, a visitor. In the past years, Russia and China have gone through a period of bonhomie with a surge in bilateral ties. Gazing at dozens of old photos entitled "Flourishing red berry: Russians in Harbin," Valentina Yiakovlevna eagerly asked her Chinese interpreter for help. An uncle of this 80-year-old lady went to Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang province, in the 1930s where he married and settled down. "My uncle must have passed away but I have come here to find out if there is any way I can trace a relative of mine still living there," she said. "I get really excited when I look at these pictures because one of these people might very well be my relative, even though I can never be sure." 
FAW::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070328.0409.LDC2009T13::3	 Feature: China, a new destination for Russians MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) A little more than half a century ago, China began its economic reconstruction and modernization process, after going through a few tumultuous decades of wars and uncertainty. The construction of its first automobile assembly line was a pilot project at the time. "We were then China's key partner and helped them build their first automobile works," Constantin Laptev, general manager of the Russian Lihachev automobile factory, recalled on Wednesday at the Crocus-Expo center in Moscow, where a Chinese National Exhibition is being held. Now, Laptev is eager to further cooperate with the FAW Group, the largest automobile enterprise in China with an annual output of more than 1 million cars, and which has also established joint ventures with Volkswagen and Toyota. "We will further exchange with our partners in northeast China's Changchun, where the FAW's headquarters are located, and expand our cooperation in making cars," he said. FAW is not the sole star in the exhibition covering an impressive floor area of 20,000-square-meter. Other auto makers from China such as Chery, Great Wall and Brilliance also attracted Russian interest. "Moscow is suffering from heavy traffic jams and Chery's small cars are easy to drive and park. I really want to try it on the road," said Leonid Kim, putting a hand on a red Chery. A number of Chinese car makers, including Chery and Great Wall, have sold their products in Russia and have also established joint ventures there. During Chinese President Hu Jintao's three-day state visit to Russia this week, he flew to Tatarstan and expressed support for the Great Wall, which is going to be one of the first companies to start a manufacturing plant in the Yelabuga free economic zone. Other Chinese heavyweights such as PetroChina are also taking part in the exhibition and leading companies like Haier and Lenovo are showcasing their air- conditioners, laptops and super computers. Models of the three-gorges dam, the rail link to Tibet and the Shenzhou VI manned spaceship are also attracting a lot of attention. "China used to produce only water bottles and toys. However, the Chinese National Exhibition shows that it has now recorded a much faster economic growth than the United States ever did," said former Prime Minister Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov, who is also chairman of the Russian chamber of commerce and industry. The other celebrities at Moscow's largest exhibition center are the "Fuwa" - the five mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They represent four popular animals from China -- the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope, the swallow -- and the Olympic Flame. "I learned from TV reports that Beijing will host the Olympics next year. I really want to go there then and travel around the country," said Anna Frumkina, a visitor. In the past years, Russia and China have gone through a period of bonhomie with a surge in bilateral ties. Gazing at dozens of old photos entitled "Flourishing red berry: Russians in Harbin," Valentina Yiakovlevna eagerly asked her Chinese interpreter for help. An uncle of this 80-year-old lady went to Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang province, in the 1930s where he married and settled down. "My uncle must have passed away but I have come here to find out if there is any way I can trace a relative of mine still living there," she said. "I get really excited when I look at these pictures because one of these people might very well be my relative, even though I can never be sure." 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0239.LDC2009T13::1	 Volkswagen launches new engine plant in China Volkswagen AG officially opened a new engine plant in northeast China Friday, expanding its presence in one of the world's fastest growing automobile market. Volkswagen and its partner China FAW Group Corp plan to invest a total of 1.5 billion yuan (194 million dollar) in the plant, located in the port city of Dalian, by the end of 2011, Volkswagen Group China said in a statement. "Together with our partners we decided to further improve the current high- standard technology by introducing the latest engine-generation from Europe in China," Winfried Vahland, CEO of Volkswagen Group China said. The engine venture is 60 percent owned by Volkswagen, with FAW holding the remainder, it said. The German carmarker aimed to reduce consumption and emissions by more than 20 percent by 2010 for VW's entire fleet of models made in China, the statement said. 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0239.LDC2009T13::2	 Volkswagen launches new engine plant in China Volkswagen AG officially opened a new engine plant in northeast China Friday, expanding its presence in one of the world's fastest growing automobile market. Volkswagen and its partner China FAW Group Corp plan to invest a total of 1.5 billion yuan (194 million dollar) in the plant, located in the port city of Dalian, by the end of 2011, Volkswagen Group China said in a statement. "Together with our partners we decided to further improve the current high- standard technology by introducing the latest engine-generation from Europe in China," Winfried Vahland, CEO of Volkswagen Group China said. The engine venture is 60 percent owned by Volkswagen, with FAW holding the remainder, it said. The German carmarker aimed to reduce consumption and emissions by more than 20 percent by 2010 for VW's entire fleet of models made in China, the statement said. 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0071.LDC2009T13::1	 Japanese firms out in force at Shanghai auto show Japan's powerful automakers shifted into high gear at the Shanghai auto show, announcing Friday a range of ramped up sales forecasts and expansion plans. Toyota Motor Corp, the second largest car maker in the world, said its new production plan with partner FAW in north China's Tianjin city will start operations this week. The Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine venture sunk about 270 million dollars into the factory that will produce 220,000 engines annually, Toyota announced ahead of the start of the Shanghai auto show Sunday. Toyota also expects sales this year in the vibrant Chinese market to top the 400,000 mark, up from the 308,000 units sold last year, company vice president Yoshimi Inaba said. Meanwhile, Honda forecast that its two joint ventures in China -- Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda, will sell 400,000 cars this year compared with 323,469 in 2007, said Hyogo Atsuyoshi, chief of Honda's China operations. Guangzhou Honda executive vice president Fu Shoujie told reporters that the venture plans to export 40,000 sedans this year. Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle, controlled equally by Nissan and Dongfeng Automobile, said it is targeting sales of 300,000 in 2007, up from last year's 200,000. Nissan, Japan's second-largest auto maker, also unveiled its new Livina model, a compact, three-row seater, with the new vehicle priced at around 100,000 yuan. It also unveiled its latest concept car, the Bevel, a multi- purpose vehicle featuring a 2.5 litre V6 engine with solar panels to boost power. 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0071.LDC2009T13::2	 Japanese firms out in force at Shanghai auto show Japan's powerful automakers shifted into high gear at the Shanghai auto show, announcing Friday a range of ramped up sales forecasts and expansion plans. Toyota Motor Corp, the second largest car maker in the world, said its new production plan with partner FAW in north China's Tianjin city will start operations this week. The Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine venture sunk about 270 million dollars into the factory that will produce 220,000 engines annually, Toyota announced ahead of the start of the Shanghai auto show Sunday. Toyota also expects sales this year in the vibrant Chinese market to top the 400,000 mark, up from the 308,000 units sold last year, company vice president Yoshimi Inaba said. Meanwhile, Honda forecast that its two joint ventures in China -- Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda, will sell 400,000 cars this year compared with 323,469 in 2007, said Hyogo Atsuyoshi, chief of Honda's China operations. Guangzhou Honda executive vice president Fu Shoujie told reporters that the venture plans to export 40,000 sedans this year. Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle, controlled equally by Nissan and Dongfeng Automobile, said it is targeting sales of 300,000 in 2007, up from last year's 200,000. Nissan, Japan's second-largest auto maker, also unveiled its new Livina model, a compact, three-row seater, with the new vehicle priced at around 100,000 yuan. It also unveiled its latest concept car, the Bevel, a multi- purpose vehicle featuring a 2.5 litre V6 engine with solar panels to boost power. 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080113.0267.LDC2009T13::1	 China's auto sales and output up over 20 percent in 2007: report China again broke records for annual sales and production of automobiles, with both the number of cars produced and sold last year up by more than 20 percent from 2006, state press said Sunday. China's automakers produced a record 8.88 million vehicles in 2007, up 22 percent over the previous year, Xinhua news agency said, citing the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales also jumped 21.8 percent year-on-year to a record 8.79 million units, it added. China's automakers produced 7.28 million vehicles in 2006, up 27 percent from 2005, while sales during the period were up 25 percent year-on-year, according to previously published figures. Sales of sedans, or passenger cars excluding sport utility vehicles and minivans, accounted for nearly 54 percent of total sales in 2007, the report said. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) in a statement last week said that it led Chinese automakers in sales in 2007, with the company selling 1.69 million units, up 25.8 percent from the previous year. Passenger vehicle sales rose 24.3 percent to 1.14 million units, the automaker said. SAIC produces vehicles in joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors, the nation's two leading brand names. Meanwhile FAW Group Corp, another top Chinese automaker, said last week it sold 1.44 million vehicles in 2007, up 23.2 percent over the previous year. It said sedan sales rose 23 percent to 1.19 million units. FAW makes Volkswagen and Toyota cars in China-based joint ventures. According to the China Trading Center for Automobile Import, auto imports to China were likely to reach 300,000 in 2007, up 30 percent year-on-year, with luxury cars leading the way, Xinhua said in a separate report. Customs statistics show that in the first 11 months of 2007, the number of imported vehicles stood at 277,093 units, up more than 37 percent, the report said. Nearly 70 percent of the imports were luxury cars or vehicles with engines bigger than 2.5 litre engines, it said, while the import of sports utility vehicles during the first 11 months of 2007 grew by 65 percent to 126,659 units, it said. 
FAW::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080113.0267.LDC2009T13::2	 China's auto sales and output up over 20 percent in 2007: report China again broke records for annual sales and production of automobiles, with both the number of cars produced and sold last year up by more than 20 percent from 2006, state press said Sunday. China's automakers produced a record 8.88 million vehicles in 2007, up 22 percent over the previous year, Xinhua news agency said, citing the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales also jumped 21.8 percent year-on-year to a record 8.79 million units, it added. China's automakers produced 7.28 million vehicles in 2006, up 27 percent from 2005, while sales during the period were up 25 percent year-on-year, according to previously published figures. Sales of sedans, or passenger cars excluding sport utility vehicles and minivans, accounted for nearly 54 percent of total sales in 2007, the report said. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) in a statement last week said that it led Chinese automakers in sales in 2007, with the company selling 1.69 million units, up 25.8 percent from the previous year. Passenger vehicle sales rose 24.3 percent to 1.14 million units, the automaker said. SAIC produces vehicles in joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors, the nation's two leading brand names. Meanwhile FAW Group Corp, another top Chinese automaker, said last week it sold 1.44 million vehicles in 2007, up 23.2 percent over the previous year. It said sedan sales rose 23 percent to 1.19 million units. FAW makes Volkswagen and Toyota cars in China-based joint ventures. According to the China Trading Center for Automobile Import, auto imports to China were likely to reach 300,000 in 2007, up 30 percent year-on-year, with luxury cars leading the way, Xinhua said in a separate report. Customs statistics show that in the first 11 months of 2007, the number of imported vehicles stood at 277,093 units, up more than 37 percent, the report said. Nearly 70 percent of the imports were luxury cars or vehicles with engines bigger than 2.5 litre engines, it said, while the import of sports utility vehicles during the first 11 months of 2007 grew by 65 percent to 126,659 units, it said. 
Garden_City::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070421.0482.LDC2009T13::1	 Port Harcourt: Nigeria's 'Garden City' turned violent oil capital by Joel Olatunde Agoi The bloom is gone from Port Harcourt, Nigeria's oil hub once known as the country's serene "Garden City". It has turned into a battlefield for the west African nation's oil wealth. In a space of 50 years, Nigeria has become the world's sixth largest oil exporter, radically transforming this port city in the Niger Delta into an oil capital and theatre of violence, residents and officials say. Bringing peace to the volatile Delta region, where Nigerian soldiers and police have been killed and scores of foreign oil workers kidnapped by rival militias seeking a piece of the oil fortune, has figured in the country's presidential election, held on Saturday. "This is certainly not the city we used to know and cherish," a woman resident of Port Harcourt lamented. The port city was founded in 1912 and named after then colonial secretary Lewis Harcourt. It was originally inhabited by the Ijaws, the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta. Port Harcourt became the capital of Rivers State following its creation in 1967 by the military. Before then, the territory was called Oil Rivers Protectorate, a name derived from its abundant wealth in oil and gas. Major oil companies such as Anglo-Dutch giant Shell, Chevron and Agip as well as scores of oil service firms are based in the sprawling city of four million inhabitants. "We have never had it so bad in Port Harcourt. This place is called the 'Garden City' throughout the world because of its beautiful layout and decent environment. And because of the abundance of oil, foreigners and multi-national oil firms make it their base," Rivers State government spokesman Emmanuel Okah told AFP. But an upsurge in violence in recent months has driven hundreds of foreigners from the city, he said. "These days, the criminal activities of crude oil thieves, otherwise known as 'bunkerers', and the kidnapping gangs have changed people's perception of the city as an unsafe city," he lamented. Profits from illegal oil trade is paying for the weapons of the rival militias, he said. "The proliferation of arms has given Port Harcourt the notoriety it has gained," said George Amachree, 67, an ethnic Kalabari chief who has lived in the city for 45 years. He blamed the government for the city's poor image. According to Amnesty International, up to 500 people were killed in violence in and around Port Harcourt in 2004 alone in clashes between two rival militia gangs fighting for the control of Niger Delta waterways so that they could have access to the petrol- dollar profits coming from the illegal oil trade. Since the beginning of 2006, when kidnappings increased sharply in southern Nigeria's oil-producing region, more than 100 foreigners, mainly oil workers, have been seized, either by armed groups with a political agenda or by criminal gangs out to make ransom money. Most have been released unharmed within a few weeks. About 40 soldiers have also been killed in clashes with militants. In Port Harcourt alone, more than 20 police officers have been killed since 2005, according to state police commissioner Felix Ogbaudu. "We have stepped up security efforts to stop this ugly trend. Only last week, on the night of the April 14 (state) polls, we lost seven officers during a raid by unidentified militants on two police stations," he told AFP. Major Musa Sagir, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), agreed that they needed to make the city more secure. "The military will continue to work with the police to rid Port Harcourt of miscreants, armed gangs and ethnic militias causing havoc for people," he said. Recently, the police announced that a Port Harcourt-based politician, Clark Igodo, was wanted in connection with a spate of abductions in the city. Ateke Tom, a militia faction leader, is also wanted for several bank robberies and attacks on the police. Militant groups have warned foreign workers, especially from the oil sector, to leave the city as gangs have stepped up their violent attacks in the oil hub. The groups claim to be fighting for a fair share of Nigeria's huge oil wealth for the local people. 
Garden_City::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070421.0482.LDC2009T13::2	 Port Harcourt: Nigeria's 'Garden City' turned violent oil capital by Joel Olatunde Agoi The bloom is gone from Port Harcourt, Nigeria's oil hub once known as the country's serene "Garden City". It has turned into a battlefield for the west African nation's oil wealth. In a space of 50 years, Nigeria has become the world's sixth largest oil exporter, radically transforming this port city in the Niger Delta into an oil capital and theatre of violence, residents and officials say. Bringing peace to the volatile Delta region, where Nigerian soldiers and police have been killed and scores of foreign oil workers kidnapped by rival militias seeking a piece of the oil fortune, has figured in the country's presidential election, held on Saturday. "This is certainly not the city we used to know and cherish," a woman resident of Port Harcourt lamented. The port city was founded in 1912 and named after then colonial secretary Lewis Harcourt. It was originally inhabited by the Ijaws, the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta. Port Harcourt became the capital of Rivers State following its creation in 1967 by the military. Before then, the territory was called Oil Rivers Protectorate, a name derived from its abundant wealth in oil and gas. Major oil companies such as Anglo-Dutch giant Shell, Chevron and Agip as well as scores of oil service firms are based in the sprawling city of four million inhabitants. "We have never had it so bad in Port Harcourt. This place is called the 'Garden City' throughout the world because of its beautiful layout and decent environment. And because of the abundance of oil, foreigners and multi-national oil firms make it their base," Rivers State government spokesman Emmanuel Okah told AFP. But an upsurge in violence in recent months has driven hundreds of foreigners from the city, he said. "These days, the criminal activities of crude oil thieves, otherwise known as 'bunkerers', and the kidnapping gangs have changed people's perception of the city as an unsafe city," he lamented. Profits from illegal oil trade is paying for the weapons of the rival militias, he said. "The proliferation of arms has given Port Harcourt the notoriety it has gained," said George Amachree, 67, an ethnic Kalabari chief who has lived in the city for 45 years. He blamed the government for the city's poor image. According to Amnesty International, up to 500 people were killed in violence in and around Port Harcourt in 2004 alone in clashes between two rival militia gangs fighting for the control of Niger Delta waterways so that they could have access to the petrol- dollar profits coming from the illegal oil trade. Since the beginning of 2006, when kidnappings increased sharply in southern Nigeria's oil-producing region, more than 100 foreigners, mainly oil workers, have been seized, either by armed groups with a political agenda or by criminal gangs out to make ransom money. Most have been released unharmed within a few weeks. About 40 soldiers have also been killed in clashes with militants. In Port Harcourt alone, more than 20 police officers have been killed since 2005, according to state police commissioner Felix Ogbaudu. "We have stepped up security efforts to stop this ugly trend. Only last week, on the night of the April 14 (state) polls, we lost seven officers during a raid by unidentified militants on two police stations," he told AFP. Major Musa Sagir, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), agreed that they needed to make the city more secure. "The military will continue to work with the police to rid Port Harcourt of miscreants, armed gangs and ethnic militias causing havoc for people," he said. Recently, the police announced that a Port Harcourt-based politician, Clark Igodo, was wanted in connection with a spate of abductions in the city. Ateke Tom, a militia faction leader, is also wanted for several bank robberies and attacks on the police. Militant groups have warned foreign workers, especially from the oil sector, to leave the city as gangs have stepped up their violent attacks in the oil hub. The groups claim to be fighting for a fair share of Nigeria's huge oil wealth for the local people. 
Garden_City::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070421.0482.LDC2009T13::3	 Port Harcourt: Nigeria's 'Garden City' turned violent oil capital by Joel Olatunde Agoi The bloom is gone from Port Harcourt, Nigeria's oil hub once known as the country's serene "Garden City". It has turned into a battlefield for the west African nation's oil wealth. In a space of 50 years, Nigeria has become the world's sixth largest oil exporter, radically transforming this port city in the Niger Delta into an oil capital and theatre of violence, residents and officials say. Bringing peace to the volatile Delta region, where Nigerian soldiers and police have been killed and scores of foreign oil workers kidnapped by rival militias seeking a piece of the oil fortune, has figured in the country's presidential election, held on Saturday. "This is certainly not the city we used to know and cherish," a woman resident of Port Harcourt lamented. The port city was founded in 1912 and named after then colonial secretary Lewis Harcourt. It was originally inhabited by the Ijaws, the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta. Port Harcourt became the capital of Rivers State following its creation in 1967 by the military. Before then, the territory was called Oil Rivers Protectorate, a name derived from its abundant wealth in oil and gas. Major oil companies such as Anglo-Dutch giant Shell, Chevron and Agip as well as scores of oil service firms are based in the sprawling city of four million inhabitants. "We have never had it so bad in Port Harcourt. This place is called the 'Garden City' throughout the world because of its beautiful layout and decent environment. And because of the abundance of oil, foreigners and multi-national oil firms make it their base," Rivers State government spokesman Emmanuel Okah told AFP. But an upsurge in violence in recent months has driven hundreds of foreigners from the city, he said. "These days, the criminal activities of crude oil thieves, otherwise known as 'bunkerers', and the kidnapping gangs have changed people's perception of the city as an unsafe city," he lamented. Profits from illegal oil trade is paying for the weapons of the rival militias, he said. "The proliferation of arms has given Port Harcourt the notoriety it has gained," said George Amachree, 67, an ethnic Kalabari chief who has lived in the city for 45 years. He blamed the government for the city's poor image. According to Amnesty International, up to 500 people were killed in violence in and around Port Harcourt in 2004 alone in clashes between two rival militia gangs fighting for the control of Niger Delta waterways so that they could have access to the petrol- dollar profits coming from the illegal oil trade. Since the beginning of 2006, when kidnappings increased sharply in southern Nigeria's oil-producing region, more than 100 foreigners, mainly oil workers, have been seized, either by armed groups with a political agenda or by criminal gangs out to make ransom money. Most have been released unharmed within a few weeks. About 40 soldiers have also been killed in clashes with militants. In Port Harcourt alone, more than 20 police officers have been killed since 2005, according to state police commissioner Felix Ogbaudu. "We have stepped up security efforts to stop this ugly trend. Only last week, on the night of the April 14 (state) polls, we lost seven officers during a raid by unidentified militants on two police stations," he told AFP. Major Musa Sagir, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), agreed that they needed to make the city more secure. "The military will continue to work with the police to rid Port Harcourt of miscreants, armed gangs and ethnic militias causing havoc for people," he said. Recently, the police announced that a Port Harcourt-based politician, Clark Igodo, was wanted in connection with a spate of abductions in the city. Ateke Tom, a militia faction leader, is also wanted for several bank robberies and attacks on the police. Militant groups have warned foreign workers, especially from the oil sector, to leave the city as gangs have stepped up their violent attacks in the oil hub. The groups claim to be fighting for a fair share of Nigeria's huge oil wealth for the local people. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0218.LDC2009T13::1	 Russian electricity group SEU eyes acquisitoons in China, Europe The export unit of Russian electricity group SEU is considering share acquisitions in China and Europe in order to become a major world player in the sector in the next five years, a source close to the company said Monday. He said the SEU would first transfer control of electricity power stations in Russia, Armenia and Tajikistan to its export subsidiary Inter SEU, after which Inter SEU would buy shares in companies in Asia, notably China, as well as in Finland, Turkey and eastern Europe. The acquisitions would bring the capitalisation of Inter SEU over the next five years to 14 billion dollars (10.8 billion euros), the source said. Inter SEU's development strategy will be assessed at an SEU board of directors meeting February 9, according to an SEU spokeswoman. Inter SEU is 60 percent owned by SEU, with the federal atomic energy agency Rosatom controlling 40 percent. Inter SEU at the moment controls electricity distribution companies in Armenia and Georgia as well as power stations in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0218.LDC2009T13::2	 Russian electricity group SEU eyes acquisitoons in China, Europe The export unit of Russian electricity group SEU is considering share acquisitions in China and Europe in order to become a major world player in the sector in the next five years, a source close to the company said Monday. He said the SEU would first transfer control of electricity power stations in Russia, Armenia and Tajikistan to its export subsidiary Inter SEU, after which Inter SEU would buy shares in companies in Asia, notably China, as well as in Finland, Turkey and eastern Europe. The acquisitions would bring the capitalisation of Inter SEU over the next five years to 14 billion dollars (10.8 billion euros), the source said. Inter SEU's development strategy will be assessed at an SEU board of directors meeting February 9, according to an SEU spokeswoman. Inter SEU is 60 percent owned by SEU, with the federal atomic energy agency Rosatom controlling 40 percent. Inter SEU at the moment controls electricity distribution companies in Armenia and Georgia as well as power stations in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::1	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::2	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::3	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::4	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::5	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0273.LDC2009T13::6	 Body of former Georgian president exhumed The missing body of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of independent Georgia, was found and exhumed Saturday in the Chechen capital Grozny, the pro- Russian Chechen authorities said. Gamsakhurdia was originally buried near Zougdidi in western Georgia where he died in 1993, but his body was transferred to Grozny in 1994. His corpse was exhumed in the first Russian- Chechen conflict (1994-1996) but later lost. Public prosecutor Valeri Kuznetsov said the body was being examined and if it turned out Gamsakhurdia did not commit suicide as his widow claims, and instead was murdered, there would be an inquiry. "The coffin has been exhumed. Criminal lawyers are working at the site. A decision on the launch of an inquiry should be taken," Kuznetsov said, according to the Ra Novosti agency. Tests were being carried out on the body at the request of his son, Tsotne Gasakhurdia, who wants to bury his father in Georgia, the agency said. "I've no doubt that it is indeed him. A cross, soil brought from Georgia, his shoes and his watch were all found in the coffin," the son said, according to Rio Novosti, adding that these objects were put in his coffin by his family. The corpse was to be transferred on Monday to Rosov in southern Russia for an autopsy, Kuznetsov said according to the Interfax agency, adding that a DNA test would be carried out to confirm its identity. Gamsakhurdia was the first president of an independent Georgia, but was ousted in a coup in 1992 and, after several attempts to regain power, died in 1993 in circumstances that are still disputed. According to a police source quoted by Interfax, experts found two holes in the corpse's head which could have been bullet holes. The new Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, was at the scene and confirmed Gamsakhurdia could be formally buried in Chechnya "if the family wish it", the agency reported. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070302.0332.LDC2009T13::1	 Deadly tornadoes strike southern US, 20 dead by Magan Crane Authorities were digging through the rubble of a Georgia high school Friday hoping to find survivors after a string of tornadoes that killed at least 20 tore across the southern United States. The massive storm system was headed north where it was expected to turn from thunderstorms to blizzards and dump up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow in the northeastern US, according to the National Weather Service. The service said Friday it had received reports of 31 tornadoes touching the ground around the region as US media showed images of roofless homes with blown- out windows, uprooted and shredded trees, dangling power lines and cars overturned and crushed. US President George W. Bush, who was fiercely criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was to tour the devastation on Saturday, the White House said in a statement. "The president continues to monitor the resulting aftermath of the terrible storms which struck throughout the south yesterday," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. The last tornado watch expired at 1600 GMT as front of the storm passed off the east coast. In the southern state of Alabama, eight teenagers were killed when a tornado struck a high school in the town of Enterprise, CNN reported, citing the town's mayor. Students had been told to huddle against the school's brick walls for hours before the twister barreled down. High school student Brooke Shroades survived the tornado by hunkering down in a cubbyhole. "I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It was the scariest thing ever," she told the Enteprise Ledger newspaper. "When I heard the train sound, I started screaming," she said. Her father, Mike Shroades, who had hoped to pick up his daughter before the storm hit, took shelter in a school hallway with other parents, teachers and students. "You could feel your body moving from the wind and suction," he told the Enterprise Ledger. Emergency officials warned CNN that more bodies might be found during Friday's morning search. The authorities also said the storm killed two other people in other parts of the state. In the pre-dawn hours of Friday a tornado spawned by the same storm hit the Murray Sumter Regional Hospital in the town of Americus, Georgia, destroying the ambulance fleet and forcing 55 patients to evacuate, CNN reported. Two people not linked to the hospital were killed there. At least seven other people were killed across southern Georgia, and one died in Missouri after an apparent tornado destroyed a mobile home. Federal authorities, still under pressure from the slow response to the devastation wreaked by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, announced they were sending emergency aid to storm-stricken Alabama and Missouri. Alabama Governor Bob Riley said the town of Enterprise, where the high school was destroyed, had suffered "major and widespread damage." Riley announced he was deploying about 100 National Guard soldiers to assist in recovery efforts. A school official Bob Ferris said the extent of the tragedy was not immediately clear. "We need your prayers," he told a news conference. Local hospitals asked for blood donations and utility Alabama Power said about 15,000 homes across the state were without electricity. As the storm drives north, the rain and tornadoes are expected to turn to snow and sleet in the region between New York and Vermont. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070302.0332.LDC2009T13::2	 Deadly tornadoes strike southern US, 20 dead by Magan Crane Authorities were digging through the rubble of a Georgia high school Friday hoping to find survivors after a string of tornadoes that killed at least 20 tore across the southern United States. The massive storm system was headed north where it was expected to turn from thunderstorms to blizzards and dump up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow in the northeastern US, according to the National Weather Service. The service said Friday it had received reports of 31 tornadoes touching the ground around the region as US media showed images of roofless homes with blown- out windows, uprooted and shredded trees, dangling power lines and cars overturned and crushed. US President George W. Bush, who was fiercely criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was to tour the devastation on Saturday, the White House said in a statement. "The president continues to monitor the resulting aftermath of the terrible storms which struck throughout the south yesterday," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. The last tornado watch expired at 1600 GMT as front of the storm passed off the east coast. In the southern state of Alabama, eight teenagers were killed when a tornado struck a high school in the town of Enterprise, CNN reported, citing the town's mayor. Students had been told to huddle against the school's brick walls for hours before the twister barreled down. High school student Brooke Shroades survived the tornado by hunkering down in a cubbyhole. "I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It was the scariest thing ever," she told the Enteprise Ledger newspaper. "When I heard the train sound, I started screaming," she said. Her father, Mike Shroades, who had hoped to pick up his daughter before the storm hit, took shelter in a school hallway with other parents, teachers and students. "You could feel your body moving from the wind and suction," he told the Enterprise Ledger. Emergency officials warned CNN that more bodies might be found during Friday's morning search. The authorities also said the storm killed two other people in other parts of the state. In the pre-dawn hours of Friday a tornado spawned by the same storm hit the Murray Sumter Regional Hospital in the town of Americus, Georgia, destroying the ambulance fleet and forcing 55 patients to evacuate, CNN reported. Two people not linked to the hospital were killed there. At least seven other people were killed across southern Georgia, and one died in Missouri after an apparent tornado destroyed a mobile home. Federal authorities, still under pressure from the slow response to the devastation wreaked by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, announced they were sending emergency aid to storm-stricken Alabama and Missouri. Alabama Governor Bob Riley said the town of Enterprise, where the high school was destroyed, had suffered "major and widespread damage." Riley announced he was deploying about 100 National Guard soldiers to assist in recovery efforts. A school official Bob Ferris said the extent of the tragedy was not immediately clear. "We need your prayers," he told a news conference. Local hospitals asked for blood donations and utility Alabama Power said about 15,000 homes across the state were without electricity. As the storm drives north, the rain and tornadoes are expected to turn to snow and sleet in the region between New York and Vermont. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070302.0332.LDC2009T13::3	 Deadly tornadoes strike southern US, 20 dead by Magan Crane Authorities were digging through the rubble of a Georgia high school Friday hoping to find survivors after a string of tornadoes that killed at least 20 tore across the southern United States. The massive storm system was headed north where it was expected to turn from thunderstorms to blizzards and dump up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow in the northeastern US, according to the National Weather Service. The service said Friday it had received reports of 31 tornadoes touching the ground around the region as US media showed images of roofless homes with blown- out windows, uprooted and shredded trees, dangling power lines and cars overturned and crushed. US President George W. Bush, who was fiercely criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was to tour the devastation on Saturday, the White House said in a statement. "The president continues to monitor the resulting aftermath of the terrible storms which struck throughout the south yesterday," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. The last tornado watch expired at 1600 GMT as front of the storm passed off the east coast. In the southern state of Alabama, eight teenagers were killed when a tornado struck a high school in the town of Enterprise, CNN reported, citing the town's mayor. Students had been told to huddle against the school's brick walls for hours before the twister barreled down. High school student Brooke Shroades survived the tornado by hunkering down in a cubbyhole. "I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It was the scariest thing ever," she told the Enteprise Ledger newspaper. "When I heard the train sound, I started screaming," she said. Her father, Mike Shroades, who had hoped to pick up his daughter before the storm hit, took shelter in a school hallway with other parents, teachers and students. "You could feel your body moving from the wind and suction," he told the Enterprise Ledger. Emergency officials warned CNN that more bodies might be found during Friday's morning search. The authorities also said the storm killed two other people in other parts of the state. In the pre-dawn hours of Friday a tornado spawned by the same storm hit the Murray Sumter Regional Hospital in the town of Americus, Georgia, destroying the ambulance fleet and forcing 55 patients to evacuate, CNN reported. Two people not linked to the hospital were killed there. At least seven other people were killed across southern Georgia, and one died in Missouri after an apparent tornado destroyed a mobile home. Federal authorities, still under pressure from the slow response to the devastation wreaked by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, announced they were sending emergency aid to storm-stricken Alabama and Missouri. Alabama Governor Bob Riley said the town of Enterprise, where the high school was destroyed, had suffered "major and widespread damage." Riley announced he was deploying about 100 National Guard soldiers to assist in recovery efforts. A school official Bob Ferris said the extent of the tragedy was not immediately clear. "We need your prayers," he told a news conference. Local hospitals asked for blood donations and utility Alabama Power said about 15,000 homes across the state were without electricity. As the storm drives north, the rain and tornadoes are expected to turn to snow and sleet in the region between New York and Vermont. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0220.LDC2009T13::1	 Bush declares disaster, visits tornado-hit Alabama school President George W. Bush Saturday toured the rubble of an Alabama high school in which eight students were killed by deadly tornadoes as he made an emotional visit to the ravaged region. "Out of this rubble will emerge a better tomorrow," Bush vowed with his arm around a tearful 17-year-old Megan Parks, one of the students of the school, who lost two friends in Thursday's storms. He arrived earlier in Enterprise, saying he had declared Coffee County, where the small town is located, a disaster area after the storm system barreled through the region killing 22 people in the US and Canada. "I come down with a heavy heart and I will try to the best of my ability to comfort those who lost lives and properties," Bush said. Bush, who was castigated for his administration's slow response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, toured the devastated areas saying he wanted to show his support. "I hope it helps for the citizens here to hear that we declared your county a major disaster area, which will provide some relief." Ten people, including the eight teenagers sheltering in the high school, were killed when the tornadoes struck Alabama. Enterprise, a small town of about 21,000 people, will now be eligible for federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss. Bush was given an aerial tour of the devastation before landing in Enterprise, where he was then briefed by local officials. "You can never heal a heart, but you can provide comfort knowing that the federal government will provide help for those whose houses were destroyed or automobiles were destroyed," the president said. Bush also appealed to Americans to donate to a special fund set up for the people of Enterprise. Federal disaster aid has also been extended to Missouri, a Midwestern state, following the twisters. "We can rebuild buildings, and the fundamental question is, will the spirit stay strong in Enterprise, Alabama. I predict that it not only will stay strong, it will be strengthened," he said outside the devastated school. Alabama Governor Bob Riley said Enterprise had suffered "major and widespread damage." About 100 National Guard soldiers have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts. The National Weather Service said Friday it had received reports of 31 tornadoes touching the ground around the region where roofs were blown off houses, cars overturned, walls tumbled, and power lines left dangling. Following criticism that the administration was too slow to react to the devastation caused by Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, US officials are trying demonstrate they are reacting quickly to the latest weather disaster. The director of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), David Paulison, traveled with Bush on Saturday and said damage assessments for Alabama were almost complete and that the agency had started looking at Georgia, with some 14 teams on the ground doing home inspections. Emergency supplies have already been rushed to the area, he said. "We moved truckloads of water, truckloads of ice, truckloads of blue tarps, plastic sheeting, communications equipment to make sure that the state has everything it needs to take care of those residents whose homes were damaged," he said. Bush was later to visit Georgia where 10 people were also killed, two of them when a tornado hit the Murray Sumter Regional Hospital in the town of Americus. One person also died in Missouri after an apparent tornado destroyed a mobile home. In Canada meanwhile, a severe winter storm was blamed for the deaths of two children in a traffic accident in Toronto. There was mild flooding in parts of Toronto. And 80,000 homes remained without power in Ontario Friday because heavy snow and ice downed power lines. 
Georgia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070303.0220.LDC2009T13::2	 Bush declares disaster, visits tornado-hit Alabama school President George W. Bush Saturday toured the rubble of an Alabama high school in which eight students were killed by deadly tornadoes as he made an emotional visit to the ravaged region. "Out of this rubble will emerge a better tomorrow," Bush vowed with his arm around a tearful 17-year-old Megan Parks, one of the students of the school, who lost two friends in Thursday's storms. He arrived earlier in Enterprise, saying he had declared Coffee County, where the small town is located, a disaster area after the storm system barreled through the region killing 22 people in the US and Canada. "I come down with a heavy heart and I will try to the best of my ability to comfort those who lost lives and properties," Bush said. Bush, who was castigated for his administration's slow response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, toured the devastated areas saying he wanted to show his support. "I hope it helps for the citizens here to hear that we declared your county a major disaster area, which will provide some relief." Ten people, including the eight teenagers sheltering in the high school, were killed when the tornadoes struck Alabama. Enterprise, a small town of about 21,000 people, will now be eligible for federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss. Bush was given an aerial tour of the devastation before landing in Enterprise, where he was then briefed by local officials. "You can never heal a heart, but you can provide comfort knowing that the federal government will provide help for those whose houses were destroyed or automobiles were destroyed," the president said. Bush also appealed to Americans to donate to a special fund set up for the people of Enterprise. Federal disaster aid has also been extended to Missouri, a Midwestern state, following the twisters. "We can rebuild buildings, and the fundamental question is, will the spirit stay strong in Enterprise, Alabama. I predict that it not only will stay strong, it will be strengthened," he said outside the devastated school. Alabama Governor Bob Riley said Enterprise had suffered "major and widespread damage." About 100 National Guard soldiers have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts. The National Weather Service said Friday it had received reports of 31 tornadoes touching the ground around the region where roofs were blown off houses, cars overturned, walls tumbled, and power lines left dangling. Following criticism that the administration was too slow to react to the devastation caused by Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, US officials are trying demonstrate they are reacting quickly to the latest weather disaster. The director of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), David Paulison, traveled with Bush on Saturday and said damage assessments for Alabama were almost complete and that the agency had started looking at Georgia, with some 14 teams on the ground doing home inspections. Emergency supplies have already been rushed to the area, he said. "We moved truckloads of water, truckloads of ice, truckloads of blue tarps, plastic sheeting, communications equipment to make sure that the state has everything it needs to take care of those residents whose homes were damaged," he said. Bush was later to visit Georgia where 10 people were also killed, two of them when a tornado hit the Murray Sumter Regional Hospital in the town of Americus. One person also died in Missouri after an apparent tornado destroyed a mobile home. In Canada meanwhile, a severe winter storm was blamed for the deaths of two children in a traffic accident in Toronto. There was mild flooding in parts of Toronto. And 80,000 homes remained without power in Ontario Friday because heavy snow and ice downed power lines. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070122.0161.LDC2009T13::1	 BKC-MACON-0123-COX Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Working late one night last summer, Michael Perry heard the fax machine whirring around the corner at Georgia State's basketball offices and went to investigate. There he found a resume and letter of inquiry for an assistant's vacancy. It was signed Mark Macon. "I said, 'Wow,"' Perry recalled. "That's pretty interesting." Retired NBA guard, living legend back at Temple University and the only four-time All-Atlantic 10 player ever, Macon was trying to plot out his second life. Wealthy. Unemployed. Searching. NBA players, as a rule, don't come back to the college game and those who do often gravitate to their old schools to sit beside the men who had in turn coached them. Macon had done that, sitting next to John Chaney at Temple for three years. This was different. GSU's opening had been posted on an NCAA Web site and, unsolicited, the man was looking for work. "This is teaching to me," Macon said. "There are not many things I would like to do. Yeah, I could go and see if I could make a bunch of money. I could get connected with the right people and see what we could do business-wise. "But I love coaching. And I love teaching." And that is how Macon has come to spend his first winter in the third-floor gym down on Decatur Street, helping GSU find its way in its second season in the Colonial Athletic Association. With seven new players on the roster, the Panthers are 7-11 and 3-5 in the league with second-place Hofstra coming to GSU's Sports Arena on Wednesday night. Macon's arrival is widely appreciated. "He's a good man," sophomore guard Leonard Mendez said. "He could be at home on the couch, or traveling the world, or whatever he wants to do. But to give back to college kids? That's very, very good." Perry hardly knew Macon, though GSU's head coach was an assistant at Richmond when Temple eliminated the Spiders from the 1988 NCAA tournament quarterfinals, the season Macon was voted national freshman of the year. But he knew well Macon's plight. Perry had spent 10 years working two jobs, working in the printing and business machinery field by day and moonlighting as a college assistant, until he recognized basketball as a true calling. Had Macon completed the same soul search? Perry had his suspicions. Across the SEC, there are only three coaches who spent time in the NBA. Profiling the Top 25, there are only six out of 100 head coaches and assistants with NBA experience. In the CAA, there are none. Macon grossed more than $8 million in his six NBA seasons. Why was he here? Why now? "When you've been in the game at the level that he was, sometimes it's easy for you to get into this business," Perry said. "There are some doors that are open to you because of the service you've done as a player. But it's got to be something you really want. "It's a great profession. It's one of those professions that you wake up every morning and you enjoy going to work. But you have to make sure that where you are is the place where you will enjoy going to work. And by talking to him, I realized that this was something that he really wanted to do." There is plenty of John Chaney in Macon. The first member of his family to earn a college degree, Macon signed on with Temple having never visited the school nor met Chaney. But Macon had watched his future coach give a speech on a borrowed videotape, which was enough, and upon arriving in Philadelphia, informed Chaney he was there to study him. "We did not recruit Mark," Chaney said by phone from Philadelphia. "He was recruiting us." One year into retirement, Chaney says he takes calls from Macon all the time. Even as a freshman, Macon would park himself at the nearest seat to Chaney's desk - to later generations at Temple, it became Macon's Chair - and took notes on whatever Chaney was preaching. Mostly, it was basketball. Sometimes, it was life. "Always had pencil and pad," Chaney said. "I was going into the toilet? He'd follow me in with that pencil and pad." What came through, beyond Chaney's legendary bluster, is the realization that what happens inside the gym is often secondary to what happens away from it. That Macon earned his degree in education is not a coincidence. "In my opinion," Chaney said, "if he ever gets a chance, he is going to be something special." Perhaps later. But now, at age 37, Macon is discovering life's mysteries at a middling mid-major program - putting in his "sweat equity," as Perry calls it - while trying to do something about the Panthers' 40.9 percent shooting percentage. "He brings a wealth of experience in terms of how to play this game, how to prepare for this game, how to compete at this game," Perry said. "It brings a lot of leverage to what he says. You can see that they're on the edge of their seats, as a lot of kids their age would be." They don't know about Macon's Chair here, or how they eat their young up in the Big Five. Mendez gripes the new coach won't play him one-on-one. The new coach doesn't care. There is a lot to learn, for everyone. "I like teaching. I just love it," Macon said. "I don't think there's a better thing to do. I don't have any pastimes. I don't fish. I don't golf. I don't play video games. I don't have any real hobbies, other than basketball." Which, the prodigy has found as he hurries into middle age, can be more than enough. Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070122.0161.LDC2009T13::2	 BKC-MACON-0123-COX Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Working late one night last summer, Michael Perry heard the fax machine whirring around the corner at Georgia State's basketball offices and went to investigate. There he found a resume and letter of inquiry for an assistant's vacancy. It was signed Mark Macon. "I said, 'Wow,"' Perry recalled. "That's pretty interesting." Retired NBA guard, living legend back at Temple University and the only four-time All-Atlantic 10 player ever, Macon was trying to plot out his second life. Wealthy. Unemployed. Searching. NBA players, as a rule, don't come back to the college game and those who do often gravitate to their old schools to sit beside the men who had in turn coached them. Macon had done that, sitting next to John Chaney at Temple for three years. This was different. GSU's opening had been posted on an NCAA Web site and, unsolicited, the man was looking for work. "This is teaching to me," Macon said. "There are not many things I would like to do. Yeah, I could go and see if I could make a bunch of money. I could get connected with the right people and see what we could do business-wise. "But I love coaching. And I love teaching." And that is how Macon has come to spend his first winter in the third-floor gym down on Decatur Street, helping GSU find its way in its second season in the Colonial Athletic Association. With seven new players on the roster, the Panthers are 7-11 and 3-5 in the league with second-place Hofstra coming to GSU's Sports Arena on Wednesday night. Macon's arrival is widely appreciated. "He's a good man," sophomore guard Leonard Mendez said. "He could be at home on the couch, or traveling the world, or whatever he wants to do. But to give back to college kids? That's very, very good." Perry hardly knew Macon, though GSU's head coach was an assistant at Richmond when Temple eliminated the Spiders from the 1988 NCAA tournament quarterfinals, the season Macon was voted national freshman of the year. But he knew well Macon's plight. Perry had spent 10 years working two jobs, working in the printing and business machinery field by day and moonlighting as a college assistant, until he recognized basketball as a true calling. Had Macon completed the same soul search? Perry had his suspicions. Across the SEC, there are only three coaches who spent time in the NBA. Profiling the Top 25, there are only six out of 100 head coaches and assistants with NBA experience. In the CAA, there are none. Macon grossed more than $8 million in his six NBA seasons. Why was he here? Why now? "When you've been in the game at the level that he was, sometimes it's easy for you to get into this business," Perry said. "There are some doors that are open to you because of the service you've done as a player. But it's got to be something you really want. "It's a great profession. It's one of those professions that you wake up every morning and you enjoy going to work. But you have to make sure that where you are is the place where you will enjoy going to work. And by talking to him, I realized that this was something that he really wanted to do." There is plenty of John Chaney in Macon. The first member of his family to earn a college degree, Macon signed on with Temple having never visited the school nor met Chaney. But Macon had watched his future coach give a speech on a borrowed videotape, which was enough, and upon arriving in Philadelphia, informed Chaney he was there to study him. "We did not recruit Mark," Chaney said by phone from Philadelphia. "He was recruiting us." One year into retirement, Chaney says he takes calls from Macon all the time. Even as a freshman, Macon would park himself at the nearest seat to Chaney's desk - to later generations at Temple, it became Macon's Chair - and took notes on whatever Chaney was preaching. Mostly, it was basketball. Sometimes, it was life. "Always had pencil and pad," Chaney said. "I was going into the toilet? He'd follow me in with that pencil and pad." What came through, beyond Chaney's legendary bluster, is the realization that what happens inside the gym is often secondary to what happens away from it. That Macon earned his degree in education is not a coincidence. "In my opinion," Chaney said, "if he ever gets a chance, he is going to be something special." Perhaps later. But now, at age 37, Macon is discovering life's mysteries at a middling mid-major program - putting in his "sweat equity," as Perry calls it - while trying to do something about the Panthers' 40.9 percent shooting percentage. "He brings a wealth of experience in terms of how to play this game, how to prepare for this game, how to compete at this game," Perry said. "It brings a lot of leverage to what he says. You can see that they're on the edge of their seats, as a lot of kids their age would be." They don't know about Macon's Chair here, or how they eat their young up in the Big Five. Mendez gripes the new coach won't play him one-on-one. The new coach doesn't care. There is a lot to learn, for everyone. "I like teaching. I just love it," Macon said. "I don't think there's a better thing to do. I don't have any pastimes. I don't fish. I don't golf. I don't play video games. I don't have any real hobbies, other than basketball." Which, the prodigy has found as he hurries into middle age, can be more than enough. Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070122.0161.LDC2009T13::3	 BKC-MACON-0123-COX Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Working late one night last summer, Michael Perry heard the fax machine whirring around the corner at Georgia State's basketball offices and went to investigate. There he found a resume and letter of inquiry for an assistant's vacancy. It was signed Mark Macon. "I said, 'Wow,"' Perry recalled. "That's pretty interesting." Retired NBA guard, living legend back at Temple University and the only four-time All-Atlantic 10 player ever, Macon was trying to plot out his second life. Wealthy. Unemployed. Searching. NBA players, as a rule, don't come back to the college game and those who do often gravitate to their old schools to sit beside the men who had in turn coached them. Macon had done that, sitting next to John Chaney at Temple for three years. This was different. GSU's opening had been posted on an NCAA Web site and, unsolicited, the man was looking for work. "This is teaching to me," Macon said. "There are not many things I would like to do. Yeah, I could go and see if I could make a bunch of money. I could get connected with the right people and see what we could do business-wise. "But I love coaching. And I love teaching." And that is how Macon has come to spend his first winter in the third-floor gym down on Decatur Street, helping GSU find its way in its second season in the Colonial Athletic Association. With seven new players on the roster, the Panthers are 7-11 and 3-5 in the league with second-place Hofstra coming to GSU's Sports Arena on Wednesday night. Macon's arrival is widely appreciated. "He's a good man," sophomore guard Leonard Mendez said. "He could be at home on the couch, or traveling the world, or whatever he wants to do. But to give back to college kids? That's very, very good." Perry hardly knew Macon, though GSU's head coach was an assistant at Richmond when Temple eliminated the Spiders from the 1988 NCAA tournament quarterfinals, the season Macon was voted national freshman of the year. But he knew well Macon's plight. Perry had spent 10 years working two jobs, working in the printing and business machinery field by day and moonlighting as a college assistant, until he recognized basketball as a true calling. Had Macon completed the same soul search? Perry had his suspicions. Across the SEC, there are only three coaches who spent time in the NBA. Profiling the Top 25, there are only six out of 100 head coaches and assistants with NBA experience. In the CAA, there are none. Macon grossed more than $8 million in his six NBA seasons. Why was he here? Why now? "When you've been in the game at the level that he was, sometimes it's easy for you to get into this business," Perry said. "There are some doors that are open to you because of the service you've done as a player. But it's got to be something you really want. "It's a great profession. It's one of those professions that you wake up every morning and you enjoy going to work. But you have to make sure that where you are is the place where you will enjoy going to work. And by talking to him, I realized that this was something that he really wanted to do." There is plenty of John Chaney in Macon. The first member of his family to earn a college degree, Macon signed on with Temple having never visited the school nor met Chaney. But Macon had watched his future coach give a speech on a borrowed videotape, which was enough, and upon arriving in Philadelphia, informed Chaney he was there to study him. "We did not recruit Mark," Chaney said by phone from Philadelphia. "He was recruiting us." One year into retirement, Chaney says he takes calls from Macon all the time. Even as a freshman, Macon would park himself at the nearest seat to Chaney's desk - to later generations at Temple, it became Macon's Chair - and took notes on whatever Chaney was preaching. Mostly, it was basketball. Sometimes, it was life. "Always had pencil and pad," Chaney said. "I was going into the toilet? He'd follow me in with that pencil and pad." What came through, beyond Chaney's legendary bluster, is the realization that what happens inside the gym is often secondary to what happens away from it. That Macon earned his degree in education is not a coincidence. "In my opinion," Chaney said, "if he ever gets a chance, he is going to be something special." Perhaps later. But now, at age 37, Macon is discovering life's mysteries at a middling mid-major program - putting in his "sweat equity," as Perry calls it - while trying to do something about the Panthers' 40.9 percent shooting percentage. "He brings a wealth of experience in terms of how to play this game, how to prepare for this game, how to compete at this game," Perry said. "It brings a lot of leverage to what he says. You can see that they're on the edge of their seats, as a lot of kids their age would be." They don't know about Macon's Chair here, or how they eat their young up in the Big Five. Mendez gripes the new coach won't play him one-on-one. The new coach doesn't care. There is a lot to learn, for everyone. "I like teaching. I just love it," Macon said. "I don't think there's a better thing to do. I don't have any pastimes. I don't fish. I don't golf. I don't play video games. I don't have any real hobbies, other than basketball." Which, the prodigy has found as he hurries into middle age, can be more than enough. Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070122.0161.LDC2009T13::4	 BKC-MACON-0123-COX Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Working late one night last summer, Michael Perry heard the fax machine whirring around the corner at Georgia State's basketball offices and went to investigate. There he found a resume and letter of inquiry for an assistant's vacancy. It was signed Mark Macon. "I said, 'Wow,"' Perry recalled. "That's pretty interesting." Retired NBA guard, living legend back at Temple University and the only four-time All-Atlantic 10 player ever, Macon was trying to plot out his second life. Wealthy. Unemployed. Searching. NBA players, as a rule, don't come back to the college game and those who do often gravitate to their old schools to sit beside the men who had in turn coached them. Macon had done that, sitting next to John Chaney at Temple for three years. This was different. GSU's opening had been posted on an NCAA Web site and, unsolicited, the man was looking for work. "This is teaching to me," Macon said. "There are not many things I would like to do. Yeah, I could go and see if I could make a bunch of money. I could get connected with the right people and see what we could do business-wise. "But I love coaching. And I love teaching." And that is how Macon has come to spend his first winter in the third-floor gym down on Decatur Street, helping GSU find its way in its second season in the Colonial Athletic Association. With seven new players on the roster, the Panthers are 7-11 and 3-5 in the league with second-place Hofstra coming to GSU's Sports Arena on Wednesday night. Macon's arrival is widely appreciated. "He's a good man," sophomore guard Leonard Mendez said. "He could be at home on the couch, or traveling the world, or whatever he wants to do. But to give back to college kids? That's very, very good." Perry hardly knew Macon, though GSU's head coach was an assistant at Richmond when Temple eliminated the Spiders from the 1988 NCAA tournament quarterfinals, the season Macon was voted national freshman of the year. But he knew well Macon's plight. Perry had spent 10 years working two jobs, working in the printing and business machinery field by day and moonlighting as a college assistant, until he recognized basketball as a true calling. Had Macon completed the same soul search? Perry had his suspicions. Across the SEC, there are only three coaches who spent time in the NBA. Profiling the Top 25, there are only six out of 100 head coaches and assistants with NBA experience. In the CAA, there are none. Macon grossed more than $8 million in his six NBA seasons. Why was he here? Why now? "When you've been in the game at the level that he was, sometimes it's easy for you to get into this business," Perry said. "There are some doors that are open to you because of the service you've done as a player. But it's got to be something you really want. "It's a great profession. It's one of those professions that you wake up every morning and you enjoy going to work. But you have to make sure that where you are is the place where you will enjoy going to work. And by talking to him, I realized that this was something that he really wanted to do." There is plenty of John Chaney in Macon. The first member of his family to earn a college degree, Macon signed on with Temple having never visited the school nor met Chaney. But Macon had watched his future coach give a speech on a borrowed videotape, which was enough, and upon arriving in Philadelphia, informed Chaney he was there to study him. "We did not recruit Mark," Chaney said by phone from Philadelphia. "He was recruiting us." One year into retirement, Chaney says he takes calls from Macon all the time. Even as a freshman, Macon would park himself at the nearest seat to Chaney's desk - to later generations at Temple, it became Macon's Chair - and took notes on whatever Chaney was preaching. Mostly, it was basketball. Sometimes, it was life. "Always had pencil and pad," Chaney said. "I was going into the toilet? He'd follow me in with that pencil and pad." What came through, beyond Chaney's legendary bluster, is the realization that what happens inside the gym is often secondary to what happens away from it. That Macon earned his degree in education is not a coincidence. "In my opinion," Chaney said, "if he ever gets a chance, he is going to be something special." Perhaps later. But now, at age 37, Macon is discovering life's mysteries at a middling mid-major program - putting in his "sweat equity," as Perry calls it - while trying to do something about the Panthers' 40.9 percent shooting percentage. "He brings a wealth of experience in terms of how to play this game, how to prepare for this game, how to compete at this game," Perry said. "It brings a lot of leverage to what he says. You can see that they're on the edge of their seats, as a lot of kids their age would be." They don't know about Macon's Chair here, or how they eat their young up in the Big Five. Mendez gripes the new coach won't play him one-on-one. The new coach doesn't care. There is a lot to learn, for everyone. "I like teaching. I just love it," Macon said. "I don't think there's a better thing to do. I don't have any pastimes. I don't fish. I don't golf. I don't play video games. I don't have any real hobbies, other than basketball." Which, the prodigy has found as he hurries into middle age, can be more than enough. Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0194.LDC2009T13::1	 REEVES JOINS GSU'S FOOTBALL EXPLORATION Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State is turning to former Falcons coach Dan Reeves as the university decides if, when and how to launch a football program. It's expected that Reeves will serve initially as a consultant and chief fund raiser. Bringing the Pro Football Hall of Famer aboard doesn't mean the Panthers are committed to starting a football team. It does mean, though, that they very much want to test the interest level of the community and Atlanta-based businesses. "The potential for partnership is wonderful," Georgia State athletics director Mary McElroy said. "If we cannot generate interest with him helping us, it probably means we're not intended to have a team. His connections in the business, plus how well known he is, all plays a part in why he's the right guy." Reeves wouldn't comment on his new assignment when contacted Wednesday, saying he understood there would be a news conference Thursday morning and "you'll have to wait till then." If Georgia State launches a Division I-AA program, Reeves would likely at least have some say in the hiring of a coach. "We haven't entered into that discussion with him yet, about who we should consider for a coach, but with his credentials, we'd certainly be open to it," McElroy said. "That'll be up to him." McElroy said Tuesday that if the Panthers play football, as was discussed during two town-hall-style meetings on campus that day, their games would be at the Georgia Dome. She estimated that it would cost close to $8 million to start a program and an additional $6.5 million for a practice facility. That's where Reeves, the coach, the pitchman and the traveling speaker, comes in. The All-American Talent and Celebrity Agency lists Reeves on its Web site as being a $20,000- to $30,000-a-talk speaker. He has done national television campaigns and been an ambassador for the sport since his days at the University of South Carolina. The 63-year-old Americus, Ga., native also coached the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Falcons. In December 2005, the struggling Houston Texans hired Reeves as a "special consultant." When told Wednesday of Reeves' new gig, close friend and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said GSU had done a smart thing. "He'll be a great sounding board for them," Gailey said. "He'll tell them what it takes to be a successful football program because he knows what it takes." The Panthers are at least three years away from fielding a team. It would be 18 months before they could raise student fees to help pay for the program, then 18 months after that to get a staff in place. But the more funds Reeves can help generate, the less Georgia State would have to increase student fees. GSU's athletics department has shown over the years it has no aversion to trying big things. The Panthers have made splashes in basketball, hiring Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell in 1997 and last month bringing in former Ole Miss head coach Rod Barnes. Bill Sanders writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders AT ajc.com. Staff writer Mike Knobler contributed to this article. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0194.LDC2009T13::2	 REEVES JOINS GSU'S FOOTBALL EXPLORATION Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State is turning to former Falcons coach Dan Reeves as the university decides if, when and how to launch a football program. It's expected that Reeves will serve initially as a consultant and chief fund raiser. Bringing the Pro Football Hall of Famer aboard doesn't mean the Panthers are committed to starting a football team. It does mean, though, that they very much want to test the interest level of the community and Atlanta-based businesses. "The potential for partnership is wonderful," Georgia State athletics director Mary McElroy said. "If we cannot generate interest with him helping us, it probably means we're not intended to have a team. His connections in the business, plus how well known he is, all plays a part in why he's the right guy." Reeves wouldn't comment on his new assignment when contacted Wednesday, saying he understood there would be a news conference Thursday morning and "you'll have to wait till then." If Georgia State launches a Division I-AA program, Reeves would likely at least have some say in the hiring of a coach. "We haven't entered into that discussion with him yet, about who we should consider for a coach, but with his credentials, we'd certainly be open to it," McElroy said. "That'll be up to him." McElroy said Tuesday that if the Panthers play football, as was discussed during two town-hall-style meetings on campus that day, their games would be at the Georgia Dome. She estimated that it would cost close to $8 million to start a program and an additional $6.5 million for a practice facility. That's where Reeves, the coach, the pitchman and the traveling speaker, comes in. The All-American Talent and Celebrity Agency lists Reeves on its Web site as being a $20,000- to $30,000-a-talk speaker. He has done national television campaigns and been an ambassador for the sport since his days at the University of South Carolina. The 63-year-old Americus, Ga., native also coached the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Falcons. In December 2005, the struggling Houston Texans hired Reeves as a "special consultant." When told Wednesday of Reeves' new gig, close friend and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said GSU had done a smart thing. "He'll be a great sounding board for them," Gailey said. "He'll tell them what it takes to be a successful football program because he knows what it takes." The Panthers are at least three years away from fielding a team. It would be 18 months before they could raise student fees to help pay for the program, then 18 months after that to get a staff in place. But the more funds Reeves can help generate, the less Georgia State would have to increase student fees. GSU's athletics department has shown over the years it has no aversion to trying big things. The Panthers have made splashes in basketball, hiring Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell in 1997 and last month bringing in former Ole Miss head coach Rod Barnes. Bill Sanders writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders AT ajc.com. Staff writer Mike Knobler contributed to this article. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0194.LDC2009T13::3	 REEVES JOINS GSU'S FOOTBALL EXPLORATION Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State is turning to former Falcons coach Dan Reeves as the university decides if, when and how to launch a football program. It's expected that Reeves will serve initially as a consultant and chief fund raiser. Bringing the Pro Football Hall of Famer aboard doesn't mean the Panthers are committed to starting a football team. It does mean, though, that they very much want to test the interest level of the community and Atlanta-based businesses. "The potential for partnership is wonderful," Georgia State athletics director Mary McElroy said. "If we cannot generate interest with him helping us, it probably means we're not intended to have a team. His connections in the business, plus how well known he is, all plays a part in why he's the right guy." Reeves wouldn't comment on his new assignment when contacted Wednesday, saying he understood there would be a news conference Thursday morning and "you'll have to wait till then." If Georgia State launches a Division I-AA program, Reeves would likely at least have some say in the hiring of a coach. "We haven't entered into that discussion with him yet, about who we should consider for a coach, but with his credentials, we'd certainly be open to it," McElroy said. "That'll be up to him." McElroy said Tuesday that if the Panthers play football, as was discussed during two town-hall-style meetings on campus that day, their games would be at the Georgia Dome. She estimated that it would cost close to $8 million to start a program and an additional $6.5 million for a practice facility. That's where Reeves, the coach, the pitchman and the traveling speaker, comes in. The All-American Talent and Celebrity Agency lists Reeves on its Web site as being a $20,000- to $30,000-a-talk speaker. He has done national television campaigns and been an ambassador for the sport since his days at the University of South Carolina. The 63-year-old Americus, Ga., native also coached the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Falcons. In December 2005, the struggling Houston Texans hired Reeves as a "special consultant." When told Wednesday of Reeves' new gig, close friend and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said GSU had done a smart thing. "He'll be a great sounding board for them," Gailey said. "He'll tell them what it takes to be a successful football program because he knows what it takes." The Panthers are at least three years away from fielding a team. It would be 18 months before they could raise student fees to help pay for the program, then 18 months after that to get a staff in place. But the more funds Reeves can help generate, the less Georgia State would have to increase student fees. GSU's athletics department has shown over the years it has no aversion to trying big things. The Panthers have made splashes in basketball, hiring Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell in 1997 and last month bringing in former Ole Miss head coach Rod Barnes. Bill Sanders writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders AT ajc.com. Staff writer Mike Knobler contributed to this article. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070531.0172.LDC2009T13::1	 GSU SCORES SKY-HIGH STAR COUP Cox News Service ATLANTA -- In what scientists are hailing as an astronomical first, Georgia State University's $16 million mountaintop telescope in California has captured a picture of a nearby star - the first to reveal a sun-like star as more than a pinpoint of light. As pictures go, it might not look like much - a blue, slightly bulging orb against the blackness of space - but an international team of astronomers says the first fuzzy glimpse of Altair, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, heralds a "whole new way of doing astronomy." "This is a monumental steppingstone for us," said Hal McAlister, director of Georgia State's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy, which operates the innovative telescope array atop California's Mount Wilson. "This powerful new tool allows us to zoom in on a star that's a million times farther away than our own sun," said University of Michigan astronomer John Monnier, the lead researcher in the historic imaging effort. "Main sequence stars like this are far and away the largest population of stars out there and being able to make a picture of one creates tremendous opportunities for future research," Monnier reported Thursday in an online edition of the journal Science. Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila, which rises around midnight and rides high in the Southern sky just before dawn this time of year, is easily visible to the naked eye. Although astronomers have long recognized that the surface of our own sun - 93 million miles away - seethes with dark storms and erupting plumes of energy, such detail of other stars had, until recently, been beyond the capabilities of the most powerful telescopes. Monnier's team used four telescopes - positioned hundreds of yards apart to achieve the resolving power of a single lens that would be the size of a football stadium. For very bright objects like Altair, the view is 100 times sharper than pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope - the optical equivalent of reading a newspaper from 100 miles away. Because of Altair is so far away - about 15 light years or 90 trillion miles - the images of the blue-white orb are as tantalizing as they are informative. But they clearly reveal distinct variations in the temperature of the surface - and show that the star makes a complete rotation every 10 days. Although Altair is a hydrogen-burning star like our own sun, it is larger and spins more than twice as fast - so fast that it is flattened at the poles and has a girth about 14 percent wider than it is tall. Rapid rotation also makes its poles hotter than its equator. "It's really whipping around, and that's why it's spread out like a twirling ball of pizza dough," says Monnier. Altair, however, only marks the beginning of new stellar details that astronomers hope to glean with the GSU telescope array. McAlister, who conceived the array and has presided over its development and operation since the 1990s, says the ability to image distant stars will finally enable astronomers to "see" visual details that before only could have been inferred. "The old saying really holds true in astronomy," he says. "One picture is worth a thousand words." Mike Toner writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mtoner AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070531.0172.LDC2009T13::2	 GSU SCORES SKY-HIGH STAR COUP Cox News Service ATLANTA -- In what scientists are hailing as an astronomical first, Georgia State University's $16 million mountaintop telescope in California has captured a picture of a nearby star - the first to reveal a sun-like star as more than a pinpoint of light. As pictures go, it might not look like much - a blue, slightly bulging orb against the blackness of space - but an international team of astronomers says the first fuzzy glimpse of Altair, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, heralds a "whole new way of doing astronomy." "This is a monumental steppingstone for us," said Hal McAlister, director of Georgia State's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy, which operates the innovative telescope array atop California's Mount Wilson. "This powerful new tool allows us to zoom in on a star that's a million times farther away than our own sun," said University of Michigan astronomer John Monnier, the lead researcher in the historic imaging effort. "Main sequence stars like this are far and away the largest population of stars out there and being able to make a picture of one creates tremendous opportunities for future research," Monnier reported Thursday in an online edition of the journal Science. Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila, which rises around midnight and rides high in the Southern sky just before dawn this time of year, is easily visible to the naked eye. Although astronomers have long recognized that the surface of our own sun - 93 million miles away - seethes with dark storms and erupting plumes of energy, such detail of other stars had, until recently, been beyond the capabilities of the most powerful telescopes. Monnier's team used four telescopes - positioned hundreds of yards apart to achieve the resolving power of a single lens that would be the size of a football stadium. For very bright objects like Altair, the view is 100 times sharper than pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope - the optical equivalent of reading a newspaper from 100 miles away. Because of Altair is so far away - about 15 light years or 90 trillion miles - the images of the blue-white orb are as tantalizing as they are informative. But they clearly reveal distinct variations in the temperature of the surface - and show that the star makes a complete rotation every 10 days. Although Altair is a hydrogen-burning star like our own sun, it is larger and spins more than twice as fast - so fast that it is flattened at the poles and has a girth about 14 percent wider than it is tall. Rapid rotation also makes its poles hotter than its equator. "It's really whipping around, and that's why it's spread out like a twirling ball of pizza dough," says Monnier. Altair, however, only marks the beginning of new stellar details that astronomers hope to glean with the GSU telescope array. McAlister, who conceived the array and has presided over its development and operation since the 1990s, says the ability to image distant stars will finally enable astronomers to "see" visual details that before only could have been inferred. "The old saying really holds true in astronomy," he says. "One picture is worth a thousand words." Mike Toner writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mtoner AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::1	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::2	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::3	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::4	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::5	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::6	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071108.0192.LDC2009T13::7	 GEORGIA STATE PRESIDENT STEPPING DOWN Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Two decades ago, a Georgia State University football helmet in the president's office would have signaled just one thing - a joke. Heck, you might as well have suggested the sleepy commuter school build student housing on its campus. That was before Carl Patton. The energetic urban planner took the helm at Georgia State University 16 years ago. He began building the school into a research institution where dorms - and even a football team ?- are realities and transforming downtown into a place where streets bustle with student life. Patton, whose mantra that the school should "be a part of the city, not apart from it" resonated in the community, will retire in June, the chancellor of the university system announced Thursday. A.J. Robinson, the president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown booster group, called Patton's influence on the city "immeasurable." "He's meant everything to downtown Atlanta," Robinson said. With his background in urban planning, "Carl was at that nexus at understanding how cities work and understanding what's good for a university," Robinson said. "His legacy will really play out as more and more student housing gets built and occupied," he said. "You can think of great schools in urban areas, Columbia, NYU in New York, others in Boston. That's the future of this part of our downtown community." The blue Panthers helmet sits under a glass table in Patton's office now. If the Board of Regents approves, the football team could be just a couple of years away. On the wall behind his desk hangs a framed rendering of GSU's latest accomplishment - a massive student apartment complex that now houses 2,000 students in the city. Patton, 63, said he's proud of what the institution has become - a "real university downtown" buzzing with student life day and night. He often says that when he arrived on campus, he saw students sleeping in their cars between classes - they had nowhere else to go. Now, they sip lattes in newly opened coffee shops and cafes and sweat in the school's state-of-the-art recreation center. Students lugging cello cases stroll around the Fairlie-Poplar district and eat steaming pizza slices on Broad Street. Patton said he and his wife, Gretchen, plan to stay in Atlanta and remain involved in the school and city. The couple were among the earliest urban pioneers to move downtown after Patton asked the Board of Regents to sell the president's mansion in a ritzy Buckhead neighborhood so he could be closer to his campus. He said he's determined to master Spanish in his spare time and he'll continue to help in Georgia State's fund-raising. It was during his tenure that the school launched its first capital campaign - raising more than $127 million for academic programs. Patton opened his own wallet for GSU - he and his wife have donated more than $275,000 over the years. In recent years, the school's campus has been a maze of building cranes and construction activity, part of a decades-long, two-tiered $1.5 billion expansion. There are 14 new or renovated buildings. By 2015, Patton says, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for an institution founded in 1913 as a night commuter school for busy professionals. Georgia State's conversion began in earnest in 1995, three years after Patton's arrival, when the state Board of Regents changed GSU's status from regional university to research institution. That put the school in the same category as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia. The next year, GSU opened its first student housing, at the site of the former Olympic Village at the corner of North Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park Drive. And the academic profile has changed. GSU's most recent freshman class recorded the highest SAT and freshmen index scores and grade-point averages in the university's history. And with students now living downtown full time, many echo Patton's words that GSU now feels "real." "You see everyone walking around, overall it feels like a real campus," said junior Jocelyn Mbayo, a biology major from Alpharetta. Mike Gerber, head of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, said Patton seized on the school's unique Atlanta location. "He utilized the city as an asset and has taken every possible challenge and turned it into an opportunity," he said. "And he's done it all with a smile." Chancellor Erroll Davis praised Patton for his leadership Thursday. "His clear vision of how a vibrant university should be a contributing member of the community has created an outstanding academic experience for students and has revitalized the central city," Davis said in a statement. "His vision and his energy will be missed." The search process will start later this year. Patton won't be going far. If the Georgia Panther football team takes the field in an upcoming fall season, Patton says, you can bet he'll be in the stands. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071109.0153.LDC2009T13::1	 PANTHERS WENT FOR THE CHARACTER Cox News Service ATLANTA -- It's been years since he woke before dawn, rolled into the barn and began the day by milking the cows. But the lessons he learned growing up on a farm in Mississippi still resonate with Rod Barnes. They are some of the teachable moments, learned while squeezing the udder of a temperamental cow on a frosty December morn, which he passes along to this day. They're lessons about hard work and dedication, love and integrity, patience and perseverance. They are all qualities the Georgia State administration knew it was getting last spring when it sought Barnes for its basketball vacancy. In a sport filled with too many characters, GSU went after a man of character. "He exhibits great character in the way he lives," said Jeff Capel, men's coach at Oklahoma, where Barnes spent last year as an assistant coach. "There isn't just one instance; it's just every day." The one trait that Barnes will need this season above all others is patience. He inherited a team that went 11-20 last season, its second straight with 20 losses. He takes over a program that has posted only nine winning seasons since it began in 1963-64 - and five of those came under Lefty Driesell. "You have to be patient when you farm, and you have to be patient when you coach basketball," said Barnes, who makes his regular- season debut tonight at the GSU Sports Arena against UAB. "You put a seed in the ground and wait for it to grow. It's the same way when you're building a basketball program. You have to be patient." Barnes won't predict a number of wins this season. He knows the Panthers will be outmanned - four of their best players are Division I transfers who won't be eligible until next season - but promises his teams will play hard every night. "He demands a lot out of his players," said Ole Miss senior Dwayne Curtis, who played for Barnes. "He expects you to play hard and work hard." Georgia State junior Leonard Mendez agreed. "He's pushing everybody to the limit. He's bringing out the best in everybody." It's sort of a tough-love approach. Barnes wants his players to realize that playing basketball is an honor and must not be wasted. And putting forth anything less than maximum effort is not acceptable. "It's a privilege to put on that uniform," Barnes said. "It's a privilege to get to do something you love to do." But Barnes also wants his players to know there's more to the college experience than the 900 minutes they'll spend in game competition this season. He wants them to study hard, make good grades, graduate and become good men and, eventually, good fathers. "Rod really cares about the kids, and he'll help them use the game to become better people," Capel said. "He's one of the guys who sees the big picture." Barnes first fell in love with basketball when he was 5 and his dad erected a hoop. He couldn't immediately get in the game - there were older, bigger guys around - but he got good in a hurry, was all-state three times and led Bentonia High School to two state championships. From there he went to Ole Miss, where he was a four-time letterman from 1985-88 and an honorable mention All-American as a senior. He jumped into the coaching world as an assistant at Livingston (Ala.), now West Alabama, from 1990-93 before returning to Ole Miss in 1993, where he worked as an assistant for five seasons under Rob Evans. Barnes became head coach in 1998 and went 141-109 in eight seasons, taking the Rebels to the NCAA tournament four times and reaching the Sweet 16 in 2001. He was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year in 2001 and served as an assistant coach for the 2001 USA Basketball team that played in the World University Games in Beijing. After four losing seasons, Barnes was fired at Ole Miss. He worked as an assistant at Oklahoma last season and enjoyed it so much that he almost didn't pursue the Georgia State job when it was presented. His first visit to Atlanta went well, and by the time he was invited for a second interview by athletics director Mary McElroy, Barnes was raring to go. "I knew he was too good to be an assistant, and I would always tell him that," Capel said. "I knew he wouldn't leave for anything, and I know he was excited. As much as I hated to lose him, I was happy for him." Senior Justin Billingslea can already tell a difference. "With all the changes I feel like people should have a little hope. They need to see what it's all about and check us out." Stan Awtrey writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: sawtrey AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071109.0153.LDC2009T13::2	 PANTHERS WENT FOR THE CHARACTER Cox News Service ATLANTA -- It's been years since he woke before dawn, rolled into the barn and began the day by milking the cows. But the lessons he learned growing up on a farm in Mississippi still resonate with Rod Barnes. They are some of the teachable moments, learned while squeezing the udder of a temperamental cow on a frosty December morn, which he passes along to this day. They're lessons about hard work and dedication, love and integrity, patience and perseverance. They are all qualities the Georgia State administration knew it was getting last spring when it sought Barnes for its basketball vacancy. In a sport filled with too many characters, GSU went after a man of character. "He exhibits great character in the way he lives," said Jeff Capel, men's coach at Oklahoma, where Barnes spent last year as an assistant coach. "There isn't just one instance; it's just every day." The one trait that Barnes will need this season above all others is patience. He inherited a team that went 11-20 last season, its second straight with 20 losses. He takes over a program that has posted only nine winning seasons since it began in 1963-64 - and five of those came under Lefty Driesell. "You have to be patient when you farm, and you have to be patient when you coach basketball," said Barnes, who makes his regular- season debut tonight at the GSU Sports Arena against UAB. "You put a seed in the ground and wait for it to grow. It's the same way when you're building a basketball program. You have to be patient." Barnes won't predict a number of wins this season. He knows the Panthers will be outmanned - four of their best players are Division I transfers who won't be eligible until next season - but promises his teams will play hard every night. "He demands a lot out of his players," said Ole Miss senior Dwayne Curtis, who played for Barnes. "He expects you to play hard and work hard." Georgia State junior Leonard Mendez agreed. "He's pushing everybody to the limit. He's bringing out the best in everybody." It's sort of a tough-love approach. Barnes wants his players to realize that playing basketball is an honor and must not be wasted. And putting forth anything less than maximum effort is not acceptable. "It's a privilege to put on that uniform," Barnes said. "It's a privilege to get to do something you love to do." But Barnes also wants his players to know there's more to the college experience than the 900 minutes they'll spend in game competition this season. He wants them to study hard, make good grades, graduate and become good men and, eventually, good fathers. "Rod really cares about the kids, and he'll help them use the game to become better people," Capel said. "He's one of the guys who sees the big picture." Barnes first fell in love with basketball when he was 5 and his dad erected a hoop. He couldn't immediately get in the game - there were older, bigger guys around - but he got good in a hurry, was all-state three times and led Bentonia High School to two state championships. From there he went to Ole Miss, where he was a four-time letterman from 1985-88 and an honorable mention All-American as a senior. He jumped into the coaching world as an assistant at Livingston (Ala.), now West Alabama, from 1990-93 before returning to Ole Miss in 1993, where he worked as an assistant for five seasons under Rob Evans. Barnes became head coach in 1998 and went 141-109 in eight seasons, taking the Rebels to the NCAA tournament four times and reaching the Sweet 16 in 2001. He was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year in 2001 and served as an assistant coach for the 2001 USA Basketball team that played in the World University Games in Beijing. After four losing seasons, Barnes was fired at Ole Miss. He worked as an assistant at Oklahoma last season and enjoyed it so much that he almost didn't pursue the Georgia State job when it was presented. His first visit to Atlanta went well, and by the time he was invited for a second interview by athletics director Mary McElroy, Barnes was raring to go. "I knew he was too good to be an assistant, and I would always tell him that," Capel said. "I knew he wouldn't leave for anything, and I know he was excited. As much as I hated to lose him, I was happy for him." Senior Justin Billingslea can already tell a difference. "With all the changes I feel like people should have a little hope. They need to see what it's all about and check us out." Stan Awtrey writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: sawtrey AT ajc.com 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080415.0112.LDC2009T13::1	 GSU PLANS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME FOR 2010 Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State University's long planned football team is becoming a reality and its students will foot part of the bill. The Board of Regents on Tuesday approved an $85 increase in Georgia State's athletic fee for fall semester, paving the way for university to play its first game in 2010. A football team has long been the dream of retiring GSU president Carl Patton, who has overseen dramatic changes at the former- commuter school in his 16 years at the helm. Patton and other GSU officials declined to comment on Tuesday, preferring to wait until Thursday, when they said an official announcement will be made. Regents approved tuition and fees for all 35 public colleges and universities at a meeting in Columbus. Georgia State University's overall fees will go from $494 to $600 in the fall, the largest hike among schools. Georgia Tech's fees will increase by $19, to $592 in the fall. UGA students will pay $24 more, to $587. A committee of Georgia State students approved its fee increase in 2007. For several years, the school has been morphing from a commuter- based community into a more traditional university. By 2015, Patton has said, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for the institution. Georgia State has raised more than $1 million dollars in pledges toward the football program. The team will likely play its first season in the Georgia Dome. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080415.0112.LDC2009T13::2	 GSU PLANS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME FOR 2010 Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State University's long planned football team is becoming a reality and its students will foot part of the bill. The Board of Regents on Tuesday approved an $85 increase in Georgia State's athletic fee for fall semester, paving the way for university to play its first game in 2010. A football team has long been the dream of retiring GSU president Carl Patton, who has overseen dramatic changes at the former- commuter school in his 16 years at the helm. Patton and other GSU officials declined to comment on Tuesday, preferring to wait until Thursday, when they said an official announcement will be made. Regents approved tuition and fees for all 35 public colleges and universities at a meeting in Columbus. Georgia State University's overall fees will go from $494 to $600 in the fall, the largest hike among schools. Georgia Tech's fees will increase by $19, to $592 in the fall. UGA students will pay $24 more, to $587. A committee of Georgia State students approved its fee increase in 2007. For several years, the school has been morphing from a commuter- based community into a more traditional university. By 2015, Patton has said, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for the institution. Georgia State has raised more than $1 million dollars in pledges toward the football program. The team will likely play its first season in the Georgia Dome. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080415.0112.LDC2009T13::3	 GSU PLANS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME FOR 2010 Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State University's long planned football team is becoming a reality and its students will foot part of the bill. The Board of Regents on Tuesday approved an $85 increase in Georgia State's athletic fee for fall semester, paving the way for university to play its first game in 2010. A football team has long been the dream of retiring GSU president Carl Patton, who has overseen dramatic changes at the former- commuter school in his 16 years at the helm. Patton and other GSU officials declined to comment on Tuesday, preferring to wait until Thursday, when they said an official announcement will be made. Regents approved tuition and fees for all 35 public colleges and universities at a meeting in Columbus. Georgia State University's overall fees will go from $494 to $600 in the fall, the largest hike among schools. Georgia Tech's fees will increase by $19, to $592 in the fall. UGA students will pay $24 more, to $587. A committee of Georgia State students approved its fee increase in 2007. For several years, the school has been morphing from a commuter- based community into a more traditional university. By 2015, Patton has said, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for the institution. Georgia State has raised more than $1 million dollars in pledges toward the football program. The team will likely play its first season in the Georgia Dome. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080415.0112.LDC2009T13::4	 GSU PLANS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME FOR 2010 Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Georgia State University's long planned football team is becoming a reality and its students will foot part of the bill. The Board of Regents on Tuesday approved an $85 increase in Georgia State's athletic fee for fall semester, paving the way for university to play its first game in 2010. A football team has long been the dream of retiring GSU president Carl Patton, who has overseen dramatic changes at the former- commuter school in his 16 years at the helm. Patton and other GSU officials declined to comment on Tuesday, preferring to wait until Thursday, when they said an official announcement will be made. Regents approved tuition and fees for all 35 public colleges and universities at a meeting in Columbus. Georgia State University's overall fees will go from $494 to $600 in the fall, the largest hike among schools. Georgia Tech's fees will increase by $19, to $592 in the fall. UGA students will pay $24 more, to $587. A committee of Georgia State students approved its fee increase in 2007. For several years, the school has been morphing from a commuter- based community into a more traditional university. By 2015, Patton has said, GSU plans to house 20 percent of its 50,000 full- and part-time students on campus, a sea change for the institution. Georgia State has raised more than $1 million dollars in pledges toward the football program. The team will likely play its first season in the Georgia Dome. Andrea Jones writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: ajones AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080417.0122.LDC2009T13::1	 GEORGIA STATE POUNCES ON FOOTBALL Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The record will show that Georgia State's football program officially began Thursday at precisely 2:10 p.m. when school mascot Pounce crashed through a paper sign being held by the cheerleaders. The loud, enthusiastic crowd gathered at the school's student activities building cheered and hollered to celebrate the moment that many thought would never occur. Georgia State, with its proud new logo unveiled on the stage, had officially become a football factory. "We've all been waiting for this," said Tiffani Brown, the Student Government Association president. "We're all very excited." "I have to admit I'm a little envious," said Bryan Peek, a tuba- playing senior who will graduate before the first game. The announcement culminates a year of frenetic activity that led to pay dirt. During that time the school secured $1.2 million in pledges and the students agreed to raise the activity fee an additional $85 per semester. The board of regents approved the fee hike on Tuesday, which cleared the way for GSU to begin its football and women's lacrosse teams in 2010 at a cost of $7 million. "I'd talk to students and they all said we want a 'real' university," said GSU president Carl Patton. "And when they said 'real' they meant football." Now they'll have it, but the Panthers won't play games until 2010. The timeline calls for a coach to be hired this summer, with a director of football operations added shortly afterward. As many as four assistant coaches will be hired and the staff will recruit and sign its first 30-player class in February 2009. The team won't play games the first year. More staff members will be hired, another recruiting class signed and games will begin in 2010. Officials said opponents are already calling and asking for a date on the calendar. The coach should be hired by Aug. 1, the date when the new student revenue stream becomes available. Athletic director Mary McElroy said she has received inquiries from coaches at all levels - from high school to the NFL - but has yet to start the search. Such an investigation will likely include former Falcons coach Dan Reeves, who has been a football consultant since April 2007 and helped uncover many of the financial pledges. Reeves said he was never promised the coaching job, a fact he made clear to everyone while raising money. "I didn't want people giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach," Reeves said. "And I didn't want people not giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach." Reeves indicated his 39 years in professional football wouldn't be as valuable to a new college program and that he still has desires to coach in the NFL. But he added, "I'd like to be part of it in some way. I'd like to see it through its realization." McElroy said the coaches will work out of a trailer while practice facilities and offices are constructed. "Building a football program from scratch is a tremendous challenge, but it's also an incredible opportunity," McElroy said. At least Georgia State won't need to build a football stadium. McElroy said they will rent the Georgia Dome five or six times a year instead of taking on additional millions in debt to build a football stadium. McElroy also said Georgia State will remain in the Colonial Athletic Association, even though some believe the school would be a natural fit for the Southern Conference. But Reeves did allude to a potential game with longtime Division I-AA power Georgia Southern. "That would be a nice rivalry," Reeves said. "You could see who had the right to call themselves 'GSU."' Stan Awtrey writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: sawtrey AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080417.0122.LDC2009T13::2	 GEORGIA STATE POUNCES ON FOOTBALL Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The record will show that Georgia State's football program officially began Thursday at precisely 2:10 p.m. when school mascot Pounce crashed through a paper sign being held by the cheerleaders. The loud, enthusiastic crowd gathered at the school's student activities building cheered and hollered to celebrate the moment that many thought would never occur. Georgia State, with its proud new logo unveiled on the stage, had officially become a football factory. "We've all been waiting for this," said Tiffani Brown, the Student Government Association president. "We're all very excited." "I have to admit I'm a little envious," said Bryan Peek, a tuba- playing senior who will graduate before the first game. The announcement culminates a year of frenetic activity that led to pay dirt. During that time the school secured $1.2 million in pledges and the students agreed to raise the activity fee an additional $85 per semester. The board of regents approved the fee hike on Tuesday, which cleared the way for GSU to begin its football and women's lacrosse teams in 2010 at a cost of $7 million. "I'd talk to students and they all said we want a 'real' university," said GSU president Carl Patton. "And when they said 'real' they meant football." Now they'll have it, but the Panthers won't play games until 2010. The timeline calls for a coach to be hired this summer, with a director of football operations added shortly afterward. As many as four assistant coaches will be hired and the staff will recruit and sign its first 30-player class in February 2009. The team won't play games the first year. More staff members will be hired, another recruiting class signed and games will begin in 2010. Officials said opponents are already calling and asking for a date on the calendar. The coach should be hired by Aug. 1, the date when the new student revenue stream becomes available. Athletic director Mary McElroy said she has received inquiries from coaches at all levels - from high school to the NFL - but has yet to start the search. Such an investigation will likely include former Falcons coach Dan Reeves, who has been a football consultant since April 2007 and helped uncover many of the financial pledges. Reeves said he was never promised the coaching job, a fact he made clear to everyone while raising money. "I didn't want people giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach," Reeves said. "And I didn't want people not giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach." Reeves indicated his 39 years in professional football wouldn't be as valuable to a new college program and that he still has desires to coach in the NFL. But he added, "I'd like to be part of it in some way. I'd like to see it through its realization." McElroy said the coaches will work out of a trailer while practice facilities and offices are constructed. "Building a football program from scratch is a tremendous challenge, but it's also an incredible opportunity," McElroy said. At least Georgia State won't need to build a football stadium. McElroy said they will rent the Georgia Dome five or six times a year instead of taking on additional millions in debt to build a football stadium. McElroy also said Georgia State will remain in the Colonial Athletic Association, even though some believe the school would be a natural fit for the Southern Conference. But Reeves did allude to a potential game with longtime Division I-AA power Georgia Southern. "That would be a nice rivalry," Reeves said. "You could see who had the right to call themselves 'GSU."' Stan Awtrey writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: sawtrey AT ajc.com. 
GSU::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080417.0122.LDC2009T13::3	 GEORGIA STATE POUNCES ON FOOTBALL Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The record will show that Georgia State's football program officially began Thursday at precisely 2:10 p.m. when school mascot Pounce crashed through a paper sign being held by the cheerleaders. The loud, enthusiastic crowd gathered at the school's student activities building cheered and hollered to celebrate the moment that many thought would never occur. Georgia State, with its proud new logo unveiled on the stage, had officially become a football factory. "We've all been waiting for this," said Tiffani Brown, the Student Government Association president. "We're all very excited." "I have to admit I'm a little envious," said Bryan Peek, a tuba- playing senior who will graduate before the first game. The announcement culminates a year of frenetic activity that led to pay dirt. During that time the school secured $1.2 million in pledges and the students agreed to raise the activity fee an additional $85 per semester. The board of regents approved the fee hike on Tuesday, which cleared the way for GSU to begin its football and women's lacrosse teams in 2010 at a cost of $7 million. "I'd talk to students and they all said we want a 'real' university," said GSU president Carl Patton. "And when they said 'real' they meant football." Now they'll have it, but the Panthers won't play games until 2010. The timeline calls for a coach to be hired this summer, with a director of football operations added shortly afterward. As many as four assistant coaches will be hired and the staff will recruit and sign its first 30-player class in February 2009. The team won't play games the first year. More staff members will be hired, another recruiting class signed and games will begin in 2010. Officials said opponents are already calling and asking for a date on the calendar. The coach should be hired by Aug. 1, the date when the new student revenue stream becomes available. Athletic director Mary McElroy said she has received inquiries from coaches at all levels - from high school to the NFL - but has yet to start the search. Such an investigation will likely include former Falcons coach Dan Reeves, who has been a football consultant since April 2007 and helped uncover many of the financial pledges. Reeves said he was never promised the coaching job, a fact he made clear to everyone while raising money. "I didn't want people giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach," Reeves said. "And I didn't want people not giving money because they thought I was going to be the coach." Reeves indicated his 39 years in professional football wouldn't be as valuable to a new college program and that he still has desires to coach in the NFL. But he added, "I'd like to be part of it in some way. I'd like to see it through its realization." McElroy said the coaches will work out of a trailer while practice facilities and offices are constructed. "Building a football program from scratch is a tremendous challenge, but it's also an incredible opportunity," McElroy said. At least Georgia State won't need to build a football stadium. McElroy said they will rent the Georgia Dome five or six times a year instead of taking on additional millions in debt to build a football stadium. McElroy also said Georgia State will remain in the Colonial Athletic Association, even though some believe the school would be a natural fit for the Southern Conference. But Reeves did allude to a potential game with longtime Division I-AA power Georgia Southern. "That would be a nice rivalry," Reeves said. "You could see who had the right to call themselves 'GSU."' Stan Awtrey writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: sawtrey AT ajc.com. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070702.0409.LDC2009T13::1	 Chinese FM in NKorea for disarmament talks Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi arrived in North Korea on Monday, the latest development in international efforts aimed at convincing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Yang and accompanying officials made the trip at the invitation of Pyongyang's foreign minister Pak Ui-chun, the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The Chinese delegation was greeted by vice foreign minister Kim Yong-il and China's ambassador to North Korea, Liu Xiaoming, at Sunan airport. Later, the Pyongyang regime hosted a banquet in Yang's honour, at which both he and Pak hailed bilateral ties as strong and of great importance to both sides, KCNA reported. Yang's visit comes after United Nations inspectors confirmed on Saturday they had enjoyed a "fruitful" five-day visit to North Korea and that the country intended to shut down its main nuclear reactor. "We have now reached an understanding on how we are going to monitor the sealing and shutting down of the Yongbyon nuclear facility," the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team, Olli Heinonen, told reporters. However, Heinonen said it was still too early to say when the Yongbyon reactor, which is at the core of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, would be sealed. The closure of Yongbyon is the first step in a six-nation deal reached in February that would see North Korea eventually eradicate its nuclear weapons programme in exchange for aid and wide-ranging diplomatic concessions. China is North Korea's closest ally and host of the six-nation talks which also include South Korea, the United States, Japan and Russia. The US envoy to the talks, Christopher Hill, said after visiting Pyongyang last month that he expected the North to shut down the Yongbyon reactor by mid-July. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070702.0409.LDC2009T13::2	 Chinese FM in NKorea for disarmament talks Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi arrived in North Korea on Monday, the latest development in international efforts aimed at convincing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Yang and accompanying officials made the trip at the invitation of Pyongyang's foreign minister Pak Ui-chun, the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The Chinese delegation was greeted by vice foreign minister Kim Yong-il and China's ambassador to North Korea, Liu Xiaoming, at Sunan airport. Later, the Pyongyang regime hosted a banquet in Yang's honour, at which both he and Pak hailed bilateral ties as strong and of great importance to both sides, KCNA reported. Yang's visit comes after United Nations inspectors confirmed on Saturday they had enjoyed a "fruitful" five-day visit to North Korea and that the country intended to shut down its main nuclear reactor. "We have now reached an understanding on how we are going to monitor the sealing and shutting down of the Yongbyon nuclear facility," the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team, Olli Heinonen, told reporters. However, Heinonen said it was still too early to say when the Yongbyon reactor, which is at the core of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, would be sealed. The closure of Yongbyon is the first step in a six-nation deal reached in February that would see North Korea eventually eradicate its nuclear weapons programme in exchange for aid and wide-ranging diplomatic concessions. China is North Korea's closest ally and host of the six-nation talks which also include South Korea, the United States, Japan and Russia. The US envoy to the talks, Christopher Hill, said after visiting Pyongyang last month that he expected the North to shut down the Yongbyon reactor by mid-July. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070209.0112.LDC2009T13::1	 NKorean media say Japan wants to wreck talks North Korea's official news agency Friday accused Japan of trying to wreck the current six-nation nuclear negotiations in Beijing by raising the plight of Japanese kidnapped by Pyongyang. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the six-party talks are aimed at "solving the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula and pending issues between the US and the DPRK (North Korea) related to it." It said Japan's efforts to raise the abductees' issue "goes to clearly prove that Japan is not only least interested in the settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula but is deliberately working hard to hamstring the work of the talks." Japan has sometimes irked other nations as well as North Korea by insisting on raising the issue during the six-nation talks. North Korea admitted in 2002 that it had abducted 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies. It returned five of them to Japan along with their families and said the other eight had died. But Japan believes they are still alive. It suspects even more Japanese nationals were kidnapped and are being kept under wraps because they know too many secrets about the North's Stalinist regime. KCNA said the Japanese government was raising the issue to evade its responsibility to redress past crimes and to stir up "national chauvinism and bitterness" towards the North before elections in July. "Their behaviour cannot be construed otherwise than a mean political mode of political dwarfs." 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070209.0112.LDC2009T13::2	 NKorean media say Japan wants to wreck talks North Korea's official news agency Friday accused Japan of trying to wreck the current six-nation nuclear negotiations in Beijing by raising the plight of Japanese kidnapped by Pyongyang. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the six-party talks are aimed at "solving the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula and pending issues between the US and the DPRK (North Korea) related to it." It said Japan's efforts to raise the abductees' issue "goes to clearly prove that Japan is not only least interested in the settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula but is deliberately working hard to hamstring the work of the talks." Japan has sometimes irked other nations as well as North Korea by insisting on raising the issue during the six-nation talks. North Korea admitted in 2002 that it had abducted 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies. It returned five of them to Japan along with their families and said the other eight had died. But Japan believes they are still alive. It suspects even more Japanese nationals were kidnapped and are being kept under wraps because they know too many secrets about the North's Stalinist regime. KCNA said the Japanese government was raising the issue to evade its responsibility to redress past crimes and to stir up "national chauvinism and bitterness" towards the North before elections in July. "Their behaviour cannot be construed otherwise than a mean political mode of political dwarfs." 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070713.0565.LDC2009T13::1	 NKorea's military warns nuclear deal could be scrapped North Korea's military warned Friday that a deal to disarm its nuclear programme could be scrapped if the United States keeps "pressurising" the country, the official KCNA news agency reported. The North will step up efforts to protect itself from a "US nuclear attack and preemptive strike" if the US keeps "pressurising the DPRK under the pretext of the nuclear issue," it said. "In that case, it is as clear as noonday that neither the implementation of the February 13 agreement nor success of the six-party talks will be possible," the military said in a statement carried by KCNA. UN weapons inspectors are expected to return to North Korea on Saturday amid hopes that the secretive regime would begin shutting a key nuclear facility as part of the February deal worked out in six-nation talks. The North, which carried out its first test of an atomic bomb last year, has repeatedly said that it needs nuclear weapons to deter the United States from a pre-emptive attack aimed at toppling its regime. The United States withdrew its nuclear weapons from South Korea in December 1991. It maintains 29,500 troops to back up the South Korean military. "The US is a belligerent party hostile to the DPRK (North Korea) and the two countries are still technically at war," said the statement, attributed to the chief of the army's mission to the border truce village of Panmunjom. "Under this situation nobody can deny that the confrontation between the DPRK and the US means a life and death one. "It is the undeniable and legitimate right of the DPRK to have in place all the necessary self-defensive means to cope with the threat and blackmail of the US in order to protect its right to existence." 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070713.0565.LDC2009T13::2	 NKorea's military warns nuclear deal could be scrapped North Korea's military warned Friday that a deal to disarm its nuclear programme could be scrapped if the United States keeps "pressurising" the country, the official KCNA news agency reported. The North will step up efforts to protect itself from a "US nuclear attack and preemptive strike" if the US keeps "pressurising the DPRK under the pretext of the nuclear issue," it said. "In that case, it is as clear as noonday that neither the implementation of the February 13 agreement nor success of the six-party talks will be possible," the military said in a statement carried by KCNA. UN weapons inspectors are expected to return to North Korea on Saturday amid hopes that the secretive regime would begin shutting a key nuclear facility as part of the February deal worked out in six-nation talks. The North, which carried out its first test of an atomic bomb last year, has repeatedly said that it needs nuclear weapons to deter the United States from a pre-emptive attack aimed at toppling its regime. The United States withdrew its nuclear weapons from South Korea in December 1991. It maintains 29,500 troops to back up the South Korean military. "The US is a belligerent party hostile to the DPRK (North Korea) and the two countries are still technically at war," said the statement, attributed to the chief of the army's mission to the border truce village of Panmunjom. "Under this situation nobody can deny that the confrontation between the DPRK and the US means a life and death one. "It is the undeniable and legitimate right of the DPRK to have in place all the necessary self-defensive means to cope with the threat and blackmail of the US in order to protect its right to existence." 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0694.LDC2009T13::1	 NKorea says Japan wants to wreck six-party talks North Korea on Tuesday accused Japan of trying to sabotage this week's six-party nuclear talks in Beijing and said it does not need the aid which Tokyo has pledged to withhold, state media reported. The comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came a day after North Korea's chief delegate in Beijing renewed a call for Japan to be excluded from the six-nation negotiations. The forum, on scrapping the North's nuclear programme in exchange for economic and diplomatic benefits, also aims to lay the foundations for a permanent peace in Northeast Asia. It groups the two Koreas, the United States, host China, Japan and Russia. But rare one-on-one talks between North Korea and Japan broke down in acrimony earlier this month in Vietnam, after Tokyo pressed Pyongyang for answers about Japanese abducted by the communist state during the Cold War. Until the kidnapping issue is settled, Japan refuses to help fund a February 13 agreement under which North Korea will receive badly needed economic aid in return for disabling its nuclear programmes. The breakdown of the Hanoi talks "is an inevitable product of the deliberate moves of the present ruling quarters and the right- wing forces of Japan who do not want the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the normalisation of the bilateral relations," said KCNA. The state news agency said North Korea "has never asked Japan for any assistance and it has no idea of getting any help from it, either." KCNA instead called on Japan, which occupied the Korean peninsula from 1910-45, "to apologise and compensate for the crimes committed by it against the Korean people in the past." It added: "The hideous crimes committed by Japan against humanity should be settled as a separate issue." KCNA described Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the grandson of a Class A war criminal and Foreign Minister Taro Aso as "a descendant of the Asos who forcibly took Koreans to coal mines, forcing them to do slave labour." North Korea has acknowledged kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train its spies. It returned five victims and their families and says the rest are dead. But Japan maintains that the other abductees are alive and that more Japanese were snatched than the secretive state has admitted. Abe's government has maintained sweeping sanctions on North Korea imposed after its nuclear test in October, including a ban on all imports from the impoverished state. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0694.LDC2009T13::2	 NKorea says Japan wants to wreck six-party talks North Korea on Tuesday accused Japan of trying to sabotage this week's six-party nuclear talks in Beijing and said it does not need the aid which Tokyo has pledged to withhold, state media reported. The comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came a day after North Korea's chief delegate in Beijing renewed a call for Japan to be excluded from the six-nation negotiations. The forum, on scrapping the North's nuclear programme in exchange for economic and diplomatic benefits, also aims to lay the foundations for a permanent peace in Northeast Asia. It groups the two Koreas, the United States, host China, Japan and Russia. But rare one-on-one talks between North Korea and Japan broke down in acrimony earlier this month in Vietnam, after Tokyo pressed Pyongyang for answers about Japanese abducted by the communist state during the Cold War. Until the kidnapping issue is settled, Japan refuses to help fund a February 13 agreement under which North Korea will receive badly needed economic aid in return for disabling its nuclear programmes. The breakdown of the Hanoi talks "is an inevitable product of the deliberate moves of the present ruling quarters and the right- wing forces of Japan who do not want the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the normalisation of the bilateral relations," said KCNA. The state news agency said North Korea "has never asked Japan for any assistance and it has no idea of getting any help from it, either." KCNA instead called on Japan, which occupied the Korean peninsula from 1910-45, "to apologise and compensate for the crimes committed by it against the Korean people in the past." It added: "The hideous crimes committed by Japan against humanity should be settled as a separate issue." KCNA described Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the grandson of a Class A war criminal and Foreign Minister Taro Aso as "a descendant of the Asos who forcibly took Koreans to coal mines, forcing them to do slave labour." North Korea has acknowledged kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train its spies. It returned five victims and their families and says the rest are dead. But Japan maintains that the other abductees are alive and that more Japanese were snatched than the secretive state has admitted. Abe's government has maintained sweeping sanctions on North Korea imposed after its nuclear test in October, including a ban on all imports from the impoverished state. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0694.LDC2009T13::3	 NKorea says Japan wants to wreck six-party talks North Korea on Tuesday accused Japan of trying to sabotage this week's six-party nuclear talks in Beijing and said it does not need the aid which Tokyo has pledged to withhold, state media reported. The comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came a day after North Korea's chief delegate in Beijing renewed a call for Japan to be excluded from the six-nation negotiations. The forum, on scrapping the North's nuclear programme in exchange for economic and diplomatic benefits, also aims to lay the foundations for a permanent peace in Northeast Asia. It groups the two Koreas, the United States, host China, Japan and Russia. But rare one-on-one talks between North Korea and Japan broke down in acrimony earlier this month in Vietnam, after Tokyo pressed Pyongyang for answers about Japanese abducted by the communist state during the Cold War. Until the kidnapping issue is settled, Japan refuses to help fund a February 13 agreement under which North Korea will receive badly needed economic aid in return for disabling its nuclear programmes. The breakdown of the Hanoi talks "is an inevitable product of the deliberate moves of the present ruling quarters and the right- wing forces of Japan who do not want the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the normalisation of the bilateral relations," said KCNA. The state news agency said North Korea "has never asked Japan for any assistance and it has no idea of getting any help from it, either." KCNA instead called on Japan, which occupied the Korean peninsula from 1910-45, "to apologise and compensate for the crimes committed by it against the Korean people in the past." It added: "The hideous crimes committed by Japan against humanity should be settled as a separate issue." KCNA described Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the grandson of a Class A war criminal and Foreign Minister Taro Aso as "a descendant of the Asos who forcibly took Koreans to coal mines, forcing them to do slave labour." North Korea has acknowledged kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train its spies. It returned five victims and their families and says the rest are dead. But Japan maintains that the other abductees are alive and that more Japanese were snatched than the secretive state has admitted. Abe's government has maintained sweeping sanctions on North Korea imposed after its nuclear test in October, including a ban on all imports from the impoverished state. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0694.LDC2009T13::4	 NKorea says Japan wants to wreck six-party talks North Korea on Tuesday accused Japan of trying to sabotage this week's six-party nuclear talks in Beijing and said it does not need the aid which Tokyo has pledged to withhold, state media reported. The comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came a day after North Korea's chief delegate in Beijing renewed a call for Japan to be excluded from the six-nation negotiations. The forum, on scrapping the North's nuclear programme in exchange for economic and diplomatic benefits, also aims to lay the foundations for a permanent peace in Northeast Asia. It groups the two Koreas, the United States, host China, Japan and Russia. But rare one-on-one talks between North Korea and Japan broke down in acrimony earlier this month in Vietnam, after Tokyo pressed Pyongyang for answers about Japanese abducted by the communist state during the Cold War. Until the kidnapping issue is settled, Japan refuses to help fund a February 13 agreement under which North Korea will receive badly needed economic aid in return for disabling its nuclear programmes. The breakdown of the Hanoi talks "is an inevitable product of the deliberate moves of the present ruling quarters and the right- wing forces of Japan who do not want the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the normalisation of the bilateral relations," said KCNA. The state news agency said North Korea "has never asked Japan for any assistance and it has no idea of getting any help from it, either." KCNA instead called on Japan, which occupied the Korean peninsula from 1910-45, "to apologise and compensate for the crimes committed by it against the Korean people in the past." It added: "The hideous crimes committed by Japan against humanity should be settled as a separate issue." KCNA described Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the grandson of a Class A war criminal and Foreign Minister Taro Aso as "a descendant of the Asos who forcibly took Koreans to coal mines, forcing them to do slave labour." North Korea has acknowledged kidnapping 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train its spies. It returned five victims and their families and says the rest are dead. But Japan maintains that the other abductees are alive and that more Japanese were snatched than the secretive state has admitted. Abe's government has maintained sweeping sanctions on North Korea imposed after its nuclear test in October, including a ban on all imports from the impoverished state. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070422.0114.LDC2009T13::1	 North Korea names new military chief North Korea has named a career field army commander as its new military head, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicated in a story filed late Saturday. Kim Kyok-Sik, who is believed to be 67, succeeded his predecessor Kim Yong-Chun as the chief of the general staff of the communist country's 1.1-million-strong army, it said. Yong-Chun was appointed this month as the deputy of the National Defence Commission (NDC) following 12 years in the top military post. Chaired by leader Kim Jong-Il, the NDC is the most powerful organisation in North Korea. Kyok-Sik's rise to the key post remained unknown until KCNA called him the head of the general staff in a report Saturday on Kim Jong-Il's inspection of two military units. "(Kim Jong-Il) was accompanied by the head of the general staff Kim Kyok-Sik" and other military leaders, the agency said. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said Kyok-Sik had spent most of his career in the field army. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070422.0114.LDC2009T13::2	 North Korea names new military chief North Korea has named a career field army commander as its new military head, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicated in a story filed late Saturday. Kim Kyok-Sik, who is believed to be 67, succeeded his predecessor Kim Yong-Chun as the chief of the general staff of the communist country's 1.1-million-strong army, it said. Yong-Chun was appointed this month as the deputy of the National Defence Commission (NDC) following 12 years in the top military post. Chaired by leader Kim Jong-Il, the NDC is the most powerful organisation in North Korea. Kyok-Sik's rise to the key post remained unknown until KCNA called him the head of the general staff in a report Saturday on Kim Jong-Il's inspection of two military units. "(Kim Jong-Il) was accompanied by the head of the general staff Kim Kyok-Sik" and other military leaders, the agency said. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said Kyok-Sik had spent most of his career in the field army. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070617.0078.LDC2009T13::1	 Hopes raised after NKorea invites UN inspectors by Jun Kwanwoo Hopes were raised Sunday that North Korea would soon begin dismantling its atomic weapons programmes, after the communist state invited UN inspectors to discuss shutting down its main nuclear reactor. The North said Saturday it had sent a letter inviting the UN nuclear watchdog to discuss the shutdown, adding that a banking dispute with the United States which had blocked a February disarmament pact was almost over. South Korea on Sunday hailed Pyongyang's invitation to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move also praised by Washington amid optimism that the disarmament process would now gain momentum. "We welcome the North Korean move as good news," South Korean foreign ministry spokesman Han Hye-Jin told AFP. "We hope the February 13 agreement will be implemented as quickly as possible following the North Korean-IAEA consultations." White House spokesman Scott Stanzel chimed in: "This is a good step. "Now we can hopefully continue on the path set out in the agreed February 13 framework that will lead to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula." North Korea's atomic energy chief Ri Je Son wrote IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei about procedures for "the suspension of operations" of its Yongbyon reactor, the state Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The shutdown of the reactor was one of the first steps to be taken by the North under the February 13 deal, reached by the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States. Ri said an IAEA delegation had been invited to Pyongyang, "as it is confirmed that the process of de-freezing the funds of the DPRK at Banco Delta Asia (BDA) in Macau has reached its final phase," KCNA reported. IAEA officials in Vienna could not immediately confirm the invitation. For Koh Yu-Hwan, a North Korea expert at Dongkuk University in Seoul, Saturday's letter from the communist state was good news. "With Pyongyang inviting IAEA inspectors, I expect to see a significant speed-up in the nuclear disarmament process," Koh said Sunday. Under the February deal, North Korea agreed to disable its nuclear facilities in return for one million tons of heavy fuel oil or equivalent aid under the deal. But it repeatedly refused to begin implementing the agreement until it received 25 million dollars in funds which had been frozen at BDA in 2005, over US allegations of money laundering and counterfeiting. The money, seen by the US Treasury as illegal proceeds, was transferred out of Macau on Thursday to the New York Federal Reserve, from where it was to be sent on to a private Russian bank at which the North has an account. US chief nuclear envoy Christopher Hill was quoted Saturday as saying technical problems had occurred as the funds were sent to the Russian bank, but that the glitch would likely be fixed by Monday. Six-nation talks on the North's nuclear programmes could resume early next month, he was quoted as saying during a visit to Mongolia. Hill said after telephone talks with his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-Woo Sunday that Seoul would plan to ship fuel oil to North Korea in return for the shutdown of the Yongbyon reactor, Japan's Kyodo news agency said. But Hill said it will probably take several weeks before the shipment actually reaches the North, Kyodo said. The US envoy is scheduled to visit Japan, South Korea and China this week for talks on pushing forward the six-nation nuclear disarmament deal. Under a second phase of the pact, the North, which has worked for decades to develop a nuclear bomb, would disable all its nuclear programmes in return for the remaining 950,000 tons of oil or equivalent aid, and diplomatic benefits. 
KCNA::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070617.0078.LDC2009T13::2	 Hopes raised after NKorea invites UN inspectors by Jun Kwanwoo Hopes were raised Sunday that North Korea would soon begin dismantling its atomic weapons programmes, after the communist state invited UN inspectors to discuss shutting down its main nuclear reactor. The North said Saturday it had sent a letter inviting the UN nuclear watchdog to discuss the shutdown, adding that a banking dispute with the United States which had blocked a February disarmament pact was almost over. South Korea on Sunday hailed Pyongyang's invitation to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move also praised by Washington amid optimism that the disarmament process would now gain momentum. "We welcome the North Korean move as good news," South Korean foreign ministry spokesman Han Hye-Jin told AFP. "We hope the February 13 agreement will be implemented as quickly as possible following the North Korean-IAEA consultations." White House spokesman Scott Stanzel chimed in: "This is a good step. "Now we can hopefully continue on the path set out in the agreed February 13 framework that will lead to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula." North Korea's atomic energy chief Ri Je Son wrote IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei about procedures for "the suspension of operations" of its Yongbyon reactor, the state Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The shutdown of the reactor was one of the first steps to be taken by the North under the February 13 deal, reached by the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States. Ri said an IAEA delegation had been invited to Pyongyang, "as it is confirmed that the process of de-freezing the funds of the DPRK at Banco Delta Asia (BDA) in Macau has reached its final phase," KCNA reported. IAEA officials in Vienna could not immediately confirm the invitation. For Koh Yu-Hwan, a North Korea expert at Dongkuk University in Seoul, Saturday's letter from the communist state was good news. "With Pyongyang inviting IAEA inspectors, I expect to see a significant speed-up in the nuclear disarmament process," Koh said Sunday. Under the February deal, North Korea agreed to disable its nuclear facilities in return for one million tons of heavy fuel oil or equivalent aid under the deal. But it repeatedly refused to begin implementing the agreement until it received 25 million dollars in funds which had been frozen at BDA in 2005, over US allegations of money laundering and counterfeiting. The money, seen by the US Treasury as illegal proceeds, was transferred out of Macau on Thursday to the New York Federal Reserve, from where it was to be sent on to a private Russian bank at which the North has an account. US chief nuclear envoy Christopher Hill was quoted Saturday as saying technical problems had occurred as the funds were sent to the Russian bank, but that the glitch would likely be fixed by Monday. Six-nation talks on the North's nuclear programmes could resume early next month, he was quoted as saying during a visit to Mongolia. Hill said after telephone talks with his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-Woo Sunday that Seoul would plan to ship fuel oil to North Korea in return for the shutdown of the Yongbyon reactor, Japan's Kyodo news agency said. But Hill said it will probably take several weeks before the shipment actually reaches the North, Kyodo said. The US envoy is scheduled to visit Japan, South Korea and China this week for talks on pushing forward the six-nation nuclear disarmament deal. Under a second phase of the pact, the North, which has worked for decades to develop a nuclear bomb, would disable all its nuclear programmes in return for the remaining 950,000 tons of oil or equivalent aid, and diplomatic benefits. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::1	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::2	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::3	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::4	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::5	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::6	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0459.LDC2009T13::7	 'We're not all saints': Lithuanian cleric defends Poland's Wielgus Lithuania's highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric pleaded with Catholics to try to understand Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus's admission that he collaborated with the communist secret police, saying men of the cloth are not saints. "Mistakes, whether on the part of a priest or bishop, do nothing to enhance the authority of the Church, but on the other hand, the Church is not a community of saints," Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevicius was quoted by the Baltic News Service (BNS) as saying. "The Church is an institution that accepts both those who are right and those who are wrong, and we should not try to conceal this fact," he said. "Of course, it would have been better if the archbishop had confessed some time ago, but he did well to finally confess and end everything." Wielgus stood down Sunday as archbishop of Warsaw, two days after he was consecrated, as a row raged over his past as a communist collaborator. The 67-year-old cleric had initially denied accusations of having collaborated with the reviled communist police, only to admit to having worked with them after his consecration as archbishop in a small closed-door service on Friday last week. At a mass in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday, which was supposed to see him formally take up office, he announced his resignation. The scandal has dented the image of the Church in Poland, where some 90 percent of the population of 38.5 million profess to be Roman Catholic, and of the Vatican, which was shown to be unaware of the true extent of Wielgus's involvement with the communist regime. Tamekivicius said Lithuanian priests also collaborated with the communist regime during the 50 years the Baltic state was a Soviet republic. He stressed that it was hard to resist pressure from the "communist machine" in communist-era Lithuania, where around 80 percent are Roman Catholics. "This was a machine that would grind down everybody, and not everyone managed to withstand it." Although the archbishop refused to speculate on the number of Lithuanian clergymen who collaborated, Arunas Streikus, a researcher studying the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Lithuania, said around 10 percent of the clergy collaborated with the feared Soviet secret police, the KGB. "My estimates are that some eight to 12 percent of the clergy were recruited by the KGB. It was very difficult to avoid contact with the KGB as all those wishing to study in theological seminaries were interrogated by them," Streikus said. Poland's National Remembrance Institute (IPN), which is poring over the archives of that country's secret police, has said a similar percentage of priests there were collaborators. Streikus also noted that many of the KGB's recruits held leading positions in the Church from the 1970s. After the fall of communism in 1991, Lithuania introduced a law requiring KGB collaborators to confess their activities or face penalties, including being banned from holding public office. Poland has a parallel law, but it does not apply to clerics, as it does in Lithuania. A few dozen Lithuanian priests confessed to having collaborated with the KGB, and their names were never made public, as provided under the Baltic state's laws. But two priests who were shown by Lithuania's lustration commission to have collaborated with the KGB, but failed to confess, were named and shamed last year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070126.0172.LDC2009T13::1	 Ex-KGB man laughs off 'extradition' report: Russian media An ex-KGB officer at the centre of British police investigations into the radiation poisoning of a former Russian security agent laughed off Friday a newspaper report that Britain will soon request his extradition. "You can write in your article that Lugovoi really laughed when he read the article in The Guardian about my extradition," Andrei Lugovoi was quoted as saying by state-run RIA Novosti news agency. Britain's Guardian daily had quoted unnamed government sources saying that an extradition request might be made to Moscow in February. Police would not confirm the report. Lugovoi is a key figure in the enquiry into the killing of Alexander Litvinenko, a fugitive former agent in Russia's Federal Security Service who died November 23 in London from massive radiation poisoning. Lugovoi, a former KGB agent now working in Russia's lucrative private security sector, says he met with Litvinenko for drinks at a London hotel on the day police believe the fatal poisoning occurred. He has repeatedly denied any link to the killing. Russian officials have made clear they will not allow extraditions of their citizens. Litvinenko's associates have accused the Russian authorities of ordering the killing, as did Litvinenko himself from his deathbed. The Kremlin denies involvement and has suggested the murder, which seriously strained British- Russian relations, was organised to discredit Russia. British police travelled to Russia in December to interview Lugovoi and others linked to the case. They operated under strict conditions and were not permitted to question witnesses directly. Two weeks ago, Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika said that the Scotland Yard detectives had requested another trip. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070126.0172.LDC2009T13::2	 Ex-KGB man laughs off 'extradition' report: Russian media An ex-KGB officer at the centre of British police investigations into the radiation poisoning of a former Russian security agent laughed off Friday a newspaper report that Britain will soon request his extradition. "You can write in your article that Lugovoi really laughed when he read the article in The Guardian about my extradition," Andrei Lugovoi was quoted as saying by state-run RIA Novosti news agency. Britain's Guardian daily had quoted unnamed government sources saying that an extradition request might be made to Moscow in February. Police would not confirm the report. Lugovoi is a key figure in the enquiry into the killing of Alexander Litvinenko, a fugitive former agent in Russia's Federal Security Service who died November 23 in London from massive radiation poisoning. Lugovoi, a former KGB agent now working in Russia's lucrative private security sector, says he met with Litvinenko for drinks at a London hotel on the day police believe the fatal poisoning occurred. He has repeatedly denied any link to the killing. Russian officials have made clear they will not allow extraditions of their citizens. Litvinenko's associates have accused the Russian authorities of ordering the killing, as did Litvinenko himself from his deathbed. The Kremlin denies involvement and has suggested the murder, which seriously strained British- Russian relations, was organised to discredit Russia. British police travelled to Russia in December to interview Lugovoi and others linked to the case. They operated under strict conditions and were not permitted to question witnesses directly. Two weeks ago, Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika said that the Scotland Yard detectives had requested another trip. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070126.0172.LDC2009T13::3	 Ex-KGB man laughs off 'extradition' report: Russian media An ex-KGB officer at the centre of British police investigations into the radiation poisoning of a former Russian security agent laughed off Friday a newspaper report that Britain will soon request his extradition. "You can write in your article that Lugovoi really laughed when he read the article in The Guardian about my extradition," Andrei Lugovoi was quoted as saying by state-run RIA Novosti news agency. Britain's Guardian daily had quoted unnamed government sources saying that an extradition request might be made to Moscow in February. Police would not confirm the report. Lugovoi is a key figure in the enquiry into the killing of Alexander Litvinenko, a fugitive former agent in Russia's Federal Security Service who died November 23 in London from massive radiation poisoning. Lugovoi, a former KGB agent now working in Russia's lucrative private security sector, says he met with Litvinenko for drinks at a London hotel on the day police believe the fatal poisoning occurred. He has repeatedly denied any link to the killing. Russian officials have made clear they will not allow extraditions of their citizens. Litvinenko's associates have accused the Russian authorities of ordering the killing, as did Litvinenko himself from his deathbed. The Kremlin denies involvement and has suggested the murder, which seriously strained British- Russian relations, was organised to discredit Russia. British police travelled to Russia in December to interview Lugovoi and others linked to the case. They operated under strict conditions and were not permitted to question witnesses directly. Two weeks ago, Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika said that the Scotland Yard detectives had requested another trip. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070127.0158.LDC2009T13::1	 Ex-Russian agent 'poisoned by tea at London hotel': report Former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with a fatal dose of radiation in a cup of tea at a central London hotel, Sky News television said Saturday, citing British police sources. The news channel claimed that Scotland Yard detectives, who are treating Litvinenko's death as murder, believe the polonium 210 was administered at the Millennium Hotel in the upmarket Mayfair area of the British capital. Police are close to issuing an arrest warrant but are pessimistic about bringing charges in the case, it added. Litvinenko -- an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin's government and whose associates blame the Kremlin for his death -- died in a London hospital on November 23 last year, about three weeks after first falling ill. He was found to have large doses of the highly radioactive isotope polonium 210 in his body. On November 1, Litvinenko drank tea with two Russians, former KGB agent Andrei Lugovoi and businessman Dmitry Kovtun, at the Millennium Hotel. He first complained of feeling unwell later that day after meeting an Italian contact in a nearby sushi bar. A third Russian, former KGB man Vyacheslav Sokolenko, also met Litvinenko briefly at the hotel, where investigators have found traces of polonium and a number of staff have tested positive for low level radiation contamination. Russian prosecutors on Saturday denied a British newspaper report Friday that suggested Moscow could hand over Lugovoi on suspicion of poisoning Litvinenko in exchange for the exiled oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Should Lugovoi be charged, he would face trial in Russia, they added. For his part, Lugovoi -- who was questioned by British police in Russia last month -- has consistently denied any part in Litvinenko's death. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070127.0158.LDC2009T13::2	 Ex-Russian agent 'poisoned by tea at London hotel': report Former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with a fatal dose of radiation in a cup of tea at a central London hotel, Sky News television said Saturday, citing British police sources. The news channel claimed that Scotland Yard detectives, who are treating Litvinenko's death as murder, believe the polonium 210 was administered at the Millennium Hotel in the upmarket Mayfair area of the British capital. Police are close to issuing an arrest warrant but are pessimistic about bringing charges in the case, it added. Litvinenko -- an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin's government and whose associates blame the Kremlin for his death -- died in a London hospital on November 23 last year, about three weeks after first falling ill. He was found to have large doses of the highly radioactive isotope polonium 210 in his body. On November 1, Litvinenko drank tea with two Russians, former KGB agent Andrei Lugovoi and businessman Dmitry Kovtun, at the Millennium Hotel. He first complained of feeling unwell later that day after meeting an Italian contact in a nearby sushi bar. A third Russian, former KGB man Vyacheslav Sokolenko, also met Litvinenko briefly at the hotel, where investigators have found traces of polonium and a number of staff have tested positive for low level radiation contamination. Russian prosecutors on Saturday denied a British newspaper report Friday that suggested Moscow could hand over Lugovoi on suspicion of poisoning Litvinenko in exchange for the exiled oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Should Lugovoi be charged, he would face trial in Russia, they added. For his part, Lugovoi -- who was questioned by British police in Russia last month -- has consistently denied any part in Litvinenko's death. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030421.0417.LDC2007T07::1	 Azerbaijan's Heidar Aliyev: the consummate political survivor by Christian Lowe Heidar Aliyev, Azerbaijan's 79-year-old president who collapsed Monday on live television, is a consummate political survivor who worked his way to the top of the Soviet Union's Communist Party and then hung on to lead the country after its independence. But though his political authority remains unchallenged, it is his faltering health -- he has a history of heart problems and other ailments -- that has become the biggest threat to his rule. Aliyev, who first came to prominence in 1969 when he was appointed Azerbaijan's Communist Party boss, is widely admired by voters in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich nation of eight million people. He provided reassurance and continuity though the rocky transition from Soviet rule to independence and prevented the country's unruly political scene from disintegrating into chaos. "People think they cannot live without him," said Elmar Husseinov, editor of an opposition magazine. "He came into their lives at the same time as television. He is the only leader they have ever known." But at the same time he is hated in certain sections of society for running an authoritarian regime which cracks down on dissent and for allegedly sharing out the country's oil wealth among his relatives. Western governments and human rights groups chide him for his failure to create durable democratic institutions. The parliament is a rubber- stamp and elections have been marred by claims of ballot-rigging. According to his official biography -- which many people have called into question -- Heidar Alirza oglu Aliyev was born in Nakhichevan, an Azerbi enclave located between Armenia, Iran and Turkey, on May 10, 1923. He joined Stalin's secret police, or NKVD, precursor to the KGB, while barely out of his teens and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1969 he became first secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist party and thus leader of the republic, retaining the post until 1982 when he was called to Moscow to join the Politburo. However, Aliyev was believed by many to be still pulling the strings from his position in the Soviet capital. A protege of the then General-Secretary of the Soviet Union's Communist Party Leonid Brezhnev, Aliyev was noted for showering the ageing Soviet leader with effusive praise and gifts. In 1987, when Mikhail Gorbachev, gearing up for perestroika, dismissed Aliyev from the Politburo amid allegations of corruption, he was rumoured to have suffered a heart attack, and his political career appeared to be over. But he set about rebuilding his political base, returning to Nakhichevan in 1990 and becoming the tiny enclave's elected leader. He bided his time, waiting to make a return to high office. His opportunity came in 1993 when mutinous members of the Azerbaijani army marched on Baku and the country teetered on the brink of civil war. Aliyev was invited to the capital to become parliamentary speaker and the country's second in command. But in June that year after a palace coup, then president Abulfaz Elchibey fled the country and Aliyev took over. Later that year he was elected president with an overwhelming majority. In short order Aliyev reduced inflation, signed a ceasefire with Armenia in the war over Nagorno-Karabakh and sealed a multi-billion- dollar deal with a western oil consortium to drill in the Azeri sector of the Caspian Sea. The former KGB general and lifelong Soviet apparatchik, having re-cast himself as a democrat and free marketeer, set on a course of attracting foreign investment and developing the country's reportedly enormous oil reserves. Major oil companies signed more than 20 production-sharing agreements potentially worth some 60 billion dollars. Western boutiques and restaurants sprang up around the capital. But the rest of the economy stagnated with the average salary hovering at forty dollars a month. Areas outside the capital made do without heat or electricity during the winter. Aliyev was re-elected in October 1998 with 76 percent of the vote in a race which major opposition figures boycotted and which observers said was rife with irregularities. He has said that he plans to run for a third term in office in elections scheduled for October this year. 
KGB::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20030421.0417.LDC2007T07::2	 Azerbaijan's Heidar Aliyev: the consummate political survivor by Christian Lowe Heidar Aliyev, Azerbaijan's 79-year-old president who collapsed Monday on live television, is a consummate political survivor who worked his way to the top of the Soviet Union's Communist Party and then hung on to lead the country after its independence. But though his political authority remains unchallenged, it is his faltering health -- he has a history of heart problems and other ailments -- that has become the biggest threat to his rule. Aliyev, who first came to prominence in 1969 when he was appointed Azerbaijan's Communist Party boss, is widely admired by voters in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich nation of eight million people. He provided reassurance and continuity though the rocky transition from Soviet rule to independence and prevented the country's unruly political scene from disintegrating into chaos. "People think they cannot live without him," said Elmar Husseinov, editor of an opposition magazine. "He came into their lives at the same time as television. He is the only leader they have ever known." But at the same time he is hated in certain sections of society for running an authoritarian regime which cracks down on dissent and for allegedly sharing out the country's oil wealth among his relatives. Western governments and human rights groups chide him for his failure to create durable democratic institutions. The parliament is a rubber- stamp and elections have been marred by claims of ballot-rigging. According to his official biography -- which many people have called into question -- Heidar Alirza oglu Aliyev was born in Nakhichevan, an Azerbi enclave located between Armenia, Iran and Turkey, on May 10, 1923. He joined Stalin's secret police, or NKVD, precursor to the KGB, while barely out of his teens and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1969 he became first secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist party and thus leader of the republic, retaining the post until 1982 when he was called to Moscow to join the Politburo. However, Aliyev was believed by many to be still pulling the strings from his position in the Soviet capital. A protege of the then General-Secretary of the Soviet Union's Communist Party Leonid Brezhnev, Aliyev was noted for showering the ageing Soviet leader with effusive praise and gifts. In 1987, when Mikhail Gorbachev, gearing up for perestroika, dismissed Aliyev from the Politburo amid allegations of corruption, he was rumoured to have suffered a heart attack, and his political career appeared to be over. But he set about rebuilding his political base, returning to Nakhichevan in 1990 and becoming the tiny enclave's elected leader. He bided his time, waiting to make a return to high office. His opportunity came in 1993 when mutinous members of the Azerbaijani army marched on Baku and the country teetered on the brink of civil war. Aliyev was invited to the capital to become parliamentary speaker and the country's second in command. But in June that year after a palace coup, then president Abulfaz Elchibey fled the country and Aliyev took over. Later that year he was elected president with an overwhelming majority. In short order Aliyev reduced inflation, signed a ceasefire with Armenia in the war over Nagorno-Karabakh and sealed a multi-billion- dollar deal with a western oil consortium to drill in the Azeri sector of the Caspian Sea. The former KGB general and lifelong Soviet apparatchik, having re-cast himself as a democrat and free marketeer, set on a course of attracting foreign investment and developing the country's reportedly enormous oil reserves. Major oil companies signed more than 20 production-sharing agreements potentially worth some 60 billion dollars. Western boutiques and restaurants sprang up around the capital. But the rest of the economy stagnated with the average salary hovering at forty dollars a month. Areas outside the capital made do without heat or electricity during the winter. Aliyev was re-elected in October 1998 with 76 percent of the vote in a race which major opposition figures boycotted and which observers said was rife with irregularities. He has said that he plans to run for a third term in office in elections scheduled for October this year. 
Macao::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070410.0208.LDC2009T13::1	 Macau to release North Korean funds: US Washington said on Tuesday that money held in frozen North Korean bank accounts could soon be released, removing a key obstacle to Pyongyang cooperating on its nuclear weapons programme. The US Treasury said that officials in Macau were ready to free up Pyongyang's accounts in Banco Delta Asia, one of the conditions set in talks to get North Korea to begin shutting down its nuclear weapons program in exchange for foreign aid. "The United States understands that the Macau authorities are prepared to unblock all North Korean-related accounts currently frozen in Banco Delta Asia," the Treasury said in a statement. "Based on previous discussions with Chinese, Macanese, and DPRK (North Korea) officials, as well as understandings reached with the DPRK on the use of these funds, the United States would support a decision by the Macau authorities to unblock the accounts in question." Neither the United States nor Macau gave any indication when or how the funds would be released. One obstacle has been through which banking institution in Macau would release the money to Pyongyang. "The government of Macao has noted the public statement released by the US authorities in relation to the North Korea funds in Banco Delta Asia," the Macau government said in a statement Tuesday. "The Monetary Authority of Macao will continue to coordinate all parties concerned in Macao to properly deal with this issue within the parameters of existing legislations. "Simultaneously it expects all parties concerned to come up with appropriate and responsible arrangements respectively." The release of the frozen funds has been a key stumbling block toward progress in getting North Korea to halt its nuclear program in exchange for fuel and other assistance from international powers, under an agreement reached on February 13 between North Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, Russian and the United States. Under the agreement Pyongyang was to shut down and seal its nuclear reactor and other facilities at Yongbyon by April 14, invite in UN inspectors and receive in return an initial 50,000 tons of fuel oil. But talks were stymied by a row over the 25 million dollars in North Korean funds frozen in Banco Delta Asia at US instigation on suspicion they are linked to money-laundering and counterfeiting. North Korea refused to close the Yongbyon reactor or to return to multilateral talks until it recovered the money. In recent months US authorities have struggled to find a way to get the cash through the banking system back to Pyongyang. In Seoul Tuesday US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said the resolution of the banking dispute is imminent. "This is obviously a very big step when it comes. We have to learn from Macau authorities precisely when. We understand it will be very, very soon," Hill, the chief US nuclear envoy, told reporters. "I think it should clear the way for the DPRK to step up the (disarmament) process." Hill, speaking after talks with his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-Woo, said he believed Macau authorities "will be saying that account-holders can have access to the funds based on proper identification and other procedures." Hill was traveling to Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing to discuss a timeline for the second phase of North Korea's denuclearization program. "Let's see, we've got a few more days," Hill said. "Let's see how we do in the next couple of days. Obviously it is a very important week." Hill also warned that such situations could occur again unless the communist state gives up its nuclear arms. "As long as the DPRK is engaged in nuclear weapons production, they are going to find their external accounts very much scrutinised," he said. "They are going to find many international financial institutions reluctant to take on the issue." 
Macao::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070410.0208.LDC2009T13::2	 Macau to release North Korean funds: US Washington said on Tuesday that money held in frozen North Korean bank accounts could soon be released, removing a key obstacle to Pyongyang cooperating on its nuclear weapons programme. The US Treasury said that officials in Macau were ready to free up Pyongyang's accounts in Banco Delta Asia, one of the conditions set in talks to get North Korea to begin shutting down its nuclear weapons program in exchange for foreign aid. "The United States understands that the Macau authorities are prepared to unblock all North Korean-related accounts currently frozen in Banco Delta Asia," the Treasury said in a statement. "Based on previous discussions with Chinese, Macanese, and DPRK (North Korea) officials, as well as understandings reached with the DPRK on the use of these funds, the United States would support a decision by the Macau authorities to unblock the accounts in question." Neither the United States nor Macau gave any indication when or how the funds would be released. One obstacle has been through which banking institution in Macau would release the money to Pyongyang. "The government of Macao has noted the public statement released by the US authorities in relation to the North Korea funds in Banco Delta Asia," the Macau government said in a statement Tuesday. "The Monetary Authority of Macao will continue to coordinate all parties concerned in Macao to properly deal with this issue within the parameters of existing legislations. "Simultaneously it expects all parties concerned to come up with appropriate and responsible arrangements respectively." The release of the frozen funds has been a key stumbling block toward progress in getting North Korea to halt its nuclear program in exchange for fuel and other assistance from international powers, under an agreement reached on February 13 between North Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, Russian and the United States. Under the agreement Pyongyang was to shut down and seal its nuclear reactor and other facilities at Yongbyon by April 14, invite in UN inspectors and receive in return an initial 50,000 tons of fuel oil. But talks were stymied by a row over the 25 million dollars in North Korean funds frozen in Banco Delta Asia at US instigation on suspicion they are linked to money-laundering and counterfeiting. North Korea refused to close the Yongbyon reactor or to return to multilateral talks until it recovered the money. In recent months US authorities have struggled to find a way to get the cash through the banking system back to Pyongyang. In Seoul Tuesday US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said the resolution of the banking dispute is imminent. "This is obviously a very big step when it comes. We have to learn from Macau authorities precisely when. We understand it will be very, very soon," Hill, the chief US nuclear envoy, told reporters. "I think it should clear the way for the DPRK to step up the (disarmament) process." Hill, speaking after talks with his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-Woo, said he believed Macau authorities "will be saying that account-holders can have access to the funds based on proper identification and other procedures." Hill was traveling to Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing to discuss a timeline for the second phase of North Korea's denuclearization program. "Let's see, we've got a few more days," Hill said. "Let's see how we do in the next couple of days. Obviously it is a very important week." Hill also warned that such situations could occur again unless the communist state gives up its nuclear arms. "As long as the DPRK is engaged in nuclear weapons production, they are going to find their external accounts very much scrutinised," he said. "They are going to find many international financial institutions reluctant to take on the issue." 
Macao::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070410.0208.LDC2009T13::3	 Macau to release North Korean funds: US Washington said on Tuesday that money held in frozen North Korean bank accounts could soon be released, removing a key obstacle to Pyongyang cooperating on its nuclear weapons programme. The US Treasury said that officials in Macau were ready to free up Pyongyang's accounts in Banco Delta Asia, one of the conditions set in talks to get North Korea to begin shutting down its nuclear weapons program in exchange for foreign aid. "The United States understands that the Macau authorities are prepared to unblock all North Korean-related accounts currently frozen in Banco Delta Asia," the Treasury said in a statement. "Based on previous discussions with Chinese, Macanese, and DPRK (North Korea) officials, as well as understandings reached with the DPRK on the use of these funds, the United States would support a decision by the Macau authorities to unblock the accounts in question." Neither the United States nor Macau gave any indication when or how the funds would be released. One obstacle has been through which banking institution in Macau would release the money to Pyongyang. "The government of Macao has noted the public statement released by the US authorities in relation to the North Korea funds in Banco Delta Asia," the Macau government said in a statement Tuesday. "The Monetary Authority of Macao will continue to coordinate all parties concerned in Macao to properly deal with this issue within the parameters of existing legislations. "Simultaneously it expects all parties concerned to come up with appropriate and responsible arrangements respectively." The release of the frozen funds has been a key stumbling block toward progress in getting North Korea to halt its nuclear program in exchange for fuel and other assistance from international powers, under an agreement reached on February 13 between North Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, Russian and the United States. Under the agreement Pyongyang was to shut down and seal its nuclear reactor and other facilities at Yongbyon by April 14, invite in UN inspectors and receive in return an initial 50,000 tons of fuel oil. But talks were stymied by a row over the 25 million dollars in North Korean funds frozen in Banco Delta Asia at US instigation on suspicion they are linked to money-laundering and counterfeiting. North Korea refused to close the Yongbyon reactor or to return to multilateral talks until it recovered the money. In recent months US authorities have struggled to find a way to get the cash through the banking system back to Pyongyang. In Seoul Tuesday US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said the resolution of the banking dispute is imminent. "This is obviously a very big step when it comes. We have to learn from Macau authorities precisely when. We understand it will be very, very soon," Hill, the chief US nuclear envoy, told reporters. "I think it should clear the way for the DPRK to step up the (disarmament) process." Hill, speaking after talks with his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-Woo, said he believed Macau authorities "will be saying that account-holders can have access to the funds based on proper identification and other procedures." Hill was traveling to Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing to discuss a timeline for the second phase of North Korea's denuclearization program. "Let's see, we've got a few more days," Hill said. "Let's see how we do in the next couple of days. Obviously it is a very important week." Hill also warned that such situations could occur again unless the communist state gives up its nuclear arms. "As long as the DPRK is engaged in nuclear weapons production, they are going to find their external accounts very much scrutinised," he said. "They are going to find many international financial institutions reluctant to take on the issue." 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::1	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::2	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::3	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::4	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::5	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::6	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::7	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::8	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::9	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070116.0005.LDC2009T13::10	 S&P sees Macau casinos overtaking Las Vegas but warns of risks ahead Credit-rating agency Standard and Poor's said Tuesday it is bullish on Macau's booming casinos, whose earnings would overtake those of all of Las Vegas' gaming centres within four years. But it also warned that over-investment, competition from other Asian gaming cities and a lack of infrastructure in the southern Chinese territory could pose risks in the future. "We expect growth in Macau to remain in double digits for several years to come," said S and P director of corporate infrastructure ratings, Mary Ellen Olson, explaining that compound growth over the past four years had worked out at a whopping 26 percent. "Its key advantage is that it draws its customers from the local region -- China and Hong Kong," she said. "That is likely to insulate it against outside competition." S and P estimates that Macau's casino revenue will top 6.4 billion US dollars for 2006, a growth rate in excess of 15 percent and already above earnings on the Las Vegas Strip. "In the next three to four years, taking into account the growth differentials, we think Macau will overtake all of Las Vegas," said Craig Parmelee, managing director of ratings services. Such growth is being driven by continued increases in tourism, with visitor arrivals jumping to almost 20 million in the first 10 months of 2006, more than half of whom came from mainland China. Official figures are expected later in the week from the Macau tourism authority. As Macau is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal, S and P expects tourism arrivals to continue to grow in the near future. It also believes the Cotai Strip, a gaming district rising on reclaimed land, will become a major focus of the industry in Macau. "Take up will be slow to begin with for a new facility like this but we expect that with good management and on-time construction ... Cotai will be a major milestone for operators," Olson said. Macau's casino sector has rocketed since a law passed in 2001 stripped tycoon Stanley Ho os his 40-year monopoly on casino operations in the former Portuguese enclave. The move attracted American operators, such as Las Vegas giants Sands, Wynn and MGM, whose new glitzy casino-hotel complexes transformed the sector, ushering in an era of massive growth. While Macau's success was built on strong fundamentals, Olson also cautioned it could all unravel in the face of several risks. One particularly stubborn problem remains a chronic labour shortage in the city. While the gaming industry employs 30,000 people, it needs another 5,000, which it is increasingly having to source from overseas. "With the Cotai Strip expected to treble casino supply, a lot of people are going to be needed," said Olson. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::1	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::2	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::3	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::4	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::5	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::6	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::7	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::8	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070117.0115.LDC2009T13::9	 Macau notches-up new tourism record as casinos boom Gambling haven Macau saw tourist arrivals soar 17 percent year- on-year in 2006, with a record 22 million people visiting the southern Chinese city's booming casinos, authorities said Wednesday. Tourists continued to pour in from neighbouring mainland China, 12 million in all, attracted principally to the city's 22 casinos, whose 6.4 billion dollars earnings last year for the first time exceeded those of Las Vegas' famous strip. But while officials hailed the figures, they warned the next few years would pose challenges, none more urgent than the labour shortage which threatens to slow the current break-neck expansion of the casino sector. "The tourism industry in Macau is in a phase of rapid growth," said Chui Sai On, secretary for social affairs and culture in the Macau government. "However, we are aware of the challenges ahead, including the shortage of manpower," Chui added. Tourism is Macau's principle source of income, accounting directly and indirectly for about 80 percent of GDP, according to economists. Tax revenue from gaming alone are sufficient to cover the city's 1.8 billion dollar budget. Chinese tourists led the charge to Macau, with arrivals up 17 percent on 2005, boosted by a further relaxation of travel restrictions on the mainland. Hong Kong, once Macau's dominant source of visitors, came in second with arrivals surging 23 percent to seven million. Tourists spent an estimated 17 billion patacas (2.1 billion US dollars) over 2006. Macau Government Tourism Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said his organisation was keen to develop the industry and this year would promote the city's business travel sector, particularly the meetings and incentives (MICE) market. "We must diversify our tourism to ensure stability of growth," Antunes said. Macau's once moribund gaming industry has blossomed since a 2001 law stripped tycoon Stanley Ho of his 40-year monopoly of casino control and allowed overseas investors to operate gaming halls here. Las Vegas giants, led by the Sands Corporation, moved in and transformed the sector, building and planning some 25 new casino- hotel complexes. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070123.0241.LDC2009T13::1	 Asian stocks make slight gains as investors consolidate Asian stocks closed mostly higher on Tuesday but gains were slight after Wall Street lost ground overnight and as investors consolidate after another sharp rally. A mild rise in Sydney, Shanghai and Wellington enabled all three to again close at record highs while Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul typified the broader mood by closing little change. Kuala Lumpur was up 0.97 percent on strong corporate earnings but profit takers pushed Singapore off its all-time high by 0.39 percent while Mumbai fell 1.18 percent ahead of options expiries. Bangkok, down 0.67 percent, was again a cause for concern after the finance minister announced controversial capital control rules would be maintained. TOKYO: Share prices closed little changed, held in check as investors cashed in on Monday's nine-month highs after an overnight slump on Wall Street. Dealers said the market recovered from early lows on the view that fundamentals remain strong, with investors expecting healthy quarterly corporate earnings later this month. The Nikkei-225 index fell 15.61 points at 17,408.57. Volume climbed to 2.36 billion shares from 2.03 billion shares Monday. "The market saw a mixture of profit-taking and buying on dips, tracking the losses on Wall Street overnight," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, equity general manager at Daiwa Securities SMBC. Technology shares were sold down, in line with their US counterparts amid concerns over the earnings outlook of major US tech firms, Takahashi said. "But sentiment remained solid, helped by expectations of upbeat corporate results," he said, adding steelmakers in particular were in demand. Dealers said they expected more consolidation within certain industries, especially after leading refiner Nippon Oil's announcement Monday of an alliance with South Korea's SK Corp. "Investors are seen continuing to focus on the consolidation theme, including in the steel industry," said Ryuta Otsuka, a strategist at Toyo Securities. Nippon Steel jumped 29 yen to 695. HONG KONG: Share prices closed flat in volatile trade as gains in China Mobile and select blue chips helped recoup early losses driven by property and mainland financial stocks. Dealers said China stocks were hit by news of a big share placement by Bank of China but investors soon regained composure on hopes that sustained inflow of institutional funds would help the market sustain its strength. The Hang Seng Index closed down 2.52 points at 20,769.70. Turnover was 55.84 billion Hong Kong dollars (7.16 billion US dollars). "Many people believe that China Mobile has a good chance to edge up further after it reported gaining significant new subscriber numbers in urban areas in the mainland," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "Its gains, together with those of other select blue chips, helped the market to recover from weakness in early trade," she said. Chan added that the recovery was also aided by hopes that the market will trend higher as the so-called "hot money" continues to flow into Hong Kong. "Turnover remains heavy and this reflects the continued inflow of institutional monies and prospects of more gains by the market," she said. China Mobile closed up 1.85 at 75.70. SEOUL: Share prices closed flat in choppy trade, with profit- taking offset by last-minute heavy programme buying and foreign investor interest. Dealers said a weaker Wall Street made for an uncertain start, with telecoms and brokerages under pressure while LG Electronics retreated nearly nearly one percent after chalking up its first ever three months to December loss. The market threatened the 1,350 points level at one stage before recovering most of its losses toward the close. The KOSPI index was down 0.32 points at 1,363.09. Volume was 170 million shares worth 2.2 trillion won (2.3 billion dollars). "After moving in a tight range, the index ended lower as weak earnings outlooks continued to weigh on the market," said Kim Young-Gak, an analyst at Hyundai Securities. LG Electronics lost 500 won to 53,000 after its first-ever quarterly loss in the three months to December due to year-end inventory controls and a weak performance by the display business. TAIPEI: Share prices closed little changed as caution continued to prevail ahead of corporate disclosures of fourth-quarter earnings and guidance for the year ahead. The weighted index closed up 9.89 points at 7,852.36 on turnover of 113.87 billion Taiwan dollars (3.45 billion US). Nanya Technology Corp and Inotera Memories Inc are scheduled to release their earnings Wednesday, while large-cap Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is slated to hold a quarterly briefing for investors as it announces its fourth- quarter results on Thursday. Nanya Technology gained 0.55 to 26.45 and Inotera rose 0.35 to 37.45, but their impact on the index was offset by TSMC's loss of 0.20 dollar to 68.80, dealers said. The bellwether technology sector fell in line with Wall Street's overnight declines, while some old-economy stocks benefited from firmer raw materials prices, dealers said. Fuhwa Securities Corp assistant vice president Samson Chueh said investors kept to the sidelines awaiting corporate earnings reports. "Investors preferred the sidelines before the release of earnings reports by major companies at home and in New York," Chueh said. SHANGHAI: Share prices shrugged off early weakness to rise 0.54 percent for another record finish as banks and steelmakers attracted interest on the back of fresh fund inflows. Dealers said more than 50 companies closed up by their 10 percent daily limit as volumes also continued at record levels, with Shanghai alone running above 14 billion dollars. The early downturn was partly caused by the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) but the dip offered a bargain-hunting opportunity quickly taken. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers and B-shares, closed up 15.95 points at 2,949.14 on turnover of 109.03 billion yuan (14.03 billion dollars). "Fresh capital continued to flow in and (investors) built positions after the market briefly corrected this morning," said Wu Dazhong, an analyst at Chinalion Securities. "The market saw a significant correction in the morning due to profit-taking, with the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period affecting liquidity," said Zhu Haibin, an analyst at Everbright Securities. Banks were boosted by renewed buying interest on hopes for solid 2006 earnings with results to be announced soon, dealers said. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, in which Citigroup hopes to increase its stake to 19.9 percent, rose by its 10 percent daily limit to 24.85 yuan after saying it had been cleared to set up a joint venture fund management company with France's AXA Investment Managers and Shanghai Dragon Investment. SYDNEY: Share prices closed up 0.15 percent at a fresh record high, overcoming an early bout of profit-taking as investors remained positive on the overall outlook. dealers said buying was limited on investor caution ahead of the release Wednesday of December quarter consumer inflation data, seen as key to a central bank decision on interest rates next month. The SP/ASX 200 index gained 8.4 points at 5,735.0. A total of 1.46 billion shares worth 4.4 billion dollars (3.5 billion US) were traded. Dealers said most sectors remained mixed, including resources stocks, despite base metal prices rising in London trade overnight. Bell Potter Securities private client adviser Stuart Smith said the market reacted to mixed leads from offshore markets. "The market undulated throughout the day after mixed leads from overseas and the approach of the expiry of options tomorrow where stocks will be eyeing the most popular strike price," he said. He said BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto remained the standout buys both technically and fundamentally, having been under pressure in recent weeks because of uncertainty about the direction of commodity prices. Rio Tinto gained 0.69 dollars to 73.61. SINGAPORE: Share prices closed lower on profit-taking in blue chip stocks after a strong rally the previous day sent the index soaring to new record peaks. Dealers said overnight declines on Wall Street triggered a mild bout of profit- taking after Monday's rally spurred by expectations for a corporate income tax cut this year. The Straits Times Index fell 12.30 points to 3,132.90. Volume was 2.60 billion shares worth 2.01 billion dollars (1.31 billion US). Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said in remarks published Sunday the government will cut the existing corporate tax rate of 20 percent by at least one percentage point. A dealer with a local brokerage said the market may undergo further corrections. "The profit-taking is not that bad... the market is still anticipating good results," he said. Technology stocks were lower, with Venture Corp down 0.20 at 14, Chartered Semiconductor down 0.02 at 1.25 and Creative Technology down 0.10 at 10.70. Singapore Airlines down 0.10 to 17.80. KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.97 percent higher, as investor sentiment was supported by strong profit results and Genting group's move into the Macau casino business. The composite index gained 11.27 points to 1,169.12. Volume was heavy at 1.56 billion shares, valued at 2.81 billion ringgit (802 million dollars). Khoo Ban Yu, a technical analyst at HLG Securities, said the market's momentum remained firm as there was strong buying support at the 1,160 point level. He said the index was heading towards its next critical resistance level of 1,200 points. Genting was up 0.50 ringgit at 17.40 and unit Resorts World gained 1.00 ringgit to 17.40. Genting International and Star Cruises have announced plans to invest in a Macau hotel project, which will also house a casino. Analysts said the joint venture is a positive development for Genting given the great potential in Macau's gaming industry. "This is good news for the Genting group. It gives Genting a very strong regional footprint, with casinos in Malaysia, Singapore and Macau," said Edward Ong, a gaming sector analyst at Macquarie Research. BANGKOK: Share prices closed 0.67 percent lower after the finance minister announced that controversial capital control rules would be maintained. Dealers said investors were disappointed with the minister's comments that the draconian measures had helped exporters and steadied the baht, and would thus remain in effect. The composite index dipped 4.36 points to 650.76 on turnover of 2.0 billion shares worth 10.4 billion baht (288 million dollars). Sukit Udomsirikul, a senior market analyst at Siam City Securities, said trading was influenced by the government's decision to stick to its capital control policies. "Foreign investors only took a small part in today's trading because they were disappointed by the finance minister's remarks that the capital control measures would remain in effect," said Sukit. "The market earlier expected that the rules would be eased some time soon." Finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on Tuesday surprised markets by announcing the policy would be maintained, insisting that the measures have helped exporters and steadied the baht. PTT Plc lost 2.00 baht at 202.00. JAKARTA: Share prices closed down 0.49 percent on profit-taking after recent gains, though late interest in Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) helped the market end off its lows. The composite index closed down 8.834 points at 1,808.575. Volume was 2.39 billion shares valued at 2.14 trillion rupiah (235.48 million dollars). MANILA: Share prices closed 1.85 percent higher as bullish investors snapped up stocks led by Philippine Long Distance Telephone. Dealers said investors found further reason to buy shares after the benchmark Treasury bill rates fell to new lows at the weekly auction on Monday. The composite index added 58.06 points to 3,199.34. A total of 4.3 billion shares worth 3.8 billion pesos (77.44 million dollars) changed hands. "Investors cheered the drop in T-bill rates to new lows, which may trigger a shift in investor interest toward other instruments with better yields, like equities," said Jonathan Ravelas of Banco de Oro. He said this may also encourage banks to lend aggressively to private borrowers, which should help perk up the economy. National Treasurer Omar Cruz told reporters after Monday's auction, that the market may be anticipating some positive development in the country's credit rating. Representatives from Fitch Ratings have arrived in Manila to meet with the economic managers this week. Philippine Long Distance jumped 120 pesos to 2,720. WELLINGTON: Share prices rose 0.24 percent to a fresh record high, with the market's second largest stock Fletcher Building taking the lead. The NZX-50 gross index rose 10.04 points to 4,131.13 on turnover of 93.5 million dollars (65.3 million US). "It's still pretty quiet in terms of turnover, but it's holding up well price- wise. There's really no strong themes there to be honest," said dealer Don Lewthwaite of First NZ Capital. The central bank meets Thursday to decide on interest rates but most in the market expect the official rate to remain unchanged at 7.25 percent. Fletcher Building rose 16 cents to 10.74 dollars as the spotlight fell on the building materials sector in Australia. The world's third largest cement maker Cemex extended its 12 billion US dollar conditional offer for Australia's Rinker Group. MUMBAI: Share prices closed 1.18 percent lower as investors sold ahead of the expiry of the monthly futures contract this week, dealers said. But India's largest private phone company Bharti Airtel bucked the trend and rose after reporting net profit more than doubled to 12.15 billion rupees (274 million dollars) in the quarter ended December 31. The 30-share Sensex closed down 168 points at 14,041.24. Bharti Airtel shares rose 12,80 rupees or 1.89 percent to 689.15. Trading sentiment also remained weak on concern that interest rates may rise after inflation hit a new two-year peak last week, dealers said. "Investors are not keen to build up fresh positions until the expiry of the derivatives cycle (on Thursday)," said Hiten Mehta, a fund manager with Fortune Financial Services. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070123.0241.LDC2009T13::2	 Asian stocks make slight gains as investors consolidate Asian stocks closed mostly higher on Tuesday but gains were slight after Wall Street lost ground overnight and as investors consolidate after another sharp rally. A mild rise in Sydney, Shanghai and Wellington enabled all three to again close at record highs while Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul typified the broader mood by closing little change. Kuala Lumpur was up 0.97 percent on strong corporate earnings but profit takers pushed Singapore off its all-time high by 0.39 percent while Mumbai fell 1.18 percent ahead of options expiries. Bangkok, down 0.67 percent, was again a cause for concern after the finance minister announced controversial capital control rules would be maintained. TOKYO: Share prices closed little changed, held in check as investors cashed in on Monday's nine-month highs after an overnight slump on Wall Street. Dealers said the market recovered from early lows on the view that fundamentals remain strong, with investors expecting healthy quarterly corporate earnings later this month. The Nikkei-225 index fell 15.61 points at 17,408.57. Volume climbed to 2.36 billion shares from 2.03 billion shares Monday. "The market saw a mixture of profit-taking and buying on dips, tracking the losses on Wall Street overnight," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, equity general manager at Daiwa Securities SMBC. Technology shares were sold down, in line with their US counterparts amid concerns over the earnings outlook of major US tech firms, Takahashi said. "But sentiment remained solid, helped by expectations of upbeat corporate results," he said, adding steelmakers in particular were in demand. Dealers said they expected more consolidation within certain industries, especially after leading refiner Nippon Oil's announcement Monday of an alliance with South Korea's SK Corp. "Investors are seen continuing to focus on the consolidation theme, including in the steel industry," said Ryuta Otsuka, a strategist at Toyo Securities. Nippon Steel jumped 29 yen to 695. HONG KONG: Share prices closed flat in volatile trade as gains in China Mobile and select blue chips helped recoup early losses driven by property and mainland financial stocks. Dealers said China stocks were hit by news of a big share placement by Bank of China but investors soon regained composure on hopes that sustained inflow of institutional funds would help the market sustain its strength. The Hang Seng Index closed down 2.52 points at 20,769.70. Turnover was 55.84 billion Hong Kong dollars (7.16 billion US dollars). "Many people believe that China Mobile has a good chance to edge up further after it reported gaining significant new subscriber numbers in urban areas in the mainland," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "Its gains, together with those of other select blue chips, helped the market to recover from weakness in early trade," she said. Chan added that the recovery was also aided by hopes that the market will trend higher as the so-called "hot money" continues to flow into Hong Kong. "Turnover remains heavy and this reflects the continued inflow of institutional monies and prospects of more gains by the market," she said. China Mobile closed up 1.85 at 75.70. SEOUL: Share prices closed flat in choppy trade, with profit- taking offset by last-minute heavy programme buying and foreign investor interest. Dealers said a weaker Wall Street made for an uncertain start, with telecoms and brokerages under pressure while LG Electronics retreated nearly nearly one percent after chalking up its first ever three months to December loss. The market threatened the 1,350 points level at one stage before recovering most of its losses toward the close. The KOSPI index was down 0.32 points at 1,363.09. Volume was 170 million shares worth 2.2 trillion won (2.3 billion dollars). "After moving in a tight range, the index ended lower as weak earnings outlooks continued to weigh on the market," said Kim Young-Gak, an analyst at Hyundai Securities. LG Electronics lost 500 won to 53,000 after its first-ever quarterly loss in the three months to December due to year-end inventory controls and a weak performance by the display business. TAIPEI: Share prices closed little changed as caution continued to prevail ahead of corporate disclosures of fourth-quarter earnings and guidance for the year ahead. The weighted index closed up 9.89 points at 7,852.36 on turnover of 113.87 billion Taiwan dollars (3.45 billion US). Nanya Technology Corp and Inotera Memories Inc are scheduled to release their earnings Wednesday, while large-cap Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is slated to hold a quarterly briefing for investors as it announces its fourth- quarter results on Thursday. Nanya Technology gained 0.55 to 26.45 and Inotera rose 0.35 to 37.45, but their impact on the index was offset by TSMC's loss of 0.20 dollar to 68.80, dealers said. The bellwether technology sector fell in line with Wall Street's overnight declines, while some old-economy stocks benefited from firmer raw materials prices, dealers said. Fuhwa Securities Corp assistant vice president Samson Chueh said investors kept to the sidelines awaiting corporate earnings reports. "Investors preferred the sidelines before the release of earnings reports by major companies at home and in New York," Chueh said. SHANGHAI: Share prices shrugged off early weakness to rise 0.54 percent for another record finish as banks and steelmakers attracted interest on the back of fresh fund inflows. Dealers said more than 50 companies closed up by their 10 percent daily limit as volumes also continued at record levels, with Shanghai alone running above 14 billion dollars. The early downturn was partly caused by the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) but the dip offered a bargain-hunting opportunity quickly taken. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers and B-shares, closed up 15.95 points at 2,949.14 on turnover of 109.03 billion yuan (14.03 billion dollars). "Fresh capital continued to flow in and (investors) built positions after the market briefly corrected this morning," said Wu Dazhong, an analyst at Chinalion Securities. "The market saw a significant correction in the morning due to profit-taking, with the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period affecting liquidity," said Zhu Haibin, an analyst at Everbright Securities. Banks were boosted by renewed buying interest on hopes for solid 2006 earnings with results to be announced soon, dealers said. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, in which Citigroup hopes to increase its stake to 19.9 percent, rose by its 10 percent daily limit to 24.85 yuan after saying it had been cleared to set up a joint venture fund management company with France's AXA Investment Managers and Shanghai Dragon Investment. SYDNEY: Share prices closed up 0.15 percent at a fresh record high, overcoming an early bout of profit-taking as investors remained positive on the overall outlook. dealers said buying was limited on investor caution ahead of the release Wednesday of December quarter consumer inflation data, seen as key to a central bank decision on interest rates next month. The SP/ASX 200 index gained 8.4 points at 5,735.0. A total of 1.46 billion shares worth 4.4 billion dollars (3.5 billion US) were traded. Dealers said most sectors remained mixed, including resources stocks, despite base metal prices rising in London trade overnight. Bell Potter Securities private client adviser Stuart Smith said the market reacted to mixed leads from offshore markets. "The market undulated throughout the day after mixed leads from overseas and the approach of the expiry of options tomorrow where stocks will be eyeing the most popular strike price," he said. He said BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto remained the standout buys both technically and fundamentally, having been under pressure in recent weeks because of uncertainty about the direction of commodity prices. Rio Tinto gained 0.69 dollars to 73.61. SINGAPORE: Share prices closed lower on profit-taking in blue chip stocks after a strong rally the previous day sent the index soaring to new record peaks. Dealers said overnight declines on Wall Street triggered a mild bout of profit- taking after Monday's rally spurred by expectations for a corporate income tax cut this year. The Straits Times Index fell 12.30 points to 3,132.90. Volume was 2.60 billion shares worth 2.01 billion dollars (1.31 billion US). Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said in remarks published Sunday the government will cut the existing corporate tax rate of 20 percent by at least one percentage point. A dealer with a local brokerage said the market may undergo further corrections. "The profit-taking is not that bad... the market is still anticipating good results," he said. Technology stocks were lower, with Venture Corp down 0.20 at 14, Chartered Semiconductor down 0.02 at 1.25 and Creative Technology down 0.10 at 10.70. Singapore Airlines down 0.10 to 17.80. KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.97 percent higher, as investor sentiment was supported by strong profit results and Genting group's move into the Macau casino business. The composite index gained 11.27 points to 1,169.12. Volume was heavy at 1.56 billion shares, valued at 2.81 billion ringgit (802 million dollars). Khoo Ban Yu, a technical analyst at HLG Securities, said the market's momentum remained firm as there was strong buying support at the 1,160 point level. He said the index was heading towards its next critical resistance level of 1,200 points. Genting was up 0.50 ringgit at 17.40 and unit Resorts World gained 1.00 ringgit to 17.40. Genting International and Star Cruises have announced plans to invest in a Macau hotel project, which will also house a casino. Analysts said the joint venture is a positive development for Genting given the great potential in Macau's gaming industry. "This is good news for the Genting group. It gives Genting a very strong regional footprint, with casinos in Malaysia, Singapore and Macau," said Edward Ong, a gaming sector analyst at Macquarie Research. BANGKOK: Share prices closed 0.67 percent lower after the finance minister announced that controversial capital control rules would be maintained. Dealers said investors were disappointed with the minister's comments that the draconian measures had helped exporters and steadied the baht, and would thus remain in effect. The composite index dipped 4.36 points to 650.76 on turnover of 2.0 billion shares worth 10.4 billion baht (288 million dollars). Sukit Udomsirikul, a senior market analyst at Siam City Securities, said trading was influenced by the government's decision to stick to its capital control policies. "Foreign investors only took a small part in today's trading because they were disappointed by the finance minister's remarks that the capital control measures would remain in effect," said Sukit. "The market earlier expected that the rules would be eased some time soon." Finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on Tuesday surprised markets by announcing the policy would be maintained, insisting that the measures have helped exporters and steadied the baht. PTT Plc lost 2.00 baht at 202.00. JAKARTA: Share prices closed down 0.49 percent on profit-taking after recent gains, though late interest in Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) helped the market end off its lows. The composite index closed down 8.834 points at 1,808.575. Volume was 2.39 billion shares valued at 2.14 trillion rupiah (235.48 million dollars). MANILA: Share prices closed 1.85 percent higher as bullish investors snapped up stocks led by Philippine Long Distance Telephone. Dealers said investors found further reason to buy shares after the benchmark Treasury bill rates fell to new lows at the weekly auction on Monday. The composite index added 58.06 points to 3,199.34. A total of 4.3 billion shares worth 3.8 billion pesos (77.44 million dollars) changed hands. "Investors cheered the drop in T-bill rates to new lows, which may trigger a shift in investor interest toward other instruments with better yields, like equities," said Jonathan Ravelas of Banco de Oro. He said this may also encourage banks to lend aggressively to private borrowers, which should help perk up the economy. National Treasurer Omar Cruz told reporters after Monday's auction, that the market may be anticipating some positive development in the country's credit rating. Representatives from Fitch Ratings have arrived in Manila to meet with the economic managers this week. Philippine Long Distance jumped 120 pesos to 2,720. WELLINGTON: Share prices rose 0.24 percent to a fresh record high, with the market's second largest stock Fletcher Building taking the lead. The NZX-50 gross index rose 10.04 points to 4,131.13 on turnover of 93.5 million dollars (65.3 million US). "It's still pretty quiet in terms of turnover, but it's holding up well price- wise. There's really no strong themes there to be honest," said dealer Don Lewthwaite of First NZ Capital. The central bank meets Thursday to decide on interest rates but most in the market expect the official rate to remain unchanged at 7.25 percent. Fletcher Building rose 16 cents to 10.74 dollars as the spotlight fell on the building materials sector in Australia. The world's third largest cement maker Cemex extended its 12 billion US dollar conditional offer for Australia's Rinker Group. MUMBAI: Share prices closed 1.18 percent lower as investors sold ahead of the expiry of the monthly futures contract this week, dealers said. But India's largest private phone company Bharti Airtel bucked the trend and rose after reporting net profit more than doubled to 12.15 billion rupees (274 million dollars) in the quarter ended December 31. The 30-share Sensex closed down 168 points at 14,041.24. Bharti Airtel shares rose 12,80 rupees or 1.89 percent to 689.15. Trading sentiment also remained weak on concern that interest rates may rise after inflation hit a new two-year peak last week, dealers said. "Investors are not keen to build up fresh positions until the expiry of the derivatives cycle (on Thursday)," said Hiten Mehta, a fund manager with Fortune Financial Services. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070123.0241.LDC2009T13::3	 Asian stocks make slight gains as investors consolidate Asian stocks closed mostly higher on Tuesday but gains were slight after Wall Street lost ground overnight and as investors consolidate after another sharp rally. A mild rise in Sydney, Shanghai and Wellington enabled all three to again close at record highs while Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul typified the broader mood by closing little change. Kuala Lumpur was up 0.97 percent on strong corporate earnings but profit takers pushed Singapore off its all-time high by 0.39 percent while Mumbai fell 1.18 percent ahead of options expiries. Bangkok, down 0.67 percent, was again a cause for concern after the finance minister announced controversial capital control rules would be maintained. TOKYO: Share prices closed little changed, held in check as investors cashed in on Monday's nine-month highs after an overnight slump on Wall Street. Dealers said the market recovered from early lows on the view that fundamentals remain strong, with investors expecting healthy quarterly corporate earnings later this month. The Nikkei-225 index fell 15.61 points at 17,408.57. Volume climbed to 2.36 billion shares from 2.03 billion shares Monday. "The market saw a mixture of profit-taking and buying on dips, tracking the losses on Wall Street overnight," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, equity general manager at Daiwa Securities SMBC. Technology shares were sold down, in line with their US counterparts amid concerns over the earnings outlook of major US tech firms, Takahashi said. "But sentiment remained solid, helped by expectations of upbeat corporate results," he said, adding steelmakers in particular were in demand. Dealers said they expected more consolidation within certain industries, especially after leading refiner Nippon Oil's announcement Monday of an alliance with South Korea's SK Corp. "Investors are seen continuing to focus on the consolidation theme, including in the steel industry," said Ryuta Otsuka, a strategist at Toyo Securities. Nippon Steel jumped 29 yen to 695. HONG KONG: Share prices closed flat in volatile trade as gains in China Mobile and select blue chips helped recoup early losses driven by property and mainland financial stocks. Dealers said China stocks were hit by news of a big share placement by Bank of China but investors soon regained composure on hopes that sustained inflow of institutional funds would help the market sustain its strength. The Hang Seng Index closed down 2.52 points at 20,769.70. Turnover was 55.84 billion Hong Kong dollars (7.16 billion US dollars). "Many people believe that China Mobile has a good chance to edge up further after it reported gaining significant new subscriber numbers in urban areas in the mainland," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "Its gains, together with those of other select blue chips, helped the market to recover from weakness in early trade," she said. Chan added that the recovery was also aided by hopes that the market will trend higher as the so-called "hot money" continues to flow into Hong Kong. "Turnover remains heavy and this reflects the continued inflow of institutional monies and prospects of more gains by the market," she said. China Mobile closed up 1.85 at 75.70. SEOUL: Share prices closed flat in choppy trade, with profit- taking offset by last-minute heavy programme buying and foreign investor interest. Dealers said a weaker Wall Street made for an uncertain start, with telecoms and brokerages under pressure while LG Electronics retreated nearly nearly one percent after chalking up its first ever three months to December loss. The market threatened the 1,350 points level at one stage before recovering most of its losses toward the close. The KOSPI index was down 0.32 points at 1,363.09. Volume was 170 million shares worth 2.2 trillion won (2.3 billion dollars). "After moving in a tight range, the index ended lower as weak earnings outlooks continued to weigh on the market," said Kim Young-Gak, an analyst at Hyundai Securities. LG Electronics lost 500 won to 53,000 after its first-ever quarterly loss in the three months to December due to year-end inventory controls and a weak performance by the display business. TAIPEI: Share prices closed little changed as caution continued to prevail ahead of corporate disclosures of fourth-quarter earnings and guidance for the year ahead. The weighted index closed up 9.89 points at 7,852.36 on turnover of 113.87 billion Taiwan dollars (3.45 billion US). Nanya Technology Corp and Inotera Memories Inc are scheduled to release their earnings Wednesday, while large-cap Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is slated to hold a quarterly briefing for investors as it announces its fourth- quarter results on Thursday. Nanya Technology gained 0.55 to 26.45 and Inotera rose 0.35 to 37.45, but their impact on the index was offset by TSMC's loss of 0.20 dollar to 68.80, dealers said. The bellwether technology sector fell in line with Wall Street's overnight declines, while some old-economy stocks benefited from firmer raw materials prices, dealers said. Fuhwa Securities Corp assistant vice president Samson Chueh said investors kept to the sidelines awaiting corporate earnings reports. "Investors preferred the sidelines before the release of earnings reports by major companies at home and in New York," Chueh said. SHANGHAI: Share prices shrugged off early weakness to rise 0.54 percent for another record finish as banks and steelmakers attracted interest on the back of fresh fund inflows. Dealers said more than 50 companies closed up by their 10 percent daily limit as volumes also continued at record levels, with Shanghai alone running above 14 billion dollars. The early downturn was partly caused by the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) but the dip offered a bargain-hunting opportunity quickly taken. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers and B-shares, closed up 15.95 points at 2,949.14 on turnover of 109.03 billion yuan (14.03 billion dollars). "Fresh capital continued to flow in and (investors) built positions after the market briefly corrected this morning," said Wu Dazhong, an analyst at Chinalion Securities. "The market saw a significant correction in the morning due to profit-taking, with the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period affecting liquidity," said Zhu Haibin, an analyst at Everbright Securities. Banks were boosted by renewed buying interest on hopes for solid 2006 earnings with results to be announced soon, dealers said. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, in which Citigroup hopes to increase its stake to 19.9 percent, rose by its 10 percent daily limit to 24.85 yuan after saying it had been cleared to set up a joint venture fund management company with France's AXA Investment Managers and Shanghai Dragon Investment. SYDNEY: Share prices closed up 0.15 percent at a fresh record high, overcoming an early bout of profit-taking as investors remained positive on the overall outlook. dealers said buying was limited on investor caution ahead of the release Wednesday of December quarter consumer inflation data, seen as key to a central bank decision on interest rates next month. The SP/ASX 200 index gained 8.4 points at 5,735.0. A total of 1.46 billion shares worth 4.4 billion dollars (3.5 billion US) were traded. Dealers said most sectors remained mixed, including resources stocks, despite base metal prices rising in London trade overnight. Bell Potter Securities private client adviser Stuart Smith said the market reacted to mixed leads from offshore markets. "The market undulated throughout the day after mixed leads from overseas and the approach of the expiry of options tomorrow where stocks will be eyeing the most popular strike price," he said. He said BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto remained the standout buys both technically and fundamentally, having been under pressure in recent weeks because of uncertainty about the direction of commodity prices. Rio Tinto gained 0.69 dollars to 73.61. SINGAPORE: Share prices closed lower on profit-taking in blue chip stocks after a strong rally the previous day sent the index soaring to new record peaks. Dealers said overnight declines on Wall Street triggered a mild bout of profit- taking after Monday's rally spurred by expectations for a corporate income tax cut this year. The Straits Times Index fell 12.30 points to 3,132.90. Volume was 2.60 billion shares worth 2.01 billion dollars (1.31 billion US). Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said in remarks published Sunday the government will cut the existing corporate tax rate of 20 percent by at least one percentage point. A dealer with a local brokerage said the market may undergo further corrections. "The profit-taking is not that bad... the market is still anticipating good results," he said. Technology stocks were lower, with Venture Corp down 0.20 at 14, Chartered Semiconductor down 0.02 at 1.25 and Creative Technology down 0.10 at 10.70. Singapore Airlines down 0.10 to 17.80. KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.97 percent higher, as investor sentiment was supported by strong profit results and Genting group's move into the Macau casino business. The composite index gained 11.27 points to 1,169.12. Volume was heavy at 1.56 billion shares, valued at 2.81 billion ringgit (802 million dollars). Khoo Ban Yu, a technical analyst at HLG Securities, said the market's momentum remained firm as there was strong buying support at the 1,160 point level. He said the index was heading towards its next critical resistance level of 1,200 points. Genting was up 0.50 ringgit at 17.40 and unit Resorts World gained 1.00 ringgit to 17.40. Genting International and Star Cruises have announced plans to invest in a Macau hotel project, which will also house a casino. Analysts said the joint venture is a positive development for Genting given the great potential in Macau's gaming industry. "This is good news for the Genting group. It gives Genting a very strong regional footprint, with casinos in Malaysia, Singapore and Macau," said Edward Ong, a gaming sector analyst at Macquarie Research. BANGKOK: Share prices closed 0.67 percent lower after the finance minister announced that controversial capital control rules would be maintained. Dealers said investors were disappointed with the minister's comments that the draconian measures had helped exporters and steadied the baht, and would thus remain in effect. The composite index dipped 4.36 points to 650.76 on turnover of 2.0 billion shares worth 10.4 billion baht (288 million dollars). Sukit Udomsirikul, a senior market analyst at Siam City Securities, said trading was influenced by the government's decision to stick to its capital control policies. "Foreign investors only took a small part in today's trading because they were disappointed by the finance minister's remarks that the capital control measures would remain in effect," said Sukit. "The market earlier expected that the rules would be eased some time soon." Finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on Tuesday surprised markets by announcing the policy would be maintained, insisting that the measures have helped exporters and steadied the baht. PTT Plc lost 2.00 baht at 202.00. JAKARTA: Share prices closed down 0.49 percent on profit-taking after recent gains, though late interest in Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) helped the market end off its lows. The composite index closed down 8.834 points at 1,808.575. Volume was 2.39 billion shares valued at 2.14 trillion rupiah (235.48 million dollars). MANILA: Share prices closed 1.85 percent higher as bullish investors snapped up stocks led by Philippine Long Distance Telephone. Dealers said investors found further reason to buy shares after the benchmark Treasury bill rates fell to new lows at the weekly auction on Monday. The composite index added 58.06 points to 3,199.34. A total of 4.3 billion shares worth 3.8 billion pesos (77.44 million dollars) changed hands. "Investors cheered the drop in T-bill rates to new lows, which may trigger a shift in investor interest toward other instruments with better yields, like equities," said Jonathan Ravelas of Banco de Oro. He said this may also encourage banks to lend aggressively to private borrowers, which should help perk up the economy. National Treasurer Omar Cruz told reporters after Monday's auction, that the market may be anticipating some positive development in the country's credit rating. Representatives from Fitch Ratings have arrived in Manila to meet with the economic managers this week. Philippine Long Distance jumped 120 pesos to 2,720. WELLINGTON: Share prices rose 0.24 percent to a fresh record high, with the market's second largest stock Fletcher Building taking the lead. The NZX-50 gross index rose 10.04 points to 4,131.13 on turnover of 93.5 million dollars (65.3 million US). "It's still pretty quiet in terms of turnover, but it's holding up well price- wise. There's really no strong themes there to be honest," said dealer Don Lewthwaite of First NZ Capital. The central bank meets Thursday to decide on interest rates but most in the market expect the official rate to remain unchanged at 7.25 percent. Fletcher Building rose 16 cents to 10.74 dollars as the spotlight fell on the building materials sector in Australia. The world's third largest cement maker Cemex extended its 12 billion US dollar conditional offer for Australia's Rinker Group. MUMBAI: Share prices closed 1.18 percent lower as investors sold ahead of the expiry of the monthly futures contract this week, dealers said. But India's largest private phone company Bharti Airtel bucked the trend and rose after reporting net profit more than doubled to 12.15 billion rupees (274 million dollars) in the quarter ended December 31. The 30-share Sensex closed down 168 points at 14,041.24. Bharti Airtel shares rose 12,80 rupees or 1.89 percent to 689.15. Trading sentiment also remained weak on concern that interest rates may rise after inflation hit a new two-year peak last week, dealers said. "Investors are not keen to build up fresh positions until the expiry of the derivatives cycle (on Thursday)," said Hiten Mehta, a fund manager with Fortune Financial Services. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070123.0241.LDC2009T13::4	 Asian stocks make slight gains as investors consolidate Asian stocks closed mostly higher on Tuesday but gains were slight after Wall Street lost ground overnight and as investors consolidate after another sharp rally. A mild rise in Sydney, Shanghai and Wellington enabled all three to again close at record highs while Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul typified the broader mood by closing little change. Kuala Lumpur was up 0.97 percent on strong corporate earnings but profit takers pushed Singapore off its all-time high by 0.39 percent while Mumbai fell 1.18 percent ahead of options expiries. Bangkok, down 0.67 percent, was again a cause for concern after the finance minister announced controversial capital control rules would be maintained. TOKYO: Share prices closed little changed, held in check as investors cashed in on Monday's nine-month highs after an overnight slump on Wall Street. Dealers said the market recovered from early lows on the view that fundamentals remain strong, with investors expecting healthy quarterly corporate earnings later this month. The Nikkei-225 index fell 15.61 points at 17,408.57. Volume climbed to 2.36 billion shares from 2.03 billion shares Monday. "The market saw a mixture of profit-taking and buying on dips, tracking the losses on Wall Street overnight," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, equity general manager at Daiwa Securities SMBC. Technology shares were sold down, in line with their US counterparts amid concerns over the earnings outlook of major US tech firms, Takahashi said. "But sentiment remained solid, helped by expectations of upbeat corporate results," he said, adding steelmakers in particular were in demand. Dealers said they expected more consolidation within certain industries, especially after leading refiner Nippon Oil's announcement Monday of an alliance with South Korea's SK Corp. "Investors are seen continuing to focus on the consolidation theme, including in the steel industry," said Ryuta Otsuka, a strategist at Toyo Securities. Nippon Steel jumped 29 yen to 695. HONG KONG: Share prices closed flat in volatile trade as gains in China Mobile and select blue chips helped recoup early losses driven by property and mainland financial stocks. Dealers said China stocks were hit by news of a big share placement by Bank of China but investors soon regained composure on hopes that sustained inflow of institutional funds would help the market sustain its strength. The Hang Seng Index closed down 2.52 points at 20,769.70. Turnover was 55.84 billion Hong Kong dollars (7.16 billion US dollars). "Many people believe that China Mobile has a good chance to edge up further after it reported gaining significant new subscriber numbers in urban areas in the mainland," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "Its gains, together with those of other select blue chips, helped the market to recover from weakness in early trade," she said. Chan added that the recovery was also aided by hopes that the market will trend higher as the so-called "hot money" continues to flow into Hong Kong. "Turnover remains heavy and this reflects the continued inflow of institutional monies and prospects of more gains by the market," she said. China Mobile closed up 1.85 at 75.70. SEOUL: Share prices closed flat in choppy trade, with profit- taking offset by last-minute heavy programme buying and foreign investor interest. Dealers said a weaker Wall Street made for an uncertain start, with telecoms and brokerages under pressure while LG Electronics retreated nearly nearly one percent after chalking up its first ever three months to December loss. The market threatened the 1,350 points level at one stage before recovering most of its losses toward the close. The KOSPI index was down 0.32 points at 1,363.09. Volume was 170 million shares worth 2.2 trillion won (2.3 billion dollars). "After moving in a tight range, the index ended lower as weak earnings outlooks continued to weigh on the market," said Kim Young-Gak, an analyst at Hyundai Securities. LG Electronics lost 500 won to 53,000 after its first-ever quarterly loss in the three months to December due to year-end inventory controls and a weak performance by the display business. TAIPEI: Share prices closed little changed as caution continued to prevail ahead of corporate disclosures of fourth-quarter earnings and guidance for the year ahead. The weighted index closed up 9.89 points at 7,852.36 on turnover of 113.87 billion Taiwan dollars (3.45 billion US). Nanya Technology Corp and Inotera Memories Inc are scheduled to release their earnings Wednesday, while large-cap Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is slated to hold a quarterly briefing for investors as it announces its fourth- quarter results on Thursday. Nanya Technology gained 0.55 to 26.45 and Inotera rose 0.35 to 37.45, but their impact on the index was offset by TSMC's loss of 0.20 dollar to 68.80, dealers said. The bellwether technology sector fell in line with Wall Street's overnight declines, while some old-economy stocks benefited from firmer raw materials prices, dealers said. Fuhwa Securities Corp assistant vice president Samson Chueh said investors kept to the sidelines awaiting corporate earnings reports. "Investors preferred the sidelines before the release of earnings reports by major companies at home and in New York," Chueh said. SHANGHAI: Share prices shrugged off early weakness to rise 0.54 percent for another record finish as banks and steelmakers attracted interest on the back of fresh fund inflows. Dealers said more than 50 companies closed up by their 10 percent daily limit as volumes also continued at record levels, with Shanghai alone running above 14 billion dollars. The early downturn was partly caused by the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) but the dip offered a bargain-hunting opportunity quickly taken. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers and B-shares, closed up 15.95 points at 2,949.14 on turnover of 109.03 billion yuan (14.03 billion dollars). "Fresh capital continued to flow in and (investors) built positions after the market briefly corrected this morning," said Wu Dazhong, an analyst at Chinalion Securities. "The market saw a significant correction in the morning due to profit-taking, with the start of Industrial Bank's subscription period affecting liquidity," said Zhu Haibin, an analyst at Everbright Securities. Banks were boosted by renewed buying interest on hopes for solid 2006 earnings with results to be announced soon, dealers said. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, in which Citigroup hopes to increase its stake to 19.9 percent, rose by its 10 percent daily limit to 24.85 yuan after saying it had been cleared to set up a joint venture fund management company with France's AXA Investment Managers and Shanghai Dragon Investment. SYDNEY: Share prices closed up 0.15 percent at a fresh record high, overcoming an early bout of profit-taking as investors remained positive on the overall outlook. dealers said buying was limited on investor caution ahead of the release Wednesday of December quarter consumer inflation data, seen as key to a central bank decision on interest rates next month. The SP/ASX 200 index gained 8.4 points at 5,735.0. A total of 1.46 billion shares worth 4.4 billion dollars (3.5 billion US) were traded. Dealers said most sectors remained mixed, including resources stocks, despite base metal prices rising in London trade overnight. Bell Potter Securities private client adviser Stuart Smith said the market reacted to mixed leads from offshore markets. "The market undulated throughout the day after mixed leads from overseas and the approach of the expiry of options tomorrow where stocks will be eyeing the most popular strike price," he said. He said BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto remained the standout buys both technically and fundamentally, having been under pressure in recent weeks because of uncertainty about the direction of commodity prices. Rio Tinto gained 0.69 dollars to 73.61. SINGAPORE: Share prices closed lower on profit-taking in blue chip stocks after a strong rally the previous day sent the index soaring to new record peaks. Dealers said overnight declines on Wall Street triggered a mild bout of profit- taking after Monday's rally spurred by expectations for a corporate income tax cut this year. The Straits Times Index fell 12.30 points to 3,132.90. Volume was 2.60 billion shares worth 2.01 billion dollars (1.31 billion US). Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said in remarks published Sunday the government will cut the existing corporate tax rate of 20 percent by at least one percentage point. A dealer with a local brokerage said the market may undergo further corrections. "The profit-taking is not that bad... the market is still anticipating good results," he said. Technology stocks were lower, with Venture Corp down 0.20 at 14, Chartered Semiconductor down 0.02 at 1.25 and Creative Technology down 0.10 at 10.70. Singapore Airlines down 0.10 to 17.80. KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.97 percent higher, as investor sentiment was supported by strong profit results and Genting group's move into the Macau casino business. The composite index gained 11.27 points to 1,169.12. Volume was heavy at 1.56 billion shares, valued at 2.81 billion ringgit (802 million dollars). Khoo Ban Yu, a technical analyst at HLG Securities, said the market's momentum remained firm as there was strong buying support at the 1,160 point level. He said the index was heading towards its next critical resistance level of 1,200 points. Genting was up 0.50 ringgit at 17.40 and unit Resorts World gained 1.00 ringgit to 17.40. Genting International and Star Cruises have announced plans to invest in a Macau hotel project, which will also house a casino. Analysts said the joint venture is a positive development for Genting given the great potential in Macau's gaming industry. "This is good news for the Genting group. It gives Genting a very strong regional footprint, with casinos in Malaysia, Singapore and Macau," said Edward Ong, a gaming sector analyst at Macquarie Research. BANGKOK: Share prices closed 0.67 percent lower after the finance minister announced that controversial capital control rules would be maintained. Dealers said investors were disappointed with the minister's comments that the draconian measures had helped exporters and steadied the baht, and would thus remain in effect. The composite index dipped 4.36 points to 650.76 on turnover of 2.0 billion shares worth 10.4 billion baht (288 million dollars). Sukit Udomsirikul, a senior market analyst at Siam City Securities, said trading was influenced by the government's decision to stick to its capital control policies. "Foreign investors only took a small part in today's trading because they were disappointed by the finance minister's remarks that the capital control measures would remain in effect," said Sukit. "The market earlier expected that the rules would be eased some time soon." Finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on Tuesday surprised markets by announcing the policy would be maintained, insisting that the measures have helped exporters and steadied the baht. PTT Plc lost 2.00 baht at 202.00. JAKARTA: Share prices closed down 0.49 percent on profit-taking after recent gains, though late interest in Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) helped the market end off its lows. The composite index closed down 8.834 points at 1,808.575. Volume was 2.39 billion shares valued at 2.14 trillion rupiah (235.48 million dollars). MANILA: Share prices closed 1.85 percent higher as bullish investors snapped up stocks led by Philippine Long Distance Telephone. Dealers said investors found further reason to buy shares after the benchmark Treasury bill rates fell to new lows at the weekly auction on Monday. The composite index added 58.06 points to 3,199.34. A total of 4.3 billion shares worth 3.8 billion pesos (77.44 million dollars) changed hands. "Investors cheered the drop in T-bill rates to new lows, which may trigger a shift in investor interest toward other instruments with better yields, like equities," said Jonathan Ravelas of Banco de Oro. He said this may also encourage banks to lend aggressively to private borrowers, which should help perk up the economy. National Treasurer Omar Cruz told reporters after Monday's auction, that the market may be anticipating some positive development in the country's credit rating. Representatives from Fitch Ratings have arrived in Manila to meet with the economic managers this week. Philippine Long Distance jumped 120 pesos to 2,720. WELLINGTON: Share prices rose 0.24 percent to a fresh record high, with the market's second largest stock Fletcher Building taking the lead. The NZX-50 gross index rose 10.04 points to 4,131.13 on turnover of 93.5 million dollars (65.3 million US). "It's still pretty quiet in terms of turnover, but it's holding up well price- wise. There's really no strong themes there to be honest," said dealer Don Lewthwaite of First NZ Capital. The central bank meets Thursday to decide on interest rates but most in the market expect the official rate to remain unchanged at 7.25 percent. Fletcher Building rose 16 cents to 10.74 dollars as the spotlight fell on the building materials sector in Australia. The world's third largest cement maker Cemex extended its 12 billion US dollar conditional offer for Australia's Rinker Group. MUMBAI: Share prices closed 1.18 percent lower as investors sold ahead of the expiry of the monthly futures contract this week, dealers said. But India's largest private phone company Bharti Airtel bucked the trend and rose after reporting net profit more than doubled to 12.15 billion rupees (274 million dollars) in the quarter ended December 31. The 30-share Sensex closed down 168 points at 14,041.24. Bharti Airtel shares rose 12,80 rupees or 1.89 percent to 689.15. Trading sentiment also remained weak on concern that interest rates may rise after inflation hit a new two-year peak last week, dealers said. "Investors are not keen to build up fresh positions until the expiry of the derivatives cycle (on Thursday)," said Hiten Mehta, a fund manager with Fortune Financial Services. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020622.0056.LDC2007T07::1	 China's universities attracting more overseas Chinese: report China's universities are attracting an increasing number of students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, state media said Saturday. About 55 percent of high school graduates in Macau this year applied to universities on the mainland, according to the China Daily. A total of 1,214 Macau students ended up sitting this year's college entrance exams for mainland schools, it said. In Taiwan, 825 graduates have signed up for the mainland college entrance examination, double last year's number, the report said, adding that prestigious mainland universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were the top choices for Taiwanese students. A total of 325 students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau took the college entrance exams on Friday in Xiamen city in the eastern province of Fujian -- 140 more than last year, the report said. Besides Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the China Daily said more and more ethnic Chinese students from foreign countries have also applied to mainland colleges. Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong has this year received 3,000 applications from overseas Chinese students, it said. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020622.0056.LDC2007T07::2	 China's universities attracting more overseas Chinese: report China's universities are attracting an increasing number of students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, state media said Saturday. About 55 percent of high school graduates in Macau this year applied to universities on the mainland, according to the China Daily. A total of 1,214 Macau students ended up sitting this year's college entrance exams for mainland schools, it said. In Taiwan, 825 graduates have signed up for the mainland college entrance examination, double last year's number, the report said, adding that prestigious mainland universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were the top choices for Taiwanese students. A total of 325 students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau took the college entrance exams on Friday in Xiamen city in the eastern province of Fujian -- 140 more than last year, the report said. Besides Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the China Daily said more and more ethnic Chinese students from foreign countries have also applied to mainland colleges. Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong has this year received 3,000 applications from overseas Chinese students, it said. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020622.0056.LDC2007T07::3	 China's universities attracting more overseas Chinese: report China's universities are attracting an increasing number of students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, state media said Saturday. About 55 percent of high school graduates in Macau this year applied to universities on the mainland, according to the China Daily. A total of 1,214 Macau students ended up sitting this year's college entrance exams for mainland schools, it said. In Taiwan, 825 graduates have signed up for the mainland college entrance examination, double last year's number, the report said, adding that prestigious mainland universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were the top choices for Taiwanese students. A total of 325 students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau took the college entrance exams on Friday in Xiamen city in the eastern province of Fujian -- 140 more than last year, the report said. Besides Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the China Daily said more and more ethnic Chinese students from foreign countries have also applied to mainland colleges. Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong has this year received 3,000 applications from overseas Chinese students, it said. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020622.0056.LDC2007T07::4	 China's universities attracting more overseas Chinese: report China's universities are attracting an increasing number of students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, state media said Saturday. About 55 percent of high school graduates in Macau this year applied to universities on the mainland, according to the China Daily. A total of 1,214 Macau students ended up sitting this year's college entrance exams for mainland schools, it said. In Taiwan, 825 graduates have signed up for the mainland college entrance examination, double last year's number, the report said, adding that prestigious mainland universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were the top choices for Taiwanese students. A total of 325 students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau took the college entrance exams on Friday in Xiamen city in the eastern province of Fujian -- 140 more than last year, the report said. Besides Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the China Daily said more and more ethnic Chinese students from foreign countries have also applied to mainland colleges. Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong has this year received 3,000 applications from overseas Chinese students, it said. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020622.0056.LDC2007T07::5	 China's universities attracting more overseas Chinese: report China's universities are attracting an increasing number of students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, state media said Saturday. About 55 percent of high school graduates in Macau this year applied to universities on the mainland, according to the China Daily. A total of 1,214 Macau students ended up sitting this year's college entrance exams for mainland schools, it said. In Taiwan, 825 graduates have signed up for the mainland college entrance examination, double last year's number, the report said, adding that prestigious mainland universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were the top choices for Taiwanese students. A total of 325 students from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau took the college entrance exams on Friday in Xiamen city in the eastern province of Fujian -- 140 more than last year, the report said. Besides Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the China Daily said more and more ethnic Chinese students from foreign countries have also applied to mainland colleges. Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong has this year received 3,000 applications from overseas Chinese students, it said. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0348.LDC2009T13::1	 US expects North Korea nuclear talks to resume this month by David Millikin Six-party negotiations aimed at convincing North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons are expected to resume later this month after a fruitless first round in December, the State Department said Friday. "The signals are that they could reconvene this month," department spokesman Sean McCormack said of the talks involving China, Japan, North and South Korea, Russia and the United States. The six-party negotiations were suspended in late 2005 after North Korea walked out in protest at US financial sanctions imposed on a Macau bank accused of illicit dealings on behalf of Pyongyang. Before the breakdown, North Korea signed a statement agreeing to give up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for economic aid and security guarantees from the other five states. But it then went ahead and conducted its first nuclear test explosion in October, sparking international condemnation and UN sanctions. Under intense pressure from its main ally, China, the North agreed to return to the talks last month. The resulting five-day round of negotiations in Beijing failed to make any progress as North Korea insisted the financial sanctions be lifted as a condition for tackling the nuclear disarmament issue. McCormack played down press reports this week that North Korea was making preparations for a second nuclear test explosion as a way of pressuring its partners for concessions in the next round of talks. "At this point you have to ask yourself politically why would they take such a step when they are in the six-party process," McCormack said. "If you do have another test of a nuclear device, that would have severe consequences for the viability of that political- diplomatic process -- why would they take such a step at this time?" he said. McCormack declined, however, to comment on US intelligence assessments of possible North Korean preparations for additional test explosions. Despite the lack of progress in last month's negotiations, McCormack said Washington's point man on North Korea, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, was hopeful the next round of talks would take place this month and "really get down to brass tacks." "Our hope is when they do get back together again in the six- party format, that we can ... really start talking about the details of what are the concrete steps that would be taken to start to implement" the 2005 agreement, he said. US officials have declined to lay out publicly their specific demands of the North Koreans, but they are believed to include reopening nuclear sites to UN inspectors and initial steps to dismantle key installations, including the nuclear testing center in the mountains north of Pyongyang. Parallel talks on the financial sanctions issue are also due to resume later this month in New York, though no date has been set. Officials from the US Treasury met their North Korean counterparts for two days on the sidelines of the Beijing meetings to discuss the sanctions imposed on the Macau-based Banco Delta Asia. The bank was accused of money-laundering and circulating counterfeit 100-US- dollar notes on behalf of North Korea's cash- strapped regime, and its blacklisting by Treasury resulted in the freezing of 24 million dollars in accounts held by North Korean leaders. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0348.LDC2009T13::2	 US expects North Korea nuclear talks to resume this month by David Millikin Six-party negotiations aimed at convincing North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons are expected to resume later this month after a fruitless first round in December, the State Department said Friday. "The signals are that they could reconvene this month," department spokesman Sean McCormack said of the talks involving China, Japan, North and South Korea, Russia and the United States. The six-party negotiations were suspended in late 2005 after North Korea walked out in protest at US financial sanctions imposed on a Macau bank accused of illicit dealings on behalf of Pyongyang. Before the breakdown, North Korea signed a statement agreeing to give up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for economic aid and security guarantees from the other five states. But it then went ahead and conducted its first nuclear test explosion in October, sparking international condemnation and UN sanctions. Under intense pressure from its main ally, China, the North agreed to return to the talks last month. The resulting five-day round of negotiations in Beijing failed to make any progress as North Korea insisted the financial sanctions be lifted as a condition for tackling the nuclear disarmament issue. McCormack played down press reports this week that North Korea was making preparations for a second nuclear test explosion as a way of pressuring its partners for concessions in the next round of talks. "At this point you have to ask yourself politically why would they take such a step when they are in the six-party process," McCormack said. "If you do have another test of a nuclear device, that would have severe consequences for the viability of that political- diplomatic process -- why would they take such a step at this time?" he said. McCormack declined, however, to comment on US intelligence assessments of possible North Korean preparations for additional test explosions. Despite the lack of progress in last month's negotiations, McCormack said Washington's point man on North Korea, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, was hopeful the next round of talks would take place this month and "really get down to brass tacks." "Our hope is when they do get back together again in the six- party format, that we can ... really start talking about the details of what are the concrete steps that would be taken to start to implement" the 2005 agreement, he said. US officials have declined to lay out publicly their specific demands of the North Koreans, but they are believed to include reopening nuclear sites to UN inspectors and initial steps to dismantle key installations, including the nuclear testing center in the mountains north of Pyongyang. Parallel talks on the financial sanctions issue are also due to resume later this month in New York, though no date has been set. Officials from the US Treasury met their North Korean counterparts for two days on the sidelines of the Beijing meetings to discuss the sanctions imposed on the Macau-based Banco Delta Asia. The bank was accused of money-laundering and circulating counterfeit 100-US- dollar notes on behalf of North Korea's cash- strapped regime, and its blacklisting by Treasury resulted in the freezing of 24 million dollars in accounts held by North Korean leaders. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070111.0433.LDC2009T13::1	 US casino giant nears approval for new China project US casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. said Thursday its proposal to build a massive resort and convention complex on China's Hengqin Island had taken an official step forward. Hengqin is part of the Zhuhai city government's administration in southern China and lies near the gambling mecca of Macau, where Las Vegas Sands already has one casino and will open another this year. It said the Zhuhai government had established a "Project Coordination Committee specifically related to the company's proposed development of The Venetian Hengqin International Convention and Resort Project in Zhuhai." Such a committee acts as the government liaison "empowered to work directly with the developer to advance the development of a project," Las Vegas Sands said in a statement. "While the formation of a Project Coordination Committee is a positive step forward, the project remains subject to governmental approvals customary for projects of this scale in China," it said. The project on Hengqin would cover 80 million square feet (7.4 million square meters) of development including a convention center, hotels, golf courses, marinas and vacation homes, according to Las Vegas Sands. The Sands was the first foreign-owned casino to open in Macau -- in 2004 -- after the former Portuguese enclave's gaming market was liberalized in 2002, following 40 years under the control of local tycoon Stanley Ho. The US group is boosting a new investment in Macau's Cotai Strip casino resorts by 25 percent to 10 billion dollars, to build an extra 6,000 hotel rooms along the 198-acre (80-hectare) channel of reclaimed land. Sands' project in Cotai will feature a replica of the successful Venetian hotel in Las Vegas as well as up to five hotels including InterContinental and Holiday Inn operations. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070111.0433.LDC2009T13::2	 US casino giant nears approval for new China project US casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. said Thursday its proposal to build a massive resort and convention complex on China's Hengqin Island had taken an official step forward. Hengqin is part of the Zhuhai city government's administration in southern China and lies near the gambling mecca of Macau, where Las Vegas Sands already has one casino and will open another this year. It said the Zhuhai government had established a "Project Coordination Committee specifically related to the company's proposed development of The Venetian Hengqin International Convention and Resort Project in Zhuhai." Such a committee acts as the government liaison "empowered to work directly with the developer to advance the development of a project," Las Vegas Sands said in a statement. "While the formation of a Project Coordination Committee is a positive step forward, the project remains subject to governmental approvals customary for projects of this scale in China," it said. The project on Hengqin would cover 80 million square feet (7.4 million square meters) of development including a convention center, hotels, golf courses, marinas and vacation homes, according to Las Vegas Sands. The Sands was the first foreign-owned casino to open in Macau -- in 2004 -- after the former Portuguese enclave's gaming market was liberalized in 2002, following 40 years under the control of local tycoon Stanley Ho. The US group is boosting a new investment in Macau's Cotai Strip casino resorts by 25 percent to 10 billion dollars, to build an extra 6,000 hotel rooms along the 198-acre (80-hectare) channel of reclaimed land. Sands' project in Cotai will feature a replica of the successful Venetian hotel in Las Vegas as well as up to five hotels including InterContinental and Holiday Inn operations. 
Macau::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070111.0433.LDC2009T13::3	 US casino giant nears approval for new China project US casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. said Thursday its proposal to build a massive resort and convention complex on China's Hengqin Island had taken an official step forward. Hengqin is part of the Zhuhai city government's administration in southern China and lies near the gambling mecca of Macau, where Las Vegas Sands already has one casino and will open another this year. It said the Zhuhai government had established a "Project Coordination Committee specifically related to the company's proposed development of The Venetian Hengqin International Convention and Resort Project in Zhuhai." Such a committee acts as the government liaison "empowered to work directly with the developer to advance the development of a project," Las Vegas Sands said in a statement. "While the formation of a Project Coordination Committee is a positive step forward, the project remains subject to governmental approvals customary for projects of this scale in China," it said. The project on Hengqin would cover 80 million square feet (7.4 million square meters) of development including a convention center, hotels, golf courses, marinas and vacation homes, according to Las Vegas Sands. The Sands was the first foreign-owned casino to open in Macau -- in 2004 -- after the former Portuguese enclave's gaming market was liberalized in 2002, following 40 years under the control of local tycoon Stanley Ho. The US group is boosting a new investment in Macau's Cotai Strip casino resorts by 25 percent to 10 billion dollars, to build an extra 6,000 hotel rooms along the 198-acre (80-hectare) channel of reclaimed land. Sands' project in Cotai will feature a replica of the successful Venetian hotel in Las Vegas as well as up to five hotels including InterContinental and Holiday Inn operations. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070406.0397.LDC2009T13::1	 Iraq, US troops capture 27 in latest crackdown Iraqi and US soldiers swept into the troubled central city of Diwaniyah on Friday, launching a major crackdown against militiamen and arresting 27 suspects amid fierce clashes. Iraqi troops, backed by coalition soldiers and paratroopers, moved into Diwaniyah in a bid to disrupt militia activity and return control to the Iraqi government, in fighting that left three enemy fighters dead, the military said. Major Eric Verzola said two Iraqi soldiers and a coalition soldier -- whose nationality was not specified -- were wounded in Operation Black Eagle that saw Polish helicopters scrambled in support of US troops. Three militiamen were killed and six others wounded, said Verzola, in what he described as "steady" fighting during an operation that an Iraqi army source said would continue for several days. Hamid Gaati, head of the local health department, and an Iraqi security official said earlier that one person was killed and 19 wounded. The operation in Diwaniyah was launched just two days after the government said an eight-week-old crackdown was being extended from the capital after an upsurge in violence in the provinces. Diwaniyah has seen repeated clashes between the security forces and Shiite militias, and between rival militia groups. Last August, nearly two dozen Iraqi soldiers and dozens of militiamen were killed. Bomb-making materials and 27 suspected insurgents were captured, alongside discoveries of explosively formed projectiles and materials used to make them, the military said. Such devices have been blamed for the deaths of at least 170 US service personnel since May 2004, and the white-hot slug of molten copper they emit when they explode can cut through the armoured skins of US military vehicles. US commanders have charged that such weapons are made in Iran and are supplied to Shiite militias in Iraq by elements of the Tehran regime. Security forces slapped a curfew on Diwaniyah and sealed off its approaches, as witnesses and a local official reported clashes between the soldiers and Mahdi Army militiamen loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. At least 1,400 Iraqi soldiers were drafted in from neighbouring towns such as Kut, Hilla and Najaf to take part in the operation, an Iraqi officer said. "Most of the clashes are in northern Diwaniyah and are because of the raids and arrests done by occupation forces against the Mahdi followers," said a local aide of Sadr. Leaders of the cleric's movement had been scheduled to meet in the city on Saturday, but an Iraqi army official said Diwaniyah would remain under curfew as long as the operation continued. The Americans charge that Sadr, a leading opponent of the US-led military presence in Iraq, has fled to Iran in self-imposed exile and have branded his Mahdi Army the most dangerous threat to stability in Iraq. "The Iraqi police are being infiltrated by militia and now the Iraqi army and US military control all the police stations," an Iraqi army source said. Polish aircraft dropped leaflets over the city ordering local police to stay at home and warning that anyone who went out with a weapon would be considered a target, a military spokesman confirmed. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070406.0397.LDC2009T13::2	 Iraq, US troops capture 27 in latest crackdown Iraqi and US soldiers swept into the troubled central city of Diwaniyah on Friday, launching a major crackdown against militiamen and arresting 27 suspects amid fierce clashes. Iraqi troops, backed by coalition soldiers and paratroopers, moved into Diwaniyah in a bid to disrupt militia activity and return control to the Iraqi government, in fighting that left three enemy fighters dead, the military said. Major Eric Verzola said two Iraqi soldiers and a coalition soldier -- whose nationality was not specified -- were wounded in Operation Black Eagle that saw Polish helicopters scrambled in support of US troops. Three militiamen were killed and six others wounded, said Verzola, in what he described as "steady" fighting during an operation that an Iraqi army source said would continue for several days. Hamid Gaati, head of the local health department, and an Iraqi security official said earlier that one person was killed and 19 wounded. The operation in Diwaniyah was launched just two days after the government said an eight-week-old crackdown was being extended from the capital after an upsurge in violence in the provinces. Diwaniyah has seen repeated clashes between the security forces and Shiite militias, and between rival militia groups. Last August, nearly two dozen Iraqi soldiers and dozens of militiamen were killed. Bomb-making materials and 27 suspected insurgents were captured, alongside discoveries of explosively formed projectiles and materials used to make them, the military said. Such devices have been blamed for the deaths of at least 170 US service personnel since May 2004, and the white-hot slug of molten copper they emit when they explode can cut through the armoured skins of US military vehicles. US commanders have charged that such weapons are made in Iran and are supplied to Shiite militias in Iraq by elements of the Tehran regime. Security forces slapped a curfew on Diwaniyah and sealed off its approaches, as witnesses and a local official reported clashes between the soldiers and Mahdi Army militiamen loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. At least 1,400 Iraqi soldiers were drafted in from neighbouring towns such as Kut, Hilla and Najaf to take part in the operation, an Iraqi officer said. "Most of the clashes are in northern Diwaniyah and are because of the raids and arrests done by occupation forces against the Mahdi followers," said a local aide of Sadr. Leaders of the cleric's movement had been scheduled to meet in the city on Saturday, but an Iraqi army official said Diwaniyah would remain under curfew as long as the operation continued. The Americans charge that Sadr, a leading opponent of the US-led military presence in Iraq, has fled to Iran in self-imposed exile and have branded his Mahdi Army the most dangerous threat to stability in Iraq. "The Iraqi police are being infiltrated by militia and now the Iraqi army and US military control all the police stations," an Iraqi army source said. Polish aircraft dropped leaflets over the city ordering local police to stay at home and warning that anyone who went out with a weapon would be considered a target, a military spokesman confirmed. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070406.0397.LDC2009T13::3	 Iraq, US troops capture 27 in latest crackdown Iraqi and US soldiers swept into the troubled central city of Diwaniyah on Friday, launching a major crackdown against militiamen and arresting 27 suspects amid fierce clashes. Iraqi troops, backed by coalition soldiers and paratroopers, moved into Diwaniyah in a bid to disrupt militia activity and return control to the Iraqi government, in fighting that left three enemy fighters dead, the military said. Major Eric Verzola said two Iraqi soldiers and a coalition soldier -- whose nationality was not specified -- were wounded in Operation Black Eagle that saw Polish helicopters scrambled in support of US troops. Three militiamen were killed and six others wounded, said Verzola, in what he described as "steady" fighting during an operation that an Iraqi army source said would continue for several days. Hamid Gaati, head of the local health department, and an Iraqi security official said earlier that one person was killed and 19 wounded. The operation in Diwaniyah was launched just two days after the government said an eight-week-old crackdown was being extended from the capital after an upsurge in violence in the provinces. Diwaniyah has seen repeated clashes between the security forces and Shiite militias, and between rival militia groups. Last August, nearly two dozen Iraqi soldiers and dozens of militiamen were killed. Bomb-making materials and 27 suspected insurgents were captured, alongside discoveries of explosively formed projectiles and materials used to make them, the military said. Such devices have been blamed for the deaths of at least 170 US service personnel since May 2004, and the white-hot slug of molten copper they emit when they explode can cut through the armoured skins of US military vehicles. US commanders have charged that such weapons are made in Iran and are supplied to Shiite militias in Iraq by elements of the Tehran regime. Security forces slapped a curfew on Diwaniyah and sealed off its approaches, as witnesses and a local official reported clashes between the soldiers and Mahdi Army militiamen loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. At least 1,400 Iraqi soldiers were drafted in from neighbouring towns such as Kut, Hilla and Najaf to take part in the operation, an Iraqi officer said. "Most of the clashes are in northern Diwaniyah and are because of the raids and arrests done by occupation forces against the Mahdi followers," said a local aide of Sadr. Leaders of the cleric's movement had been scheduled to meet in the city on Saturday, but an Iraqi army official said Diwaniyah would remain under curfew as long as the operation continued. The Americans charge that Sadr, a leading opponent of the US-led military presence in Iraq, has fled to Iran in self-imposed exile and have branded his Mahdi Army the most dangerous threat to stability in Iraq. "The Iraqi police are being infiltrated by militia and now the Iraqi army and US military control all the police stations," an Iraqi army source said. Polish aircraft dropped leaflets over the city ordering local police to stay at home and warning that anyone who went out with a weapon would be considered a target, a military spokesman confirmed. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070417.0098.LDC2009T13::1	 Iraq war: US casualties mount as Sadr quits government by Dave Clark American military casualties in Iraq for the month so far climbed to 50 on Tuesday, US command said, reporting another soldier killed by a type of bomb linked by the military to Iranian-backed groups. An attack by an "explosively-formed projectile" or EFP was carried out on Monday in southern Baghdad on the same day as radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's anti-American faction pulled out of the Iraqi government. Previously, US commanders have accused Tehran of supplying armour-piercing EFPs to Shiite militants, and Sadr himself is said to be in hiding in Iran in order to avoid a crackdown on his Mahdi Army militia. "An explosively formed projectile targeting an MND-B patrol killed one soldier and wounded two others in a southern section of Baghdad," an overnight statement from the US military said. "The unit was conducting a combat security patrol at the time of the attack. An Iraqi interpreter was also wounded in the attack," it added. Last week, US military spokesman Major General William Caldwell repeated a long- standing claim that effective EFP attacks are linked to Iran's alleged training of, and supply to, illegal Iraqi militias. On Monday, the military had announced the deaths of seven personnel, bringing April's average daily toll to three and total losses since the March 2003 invasion to 3,304, according to an AFP tally of Pentagon reports. Around 150,000 American troops are deployed in Iraq in support of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government, which is battling an Al Qaeda-led Sunni insurgency in a country blighted by a Sunni- Shiite civil war. For two months a joint US and Iraqi force has been carrying out a huge security operation in the capital in a bid to hunt down sectarian death squads and give Maliki the time and space to reconcile the warring factions. Nevertheless, Baghdad has still been the scene of a series of bomb attacks by suspected Sunni insurgents on Shiite civilian communities. Meanwhile, the Iraqi political scene has been rocked by the defection of Sadr's six ministers from Maliki's beleaguered coalition government. The prime minister welcomed the group's withdrawal as an opportunity to replace sectarian appointees committed to Sadr's hardline Shiite faction with "efficient ministers" capable of reviving public services. But the decision also puts a powerful, popular movement -- and Sadr's feared Mahdi Army militia -- in the opposition camp, where it can be expected to step up its demands for a withdrawal of US forces. Sadr, who has not been seen in public since October, on Monday ordered his six ministers in Maliki's cabinet to resign following the premier's failure to offer a timetable for the departure of the American forces. Sadr's bloc is the largest single political group in Maliki's fragmenting coalition, but the prime minister will be able to cling to power if he keeps the support of smaller Shiite and Kurdish groups. Maliki on Monday refused to outline a timeline for a US withdrawal, saying such a decision would depend "on the readiness of our armed forces to take charge of security in all provinces." On Monday, US President George W. Bush also rejected the idea of naming an end date, despite pressure from Democrat lawmakers pushing for withdrawal as a condition for authorising new spending. "As we saw with last week's brutal attack on the Iraqi parliament, our troops face depraved and determined enemies, enemies that could just as easily come here to kill us," Bush said on Monday. "And therefore we must give our men and women in uniform the best equipment, the best training and the unqualified support of our nation." The US military said a chemical attack was averted on Monday at a police station north of Baghdad when a driver of a dump truck loaded with explosives and nitric acid was arrested after his vehicle overturned accidently. Insurgents have exploded several dirty bombs in the past few months. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070417.0098.LDC2009T13::2	 Iraq war: US casualties mount as Sadr quits government by Dave Clark American military casualties in Iraq for the month so far climbed to 50 on Tuesday, US command said, reporting another soldier killed by a type of bomb linked by the military to Iranian-backed groups. An attack by an "explosively-formed projectile" or EFP was carried out on Monday in southern Baghdad on the same day as radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's anti-American faction pulled out of the Iraqi government. Previously, US commanders have accused Tehran of supplying armour-piercing EFPs to Shiite militants, and Sadr himself is said to be in hiding in Iran in order to avoid a crackdown on his Mahdi Army militia. "An explosively formed projectile targeting an MND-B patrol killed one soldier and wounded two others in a southern section of Baghdad," an overnight statement from the US military said. "The unit was conducting a combat security patrol at the time of the attack. An Iraqi interpreter was also wounded in the attack," it added. Last week, US military spokesman Major General William Caldwell repeated a long- standing claim that effective EFP attacks are linked to Iran's alleged training of, and supply to, illegal Iraqi militias. On Monday, the military had announced the deaths of seven personnel, bringing April's average daily toll to three and total losses since the March 2003 invasion to 3,304, according to an AFP tally of Pentagon reports. Around 150,000 American troops are deployed in Iraq in support of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government, which is battling an Al Qaeda-led Sunni insurgency in a country blighted by a Sunni- Shiite civil war. For two months a joint US and Iraqi force has been carrying out a huge security operation in the capital in a bid to hunt down sectarian death squads and give Maliki the time and space to reconcile the warring factions. Nevertheless, Baghdad has still been the scene of a series of bomb attacks by suspected Sunni insurgents on Shiite civilian communities. Meanwhile, the Iraqi political scene has been rocked by the defection of Sadr's six ministers from Maliki's beleaguered coalition government. The prime minister welcomed the group's withdrawal as an opportunity to replace sectarian appointees committed to Sadr's hardline Shiite faction with "efficient ministers" capable of reviving public services. But the decision also puts a powerful, popular movement -- and Sadr's feared Mahdi Army militia -- in the opposition camp, where it can be expected to step up its demands for a withdrawal of US forces. Sadr, who has not been seen in public since October, on Monday ordered his six ministers in Maliki's cabinet to resign following the premier's failure to offer a timetable for the departure of the American forces. Sadr's bloc is the largest single political group in Maliki's fragmenting coalition, but the prime minister will be able to cling to power if he keeps the support of smaller Shiite and Kurdish groups. Maliki on Monday refused to outline a timeline for a US withdrawal, saying such a decision would depend "on the readiness of our armed forces to take charge of security in all provinces." On Monday, US President George W. Bush also rejected the idea of naming an end date, despite pressure from Democrat lawmakers pushing for withdrawal as a condition for authorising new spending. "As we saw with last week's brutal attack on the Iraqi parliament, our troops face depraved and determined enemies, enemies that could just as easily come here to kill us," Bush said on Monday. "And therefore we must give our men and women in uniform the best equipment, the best training and the unqualified support of our nation." The US military said a chemical attack was averted on Monday at a police station north of Baghdad when a driver of a dump truck loaded with explosives and nitric acid was arrested after his vehicle overturned accidently. Insurgents have exploded several dirty bombs in the past few months. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070427.0442.LDC2009T13::1	 US troops seize gang 'smuggling bombs from Iran' US forces on Friday detained seven members of a gang suspected of smuggling armour-piercing bombs from Iran to Iraq and sending back militants for "terrorist training", the military said. A statement from US command in Iraq said the suspects were picked up in an early morning raid on the east Baghdad suburb of Sadr City, a known stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al- Sadr's Mahdi Army militia. "The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq," it said. The EFP is a form of roadside bomb in which the detonation of an explosive charge inside a steel tube causes a copper disk to deform into a fist-sized chunk of supersonic molten metal that can scythe through armoured vehicles. American commanders say the design is exclusively Iranian and in January alleged that at least 170 US troops had been killed by EFPs since May 2004. The statement also said that the gang had sent "militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training." "Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq," it added. The announcement came one day after the US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, accused Iranian Revolutionary Guards of supporting a Mahdi Army splinter group implicated in the kidnap and murder of five GIs. Since January, US forces have been holding five alleged members of the Guards' covert Qods Force after seizing them in a raid on an Iranian government office in the northern Iraqi City of Arbil. Tehran denies that its agents are involved in the Iraqi conflict. 
Mahdi::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070427.0442.LDC2009T13::2	 US troops seize gang 'smuggling bombs from Iran' US forces on Friday detained seven members of a gang suspected of smuggling armour-piercing bombs from Iran to Iraq and sending back militants for "terrorist training", the military said. A statement from US command in Iraq said the suspects were picked up in an early morning raid on the east Baghdad suburb of Sadr City, a known stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al- Sadr's Mahdi Army militia. "The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq," it said. The EFP is a form of roadside bomb in which the detonation of an explosive charge inside a steel tube causes a copper disk to deform into a fist-sized chunk of supersonic molten metal that can scythe through armoured vehicles. American commanders say the design is exclusively Iranian and in January alleged that at least 170 US troops had been killed by EFPs since May 2004. The statement also said that the gang had sent "militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training." "Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq," it added. The announcement came one day after the US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, accused Iranian Revolutionary Guards of supporting a Mahdi Army splinter group implicated in the kidnap and murder of five GIs. Since January, US forces have been holding five alleged members of the Guards' covert Qods Force after seizing them in a raid on an Iranian government office in the northern Iraqi City of Arbil. Tehran denies that its agents are involved in the Iraqi conflict. 
mainland_China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20021213.0028.LDC2007T07::1	 Cathay's Turnbull says carrier needs to cut costs Hong Kong's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific must become more efficient and cost-effective to meet future challenges in the aviation industry, including the threat of new low cost carriers, Cathay deputy chairman and chief executive David Turnbull said. After a shaky start to year, 2002 may turn out well and the company should report a "reasonable profit", Turnbull told senior managers at the firms annual conference according to the December edition of Cathay's magazine "CX World" seen Friday. However, Turnbull warned that although the carrier's balance sheet was strong, dangers lay ahead in the shape of tougher competition, cost pressure and the impact of a possible war with Iraq. "2002 has been a strange year. At the start, we expected to break even at best. It has been a tough year for some airlines but we have done remarkably well. "Yields are down, load factors are up and cargo has been especially strong," driven by strong demand for Hong Kong exports in the United States. However, a slowdown in spending in the US would impact both passengers and cargo traffic, he said. Cathay surprised the market by announcing a 7.1 percent rise of net profit in the six months to June of 1.41 billion Hong Kong dollars (181 million US), well above forecasts of 462-900 million dollars. Turnbull noted that Hong Kong had already opened the door to far greater competition, in particular from US carriers, which now had the right to increase the number of weekly fifth freedom flights through Hong Kong from eight to 64 over three years. "Fifth Freedom" rights allows an airline to pick up passengers and cargo of another country and fly them to a third country. Hong Kong and the United States broke a three-year deadlock in October by agreeing terms on a new air services pact. The deal effectively gives Hong Kong flag-carrier Cathay Pacific the right to serve virtually all major US destinations and American carriers greater access to Asia's lucrative skies. More competition may come soon with Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Britain all likely to seek fresh fifth freedom rights on key routes during air service talks with Hong Kong next year, he added. However, Cathay is also attempting to win back rights to resume flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen to tap the growing tourist industry on mainland China. A public hearing on Cathay's bid to resume flights to mainland China will be held next month. Although Turnbull did not expect low-cost carriers to begin operations in Asia anytime soon, "one day that trouble will come our way". Cathay's strategy to fend off the looming competition would be to remain a premium carrier, he said. "But, and this is a big but, we must lower our costs and deliver a premium product," he stressed. 
mainland_China::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20021213.0028.LDC2007T07::2	 Cathay's Turnbull says carrier needs to cut costs Hong Kong's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific must become more efficient and cost-effective to meet future challenges in the aviation industry, including the threat of new low cost carriers, Cathay deputy chairman and chief executive David Turnbull said. After a shaky start to year, 2002 may turn out well and the company should report a "reasonable profit", Turnbull told senior managers at the firms annual conference according to the December edition of Cathay's magazine "CX World" seen Friday. However, Turnbull warned that although the carrier's balance sheet was strong, dangers lay ahead in the shape of tougher competition, cost pressure and the impact of a possible war with Iraq. "2002 has been a strange year. At the start, we expected to break even at best. It has been a tough year for some airlines but we have done remarkably well. "Yields are down, load factors are up and cargo has been especially strong," driven by strong demand for Hong Kong exports in the United States. However, a slowdown in spending in the US would impact both passengers and cargo traffic, he said. Cathay surprised the market by announcing a 7.1 percent rise of net profit in the six months to June of 1.41 billion Hong Kong dollars (181 million US), well above forecasts of 462-900 million dollars. Turnbull noted that Hong Kong had already opened the door to far greater competition, in particular from US carriers, which now had the right to increase the number of weekly fifth freedom flights through Hong Kong from eight to 64 over three years. "Fifth Freedom" rights allows an airline to pick up passengers and cargo of another country and fly them to a third country. Hong Kong and the United States broke a three-year deadlock in October by agreeing terms on a new air services pact. The deal effectively gives Hong Kong flag-carrier Cathay Pacific the right to serve virtually all major US destinations and American carriers greater access to Asia's lucrative skies. More competition may come soon with Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Britain all likely to seek fresh fifth freedom rights on key routes during air service talks with Hong Kong next year, he added. However, Cathay is also attempting to win back rights to resume flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen to tap the growing tourist industry on mainland China. A public hearing on Cathay's bid to resume flights to mainland China will be held next month. Although Turnbull did not expect low-cost carriers to begin operations in Asia anytime soon, "one day that trouble will come our way". Cathay's strategy to fend off the looming competition would be to remain a premium carrier, he said. "But, and this is a big but, we must lower our costs and deliver a premium product," he stressed. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0314.LDC2009T13::1	 Mugabe needs psychiatric help: opposition chief Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai launched a new attack on veteran President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, branding him a dictator who needed psychiatric help. "We don't hate Mugabe. In fact, I think he needs psychiatric help," Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai said at his first public address since he was arrested and then assaulted while trying to attend a rally on March 11. "We must remember the scriptures which state that 'forgive them for they know not what they are doing,'" he said at a memorial service held at a church in commemoration of MDC activist Gift Tandare, who was shot on the same day. With his right eye still bloodshot, Tsvangirai told the service attended by more than 500 people in Harare's upmarket suburb of Borrowdale, that the opposition was determined to restore democracy. "We are not talking of overthrow of a government, as Zimbabweans we have a constitutional ... right to deserve democracy," he told the crowd which included diplomats from Australia, Britain, Germany and the American embassies in Harare. "There is no dictator in this world who has succeeded to oppress the people forever." Mugabe has accused the MDC of serving as puppets of Western governments which imposed sanctions over accusations that Mugabe rigged the 2002 presidential election when he defeated Tsvangirai. Dozens of other MDC supporters were also assaulted while in custody after the March 11 rally was crushed. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0314.LDC2009T13::2	 Mugabe needs psychiatric help: opposition chief Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai launched a new attack on veteran President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, branding him a dictator who needed psychiatric help. "We don't hate Mugabe. In fact, I think he needs psychiatric help," Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai said at his first public address since he was arrested and then assaulted while trying to attend a rally on March 11. "We must remember the scriptures which state that 'forgive them for they know not what they are doing,'" he said at a memorial service held at a church in commemoration of MDC activist Gift Tandare, who was shot on the same day. With his right eye still bloodshot, Tsvangirai told the service attended by more than 500 people in Harare's upmarket suburb of Borrowdale, that the opposition was determined to restore democracy. "We are not talking of overthrow of a government, as Zimbabweans we have a constitutional ... right to deserve democracy," he told the crowd which included diplomats from Australia, Britain, Germany and the American embassies in Harare. "There is no dictator in this world who has succeeded to oppress the people forever." Mugabe has accused the MDC of serving as puppets of Western governments which imposed sanctions over accusations that Mugabe rigged the 2002 presidential election when he defeated Tsvangirai. Dozens of other MDC supporters were also assaulted while in custody after the March 11 rally was crushed. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0314.LDC2009T13::3	 Mugabe needs psychiatric help: opposition chief Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai launched a new attack on veteran President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, branding him a dictator who needed psychiatric help. "We don't hate Mugabe. In fact, I think he needs psychiatric help," Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai said at his first public address since he was arrested and then assaulted while trying to attend a rally on March 11. "We must remember the scriptures which state that 'forgive them for they know not what they are doing,'" he said at a memorial service held at a church in commemoration of MDC activist Gift Tandare, who was shot on the same day. With his right eye still bloodshot, Tsvangirai told the service attended by more than 500 people in Harare's upmarket suburb of Borrowdale, that the opposition was determined to restore democracy. "We are not talking of overthrow of a government, as Zimbabweans we have a constitutional ... right to deserve democracy," he told the crowd which included diplomats from Australia, Britain, Germany and the American embassies in Harare. "There is no dictator in this world who has succeeded to oppress the people forever." Mugabe has accused the MDC of serving as puppets of Western governments which imposed sanctions over accusations that Mugabe rigged the 2002 presidential election when he defeated Tsvangirai. Dozens of other MDC supporters were also assaulted while in custody after the March 11 rally was crushed. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0316.LDC2009T13::1	 Peers to urge Mugabe to talk to Zimbabwe opposition by Bogonko Bosire Southern African leaders, under fire over their softly-softly approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, will bid to persuade President Robert Mugabe to engage with the opposition when they meet Wednesday. The two-day extraordinary summit of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), hosted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, will also feature talks on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the main focus is expected to be on the recent unrest in Zimbabwe. While Western nations have been lacerating in their condemnation of Mugabe since opposition leaders were arrested and then assaulted ahead of a planned anti- government rally earlier this month, SADC countries have been noticeably more muted in their response, even if they have most to lose from the fallout. Quite apart from the political unrest, an inflation rate of 1,730 percent and unemployment rate of 80 percent has led around three million Zimbabweans to emigrate and caused the virtual collapse of an important market for the region. Mugabe, who has consistently warned against outside "interference", is set to use the summit to justify his crackdown on the Movement for Democratic Change and portray the opposition as representing a threat to state security. Presidential spokesman George Charamba was quoted as saying in the state-run Herald newspaper that Mugabe would "brief his colleagues on the situation in the country in the wake of the MDC violence", reiterating accusations the party was a puppet of Zimbabwe's Western critics. However a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party would come under pressure to open talks with the MDC, whose leader Morgan Tsvangirai was among those beaten after their arrest on March 11. "Nothing is impossible. I believe they (the SADC leaders) have the power to convince," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks." South Africa, a critic of what it calls "megaphone diplomacy", has also been trying to push for talks among the rival sides on the basis that only dialogue among the "main political protagonists" could bring about a lasting solution. Some members of SADC have questioned the effectivness of quiet diplomacy towards Zimbabwe but they remain keen to keep the problem in house. Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa likened Zimbabwe last week to "a sinking Titanic" but insisted it was not for others outside the region to interfere. "I wish to state categorically that the Zambian government excludes the direct or indirect involvement of any foreign state which is not a SADC member," he said. While the opposition in Zimbabwe has criticised African countries over their response, some senior figures agree Western intervention is counterproductive. "The only people who have a legitimate role to talk about Zimbabwe are Africans," said Arthur Mutambara, a leader of a breakaway MDC faction. The United States has been among those who have criticised the policy of quiet diplomacy and want SADC to do more. "I think the moment has come to realise the policy of quiet diplomacy has not produced results ... It has not changed Robert Mugabe's behaviour in any way," said Christopher Dell, the US ambassador to Harare. Archishop Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel prize for his campaigning against apartheid in South Africa, has also said that African leaders should "hold our heads in shame for allowing what has happened in Zimbabwe". According to Azaveeli Rwaitama, a political scientist in the University of Dar es Salaam, it would be a mistake for the Zimbabwean opposition to count on the SADC leaders to help push out Mugabe. "Tsvangirai should not expect the SADC leaders to install him as the president. That is up to his party and the people of Zimbabwe to do that job," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0316.LDC2009T13::2	 Peers to urge Mugabe to talk to Zimbabwe opposition by Bogonko Bosire Southern African leaders, under fire over their softly-softly approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, will bid to persuade President Robert Mugabe to engage with the opposition when they meet Wednesday. The two-day extraordinary summit of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), hosted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, will also feature talks on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the main focus is expected to be on the recent unrest in Zimbabwe. While Western nations have been lacerating in their condemnation of Mugabe since opposition leaders were arrested and then assaulted ahead of a planned anti- government rally earlier this month, SADC countries have been noticeably more muted in their response, even if they have most to lose from the fallout. Quite apart from the political unrest, an inflation rate of 1,730 percent and unemployment rate of 80 percent has led around three million Zimbabweans to emigrate and caused the virtual collapse of an important market for the region. Mugabe, who has consistently warned against outside "interference", is set to use the summit to justify his crackdown on the Movement for Democratic Change and portray the opposition as representing a threat to state security. Presidential spokesman George Charamba was quoted as saying in the state-run Herald newspaper that Mugabe would "brief his colleagues on the situation in the country in the wake of the MDC violence", reiterating accusations the party was a puppet of Zimbabwe's Western critics. However a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party would come under pressure to open talks with the MDC, whose leader Morgan Tsvangirai was among those beaten after their arrest on March 11. "Nothing is impossible. I believe they (the SADC leaders) have the power to convince," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks." South Africa, a critic of what it calls "megaphone diplomacy", has also been trying to push for talks among the rival sides on the basis that only dialogue among the "main political protagonists" could bring about a lasting solution. Some members of SADC have questioned the effectivness of quiet diplomacy towards Zimbabwe but they remain keen to keep the problem in house. Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa likened Zimbabwe last week to "a sinking Titanic" but insisted it was not for others outside the region to interfere. "I wish to state categorically that the Zambian government excludes the direct or indirect involvement of any foreign state which is not a SADC member," he said. While the opposition in Zimbabwe has criticised African countries over their response, some senior figures agree Western intervention is counterproductive. "The only people who have a legitimate role to talk about Zimbabwe are Africans," said Arthur Mutambara, a leader of a breakaway MDC faction. The United States has been among those who have criticised the policy of quiet diplomacy and want SADC to do more. "I think the moment has come to realise the policy of quiet diplomacy has not produced results ... It has not changed Robert Mugabe's behaviour in any way," said Christopher Dell, the US ambassador to Harare. Archishop Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel prize for his campaigning against apartheid in South Africa, has also said that African leaders should "hold our heads in shame for allowing what has happened in Zimbabwe". According to Azaveeli Rwaitama, a political scientist in the University of Dar es Salaam, it would be a mistake for the Zimbabwean opposition to count on the SADC leaders to help push out Mugabe. "Tsvangirai should not expect the SADC leaders to install him as the president. That is up to his party and the people of Zimbabwe to do that job," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0316.LDC2009T13::3	 Peers to urge Mugabe to talk to Zimbabwe opposition by Bogonko Bosire Southern African leaders, under fire over their softly-softly approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, will bid to persuade President Robert Mugabe to engage with the opposition when they meet Wednesday. The two-day extraordinary summit of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), hosted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, will also feature talks on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the main focus is expected to be on the recent unrest in Zimbabwe. While Western nations have been lacerating in their condemnation of Mugabe since opposition leaders were arrested and then assaulted ahead of a planned anti- government rally earlier this month, SADC countries have been noticeably more muted in their response, even if they have most to lose from the fallout. Quite apart from the political unrest, an inflation rate of 1,730 percent and unemployment rate of 80 percent has led around three million Zimbabweans to emigrate and caused the virtual collapse of an important market for the region. Mugabe, who has consistently warned against outside "interference", is set to use the summit to justify his crackdown on the Movement for Democratic Change and portray the opposition as representing a threat to state security. Presidential spokesman George Charamba was quoted as saying in the state-run Herald newspaper that Mugabe would "brief his colleagues on the situation in the country in the wake of the MDC violence", reiterating accusations the party was a puppet of Zimbabwe's Western critics. However a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party would come under pressure to open talks with the MDC, whose leader Morgan Tsvangirai was among those beaten after their arrest on March 11. "Nothing is impossible. I believe they (the SADC leaders) have the power to convince," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks." South Africa, a critic of what it calls "megaphone diplomacy", has also been trying to push for talks among the rival sides on the basis that only dialogue among the "main political protagonists" could bring about a lasting solution. Some members of SADC have questioned the effectivness of quiet diplomacy towards Zimbabwe but they remain keen to keep the problem in house. Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa likened Zimbabwe last week to "a sinking Titanic" but insisted it was not for others outside the region to interfere. "I wish to state categorically that the Zambian government excludes the direct or indirect involvement of any foreign state which is not a SADC member," he said. While the opposition in Zimbabwe has criticised African countries over their response, some senior figures agree Western intervention is counterproductive. "The only people who have a legitimate role to talk about Zimbabwe are Africans," said Arthur Mutambara, a leader of a breakaway MDC faction. The United States has been among those who have criticised the policy of quiet diplomacy and want SADC to do more. "I think the moment has come to realise the policy of quiet diplomacy has not produced results ... It has not changed Robert Mugabe's behaviour in any way," said Christopher Dell, the US ambassador to Harare. Archishop Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel prize for his campaigning against apartheid in South Africa, has also said that African leaders should "hold our heads in shame for allowing what has happened in Zimbabwe". According to Azaveeli Rwaitama, a political scientist in the University of Dar es Salaam, it would be a mistake for the Zimbabwean opposition to count on the SADC leaders to help push out Mugabe. "Tsvangirai should not expect the SADC leaders to install him as the president. That is up to his party and the people of Zimbabwe to do that job," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0206.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe vows to block anti-Mugabe protests Zimbabwean authorities will block protests planned by the opposition against President Robert Mugabe's bid to extend his nearly 27-year-rule, a senior minister was quoted as saying Thursday. "They have a programme of protests all the time," Security Minister Didymus Mutasa told the privately-owned Financial Gazette weekly. "Although I don't know what they intend to achieve, I want to warn them that I myself will be part and parcel of those who will be stopping them from protesting." Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has split in two, on Wednesday announced he will lead a mass campaign against plans to extend Mugabe's rule by another two years. Tsvangirai did not elaborate, merely saying his party would use all legal means "to stop Mugabe from becoming life president and from tinkering with the constitution in order to perpetuate his rule to 2010." Once a formidable force posing the stiffest challenge to Mugabe's stranglehold on power, the MDC is now a shadow of its former self after splitting in two following a row on whether to contest senate polls in 2005. The main beneficiary of the fallout has been Mugabe, who remains entrenched in power despite an economic meltdown which has seen inflation soar beyond the 1,000-percent mark and unemployment touch 80 percent. Mutasa's warning came just three months after police arrested scores of protesters during demonstrations called by the main labour union against the skyrocketing cost of living and high levels of taxation which are eroding real incomes. The 82-year-old leader's term was set to expire in 2008, 28 years after he first assumed power with Zimbabwe's independence from Britain, but Mugabe has indicated he has no intention of stepping down. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0206.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe vows to block anti-Mugabe protests Zimbabwean authorities will block protests planned by the opposition against President Robert Mugabe's bid to extend his nearly 27-year-rule, a senior minister was quoted as saying Thursday. "They have a programme of protests all the time," Security Minister Didymus Mutasa told the privately-owned Financial Gazette weekly. "Although I don't know what they intend to achieve, I want to warn them that I myself will be part and parcel of those who will be stopping them from protesting." Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has split in two, on Wednesday announced he will lead a mass campaign against plans to extend Mugabe's rule by another two years. Tsvangirai did not elaborate, merely saying his party would use all legal means "to stop Mugabe from becoming life president and from tinkering with the constitution in order to perpetuate his rule to 2010." Once a formidable force posing the stiffest challenge to Mugabe's stranglehold on power, the MDC is now a shadow of its former self after splitting in two following a row on whether to contest senate polls in 2005. The main beneficiary of the fallout has been Mugabe, who remains entrenched in power despite an economic meltdown which has seen inflation soar beyond the 1,000-percent mark and unemployment touch 80 percent. Mutasa's warning came just three months after police arrested scores of protesters during demonstrations called by the main labour union against the skyrocketing cost of living and high levels of taxation which are eroding real incomes. The 82-year-old leader's term was set to expire in 2008, 28 years after he first assumed power with Zimbabwe's independence from Britain, but Mugabe has indicated he has no intention of stepping down. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0512.LDC2009T13::1	 Hundreds remember slain opposition activist in Zimbabwe A Zimbabwe opposition activist who was shot dead by the police was hailed Tuesday as a martyr who died for democracy as hundreds gathered for a memorial service. Opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives of Gift Tandare gathered for a two-hour service, 15 days after the Movement for Democractic Change activist was killed at an aborted anti-government rally. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. "We must continue with the struggle for a Zimbabwe we want... we may be asked to pay the ultimate price," said Madhuku. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition Movememnt for Democratic Movement (MDC) faction said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." The main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, still with a bloodshot eye from the beating more than two weeks ago, started his first public address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). Tsvangirai told the hundreds of mourners that his arch President Robert Mugabe needs psychiatric help and should be forgiven for his acts. "We don't hate Mugabe, in fact I think he needs psychiatric help," Tsvangirai he said in his first public address since the assault which saw him hospitalised. Talking to journalists after the memorial service, Tsvangirai said that the assaults had served to unite the formerly fractious oppostion. "You can see that everybody is united and is mobilised and confronting the dictatorship," he said. "There is no dictator in this world who has succeeded to oppress the people forever ... We cannot dignify an old man who has lost his mind," he said. Opposition to 83-year-old Mugabe, in power since independence in 1980, has steadily mounted amid an economic meltdown, with inflation at 1,730 percent and widespread food shortages in the one-time bread basket of southern Africa. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0512.LDC2009T13::2	 Hundreds remember slain opposition activist in Zimbabwe A Zimbabwe opposition activist who was shot dead by the police was hailed Tuesday as a martyr who died for democracy as hundreds gathered for a memorial service. Opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives of Gift Tandare gathered for a two-hour service, 15 days after the Movement for Democractic Change activist was killed at an aborted anti-government rally. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. "We must continue with the struggle for a Zimbabwe we want... we may be asked to pay the ultimate price," said Madhuku. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition Movememnt for Democratic Movement (MDC) faction said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." The main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, still with a bloodshot eye from the beating more than two weeks ago, started his first public address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). Tsvangirai told the hundreds of mourners that his arch President Robert Mugabe needs psychiatric help and should be forgiven for his acts. "We don't hate Mugabe, in fact I think he needs psychiatric help," Tsvangirai he said in his first public address since the assault which saw him hospitalised. Talking to journalists after the memorial service, Tsvangirai said that the assaults had served to unite the formerly fractious oppostion. "You can see that everybody is united and is mobilised and confronting the dictatorship," he said. "There is no dictator in this world who has succeeded to oppress the people forever ... We cannot dignify an old man who has lost his mind," he said. Opposition to 83-year-old Mugabe, in power since independence in 1980, has steadily mounted amid an economic meltdown, with inflation at 1,730 percent and widespread food shortages in the one-time bread basket of southern Africa. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0109.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe fire water cannon ahead of opposition rally Zimbabwean police fired water cannon and sealed off an area around a sports field in Harare Sunday as the main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was due to launch his presidential election campaign. Several thousand supporters of Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change had descended on the area next to the Highfields shantytown, one of the largest in the capital, ahead of the rally which was given the go-ahead on Saturday by the high court, an AFP correspondent reported. People who were watching a football match at a nearby stadium were also ordered to leave the area. The nearby Machipsa shopping centre was also deserted, with customers apparently fearing a confrontation. Roadblocks had been posted on the main highways leading to Highfields, which is a traditional stronghold of the MDC. It was not immediately clear whether Tsvangirai would try to address the rally which was due to begin at around 1230 GMT. Police had tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead at a hearing on Saturday. The next presidential elections are meant to take place in 2008 but veteran President Robert Mugabe is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU- PF) has given a provisional green light to the move which still needs approval from parliament. The MDC has promised to battle the delay to the elections, saying the country cannot afford any more of Mugabe's rule with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages becoming increasingly widespread. Once posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting and nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 amid a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0109.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe fire water cannon ahead of opposition rally Zimbabwean police fired water cannon and sealed off an area around a sports field in Harare Sunday as the main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was due to launch his presidential election campaign. Several thousand supporters of Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change had descended on the area next to the Highfields shantytown, one of the largest in the capital, ahead of the rally which was given the go-ahead on Saturday by the high court, an AFP correspondent reported. People who were watching a football match at a nearby stadium were also ordered to leave the area. The nearby Machipsa shopping centre was also deserted, with customers apparently fearing a confrontation. Roadblocks had been posted on the main highways leading to Highfields, which is a traditional stronghold of the MDC. It was not immediately clear whether Tsvangirai would try to address the rally which was due to begin at around 1230 GMT. Police had tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead at a hearing on Saturday. The next presidential elections are meant to take place in 2008 but veteran President Robert Mugabe is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU- PF) has given a provisional green light to the move which still needs approval from parliament. The MDC has promised to battle the delay to the elections, saying the country cannot afford any more of Mugabe's rule with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages becoming increasingly widespread. Once posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting and nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 amid a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0109.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe fire water cannon ahead of opposition rally Zimbabwean police fired water cannon and sealed off an area around a sports field in Harare Sunday as the main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was due to launch his presidential election campaign. Several thousand supporters of Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change had descended on the area next to the Highfields shantytown, one of the largest in the capital, ahead of the rally which was given the go-ahead on Saturday by the high court, an AFP correspondent reported. People who were watching a football match at a nearby stadium were also ordered to leave the area. The nearby Machipsa shopping centre was also deserted, with customers apparently fearing a confrontation. Roadblocks had been posted on the main highways leading to Highfields, which is a traditional stronghold of the MDC. It was not immediately clear whether Tsvangirai would try to address the rally which was due to begin at around 1230 GMT. Police had tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead at a hearing on Saturday. The next presidential elections are meant to take place in 2008 but veteran President Robert Mugabe is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU- PF) has given a provisional green light to the move which still needs approval from parliament. The MDC has promised to battle the delay to the elections, saying the country cannot afford any more of Mugabe's rule with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages becoming increasingly widespread. Once posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting and nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 amid a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0527.LDC2009T13::1	 Opposition claim official abducted Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) on Tuesday claimed that a senior official was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service of a slain activist. The party's secretary general Tendai Biti said Last Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was taken at gunpoint at a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes and driven away away in a car without registration plates. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. Police have meantime vowed to stamp out what it described as acts of terrorism after it listed eight cases of petrol bombing in the country which it blamed on the MDC. "These are clearly acts of terrorism. The ZRP (police) .. will not sit idly and allow such acts of terrorism perpetrated on Zimbabweans," said police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena in a statement. The attacks have been aimed at mainly police stations and several people have been wounded, according to police. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0527.LDC2009T13::2	 Opposition claim official abducted Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) on Tuesday claimed that a senior official was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service of a slain activist. The party's secretary general Tendai Biti said Last Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was taken at gunpoint at a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes and driven away away in a car without registration plates. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. Police have meantime vowed to stamp out what it described as acts of terrorism after it listed eight cases of petrol bombing in the country which it blamed on the MDC. "These are clearly acts of terrorism. The ZRP (police) .. will not sit idly and allow such acts of terrorism perpetrated on Zimbabweans," said police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena in a statement. The attacks have been aimed at mainly police stations and several people have been wounded, according to police. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0125.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe police force opposition to scrap mass rally Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai cancelled a planned mass rally in Harare on Sunday after police blocked supporters from attending the gathering in defiance of a court order. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Tsvangirai did arrive at the venue, a sports field next to the sprawling Highfields shanty town, but decided not to proceed with plans to address the crowd after security forces opened fire with teargas and water cannon, an AFP correspondent reported. "The rally has been cancelled for now," said MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa. "The sad thing is that police failed to respect the court order." Tsavagirai himself merely said that "the struggles continues" before leaving the venue with his security personnel. Police had initially tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing at a hearing on Saturday that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead. As thousands of supporters began converging on Highfields in the late morning they were confronted by police who first used water cannon and then tear gas to disperse the crowds. Roadblocks were also set up on highways leading to the area, a traditional MDC stronghold. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0125.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe police force opposition to scrap mass rally Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai cancelled a planned mass rally in Harare on Sunday after police blocked supporters from attending the gathering in defiance of a court order. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Tsvangirai did arrive at the venue, a sports field next to the sprawling Highfields shanty town, but decided not to proceed with plans to address the crowd after security forces opened fire with teargas and water cannon, an AFP correspondent reported. "The rally has been cancelled for now," said MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa. "The sad thing is that police failed to respect the court order." Tsavagirai himself merely said that "the struggles continues" before leaving the venue with his security personnel. Police had initially tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing at a hearing on Saturday that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead. As thousands of supporters began converging on Highfields in the late morning they were confronted by police who first used water cannon and then tear gas to disperse the crowds. Roadblocks were also set up on highways leading to the area, a traditional MDC stronghold. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070218.0125.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe police force opposition to scrap mass rally Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai cancelled a planned mass rally in Harare on Sunday after police blocked supporters from attending the gathering in defiance of a court order. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Tsvangirai did arrive at the venue, a sports field next to the sprawling Highfields shanty town, but decided not to proceed with plans to address the crowd after security forces opened fire with teargas and water cannon, an AFP correspondent reported. "The rally has been cancelled for now," said MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa. "The sad thing is that police failed to respect the court order." Tsavagirai himself merely said that "the struggles continues" before leaving the venue with his security personnel. Police had initially tried to have the rally blocked by the high court, arguing at a hearing on Saturday that they had been given too little notice, but judges ruled it could go ahead. As thousands of supporters began converging on Highfields in the late morning they were confronted by police who first used water cannon and then tear gas to disperse the crowds. Roadblocks were also set up on highways leading to the area, a traditional MDC stronghold. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::1	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::2	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::3	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::4	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::5	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::6	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::7	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070327.0584.LDC2009T13::8	 Crunch meeting on Mugabe's future delayed ahead of key summit Zimbabwe's ruling party on Tuesday postponed a meeting to discuss president Robert Mugabe's plans to extend his tenure, officials said, on the eve of an African summit to assess the crisis there. The delay came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said one of their senior officials was abducted at gunpoint after attending a memorial service for an activist shot dead by police. The central committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party had planned to meet on Wednesday to discuss proposals to extend Mugabe's term from 2008 until 2010, ostensibly to have simultaneous presidential and parliamentary polls. But the gathering, the first since December's party conference when the extension plans were approved, has been put back for Mugabe's return from a hastily-arranged regional summit in Tanzania on Wednesday. The proposals have met with opposition from party elders since being given the green light last year, and Mugabe also appears to have abandoned the idea, urging his supporters last week to gear up for elections in 2008. "All I can say is that the central committee is meeting in Harare on Friday," ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said. He did however confirm that a meeting of the party's political bureau would take place on Wednesday, but would not say what its purpose was. The summit in Tanzania will see leaders from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, against a backdrop of economic and political crisis there. A recent crackdown on the opposition, which left several MDC leaders hospitalised, provoked strong condemnation from western powers, but African leaders have taken a softly-softly approach. Mugabe has consistently warned against outside "interference" and is set to use the Tanzania summit to justify his crackdown and portray the MDC as a threat to state security. But a Tanzanian foreign ministry official said Mugabe and ZANU-PF would come under pressure from SADC leaders to open talks with the MDC. "Who knows? Mugabe may agree even if he is not necessarily the one to hold talks," the official said on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Tuesday, the MDC said one of its party officials, Last Maengahama, was abducted at gunpoint in a suburban shopping centre by men in plain clothes, and driven away away in a car without registration plates. Maengahama, a deputy secretary for local government, was picked up after attending the memorial service of Gift Tandare, who was killed at an aborted anti-government rally 15 days ago, MDC secretary general Tendai Biti said. "He was a passenger in a car in the company of four other people when he was approached and taken away," Biti told AFP. At the memorial service, Tandare was hailed as a martyr to democracy by the hundreds of opposition supporters, lawmakers, diplomats and relatives who gathered for the two-hour ceremony. "Tandare has paid the ultimate price for what we believe in ... which is to liberate our country," said Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional activist who was beaten along with scores of other opposition supporters when police broke up a prayer rally on March 11. Arthur Mutambara, leader of an opposition MDC faction, said Tandare "is a freedom fighter, a national liberation hero." Main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai started his address with a Shona song saying "no matter how tough it gets ... we have an agreement, even if we are murdered we have an agreement" (to continue the struggle). 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0141.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies Zimbabwe's main opposition vowed Monday to organise more rallies against President Robert Mugabe's rule despite a brutal police crackdown at the weekend. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court. Despite the violence, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the opposition would not be cowed. "Our language has become popular expression and we will be at the forefront in confronting the (President Robert) Mugabe regime," Chamisa told AFP. "It's now useless to follow the legal route when you follow the law and court orders are defied." Among those arrested at the rally were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislator Paul Madzore. Tsvangirai left the rally in the densely-populated Highfield township without addressing supporters after security forces began their crackdown. He had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation, resisting plans by Mugabe's party to extend his rule by another another two years next year. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has vowed to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country could not afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0141.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies Zimbabwe's main opposition vowed Monday to organise more rallies against President Robert Mugabe's rule despite a brutal police crackdown at the weekend. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court. Despite the violence, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the opposition would not be cowed. "Our language has become popular expression and we will be at the forefront in confronting the (President Robert) Mugabe regime," Chamisa told AFP. "It's now useless to follow the legal route when you follow the law and court orders are defied." Among those arrested at the rally were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislator Paul Madzore. Tsvangirai left the rally in the densely-populated Highfield township without addressing supporters after security forces began their crackdown. He had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation, resisting plans by Mugabe's party to extend his rule by another another two years next year. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has vowed to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country could not afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0141.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies Zimbabwe's main opposition vowed Monday to organise more rallies against President Robert Mugabe's rule despite a brutal police crackdown at the weekend. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court. Despite the violence, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the opposition would not be cowed. "Our language has become popular expression and we will be at the forefront in confronting the (President Robert) Mugabe regime," Chamisa told AFP. "It's now useless to follow the legal route when you follow the law and court orders are defied." Among those arrested at the rally were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislator Paul Madzore. Tsvangirai left the rally in the densely-populated Highfield township without addressing supporters after security forces began their crackdown. He had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation, resisting plans by Mugabe's party to extend his rule by another another two years next year. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has vowed to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country could not afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0141.LDC2009T13::4	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies Zimbabwe's main opposition vowed Monday to organise more rallies against President Robert Mugabe's rule despite a brutal police crackdown at the weekend. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court. Despite the violence, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the opposition would not be cowed. "Our language has become popular expression and we will be at the forefront in confronting the (President Robert) Mugabe regime," Chamisa told AFP. "It's now useless to follow the legal route when you follow the law and court orders are defied." Among those arrested at the rally were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislator Paul Madzore. Tsvangirai left the rally in the densely-populated Highfield township without addressing supporters after security forces began their crackdown. He had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation, resisting plans by Mugabe's party to extend his rule by another another two years next year. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has vowed to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country could not afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070328.0183.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe police seal off opposition headquarters Zimbabwe security forces sealed off the area around the headquarters of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change on Tuesday ahead of planned press conference by its leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Dozens of armed police were seen on the streets around the 1st Street shopping mall in downtown Harare and many shops in the area had closed with owners apparently fearful of potential unrest, an AFP correspondent reported. Tsvangirai had been expected to brief reporters about the alleged abduction at gunpoint on Tuesday of a senior party official after attending a memorial service of a slain MDC activist. Dozens of MDC activists, including Tsvangirai, were detained by members of veteran Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's security services and then assaulted earlier this month while trying to stage an anti-government rally. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070328.0183.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe police seal off opposition headquarters Zimbabwe security forces sealed off the area around the headquarters of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change on Tuesday ahead of planned press conference by its leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Dozens of armed police were seen on the streets around the 1st Street shopping mall in downtown Harare and many shops in the area had closed with owners apparently fearful of potential unrest, an AFP correspondent reported. Tsvangirai had been expected to brief reporters about the alleged abduction at gunpoint on Tuesday of a senior party official after attending a memorial service of a slain MDC activist. Dozens of MDC activists, including Tsvangirai, were detained by members of veteran Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's security services and then assaulted earlier this month while trying to stage an anti-government rally. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0266.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies by Fanuel Jongwe Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai vowed Monday to step up the campaign to topple President Robert Mugabe despite a riot police crackdown which prevented him from holding a major weekend rally. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as security services used teargas and water cannons to break up a gathering of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters which was due to have been addressed by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court on Saturday, but police paid scant attention to the ruling by erecting roadblocks on the highways leading up to the rally venue next to the sprawling Highfields shantytown. Tsvangirai himself abandoned plans to address the rally after arriving at the sports field but he insisted on Monday that his party would not be cowed by the violence. "We believe the time to act is now," Tsvangirai said in a statement, adding he would forge ahead with his campaign to become president in polls which are meant to be held next year, though Mugabe plans to defer the vote to 2010. "We make no apologies for organising and harnessing the power of the people. We must express ourselves out of the crisis through action. We have had enough. We say thus far and no further." "We are going into a presidential election in 2008 convinced that the election shall give us a superb opportunity to reverse the chaos before us and embark on a massive reconstruction, rehabilitation and healing process." The opposition chief castigated the police for the manner in which they beat up and arrested his party supporters as they broke up the rally. "Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF (the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front) are at their weakest," he said. "They have lost confidence in our traditional state structures and are resorting to rogue militia and partisan paramilitary forces to confront the people." Among those arrested were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislators Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti who were picked up on the eve of the rally. They were detained at various police stations in and around Harare on Monday. "The police had initially indicated they would bring them to court this afternoon," their lawyer Andrew Makoni, told journalists outside Harare magistrates' court. "Instead of bringing them to court they are sending them to other police station. The idea is to make access to them difficult as would have to drive to various police stations." Tsvangirai had planned to use Sunday's rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has pledged to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country cannot afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0266.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies by Fanuel Jongwe Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai vowed Monday to step up the campaign to topple President Robert Mugabe despite a riot police crackdown which prevented him from holding a major weekend rally. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as security services used teargas and water cannons to break up a gathering of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters which was due to have been addressed by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court on Saturday, but police paid scant attention to the ruling by erecting roadblocks on the highways leading up to the rally venue next to the sprawling Highfields shantytown. Tsvangirai himself abandoned plans to address the rally after arriving at the sports field but he insisted on Monday that his party would not be cowed by the violence. "We believe the time to act is now," Tsvangirai said in a statement, adding he would forge ahead with his campaign to become president in polls which are meant to be held next year, though Mugabe plans to defer the vote to 2010. "We make no apologies for organising and harnessing the power of the people. We must express ourselves out of the crisis through action. We have had enough. We say thus far and no further." "We are going into a presidential election in 2008 convinced that the election shall give us a superb opportunity to reverse the chaos before us and embark on a massive reconstruction, rehabilitation and healing process." The opposition chief castigated the police for the manner in which they beat up and arrested his party supporters as they broke up the rally. "Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF (the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front) are at their weakest," he said. "They have lost confidence in our traditional state structures and are resorting to rogue militia and partisan paramilitary forces to confront the people." Among those arrested were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislators Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti who were picked up on the eve of the rally. They were detained at various police stations in and around Harare on Monday. "The police had initially indicated they would bring them to court this afternoon," their lawyer Andrew Makoni, told journalists outside Harare magistrates' court. "Instead of bringing them to court they are sending them to other police station. The idea is to make access to them difficult as would have to drive to various police stations." Tsvangirai had planned to use Sunday's rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has pledged to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country cannot afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0266.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies by Fanuel Jongwe Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai vowed Monday to step up the campaign to topple President Robert Mugabe despite a riot police crackdown which prevented him from holding a major weekend rally. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as security services used teargas and water cannons to break up a gathering of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters which was due to have been addressed by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court on Saturday, but police paid scant attention to the ruling by erecting roadblocks on the highways leading up to the rally venue next to the sprawling Highfields shantytown. Tsvangirai himself abandoned plans to address the rally after arriving at the sports field but he insisted on Monday that his party would not be cowed by the violence. "We believe the time to act is now," Tsvangirai said in a statement, adding he would forge ahead with his campaign to become president in polls which are meant to be held next year, though Mugabe plans to defer the vote to 2010. "We make no apologies for organising and harnessing the power of the people. We must express ourselves out of the crisis through action. We have had enough. We say thus far and no further." "We are going into a presidential election in 2008 convinced that the election shall give us a superb opportunity to reverse the chaos before us and embark on a massive reconstruction, rehabilitation and healing process." The opposition chief castigated the police for the manner in which they beat up and arrested his party supporters as they broke up the rally. "Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF (the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front) are at their weakest," he said. "They have lost confidence in our traditional state structures and are resorting to rogue militia and partisan paramilitary forces to confront the people." Among those arrested were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislators Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti who were picked up on the eve of the rally. They were detained at various police stations in and around Harare on Monday. "The police had initially indicated they would bring them to court this afternoon," their lawyer Andrew Makoni, told journalists outside Harare magistrates' court. "Instead of bringing them to court they are sending them to other police station. The idea is to make access to them difficult as would have to drive to various police stations." Tsvangirai had planned to use Sunday's rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has pledged to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country cannot afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0266.LDC2009T13::4	 Zimbabwe opposition vows to press on with mass rallies by Fanuel Jongwe Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai vowed Monday to step up the campaign to topple President Robert Mugabe despite a riot police crackdown which prevented him from holding a major weekend rally. Scores were hurt and around 130 arrested Sunday as security services used teargas and water cannons to break up a gathering of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters which was due to have been addressed by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court on Saturday, but police paid scant attention to the ruling by erecting roadblocks on the highways leading up to the rally venue next to the sprawling Highfields shantytown. Tsvangirai himself abandoned plans to address the rally after arriving at the sports field but he insisted on Monday that his party would not be cowed by the violence. "We believe the time to act is now," Tsvangirai said in a statement, adding he would forge ahead with his campaign to become president in polls which are meant to be held next year, though Mugabe plans to defer the vote to 2010. "We make no apologies for organising and harnessing the power of the people. We must express ourselves out of the crisis through action. We have had enough. We say thus far and no further." "We are going into a presidential election in 2008 convinced that the election shall give us a superb opportunity to reverse the chaos before us and embark on a massive reconstruction, rehabilitation and healing process." The opposition chief castigated the police for the manner in which they beat up and arrested his party supporters as they broke up the rally. "Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF (the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front) are at their weakest," he said. "They have lost confidence in our traditional state structures and are resorting to rogue militia and partisan paramilitary forces to confront the people." Among those arrested were a number of senior MDC officials, including legislators Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti who were picked up on the eve of the rally. They were detained at various police stations in and around Harare on Monday. "The police had initially indicated they would bring them to court this afternoon," their lawyer Andrew Makoni, told journalists outside Harare magistrates' court. "Instead of bringing them to court they are sending them to other police station. The idea is to make access to them difficult as would have to drive to various police stations." Tsvangirai had planned to use Sunday's rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. The MDC has pledged to resist the proposed poll delay saying the country cannot afford another two years with Mugabe at the helm with inflation at nearly 1,600 percent and food shortages increasingly widespread. Once a formidable force posing the most serious threat to Mugabe's 27-year rule, the MDC has been hamstrung by infighting. Nearly half its MPs joined a splinter group in late 2005 because of a row over whether to contest senate elections. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0066.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe opposition ready for talks, sceptical of prospects Zimbabwe's main opposition said Friday it was ready to meet President Robert Mugabe's party under South Africa's mediation, but holds no hope the dialogue will stem the country's spiralling crisis. Southern African leaders meeting in Tanzania on Thursday appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki to facilitate talks between the Zimbabwe's feuding political parties in a bid to end the escalating political and economic crisis gripping the country. But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said while it was prepared to hold talks with Mugabe's party, it did not expect the talks to bring immediate relief to the country's woes. "We will definitely meet him but there is no illusion," Tendai Biti, secretary general of the main MDC faction told AFP, referring to longtime mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis. "Even if you have dialogue tomorrow, how does that reduce inflation from 1,730 percent to, say, two percent, or reduce an unemployment rate of 80 per cent," he said. The MDC which called for Mugabe's removal from office if the fortunes of the country are to be turned around. "The crisis is with us for some time with or without dialogue," he added. Spokeswoman of a breakaway faction of the MDC, Priscilla Misihairabwi, said they welcomed the proposed dialogue if there were a detailed timetable and agenda on the talks. "Until that dialogue is linked to the elections .. then we will continue to be where we are," said Misihairabwi. Mbeki, who has been blamed for his quite diplomacy approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, has mediated in the crisis for years, but opposition say nothing much has come out of it. "We have been on this road before. It's not the first time that President Mbeki has been appointed to mediate in this crisis and we wonder what is different now that will bring any hope when our leaders are being butchered, our offices are being raided and our equipment destroyed," said Biti. "What kind of dialogue can you have under such circumstances," he said. The state-run Herald daily cited Mugabe as saying Mbeki would talk to the opposition and see whether there is need for dialogue, but warned the opposition against "engaging in violence,". Asked if the MDC was disappointed at the outcome of the regional talks which also called for lifting of travel bans on Mugabe and his aides, Biti said: "I am not disappointed because I was not expecting anything from the summit." He also expressed concern at the SADC summit's hyping of the sanctions and land reforms as the root cause of the country's crises. "The truth of the crisis is bad governance, violence, fascism ... the first thing is to say Robert Mugabe go away," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0066.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe opposition ready for talks, sceptical of prospects Zimbabwe's main opposition said Friday it was ready to meet President Robert Mugabe's party under South Africa's mediation, but holds no hope the dialogue will stem the country's spiralling crisis. Southern African leaders meeting in Tanzania on Thursday appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki to facilitate talks between the Zimbabwe's feuding political parties in a bid to end the escalating political and economic crisis gripping the country. But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said while it was prepared to hold talks with Mugabe's party, it did not expect the talks to bring immediate relief to the country's woes. "We will definitely meet him but there is no illusion," Tendai Biti, secretary general of the main MDC faction told AFP, referring to longtime mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis. "Even if you have dialogue tomorrow, how does that reduce inflation from 1,730 percent to, say, two percent, or reduce an unemployment rate of 80 per cent," he said. The MDC which called for Mugabe's removal from office if the fortunes of the country are to be turned around. "The crisis is with us for some time with or without dialogue," he added. Spokeswoman of a breakaway faction of the MDC, Priscilla Misihairabwi, said they welcomed the proposed dialogue if there were a detailed timetable and agenda on the talks. "Until that dialogue is linked to the elections .. then we will continue to be where we are," said Misihairabwi. Mbeki, who has been blamed for his quite diplomacy approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, has mediated in the crisis for years, but opposition say nothing much has come out of it. "We have been on this road before. It's not the first time that President Mbeki has been appointed to mediate in this crisis and we wonder what is different now that will bring any hope when our leaders are being butchered, our offices are being raided and our equipment destroyed," said Biti. "What kind of dialogue can you have under such circumstances," he said. The state-run Herald daily cited Mugabe as saying Mbeki would talk to the opposition and see whether there is need for dialogue, but warned the opposition against "engaging in violence,". Asked if the MDC was disappointed at the outcome of the regional talks which also called for lifting of travel bans on Mugabe and his aides, Biti said: "I am not disappointed because I was not expecting anything from the summit." He also expressed concern at the SADC summit's hyping of the sanctions and land reforms as the root cause of the country's crises. "The truth of the crisis is bad governance, violence, fascism ... the first thing is to say Robert Mugabe go away," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0066.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe opposition ready for talks, sceptical of prospects Zimbabwe's main opposition said Friday it was ready to meet President Robert Mugabe's party under South Africa's mediation, but holds no hope the dialogue will stem the country's spiralling crisis. Southern African leaders meeting in Tanzania on Thursday appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki to facilitate talks between the Zimbabwe's feuding political parties in a bid to end the escalating political and economic crisis gripping the country. But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said while it was prepared to hold talks with Mugabe's party, it did not expect the talks to bring immediate relief to the country's woes. "We will definitely meet him but there is no illusion," Tendai Biti, secretary general of the main MDC faction told AFP, referring to longtime mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis. "Even if you have dialogue tomorrow, how does that reduce inflation from 1,730 percent to, say, two percent, or reduce an unemployment rate of 80 per cent," he said. The MDC which called for Mugabe's removal from office if the fortunes of the country are to be turned around. "The crisis is with us for some time with or without dialogue," he added. Spokeswoman of a breakaway faction of the MDC, Priscilla Misihairabwi, said they welcomed the proposed dialogue if there were a detailed timetable and agenda on the talks. "Until that dialogue is linked to the elections .. then we will continue to be where we are," said Misihairabwi. Mbeki, who has been blamed for his quite diplomacy approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, has mediated in the crisis for years, but opposition say nothing much has come out of it. "We have been on this road before. It's not the first time that President Mbeki has been appointed to mediate in this crisis and we wonder what is different now that will bring any hope when our leaders are being butchered, our offices are being raided and our equipment destroyed," said Biti. "What kind of dialogue can you have under such circumstances," he said. The state-run Herald daily cited Mugabe as saying Mbeki would talk to the opposition and see whether there is need for dialogue, but warned the opposition against "engaging in violence,". Asked if the MDC was disappointed at the outcome of the regional talks which also called for lifting of travel bans on Mugabe and his aides, Biti said: "I am not disappointed because I was not expecting anything from the summit." He also expressed concern at the SADC summit's hyping of the sanctions and land reforms as the root cause of the country's crises. "The truth of the crisis is bad governance, violence, fascism ... the first thing is to say Robert Mugabe go away," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0066.LDC2009T13::4	 Zimbabwe opposition ready for talks, sceptical of prospects Zimbabwe's main opposition said Friday it was ready to meet President Robert Mugabe's party under South Africa's mediation, but holds no hope the dialogue will stem the country's spiralling crisis. Southern African leaders meeting in Tanzania on Thursday appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki to facilitate talks between the Zimbabwe's feuding political parties in a bid to end the escalating political and economic crisis gripping the country. But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said while it was prepared to hold talks with Mugabe's party, it did not expect the talks to bring immediate relief to the country's woes. "We will definitely meet him but there is no illusion," Tendai Biti, secretary general of the main MDC faction told AFP, referring to longtime mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis. "Even if you have dialogue tomorrow, how does that reduce inflation from 1,730 percent to, say, two percent, or reduce an unemployment rate of 80 per cent," he said. The MDC which called for Mugabe's removal from office if the fortunes of the country are to be turned around. "The crisis is with us for some time with or without dialogue," he added. Spokeswoman of a breakaway faction of the MDC, Priscilla Misihairabwi, said they welcomed the proposed dialogue if there were a detailed timetable and agenda on the talks. "Until that dialogue is linked to the elections .. then we will continue to be where we are," said Misihairabwi. Mbeki, who has been blamed for his quite diplomacy approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, has mediated in the crisis for years, but opposition say nothing much has come out of it. "We have been on this road before. It's not the first time that President Mbeki has been appointed to mediate in this crisis and we wonder what is different now that will bring any hope when our leaders are being butchered, our offices are being raided and our equipment destroyed," said Biti. "What kind of dialogue can you have under such circumstances," he said. The state-run Herald daily cited Mugabe as saying Mbeki would talk to the opposition and see whether there is need for dialogue, but warned the opposition against "engaging in violence,". Asked if the MDC was disappointed at the outcome of the regional talks which also called for lifting of travel bans on Mugabe and his aides, Biti said: "I am not disappointed because I was not expecting anything from the summit." He also expressed concern at the SADC summit's hyping of the sanctions and land reforms as the root cause of the country's crises. "The truth of the crisis is bad governance, violence, fascism ... the first thing is to say Robert Mugabe go away," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070330.0066.LDC2009T13::5	 Zimbabwe opposition ready for talks, sceptical of prospects Zimbabwe's main opposition said Friday it was ready to meet President Robert Mugabe's party under South Africa's mediation, but holds no hope the dialogue will stem the country's spiralling crisis. Southern African leaders meeting in Tanzania on Thursday appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki to facilitate talks between the Zimbabwe's feuding political parties in a bid to end the escalating political and economic crisis gripping the country. But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said while it was prepared to hold talks with Mugabe's party, it did not expect the talks to bring immediate relief to the country's woes. "We will definitely meet him but there is no illusion," Tendai Biti, secretary general of the main MDC faction told AFP, referring to longtime mediator of the Zimbabwe crisis. "Even if you have dialogue tomorrow, how does that reduce inflation from 1,730 percent to, say, two percent, or reduce an unemployment rate of 80 per cent," he said. The MDC which called for Mugabe's removal from office if the fortunes of the country are to be turned around. "The crisis is with us for some time with or without dialogue," he added. Spokeswoman of a breakaway faction of the MDC, Priscilla Misihairabwi, said they welcomed the proposed dialogue if there were a detailed timetable and agenda on the talks. "Until that dialogue is linked to the elections .. then we will continue to be where we are," said Misihairabwi. Mbeki, who has been blamed for his quite diplomacy approach to the Zimbabwe crisis, has mediated in the crisis for years, but opposition say nothing much has come out of it. "We have been on this road before. It's not the first time that President Mbeki has been appointed to mediate in this crisis and we wonder what is different now that will bring any hope when our leaders are being butchered, our offices are being raided and our equipment destroyed," said Biti. "What kind of dialogue can you have under such circumstances," he said. The state-run Herald daily cited Mugabe as saying Mbeki would talk to the opposition and see whether there is need for dialogue, but warned the opposition against "engaging in violence,". Asked if the MDC was disappointed at the outcome of the regional talks which also called for lifting of travel bans on Mugabe and his aides, Biti said: "I am not disappointed because I was not expecting anything from the summit." He also expressed concern at the SADC summit's hyping of the sanctions and land reforms as the root cause of the country's crises. "The truth of the crisis is bad governance, violence, fascism ... the first thing is to say Robert Mugabe go away," he said. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070222.0465.LDC2009T13::1	 Police release 33 opposition activists but arrest three more Police released 33 Zimbabwean opposition activists on Thursday and arrested three others according to an opposition spokesman and a lawyer for those freed. "All the 33 arrested in connection with the rally in Highfields on Sunday were released yesterday (Wednesday) after paying a deposit fine of 2,500 Zimbabwe dollars (10 US dollars) each," lawyer Alec Muchadehama told AFP. Scores of people were arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Opposition lawmakers Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti, who were arrested on the eve of the rally, were released on 50,000 dollars bail each on Tuesday. The event had been approved by the high court but Tsvangirai later abandoned plans to address the crowds after the attacks on his supporters. In a separate development, MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said member of parliament Willias Madzimure, the party's deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma and women's league official Grace Kwinje were arrested at Harare's main police station, where they had been summoned. "We don't know what charges they are facing and we are now trying to ascertain where they have been detained after they were moved from Harare central police station," Chamisa said. "It's all part of a campaign to induce fear in the opposition leadership but it will not work." Tsvangirai had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. Following Sunday's aborted demonstration, police issued public notices formally banning political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears the gatherings could degenerate to widespread rioting. Police have effectively prevented large-scale anti-government demonstrations for the last five years, with organisers routinely arrested ahead of any show of strength by the opposition. Chamisa said the MDC would contest the ban on rallies in the high court. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070222.0465.LDC2009T13::2	 Police release 33 opposition activists but arrest three more Police released 33 Zimbabwean opposition activists on Thursday and arrested three others according to an opposition spokesman and a lawyer for those freed. "All the 33 arrested in connection with the rally in Highfields on Sunday were released yesterday (Wednesday) after paying a deposit fine of 2,500 Zimbabwe dollars (10 US dollars) each," lawyer Alec Muchadehama told AFP. Scores of people were arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Opposition lawmakers Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti, who were arrested on the eve of the rally, were released on 50,000 dollars bail each on Tuesday. The event had been approved by the high court but Tsvangirai later abandoned plans to address the crowds after the attacks on his supporters. In a separate development, MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said member of parliament Willias Madzimure, the party's deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma and women's league official Grace Kwinje were arrested at Harare's main police station, where they had been summoned. "We don't know what charges they are facing and we are now trying to ascertain where they have been detained after they were moved from Harare central police station," Chamisa said. "It's all part of a campaign to induce fear in the opposition leadership but it will not work." Tsvangirai had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. Following Sunday's aborted demonstration, police issued public notices formally banning political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears the gatherings could degenerate to widespread rioting. Police have effectively prevented large-scale anti-government demonstrations for the last five years, with organisers routinely arrested ahead of any show of strength by the opposition. Chamisa said the MDC would contest the ban on rallies in the high court. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070222.0465.LDC2009T13::3	 Police release 33 opposition activists but arrest three more Police released 33 Zimbabwean opposition activists on Thursday and arrested three others according to an opposition spokesman and a lawyer for those freed. "All the 33 arrested in connection with the rally in Highfields on Sunday were released yesterday (Wednesday) after paying a deposit fine of 2,500 Zimbabwe dollars (10 US dollars) each," lawyer Alec Muchadehama told AFP. Scores of people were arrested Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by chief opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Opposition lawmakers Paul Madzore and Tendai Biti, who were arrested on the eve of the rally, were released on 50,000 dollars bail each on Tuesday. The event had been approved by the high court but Tsvangirai later abandoned plans to address the crowds after the attacks on his supporters. In a separate development, MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said member of parliament Willias Madzimure, the party's deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma and women's league official Grace Kwinje were arrested at Harare's main police station, where they had been summoned. "We don't know what charges they are facing and we are now trying to ascertain where they have been detained after they were moved from Harare central police station," Chamisa said. "It's all part of a campaign to induce fear in the opposition leadership but it will not work." Tsvangirai had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. Following Sunday's aborted demonstration, police issued public notices formally banning political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears the gatherings could degenerate to widespread rioting. Police have effectively prevented large-scale anti-government demonstrations for the last five years, with organisers routinely arrested ahead of any show of strength by the opposition. Chamisa said the MDC would contest the ban on rallies in the high court. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070223.0315.LDC2009T13::1	 Mugabe loyalists prepare for birthday feast as bread runs out by Godfrey Marawanyika Organisers of a lavish 83rd birthday party for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe prepared Friday to slaughter prize herds of cattle as shops ran short of basics such as cooking oil and bread. Africa's oldest-serving leader, who has been in power since independence from Britain 1980, turned 83 on Wednesday amid mounting pressure to step down over an economic meltdown which has condemned many to grinding poverty. But that has not prevented his loyalists and members of his inner circle from heading to the central city of Gweru, 275 kilometres (170 miles) south-west of the capital, for a full-on feast at a birthday party on Saturday. "Farmers have donated 38 cattle while others said they would bring processed beef," Emmanuel Fundira, chairman of the 21st February Movement fundraising committee, told AFP. "Our initial target was to raise 532 million Zimbabwe dollars (2.1 million US dollars) in cash and kind but so far we have received 38 cattle and well over 700 million dollars in cash and kind." Various companies have chipped in with crates and tanks of beer, bottled water and tonnes of cornmeal for a party critics say is particularly ill-conceived this year with much of the population often forced to skip meals. Zimbabwe is in the throes of economic recession characterised by inflation running at nearly 1,600 percent, chronic shortages of basic foodstuffs and fuel while the majority of the population is living below the poverty threshold. Many families have struck ingredients such as milk andjam off their shopping lists while at least 80 percent of school and college leavers are without jobs, although governments insists the figure is lower. As the economic woes mounted this week, shops in Harare and other major cities ran out of bread after bakers stopped production, citing escalating production costs and an unviable state-imposed selling price. In Gweru, residents formed long queues in supermarkets to buy scarce bread while others went about their usual business, paying no attention to workmen mowing lawns along the streets and putting final touches to the birthday party venue, a football stadium in the heart of a township. "We have too many things worrying us to care about the birthday," said a receptionist at a local hotel, refusing to be named. "I am not attending the birthday party and I am sure the majority of the people who will be there are ZANU-PF supporters from elsewhere not necessarily Gweru residents." As Mugabe's supporters feast in Gweru, in the second city of Bulawayo his biggest opponent Morgan Tsvangirai prepared to hold a rally to resist the planned extension of Mugabe's rule by another two years next year. Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said police had sealed off the hall where Tsvangirai was to address residents late Friday. Mugabe has previously indicated he would step down at the end of his current term in 2008, but his ruling Zimbabwe African National Union -- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party last December passed a resolution to extend his rule by another two years to have concurrent presidential and parliamentary polls. The resolutions are still to be approved by the party's central committee. Police on Sunday used water cannons and teargas to block a rally where Tsvangirai was to launch his campaign for the presidency and subsequently banned political rallies and processions saying they could degenerate to widespread rioting. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa described the bash as "the height of insensitivity" and said his party would defy police attempts to block their rallies. He said the money raised for Mugabe's birthday party could be better used to buy water treatment chemicals for local authorities battling to supply clean water to residents. Three cholera deaths were reported in Harare this week. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070223.0315.LDC2009T13::2	 Mugabe loyalists prepare for birthday feast as bread runs out by Godfrey Marawanyika Organisers of a lavish 83rd birthday party for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe prepared Friday to slaughter prize herds of cattle as shops ran short of basics such as cooking oil and bread. Africa's oldest-serving leader, who has been in power since independence from Britain 1980, turned 83 on Wednesday amid mounting pressure to step down over an economic meltdown which has condemned many to grinding poverty. But that has not prevented his loyalists and members of his inner circle from heading to the central city of Gweru, 275 kilometres (170 miles) south-west of the capital, for a full-on feast at a birthday party on Saturday. "Farmers have donated 38 cattle while others said they would bring processed beef," Emmanuel Fundira, chairman of the 21st February Movement fundraising committee, told AFP. "Our initial target was to raise 532 million Zimbabwe dollars (2.1 million US dollars) in cash and kind but so far we have received 38 cattle and well over 700 million dollars in cash and kind." Various companies have chipped in with crates and tanks of beer, bottled water and tonnes of cornmeal for a party critics say is particularly ill-conceived this year with much of the population often forced to skip meals. Zimbabwe is in the throes of economic recession characterised by inflation running at nearly 1,600 percent, chronic shortages of basic foodstuffs and fuel while the majority of the population is living below the poverty threshold. Many families have struck ingredients such as milk andjam off their shopping lists while at least 80 percent of school and college leavers are without jobs, although governments insists the figure is lower. As the economic woes mounted this week, shops in Harare and other major cities ran out of bread after bakers stopped production, citing escalating production costs and an unviable state-imposed selling price. In Gweru, residents formed long queues in supermarkets to buy scarce bread while others went about their usual business, paying no attention to workmen mowing lawns along the streets and putting final touches to the birthday party venue, a football stadium in the heart of a township. "We have too many things worrying us to care about the birthday," said a receptionist at a local hotel, refusing to be named. "I am not attending the birthday party and I am sure the majority of the people who will be there are ZANU-PF supporters from elsewhere not necessarily Gweru residents." As Mugabe's supporters feast in Gweru, in the second city of Bulawayo his biggest opponent Morgan Tsvangirai prepared to hold a rally to resist the planned extension of Mugabe's rule by another two years next year. Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said police had sealed off the hall where Tsvangirai was to address residents late Friday. Mugabe has previously indicated he would step down at the end of his current term in 2008, but his ruling Zimbabwe African National Union -- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party last December passed a resolution to extend his rule by another two years to have concurrent presidential and parliamentary polls. The resolutions are still to be approved by the party's central committee. Police on Sunday used water cannons and teargas to block a rally where Tsvangirai was to launch his campaign for the presidency and subsequently banned political rallies and processions saying they could degenerate to widespread rioting. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa described the bash as "the height of insensitivity" and said his party would defy police attempts to block their rallies. He said the money raised for Mugabe's birthday party could be better used to buy water treatment chemicals for local authorities battling to supply clean water to residents. Three cholera deaths were reported in Harare this week. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070223.0442.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwean police widens opposition crackdown Police in Zimbabwe's second city on Friday disrupted an opposition meeting as a government crackdown widened, a spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change said. "Police have disrupted an MDC public meeting that was set to be addressed by president (Morgan) Tsvangirai ... in Bulawayo as the state continues its illegal crackdown on the party, its members and its supporters," spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. The incident in Bulawayo came after scores were arrested on Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court but Tsvangirai later abandoned plans to address the crowds after the attacks on his supporters. Tsvangirai had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. Following Sunday's aborted demonstration, police issued public notices formally banning political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears the gatherings could degenerate to widespread rioting. They extended the ban Friday to include Chitungwiza, an opposition stronghold 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of the capital. Also on Friday, an opposition lawmaker and two associates were released on bail after spending a night in custody on public violence charges, a lawyer said. "Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) member of parliament Willias Madzimure, deputy secretary for international relations Grace Kwinje and deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma were released on 50,000 dollars (200 US dollars) bail each by magistrate Pabwe," lawyer Alec Muchadehama told AFP. The three were charged with public violence following clashes between opposition activists and riot police in the capital last week. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070223.0442.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwean police widens opposition crackdown Police in Zimbabwe's second city on Friday disrupted an opposition meeting as a government crackdown widened, a spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change said. "Police have disrupted an MDC public meeting that was set to be addressed by president (Morgan) Tsvangirai ... in Bulawayo as the state continues its illegal crackdown on the party, its members and its supporters," spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. The incident in Bulawayo came after scores were arrested on Sunday as riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a planned rally in Harare by Tsvangirai. The event had been approved by the high court but Tsvangirai later abandoned plans to address the crowds after the attacks on his supporters. Tsvangirai had planned to use the rally to launch his latest campaign for the presidency of the troubled southern African nation. Following Sunday's aborted demonstration, police issued public notices formally banning political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears the gatherings could degenerate to widespread rioting. They extended the ban Friday to include Chitungwiza, an opposition stronghold 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of the capital. Also on Friday, an opposition lawmaker and two associates were released on bail after spending a night in custody on public violence charges, a lawyer said. "Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) member of parliament Willias Madzimure, deputy secretary for international relations Grace Kwinje and deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma were released on 50,000 dollars (200 US dollars) bail each by magistrate Pabwe," lawyer Alec Muchadehama told AFP. The three were charged with public violence following clashes between opposition activists and riot police in the capital last week. The next presidential elections are due to take place in 2008 but Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980, is trying to delay them to 2010 in order to coincide with parliamentary polls. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0193.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe opposition targets police chiefs in court petition Zimbabwe's main opposition party has filed a high court petition calling for the jailing of police chiefs who ordered the break-up of a rally which had been given the go-ahead, their lawyer said Wednesday. Jessie Majome, lawyer for the Movement for Democratic Change, said the petition filed on Tuesday demanded that officers be held in contempt of court for preventing the February 18 demonstration in Harare by blocking roads around the venue and firing teargas at some MDC supporters. "We are seeking for a (ruling) declaring the police to be in contempt of court," Majome told AFP. "We are also seeking the imprisonment of the officers for a period of 30 days for defying a high court ruling." Among the officers that the MDC want to be sanctioned are the national police commissioner Augustine Chihuri and commander of the Harare South district, Chief Superintendent Thompsen Jangara, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been due to address the crowds in the Highfields township after the rally had been given clearance by the high court the day before. But he was later forced to scrap his plans after dozens of MDC supporters were arrested by members of President Robert Mugabe's security forces who had also sealed off surrounding roads. Police later banned political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears they could degenerate to widespread rioting. They also stopped another rally planned by Tsvangirai in the second city of Bulawayo last weekend. Tsvangirai had been due to launch his campaign for the presidency at the Highfields rally. The next presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2008 when Mugabe's current term lapses. However the 83-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is pushing to delay the election until parliamentary polls take place in 2010. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0193.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe opposition targets police chiefs in court petition Zimbabwe's main opposition party has filed a high court petition calling for the jailing of police chiefs who ordered the break-up of a rally which had been given the go-ahead, their lawyer said Wednesday. Jessie Majome, lawyer for the Movement for Democratic Change, said the petition filed on Tuesday demanded that officers be held in contempt of court for preventing the February 18 demonstration in Harare by blocking roads around the venue and firing teargas at some MDC supporters. "We are seeking for a (ruling) declaring the police to be in contempt of court," Majome told AFP. "We are also seeking the imprisonment of the officers for a period of 30 days for defying a high court ruling." Among the officers that the MDC want to be sanctioned are the national police commissioner Augustine Chihuri and commander of the Harare South district, Chief Superintendent Thompsen Jangara, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been due to address the crowds in the Highfields township after the rally had been given clearance by the high court the day before. But he was later forced to scrap his plans after dozens of MDC supporters were arrested by members of President Robert Mugabe's security forces who had also sealed off surrounding roads. Police later banned political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears they could degenerate to widespread rioting. They also stopped another rally planned by Tsvangirai in the second city of Bulawayo last weekend. Tsvangirai had been due to launch his campaign for the presidency at the Highfields rally. The next presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2008 when Mugabe's current term lapses. However the 83-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is pushing to delay the election until parliamentary polls take place in 2010. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0193.LDC2009T13::3	 Zimbabwe opposition targets police chiefs in court petition Zimbabwe's main opposition party has filed a high court petition calling for the jailing of police chiefs who ordered the break-up of a rally which had been given the go-ahead, their lawyer said Wednesday. Jessie Majome, lawyer for the Movement for Democratic Change, said the petition filed on Tuesday demanded that officers be held in contempt of court for preventing the February 18 demonstration in Harare by blocking roads around the venue and firing teargas at some MDC supporters. "We are seeking for a (ruling) declaring the police to be in contempt of court," Majome told AFP. "We are also seeking the imprisonment of the officers for a period of 30 days for defying a high court ruling." Among the officers that the MDC want to be sanctioned are the national police commissioner Augustine Chihuri and commander of the Harare South district, Chief Superintendent Thompsen Jangara, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been due to address the crowds in the Highfields township after the rally had been given clearance by the high court the day before. But he was later forced to scrap his plans after dozens of MDC supporters were arrested by members of President Robert Mugabe's security forces who had also sealed off surrounding roads. Police later banned political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears they could degenerate to widespread rioting. They also stopped another rally planned by Tsvangirai in the second city of Bulawayo last weekend. Tsvangirai had been due to launch his campaign for the presidency at the Highfields rally. The next presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2008 when Mugabe's current term lapses. However the 83-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is pushing to delay the election until parliamentary polls take place in 2010. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0193.LDC2009T13::4	 Zimbabwe opposition targets police chiefs in court petition Zimbabwe's main opposition party has filed a high court petition calling for the jailing of police chiefs who ordered the break-up of a rally which had been given the go-ahead, their lawyer said Wednesday. Jessie Majome, lawyer for the Movement for Democratic Change, said the petition filed on Tuesday demanded that officers be held in contempt of court for preventing the February 18 demonstration in Harare by blocking roads around the venue and firing teargas at some MDC supporters. "We are seeking for a (ruling) declaring the police to be in contempt of court," Majome told AFP. "We are also seeking the imprisonment of the officers for a period of 30 days for defying a high court ruling." Among the officers that the MDC want to be sanctioned are the national police commissioner Augustine Chihuri and commander of the Harare South district, Chief Superintendent Thompsen Jangara, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been due to address the crowds in the Highfields township after the rally had been given clearance by the high court the day before. But he was later forced to scrap his plans after dozens of MDC supporters were arrested by members of President Robert Mugabe's security forces who had also sealed off surrounding roads. Police later banned political rallies and processions in parts of Harare, saying there were fears they could degenerate to widespread rioting. They also stopped another rally planned by Tsvangirai in the second city of Bulawayo last weekend. Tsvangirai had been due to launch his campaign for the presidency at the Highfields rally. The next presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2008 when Mugabe's current term lapses. However the 83-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is pushing to delay the election until parliamentary polls take place in 2010. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070307.0410.LDC2009T13::1	 Violence charges against Zimbabwe opposition MPs dropped Prosecutors in Zimbabwe dropped public violence charges against opposition lawmakers and activists Wednesday who were detained by police on the eve of a foiled opposition rally in the capital. Members of parliament Tendai Biti and Paul Madzore were arrested in the middle of last month together with nine supporters of their Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party and charged with public violence following clashes between police and opposition supporters. Prosecutor Tawanda Zvekare said the state was withdrawing charges for lack of evidence but said the accused could still be summoned to court if police investigations yield evidence. "The accused's charges are withdrawn before plea," magistrate Gloria Takundwa said. The two MPs and opposition activists were arrested ahead of a planned rally planned by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the populous township of Highfields in Harare which was thwarted when riot police used tear gas and water cannons at activists trying to reach the venue. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070307.0410.LDC2009T13::2	 Violence charges against Zimbabwe opposition MPs dropped Prosecutors in Zimbabwe dropped public violence charges against opposition lawmakers and activists Wednesday who were detained by police on the eve of a foiled opposition rally in the capital. Members of parliament Tendai Biti and Paul Madzore were arrested in the middle of last month together with nine supporters of their Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party and charged with public violence following clashes between police and opposition supporters. Prosecutor Tawanda Zvekare said the state was withdrawing charges for lack of evidence but said the accused could still be summoned to court if police investigations yield evidence. "The accused's charges are withdrawn before plea," magistrate Gloria Takundwa said. The two MPs and opposition activists were arrested ahead of a planned rally planned by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the populous township of Highfields in Harare which was thwarted when riot police used tear gas and water cannons at activists trying to reach the venue. 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070326.0088.LDC2009T13::1	 Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai eyes talks with Mugabe party members Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai declined Monday to rule out talking to members of Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF about a future without the veteran president. But the head of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) denied media reports that he had met Zanu-PF members within the last couple of days to discuss a succession to Mugabe, in an interview with BBC radio. Asked if there was a chance that this kind of arrangement might work in future, he said: "We have always called on all patriotic Zimbabweans who want to see a solution about Mugabe coming together. "We have always put on the table the roadmap as the only viable route to the resolution of the political crisis. "I'm sure that there is national convergence on such a roadmap being worked out between some of the ruling party members and the MDC. "I foresee a situation in which those who are looking towards the future within ZANU-PF see a future without Mugabe so it converges with our opinion that Mugabe has become the stumbling block." Mugabe would likely be gone within a year, Tsvangirai added. Mugabe has indicated that presidential elections will take place next year and Tsvangirai said that Zanu-PF was "anxious to get him aside so they can get another candidate". "I do not think that, given the fact that he has already announced that there will be elections next year, that he himself will play a part in that election," he added. Mugabe should not face punishment if he were ousted from office, Tsvangirai said, speaking of an "honourable exit" for the veteran politician. "We would be happy to put him aside and get the country moving forward without him and concentrate on the job at hand," he said. He also called for a "much more robust policy initiative towards Zimbabwe" from South Africa and said that other African countries were "just as anxious as ourselves that a negotiated settlement must be found". 
MDC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070326.0088.LDC2009T13::2	 Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai eyes talks with Mugabe party members Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai declined Monday to rule out talking to members of Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF about a future without the veteran president. But the head of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) denied media reports that he had met Zanu-PF members within the last couple of days to discuss a succession to Mugabe, in an interview with BBC radio. Asked if there was a chance that this kind of arrangement might work in future, he said: "We have always called on all patriotic Zimbabweans who want to see a solution about Mugabe coming together. "We have always put on the table the roadmap as the only viable route to the resolution of the political crisis. "I'm sure that there is national convergence on such a roadmap being worked out between some of the ruling party members and the MDC. "I foresee a situation in which those who are looking towards the future within ZANU-PF see a future without Mugabe so it converges with our opinion that Mugabe has become the stumbling block." Mugabe would likely be gone within a year, Tsvangirai added. Mugabe has indicated that presidential elections will take place next year and Tsvangirai said that Zanu-PF was "anxious to get him aside so they can get another candidate". "I do not think that, given the fact that he has already announced that there will be elections next year, that he himself will play a part in that election," he added. Mugabe should not face punishment if he were ousted from office, Tsvangirai said, speaking of an "honourable exit" for the veteran politician. "We would be happy to put him aside and get the country moving forward without him and concentrate on the job at hand," he said. He also called for a "much more robust policy initiative towards Zimbabwe" from South Africa and said that other African countries were "just as anxious as ourselves that a negotiated settlement must be found". 
Michael_Kennedy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19980102.0443.LDC2007T07::1	 MORE MORBID KENNEDY FASCINATION Another Kennedy, killed in the prime of life, will be buried Saturday. In the next millennium, historians will puzzle over our collective obsession with this family, because the news coverage of Michael Kennedy's death has resembled that accorded a former head of state. Centuries from now, after consulting news accounts of Wednesday's skiing accident in Aspen, Colo., and Saturday's funeral Mass in Centerville, researchers might imagine the 39-year-old Kennedy to have been the son of a minor prophet or prince. No doubt some today view him in those terms. But were he not one of 30 grandchildren of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Kennedy's death would merely be one more senseless holiday-week tragedy, not much different from that which killed a 15-year-old snowboarder a day later at another Colorado ski resort in Breckenridge. The accidents were equally unfortunate but unequally important because of the significance of the Kennedy name in the big picture. Michael Kennedy was by no means the most notable or gifted of the Kennedy clan, but he may have been typical. He possessed talents associated with the family _ intelligence and a degree of commitment to public service. He also manifested the male Kennedy demons _ alcoholism and sexual indiscretion. Last year, he scandalized the family after accounts surfaced of his affair with his childrens' teenage babysitter. The firestorm of publicity was a major factor in the decision last summer of his older brother, US Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II, to drop out of the 1998 Massachusetts governor's race. Except for his famous surname, Michael Kennedy would barely qualify as a public figure. Yet we are fascinated by his death, the latest installment in the Kennedy family saga, which unfolds almost biblically like a parable for the 20th century. Perhaps we are moved by the details of this particular tragedy, one of a series either to claim a Kennedy or be caused by one. In this case, it may have been both. Kennedy and his siblings ignored warnings and played a reckless mock football game on a ski run at twilight. Another example of a Kennedy living on the edge and dying too young in his family's presence. Maybe we are fascinated by the fearlessness and risk-taking that produced the Kennedys' success in business and politics but also caused so much of the family's misfortune and notoriety. Love them or hate them, the Kennedys are a morality play now well into its third generation run. There was the financial fortune amassed in brilliant, cutthroat fashion with shadowy associations. Then, there was the stunning immigrant success story: an American presidency achieved in the face of religious prejudice. Always, there was money, power and glamour. Behind the glitter there was often infidelity and excess. It could be that we are mesmerized by the Kennedys because, in the consumer age when Bob Dole and Mikhail Gorbachev are reduced to corporate pitchmen for Visa and Pizza Hut, the Kennedys are a prime commodity to be mass-marketed by the news media and publishing houses. What was once a cottage industry of Kennedy scholars has now exploded into a multi-layered enterprise of legitimate historians, researchers and biographers plus muckrakers, professional gossips, conspiracy theorists and hangers-on. As with any Kennedy scandal or tragedy, this is their season to be available and to be quoted in print or on the air. They will tell you about the Kennedy mystique, the Kennedy curse, the Kennedy secrets, the Kennedy scandals, the Kennedy anything, as long as it can be packaged and promoted. We are talking about a mature industry here. Consider the following facts: The Subject Guide to Books in Print 1997-98 lists 190 titles about Mahatma Gandhi, father of modern India; 161 titles about Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler; 126 about British prime minister Winston Churchill; and 82 titles about Richard M. Nixon, the late president and Kennedy nemesis. By contrast there are more than 300 entries under Kennedy subjects. Included are 208 about former president John F. Kennedy and his assassination; 26 about the Kennedy family generally; 23 about the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; four about patriarch Joseph Sr. and six about his wife, Rose; eight about Senator Edward M. Kennedy; and 29 about Michael's father, assassination victim Robert F. Kennedy. There are even a couple about John F. Kennedy Jr., the magazine publisher. To date, at least, there are none about Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, who will be buried Saturday. 
Michael_Kennedy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19980102.0443.LDC2007T07::2	 MORE MORBID KENNEDY FASCINATION Another Kennedy, killed in the prime of life, will be buried Saturday. In the next millennium, historians will puzzle over our collective obsession with this family, because the news coverage of Michael Kennedy's death has resembled that accorded a former head of state. Centuries from now, after consulting news accounts of Wednesday's skiing accident in Aspen, Colo., and Saturday's funeral Mass in Centerville, researchers might imagine the 39-year-old Kennedy to have been the son of a minor prophet or prince. No doubt some today view him in those terms. But were he not one of 30 grandchildren of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Kennedy's death would merely be one more senseless holiday-week tragedy, not much different from that which killed a 15-year-old snowboarder a day later at another Colorado ski resort in Breckenridge. The accidents were equally unfortunate but unequally important because of the significance of the Kennedy name in the big picture. Michael Kennedy was by no means the most notable or gifted of the Kennedy clan, but he may have been typical. He possessed talents associated with the family _ intelligence and a degree of commitment to public service. He also manifested the male Kennedy demons _ alcoholism and sexual indiscretion. Last year, he scandalized the family after accounts surfaced of his affair with his childrens' teenage babysitter. The firestorm of publicity was a major factor in the decision last summer of his older brother, US Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II, to drop out of the 1998 Massachusetts governor's race. Except for his famous surname, Michael Kennedy would barely qualify as a public figure. Yet we are fascinated by his death, the latest installment in the Kennedy family saga, which unfolds almost biblically like a parable for the 20th century. Perhaps we are moved by the details of this particular tragedy, one of a series either to claim a Kennedy or be caused by one. In this case, it may have been both. Kennedy and his siblings ignored warnings and played a reckless mock football game on a ski run at twilight. Another example of a Kennedy living on the edge and dying too young in his family's presence. Maybe we are fascinated by the fearlessness and risk-taking that produced the Kennedys' success in business and politics but also caused so much of the family's misfortune and notoriety. Love them or hate them, the Kennedys are a morality play now well into its third generation run. There was the financial fortune amassed in brilliant, cutthroat fashion with shadowy associations. Then, there was the stunning immigrant success story: an American presidency achieved in the face of religious prejudice. Always, there was money, power and glamour. Behind the glitter there was often infidelity and excess. It could be that we are mesmerized by the Kennedys because, in the consumer age when Bob Dole and Mikhail Gorbachev are reduced to corporate pitchmen for Visa and Pizza Hut, the Kennedys are a prime commodity to be mass-marketed by the news media and publishing houses. What was once a cottage industry of Kennedy scholars has now exploded into a multi-layered enterprise of legitimate historians, researchers and biographers plus muckrakers, professional gossips, conspiracy theorists and hangers-on. As with any Kennedy scandal or tragedy, this is their season to be available and to be quoted in print or on the air. They will tell you about the Kennedy mystique, the Kennedy curse, the Kennedy secrets, the Kennedy scandals, the Kennedy anything, as long as it can be packaged and promoted. We are talking about a mature industry here. Consider the following facts: The Subject Guide to Books in Print 1997-98 lists 190 titles about Mahatma Gandhi, father of modern India; 161 titles about Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler; 126 about British prime minister Winston Churchill; and 82 titles about Richard M. Nixon, the late president and Kennedy nemesis. By contrast there are more than 300 entries under Kennedy subjects. Included are 208 about former president John F. Kennedy and his assassination; 26 about the Kennedy family generally; 23 about the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; four about patriarch Joseph Sr. and six about his wife, Rose; eight about Senator Edward M. Kennedy; and 29 about Michael's father, assassination victim Robert F. Kennedy. There are even a couple about John F. Kennedy Jr., the magazine publisher. To date, at least, there are none about Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, who will be buried Saturday. 
Michael_Kennedy::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19980102.0443.LDC2007T07::3	 MORE MORBID KENNEDY FASCINATION Another Kennedy, killed in the prime of life, will be buried Saturday. In the next millennium, historians will puzzle over our collective obsession with this family, because the news coverage of Michael Kennedy's death has resembled that accorded a former head of state. Centuries from now, after consulting news accounts of Wednesday's skiing accident in Aspen, Colo., and Saturday's funeral Mass in Centerville, researchers might imagine the 39-year-old Kennedy to have been the son of a minor prophet or prince. No doubt some today view him in those terms. But were he not one of 30 grandchildren of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Kennedy's death would merely be one more senseless holiday-week tragedy, not much different from that which killed a 15-year-old snowboarder a day later at another Colorado ski resort in Breckenridge. The accidents were equally unfortunate but unequally important because of the significance of the Kennedy name in the big picture. Michael Kennedy was by no means the most notable or gifted of the Kennedy clan, but he may have been typical. He possessed talents associated with the family _ intelligence and a degree of commitment to public service. He also manifested the male Kennedy demons _ alcoholism and sexual indiscretion. Last year, he scandalized the family after accounts surfaced of his affair with his childrens' teenage babysitter. The firestorm of publicity was a major factor in the decision last summer of his older brother, US Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II, to drop out of the 1998 Massachusetts governor's race. Except for his famous surname, Michael Kennedy would barely qualify as a public figure. Yet we are fascinated by his death, the latest installment in the Kennedy family saga, which unfolds almost biblically like a parable for the 20th century. Perhaps we are moved by the details of this particular tragedy, one of a series either to claim a Kennedy or be caused by one. In this case, it may have been both. Kennedy and his siblings ignored warnings and played a reckless mock football game on a ski run at twilight. Another example of a Kennedy living on the edge and dying too young in his family's presence. Maybe we are fascinated by the fearlessness and risk-taking that produced the Kennedys' success in business and politics but also caused so much of the family's misfortune and notoriety. Love them or hate them, the Kennedys are a morality play now well into its third generation run. There was the financial fortune amassed in brilliant, cutthroat fashion with shadowy associations. Then, there was the stunning immigrant success story: an American presidency achieved in the face of religious prejudice. Always, there was money, power and glamour. Behind the glitter there was often infidelity and excess. It could be that we are mesmerized by the Kennedys because, in the consumer age when Bob Dole and Mikhail Gorbachev are reduced to corporate pitchmen for Visa and Pizza Hut, the Kennedys are a prime commodity to be mass-marketed by the news media and publishing houses. What was once a cottage industry of Kennedy scholars has now exploded into a multi-layered enterprise of legitimate historians, researchers and biographers plus muckrakers, professional gossips, conspiracy theorists and hangers-on. As with any Kennedy scandal or tragedy, this is their season to be available and to be quoted in print or on the air. They will tell you about the Kennedy mystique, the Kennedy curse, the Kennedy secrets, the Kennedy scandals, the Kennedy anything, as long as it can be packaged and promoted. We are talking about a mature industry here. Consider the following facts: The Subject Guide to Books in Print 1997-98 lists 190 titles about Mahatma Gandhi, father of modern India; 161 titles about Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler; 126 about British prime minister Winston Churchill; and 82 titles about Richard M. Nixon, the late president and Kennedy nemesis. By contrast there are more than 300 entries under Kennedy subjects. Included are 208 about former president John F. Kennedy and his assassination; 26 about the Kennedy family generally; 23 about the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; four about patriarch Joseph Sr. and six about his wife, Rose; eight about Senator Edward M. Kennedy; and 29 about Michael's father, assassination victim Robert F. Kennedy. There are even a couple about John F. Kennedy Jr., the magazine publisher. To date, at least, there are none about Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, who will be buried Saturday. 
Ministry_of_National_Defense::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070204.0020.LDC2009T13::1	 DEFENSE MINISTRY AGREES TO REMOVE LATE PRESIDENT'S STATUES: LAWMAKERS Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) 02/04/07 23:50:29 (By Maubo Chang) The Ministry of National Defense has agreed to remove all statues of late President Chiang Kai-shek from its barracks before Feb. 28, which will be the 60th anniversary of the so-called 228 incident, three lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Saturday. Citing a report issued last year by the 228 Memorial Foundation, DPP lawmakers Chai Trong-rong, Sandy Yen and Hsueh Ling said in a statement the Chiang Kai- shek is the leading culprit of the 228 incident in 1947 when the troops of the national government crushed a revolt in Taiwan, killing thousands of people. In memory of the incident, the lawmakers said they had requested the Ministry of National Defense to clear barracks of Chiang's statues before Feb. 28 and the ministry had agreed orally to their request. The statement also called for the rename the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei as Taiwan democracy memorial hall. 
Ministry_of_National_Defense::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070204.0020.LDC2009T13::2	 DEFENSE MINISTRY AGREES TO REMOVE LATE PRESIDENT'S STATUES: LAWMAKERS Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) 02/04/07 23:50:29 (By Maubo Chang) The Ministry of National Defense has agreed to remove all statues of late President Chiang Kai-shek from its barracks before Feb. 28, which will be the 60th anniversary of the so-called 228 incident, three lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Saturday. Citing a report issued last year by the 228 Memorial Foundation, DPP lawmakers Chai Trong-rong, Sandy Yen and Hsueh Ling said in a statement the Chiang Kai- shek is the leading culprit of the 228 incident in 1947 when the troops of the national government crushed a revolt in Taiwan, killing thousands of people. In memory of the incident, the lawmakers said they had requested the Ministry of National Defense to clear barracks of Chiang's statues before Feb. 28 and the ministry had agreed orally to their request. The statement also called for the rename the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei as Taiwan democracy memorial hall. 
Movement_for_Democratic_Change::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070312.0571.LDC2009T13::1	 Canada condemns violent Zimbabwe repression Canada on Monday condemned Zimbabwe's government for using of violence to quell demonstrations and its arrests of opposition leaders. "Canada condemns the government of Zimbabwe's continued disregard for democratic principles and fundamental freedoms, such as the right to assembly and its increasingly violent repression of its citizens," Foreign Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement. "The use of ammunition against innocent and unarmed people is an unacceptable response to the current economic crisis and the suffering of Zimbabweans," he said. "I deplore the brutal police crackdown that led to the death of a Movement for Democratic Change supporter and injured several others. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims," he said. Zimbabwe's opposition movement vowed Monday to push on with its drive to topple longtime President Robert Mugabe despite the arrest of its top leaders and the force used to thwart Sunday's anti-government protest. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai, has reportedly been left fighting for his life, after being beaten in police custody, his deputy Thokozani Khupe said. "I urge the government of Zimbabwe to provide immediate access to appropriate medical treatment and to live up to its responsibilities for the safety of the detainees," MacKay said. "Canada denounces the brutal arrest, detention and alleged torture in custody of these peaceful protestors. We also call for the revocation of the three-month ban on rallies and demonstrations," MacKay said. 
Movement_for_Democratic_Change::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070312.0571.LDC2009T13::2	 Canada condemns violent Zimbabwe repression Canada on Monday condemned Zimbabwe's government for using of violence to quell demonstrations and its arrests of opposition leaders. "Canada condemns the government of Zimbabwe's continued disregard for democratic principles and fundamental freedoms, such as the right to assembly and its increasingly violent repression of its citizens," Foreign Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement. "The use of ammunition against innocent and unarmed people is an unacceptable response to the current economic crisis and the suffering of Zimbabweans," he said. "I deplore the brutal police crackdown that led to the death of a Movement for Democratic Change supporter and injured several others. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims," he said. Zimbabwe's opposition movement vowed Monday to push on with its drive to topple longtime President Robert Mugabe despite the arrest of its top leaders and the force used to thwart Sunday's anti-government protest. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai, has reportedly been left fighting for his life, after being beaten in police custody, his deputy Thokozani Khupe said. "I urge the government of Zimbabwe to provide immediate access to appropriate medical treatment and to live up to its responsibilities for the safety of the detainees," MacKay said. "Canada denounces the brutal arrest, detention and alleged torture in custody of these peaceful protestors. We also call for the revocation of the three-month ban on rallies and demonstrations," MacKay said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020527.0656.LDC2007T07::1	 Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim Petah Tiqvah bombing BEIRUT, May 27 (AFP) - The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed offshoot of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah group, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack outside Tel Aviv on Monday. "The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim the martyr operation carried out by fighters in Petah Tiqvah, in a phone call to the Al-Manar channel," the television station of Lebanese Shiite radicals Hezbollah announced, without giving further details. Two Israelis, one of them a one-and-a-half-year-old baby, were killed when a Palestinian suicide bomber struck a shopping mall in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petah Tiqvah, officials said. Later, the Brigades issued their own statement, saying Monday's attack was in the name of three Brigades members killed by Israeli tankfire near the northern West Bank town of Nablus last Wednesday. "We will continue our attacks as long as the Israeli occupation continues," the group vowed in a statement, ignoring demands by the Palestinian leadership and Arafat himself to spare Israeli civilians. An anonymous telephone caller told AFP that the bomber was Jihad Titi, the 18-year-old nephew of Mahmud Titi, a local leader of the Brigades among the three miltants killed last Wednesday by the army near Nablus at the Balata refugee camp. Fatah distanced itself from its military splinter group last week, saying it had "no link with the statements published by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, nor with the parties and individuals who claim to belong to it." 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020527.0656.LDC2007T07::2	 Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim Petah Tiqvah bombing BEIRUT, May 27 (AFP) - The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed offshoot of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah group, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack outside Tel Aviv on Monday. "The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim the martyr operation carried out by fighters in Petah Tiqvah, in a phone call to the Al-Manar channel," the television station of Lebanese Shiite radicals Hezbollah announced, without giving further details. Two Israelis, one of them a one-and-a-half-year-old baby, were killed when a Palestinian suicide bomber struck a shopping mall in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petah Tiqvah, officials said. Later, the Brigades issued their own statement, saying Monday's attack was in the name of three Brigades members killed by Israeli tankfire near the northern West Bank town of Nablus last Wednesday. "We will continue our attacks as long as the Israeli occupation continues," the group vowed in a statement, ignoring demands by the Palestinian leadership and Arafat himself to spare Israeli civilians. An anonymous telephone caller told AFP that the bomber was Jihad Titi, the 18-year-old nephew of Mahmud Titi, a local leader of the Brigades among the three miltants killed last Wednesday by the army near Nablus at the Balata refugee camp. Fatah distanced itself from its military splinter group last week, saying it had "no link with the statements published by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, nor with the parties and individuals who claim to belong to it." 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20040417.0371.LDC2007T07::1	 Israeli raids against Hamas leaders Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi was assassinated by Israel on Saturday less than a month after succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Palestinian Islamist movement's founder, himself killed by Israel. Prior to their assassinations, Israeli had targeted several other members of the Hamas leadership and members of its military wing, the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades. The following is a list of the main ones: --2000-- - December 3: Awad Silmi, a leader of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades, is killed in a blast near the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip. --2001-- - July 31: Jamal Mansur and Jamal Salim, two Hamas leaders, and four militants are killed in a helicopter strike against a Hamas office in the West Bank town of Nablus. - November 23: Mahmud Abu Hannud, one of Hamas's top military leaders, is killed in a helicopter raid in Nablus. Two other militants are killed in the attack. --2002-- - July 22: Salah Shehad, founder of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades, is killed by a one-ton bomb dropped on a building in Gaza by an Israeli F-16 fighter jet. An additional 17 people are killed in the raid, including 11 children. - August 14: Nasser Jarrar, the head of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank town of Jenin, is killed in an Israeli operation in the town of Tubas. Another Palestinian, Nidal Abu Mohsen, is killed in the same raid. - September 26: Mohammad Deif, a leader of the Hamas military wing, narrowly survives a missile strike on his car in Gaza City by an Israeli helicopter. Two other Palestinian militants are killed in the raid. --2003-- - March 8: Hamas security chief Ibrahim Maqadmeh and three of his bodyguards are killed in an assault by Israeli helicopter gunships. - April 8: Sadi al-Arabid, a Hamas military leader, is killed in his car during an Israeli helicopter raid in Gaza. Six others are killed in the attack -- two Hamas militants, two teenagers and two children. - June 10: The Israeli army tries to assassinate Rantissi, who narrowly survives a helicopter missile strike on his car. Three other Palestinians are killed. - June 21: Abdullah Qawasmeh, a senior West Bank leader of Hamas, is killed in an attack by the Israeli army. - August 21: Senior Hamas official Ismail Abu Shanab and his two bodyguards are killed in an Israeli air strike on their car in Gaza. - September 6: Yassin is slightly injured in an Israeli raid on a building in Gaza. - September 9: Ahmad Badr, the head of the Hamas military wing in Hebron, and one of his lieutenants are killed in an Israeli raid. - September 10: Senior Hamas political figure Mahmud al-Zahar narrowly escapes an Israeli raid in Gaza but his eldest son and a bodyguard are killed. --2004-- - March 3: Three Hamas activists are killed in an Israeli helicopter raid on their car near a Jewish settlement in Gaza. - March 22: Sheikh Yassin is killed along with seven others in a helicopter air strike as they left dawn prayers at a Gaza City mosque. - April 17: Yassin successor Abdelaziz Rantissi is killed in a helicopter air strike on his car in Gaza City. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20040417.0371.LDC2007T07::2	 Israeli raids against Hamas leaders Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi was assassinated by Israel on Saturday less than a month after succeeding Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Palestinian Islamist movement's founder, himself killed by Israel. Prior to their assassinations, Israeli had targeted several other members of the Hamas leadership and members of its military wing, the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades. The following is a list of the main ones: --2000-- - December 3: Awad Silmi, a leader of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades, is killed in a blast near the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip. --2001-- - July 31: Jamal Mansur and Jamal Salim, two Hamas leaders, and four militants are killed in a helicopter strike against a Hamas office in the West Bank town of Nablus. - November 23: Mahmud Abu Hannud, one of Hamas's top military leaders, is killed in a helicopter raid in Nablus. Two other militants are killed in the attack. --2002-- - July 22: Salah Shehad, founder of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades, is killed by a one-ton bomb dropped on a building in Gaza by an Israeli F-16 fighter jet. An additional 17 people are killed in the raid, including 11 children. - August 14: Nasser Jarrar, the head of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank town of Jenin, is killed in an Israeli operation in the town of Tubas. Another Palestinian, Nidal Abu Mohsen, is killed in the same raid. - September 26: Mohammad Deif, a leader of the Hamas military wing, narrowly survives a missile strike on his car in Gaza City by an Israeli helicopter. Two other Palestinian militants are killed in the raid. --2003-- - March 8: Hamas security chief Ibrahim Maqadmeh and three of his bodyguards are killed in an assault by Israeli helicopter gunships. - April 8: Sadi al-Arabid, a Hamas military leader, is killed in his car during an Israeli helicopter raid in Gaza. Six others are killed in the attack -- two Hamas militants, two teenagers and two children. - June 10: The Israeli army tries to assassinate Rantissi, who narrowly survives a helicopter missile strike on his car. Three other Palestinians are killed. - June 21: Abdullah Qawasmeh, a senior West Bank leader of Hamas, is killed in an attack by the Israeli army. - August 21: Senior Hamas official Ismail Abu Shanab and his two bodyguards are killed in an Israeli air strike on their car in Gaza. - September 6: Yassin is slightly injured in an Israeli raid on a building in Gaza. - September 9: Ahmad Badr, the head of the Hamas military wing in Hebron, and one of his lieutenants are killed in an Israeli raid. - September 10: Senior Hamas political figure Mahmud al-Zahar narrowly escapes an Israeli raid in Gaza but his eldest son and a bodyguard are killed. --2004-- - March 3: Three Hamas activists are killed in an Israeli helicopter raid on their car near a Jewish settlement in Gaza. - March 22: Sheikh Yassin is killed along with seven others in a helicopter air strike as they left dawn prayers at a Gaza City mosque. - April 17: Yassin successor Abdelaziz Rantissi is killed in a helicopter air strike on his car in Gaza City. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0076.LDC2009T13::1	 Palestinian activist killed by Israeli gunfire in West Bank A Palestinian activist was killed Thursday in an exchange of gunfire with Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian security officials said. Mohammed Ghandur, a 33-year-old member of an armed group linked to Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party, was struck by three bullets during an army incursion into the Old City of Nablus, they said. Medical sources said five other civilians were wounded in the operation, including a 15-year-old boy who was seriously hurt, while four Palestinians were arrested. Ghandur's death brings to 5,626 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the Palestinian uprising in September 2000, the vast majority of them Palestinians, according to an AFP count. An army spokesman said Israeli security services also arrested 13 wanted Palestinians elsewhere in the West Bank overnight. They included 10 activists of the governing Islamist movement Hamas, Palestinian security sources said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0076.LDC2009T13::2	 Palestinian activist killed by Israeli gunfire in West Bank A Palestinian activist was killed Thursday in an exchange of gunfire with Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian security officials said. Mohammed Ghandur, a 33-year-old member of an armed group linked to Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party, was struck by three bullets during an army incursion into the Old City of Nablus, they said. Medical sources said five other civilians were wounded in the operation, including a 15-year-old boy who was seriously hurt, while four Palestinians were arrested. Ghandur's death brings to 5,626 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the Palestinian uprising in September 2000, the vast majority of them Palestinians, according to an AFP count. An army spokesman said Israeli security services also arrested 13 wanted Palestinians elsewhere in the West Bank overnight. They included 10 activists of the governing Islamist movement Hamas, Palestinian security sources said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070629.0066.LDC2009T13::1	 Palestinian killed in ongoing Israeli raid Israeli troops on Friday shot dead a Palestinian man as the army pressed a second day of operations in the flashpoint West Bank town of Nablus, security sources on both sides said. Taxi driver Haysam Saleh, 28, was shot dead after he jumped out of his vehicle when troops pulled it over for inspection in the centre of town, Palestinian security sources said. An army spokesman said troops opened fire on and identified hitting a gunman who got out of the taxi, but denied firing on the driver. Dozens of Israeli troops and armoured jeeps poured into the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus on Thursday, sparking clashes and makeshift bomb attacks that left five soldiers wounded, including two in serious condition. On Friday, Israeli forces began moving out of the city centre and into the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus, where they were conducting searches for militants, the Palestinian sources said. Friday's deaths bring to 5,766 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000, most of them Palestinians, according to an AFP tally. Nine Palestinian militants have so far been arrested and several weapon caches uncovered during the Nablus raid, the army said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070629.0066.LDC2009T13::2	 Palestinian killed in ongoing Israeli raid Israeli troops on Friday shot dead a Palestinian man as the army pressed a second day of operations in the flashpoint West Bank town of Nablus, security sources on both sides said. Taxi driver Haysam Saleh, 28, was shot dead after he jumped out of his vehicle when troops pulled it over for inspection in the centre of town, Palestinian security sources said. An army spokesman said troops opened fire on and identified hitting a gunman who got out of the taxi, but denied firing on the driver. Dozens of Israeli troops and armoured jeeps poured into the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus on Thursday, sparking clashes and makeshift bomb attacks that left five soldiers wounded, including two in serious condition. On Friday, Israeli forces began moving out of the city centre and into the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus, where they were conducting searches for militants, the Palestinian sources said. Friday's deaths bring to 5,766 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000, most of them Palestinians, according to an AFP tally. Nine Palestinian militants have so far been arrested and several weapon caches uncovered during the Nablus raid, the army said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070629.0066.LDC2009T13::3	 Palestinian killed in ongoing Israeli raid Israeli troops on Friday shot dead a Palestinian man as the army pressed a second day of operations in the flashpoint West Bank town of Nablus, security sources on both sides said. Taxi driver Haysam Saleh, 28, was shot dead after he jumped out of his vehicle when troops pulled it over for inspection in the centre of town, Palestinian security sources said. An army spokesman said troops opened fire on and identified hitting a gunman who got out of the taxi, but denied firing on the driver. Dozens of Israeli troops and armoured jeeps poured into the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus on Thursday, sparking clashes and makeshift bomb attacks that left five soldiers wounded, including two in serious condition. On Friday, Israeli forces began moving out of the city centre and into the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus, where they were conducting searches for militants, the Palestinian sources said. Friday's deaths bring to 5,766 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000, most of them Palestinians, according to an AFP tally. Nine Palestinian militants have so far been arrested and several weapon caches uncovered during the Nablus raid, the army said. 
Nablus::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070629.0066.LDC2009T13::4	 Palestinian killed in ongoing Israeli raid Israeli troops on Friday shot dead a Palestinian man as the army pressed a second day of operations in the flashpoint West Bank town of Nablus, security sources on both sides said. Taxi driver Haysam Saleh, 28, was shot dead after he jumped out of his vehicle when troops pulled it over for inspection in the centre of town, Palestinian security sources said. An army spokesman said troops opened fire on and identified hitting a gunman who got out of the taxi, but denied firing on the driver. Dozens of Israeli troops and armoured jeeps poured into the Old City in the heart of historic Nablus on Thursday, sparking clashes and makeshift bomb attacks that left five soldiers wounded, including two in serious condition. On Friday, Israeli forces began moving out of the city centre and into the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus, where they were conducting searches for militants, the Palestinian sources said. Friday's deaths bring to 5,766 the number of people killed since the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000, most of them Palestinians, according to an AFP tally. Nine Palestinian militants have so far been arrested and several weapon caches uncovered during the Nablus raid, the army said. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0712.LDC2009T13::1	 Three shot dead in Naples Three men were shot dead in Naples within hours of each other Wednesday and at least two may be linked to the local mafia, a news agency reported. Giuseppe Pica, 34, was killed by gunfire in the Secondigliano neighborhood, located outside the historic district and known for its drug activity, Ansa news agency said. Shortly after in the same neighborhood, Francesco Cardillo, 36, was shot. Ansa said Cardillo had been a leader of the local Di Lauro gang. A third man, Ciro Giuliano, 50, was killed after being ambushed, Ansa said. He was the cousin of a local gang leader and considered an important leader for the Camorra mafia, according to Ansa. Naples saw a spike in violence in November that led to 12 deaths over a period of about 10 days, forcing the Italian government to send police reinforcements. Tens of thousands of Naples residents protested in December against the Camorra's hold over the region's economy. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0712.LDC2009T13::2	 Three shot dead in Naples Three men were shot dead in Naples within hours of each other Wednesday and at least two may be linked to the local mafia, a news agency reported. Giuseppe Pica, 34, was killed by gunfire in the Secondigliano neighborhood, located outside the historic district and known for its drug activity, Ansa news agency said. Shortly after in the same neighborhood, Francesco Cardillo, 36, was shot. Ansa said Cardillo had been a leader of the local Di Lauro gang. A third man, Ciro Giuliano, 50, was killed after being ambushed, Ansa said. He was the cousin of a local gang leader and considered an important leader for the Camorra mafia, according to Ansa. Naples saw a spike in violence in November that led to 12 deaths over a period of about 10 days, forcing the Italian government to send police reinforcements. Tens of thousands of Naples residents protested in December against the Camorra's hold over the region's economy. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0712.LDC2009T13::3	 Three shot dead in Naples Three men were shot dead in Naples within hours of each other Wednesday and at least two may be linked to the local mafia, a news agency reported. Giuseppe Pica, 34, was killed by gunfire in the Secondigliano neighborhood, located outside the historic district and known for its drug activity, Ansa news agency said. Shortly after in the same neighborhood, Francesco Cardillo, 36, was shot. Ansa said Cardillo had been a leader of the local Di Lauro gang. A third man, Ciro Giuliano, 50, was killed after being ambushed, Ansa said. He was the cousin of a local gang leader and considered an important leader for the Camorra mafia, according to Ansa. Naples saw a spike in violence in November that led to 12 deaths over a period of about 10 days, forcing the Italian government to send police reinforcements. Tens of thousands of Naples residents protested in December against the Camorra's hold over the region's economy. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0712.LDC2009T13::4	 Three shot dead in Naples Three men were shot dead in Naples within hours of each other Wednesday and at least two may be linked to the local mafia, a news agency reported. Giuseppe Pica, 34, was killed by gunfire in the Secondigliano neighborhood, located outside the historic district and known for its drug activity, Ansa news agency said. Shortly after in the same neighborhood, Francesco Cardillo, 36, was shot. Ansa said Cardillo had been a leader of the local Di Lauro gang. A third man, Ciro Giuliano, 50, was killed after being ambushed, Ansa said. He was the cousin of a local gang leader and considered an important leader for the Camorra mafia, according to Ansa. Naples saw a spike in violence in November that led to 12 deaths over a period of about 10 days, forcing the Italian government to send police reinforcements. Tens of thousands of Naples residents protested in December against the Camorra's hold over the region's economy. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070320.0084.LDC2009T13::1	 200 arrested in anti-Mafia sweep in Naples Italian police said they arrested nearly 200 suspected members of the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, in a dawn sweep Tuesday involving around 1,000 officers. "Prosecutors issued around 200 arrest warrants and we acted on 180" a spokesman for the press service of Italy's financial police said. "Most of these people were accused of drug dealing but some are also accused of trafficking. In some cases we arrested whole families," the spokesman added. The arrested people belong to the two historic clans of the Camorra, which control the drug trade in central Naples, the Guiliano and the Mazzarella clans. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070320.0084.LDC2009T13::2	 200 arrested in anti-Mafia sweep in Naples Italian police said they arrested nearly 200 suspected members of the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, in a dawn sweep Tuesday involving around 1,000 officers. "Prosecutors issued around 200 arrest warrants and we acted on 180" a spokesman for the press service of Italy's financial police said. "Most of these people were accused of drug dealing but some are also accused of trafficking. In some cases we arrested whole families," the spokesman added. The arrested people belong to the two historic clans of the Camorra, which control the drug trade in central Naples, the Guiliano and the Mazzarella clans. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0495.LDC2009T13::1	 Mafia wife arrested in Britain A British woman married to a Mafia godfather was arrested Thursday after the Italian authorities issued a warrant for her extradition, alleging she was involved in his criminal activities. Ann Hathaway, a 44-year-old housewife, was detained at her house near Manchester, north-west England, where she is believed to have moved in November after leaving Rome. Hathaway, who has two children, is married to Antonio Rinzivillo, once said to be the second most senior figure in the Mafia behind Bernardo Provenzano. Rinzivillo is serving a 30-year jail term after being convicted of murdering Milan lawyer Antonio Mirabelle and drug trafficking. Italian police seized more than 14 million pounds' (21 million euros', 27 million dollars') worth of family assets as part of their operation against him. They claim that Hathaway, who is due to appear at a magistrates court in London Friday, carried on her husband's business activities after he was jailed. The warrant against her was issued after nine other women were arrested in Gela, Sicily. In a separate case, a bid to extradite alleged Mafia godfather Raffaele Caldarelli was delayed for a further month at City of Westminster Magistrates' amid confusion over the warrant issued for his arrest. Caldarelli is alleged to be a member of the Camorra, the Naples Mafia, and was arrested at the Italian shoe shop he ran in east London in September. He is wanted by police in Naples over alleged extortion, drugs and arms trafficking. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070118.0495.LDC2009T13::2	 Mafia wife arrested in Britain A British woman married to a Mafia godfather was arrested Thursday after the Italian authorities issued a warrant for her extradition, alleging she was involved in his criminal activities. Ann Hathaway, a 44-year-old housewife, was detained at her house near Manchester, north-west England, where she is believed to have moved in November after leaving Rome. Hathaway, who has two children, is married to Antonio Rinzivillo, once said to be the second most senior figure in the Mafia behind Bernardo Provenzano. Rinzivillo is serving a 30-year jail term after being convicted of murdering Milan lawyer Antonio Mirabelle and drug trafficking. Italian police seized more than 14 million pounds' (21 million euros', 27 million dollars') worth of family assets as part of their operation against him. They claim that Hathaway, who is due to appear at a magistrates court in London Friday, carried on her husband's business activities after he was jailed. The warrant against her was issued after nine other women were arrested in Gela, Sicily. In a separate case, a bid to extradite alleged Mafia godfather Raffaele Caldarelli was delayed for a further month at City of Westminster Magistrates' amid confusion over the warrant issued for his arrest. Caldarelli is alleged to be a member of the Camorra, the Naples Mafia, and was arrested at the Italian shoe shop he ran in east London in September. He is wanted by police in Naples over alleged extortion, drugs and arms trafficking. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070204.0023.LDC2009T13::1	 Angela Karalekas, navy gunner turned nun by Jocelyne Zablit Angela Karalekas, 28, is one of a growing number of young American woman giving up promising careers and opportunities to become nuns. Here is her story: I grew up in Massachusetts, the second of four kids. I have three brothers. We always were faithful, went to mass on Sunday and I went to Catholic school growing up. I first thought about becoming a nun in second grade (about seven-years-old) when a teacher mentioned it in class but I didn't think about religious life at all after that. I was very ambitious and competitive in school and was involved in a lot of sports. I was president of my class, took music classes, figure skated competitively for a number of years. So I was always very driven. Then I joined the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Being Catholic at the time was like a coat I could take on or put off, it wasn't at the core of who I was, it didn't really define me. I minored in Russian at the Academy and studied in Russia a couple summers. After I graduated in 2001 I was assigned to work on a warship, the USS McCampbell. I was the ship driver and had a team of 15 people working under me. It was intense. One year we were out to sea 300 days. In early 2003 my ship was deployed to South America for counter drug operations. In March 2004 I was stationed to the US Navy base in Naples, Italy, for a couple years. I lived in a small fishing village (...) and had a great apartment with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was quite a life and I got paid a nice amount of money, close to 60,000 dollars (46,000 euros). I spent it all, mostly travelling through Europe. I went to Rome all the time and became friends with several men studying for the priesthood. I didn't have a lot of exposure to women religious at the time and hadn't seen a nun in a habit for a long time. Being in Rome, you couldn't not think about religious life. I was at St Francis of Assisi once and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It was like this transcending moment in prayer and I realized God is really asking this of me. After Naples, I was to go to graduate school for two years in California (...) but I just couldn't do it. I knew I couldn't give myself fully to it, I couldn't be passionate about it. I'd be starving a part of who I really was intended to be. In the military I learned the meaning of sacrifice, the meaning of laying down my life for something ... but there is something greater than all that. To lay my life down for my Creator seems so much more logical. When John Paul II died it gave me the strength to say this is what life is about, this is what I was made for. I resigned from the Navy in December 2005 and joined the convent in September of 2006. It doesn't make sense really, it doesn't. To leave the world, to leave a good job, money, friends, family for this God that we can't see. Humanly speaking it doesn't make sense (...) but you have to look at it from the spiritual dimension. I'm happy but I'm human too. Sometimes I want my chocolate and I can't have it, I want to call my friends and I don't. But I'm happy, I'm not repressed." Karalekas is set to receive her veil and habit in June along with her new religious name. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070204.0023.LDC2009T13::2	 Angela Karalekas, navy gunner turned nun by Jocelyne Zablit Angela Karalekas, 28, is one of a growing number of young American woman giving up promising careers and opportunities to become nuns. Here is her story: I grew up in Massachusetts, the second of four kids. I have three brothers. We always were faithful, went to mass on Sunday and I went to Catholic school growing up. I first thought about becoming a nun in second grade (about seven-years-old) when a teacher mentioned it in class but I didn't think about religious life at all after that. I was very ambitious and competitive in school and was involved in a lot of sports. I was president of my class, took music classes, figure skated competitively for a number of years. So I was always very driven. Then I joined the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Being Catholic at the time was like a coat I could take on or put off, it wasn't at the core of who I was, it didn't really define me. I minored in Russian at the Academy and studied in Russia a couple summers. After I graduated in 2001 I was assigned to work on a warship, the USS McCampbell. I was the ship driver and had a team of 15 people working under me. It was intense. One year we were out to sea 300 days. In early 2003 my ship was deployed to South America for counter drug operations. In March 2004 I was stationed to the US Navy base in Naples, Italy, for a couple years. I lived in a small fishing village (...) and had a great apartment with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was quite a life and I got paid a nice amount of money, close to 60,000 dollars (46,000 euros). I spent it all, mostly travelling through Europe. I went to Rome all the time and became friends with several men studying for the priesthood. I didn't have a lot of exposure to women religious at the time and hadn't seen a nun in a habit for a long time. Being in Rome, you couldn't not think about religious life. I was at St Francis of Assisi once and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It was like this transcending moment in prayer and I realized God is really asking this of me. After Naples, I was to go to graduate school for two years in California (...) but I just couldn't do it. I knew I couldn't give myself fully to it, I couldn't be passionate about it. I'd be starving a part of who I really was intended to be. In the military I learned the meaning of sacrifice, the meaning of laying down my life for something ... but there is something greater than all that. To lay my life down for my Creator seems so much more logical. When John Paul II died it gave me the strength to say this is what life is about, this is what I was made for. I resigned from the Navy in December 2005 and joined the convent in September of 2006. It doesn't make sense really, it doesn't. To leave the world, to leave a good job, money, friends, family for this God that we can't see. Humanly speaking it doesn't make sense (...) but you have to look at it from the spiritual dimension. I'm happy but I'm human too. Sometimes I want my chocolate and I can't have it, I want to call my friends and I don't. But I'm happy, I'm not repressed." Karalekas is set to receive her veil and habit in June along with her new religious name. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070207.0323.LDC2009T13::1	 Town built illegally by Italian mob could be razed A entire town comprising 50 buildings and 435 apartments built illegally around a Naples port by the La Camorra mafia has been impounded and could be razed, Italian media reported Wednesday. Judging from satellite images, all the buildings, which are complete and ready to be inhabited, have emerged in less than three years, mushrooming on land set aside for vegetable gardens in the northeastern Naples suburb of Casalnueovo. Not a single building permit had been issued and authorities claimed they had not even been officially notified about the project, according to the Corriere della Sera paper. Phoney town-planning licenses and well-placed accomplices within different city government departments were reportedly used to hook the town up to running water and electricity. The mayor meanwhile insisted he didn't "even know where these illegal buildings are", but said he was prepared to order the destruction of all the illicit structures, Corriere della Sera reported. Many of the apartments have already been sold and five are already occupied, according to the paper. A preliminary investigation into the matter has revealed that most of the materials used in the construction were not up to par. The reinforced concrete, the cement and even the electrical wiring were not in line with any Naples standards, despite the fact that the city is located in an earthquake prone area. The head of the Italian Senate's environment commission has reportedly written to the country's interior minister to demand that all the illegal buildings be completely destroyed. He has requested an in depth investigation into links between the Camorra mafia and the local politicians who stood by as the town was built. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070207.0323.LDC2009T13::2	 Town built illegally by Italian mob could be razed A entire town comprising 50 buildings and 435 apartments built illegally around a Naples port by the La Camorra mafia has been impounded and could be razed, Italian media reported Wednesday. Judging from satellite images, all the buildings, which are complete and ready to be inhabited, have emerged in less than three years, mushrooming on land set aside for vegetable gardens in the northeastern Naples suburb of Casalnueovo. Not a single building permit had been issued and authorities claimed they had not even been officially notified about the project, according to the Corriere della Sera paper. Phoney town-planning licenses and well-placed accomplices within different city government departments were reportedly used to hook the town up to running water and electricity. The mayor meanwhile insisted he didn't "even know where these illegal buildings are", but said he was prepared to order the destruction of all the illicit structures, Corriere della Sera reported. Many of the apartments have already been sold and five are already occupied, according to the paper. A preliminary investigation into the matter has revealed that most of the materials used in the construction were not up to par. The reinforced concrete, the cement and even the electrical wiring were not in line with any Naples standards, despite the fact that the city is located in an earthquake prone area. The head of the Italian Senate's environment commission has reportedly written to the country's interior minister to demand that all the illegal buildings be completely destroyed. He has requested an in depth investigation into links between the Camorra mafia and the local politicians who stood by as the town was built. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070207.0323.LDC2009T13::3	 Town built illegally by Italian mob could be razed A entire town comprising 50 buildings and 435 apartments built illegally around a Naples port by the La Camorra mafia has been impounded and could be razed, Italian media reported Wednesday. Judging from satellite images, all the buildings, which are complete and ready to be inhabited, have emerged in less than three years, mushrooming on land set aside for vegetable gardens in the northeastern Naples suburb of Casalnueovo. Not a single building permit had been issued and authorities claimed they had not even been officially notified about the project, according to the Corriere della Sera paper. Phoney town-planning licenses and well-placed accomplices within different city government departments were reportedly used to hook the town up to running water and electricity. The mayor meanwhile insisted he didn't "even know where these illegal buildings are", but said he was prepared to order the destruction of all the illicit structures, Corriere della Sera reported. Many of the apartments have already been sold and five are already occupied, according to the paper. A preliminary investigation into the matter has revealed that most of the materials used in the construction were not up to par. The reinforced concrete, the cement and even the electrical wiring were not in line with any Naples standards, despite the fact that the city is located in an earthquake prone area. The head of the Italian Senate's environment commission has reportedly written to the country's interior minister to demand that all the illegal buildings be completely destroyed. He has requested an in depth investigation into links between the Camorra mafia and the local politicians who stood by as the town was built. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070226.0344.LDC2009T13::1	 Italian judge issues 70 arrest warrants against Camorra mafia An Italian judge on Monday issued 70 arrest warrants against members of two rival clans of the Neapolitan Camorra mafia network, the ANSA news agency said. The suspects are wanted in connection with six murders and one attempted murder during a feud between the Sarno and Panico clans in 2004 and 2005. After an investigation authorities in Naples confiscated a large quantity of firearms which had been imported from eastern Europe. The members are also accused of drug trafficking, possession of firearms and extortion, said ANSA. Southern Italy has been plagued by crime syndicates for nearly 200 years. Naples saw an outbreak of mafia-related violence last year when up to a dozen people were killed in 10 days. The clan fighting in 2004 and 2005 claimed the lives of around 130 people. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070226.0344.LDC2009T13::2	 Italian judge issues 70 arrest warrants against Camorra mafia An Italian judge on Monday issued 70 arrest warrants against members of two rival clans of the Neapolitan Camorra mafia network, the ANSA news agency said. The suspects are wanted in connection with six murders and one attempted murder during a feud between the Sarno and Panico clans in 2004 and 2005. After an investigation authorities in Naples confiscated a large quantity of firearms which had been imported from eastern Europe. The members are also accused of drug trafficking, possession of firearms and extortion, said ANSA. Southern Italy has been plagued by crime syndicates for nearly 200 years. Naples saw an outbreak of mafia-related violence last year when up to a dozen people were killed in 10 days. The clan fighting in 2004 and 2005 claimed the lives of around 130 people. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0652.LDC2009T13::1	 Man arrested in Italy with 367 turtles in suitcase A man was arrested in Naples on Wednesday carrying 367 turtles in his suitcase, authorities said. The man, who was dragging the suitcase behind him as he walked down a Naples street, tried to escape when he saw customs agents approach. Several of the turtles were injured or in bad condition. Custom agents did not indicate whether the turtles were exotic, saying only that they had been put in quarantine. 
Naples::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0652.LDC2009T13::2	 Man arrested in Italy with 367 turtles in suitcase A man was arrested in Naples on Wednesday carrying 367 turtles in his suitcase, authorities said. The man, who was dragging the suitcase behind him as he walked down a Naples street, tried to escape when he saw customs agents approach. Several of the turtles were injured or in bad condition. Custom agents did not indicate whether the turtles were exotic, saying only that they had been put in quarantine. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080904.1193.LDC2009T13::1	 AP Weekly Sports Calendar 2008-09-04 23:02:39 UTC EDITORS: These are among the top sports events of the week. Coverage of most of these events will move on this circuit: FRIDAY, Sept. 5 thru 7, New York -- tennis, U.S. Open. Various sites, Africa -- football, World Cup qualifying: Zambia vs. Togo, Djibouti vs. Malawi, Libya vs. Ghana, Algeria vs. Senegal. Brussels, Belgium -- athletics, IAAF Golden League, Memorial Van Damme. thru 7, St. Louis -- golf, U.S. PGA, BMW Championship. thru 7, Crans sur Sierre, Switzerland -- golf, PGA European, European Masters. thru 21, various sites, Spain -- cycling, Spanish Vuelta. thru 6, various sites, Germany -- cycling, UCI ProTour, Tour of Germany. SATURDAY, Sept. 6 Various sites -- football, World Cup 2010 qualifiers: EUROPE: Albania vs. Sweden, Andorra vs, England, Armenia vs. Turkey, Austria vs. France, Belgium vs. Estonia, Croatia vs. Kazakhstan, Cyprus vs. Italy, Macedonia vs. Scotland, Georgia vs. Ireland (at Mainz, Germany), Hungary vs. Denmark, Israel vs. Switzerland, Liechtenstein vs. Germany, Luxembourg vs. Greece, Malta vs. Portugal, Moldova vs. Latvia, Montenegro vs. Bulgaria, Norway vs. Iceland, Poland vs. Slovenia, Romania vs. Lithuania, Serbia vs. Faeroe Islands, Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland, Spain vs. Bosnia- Herzegovina, Ukraine vs. Belarus, Wales vs. Azerbaijan. SOUTH AMERICA: Colombia vs. Uruguay, Ecuador vs. Bolivia, Peru vs. Venezuela, Argentina vs. Paraguay. AFRICA: Cape Verde Islands vs. Cameroon, Mauritius vs. Tanzania, Kenya vs. Namibia, Sierra Leone vs. Equatorial Guinea, South Africa vs. Nigeria, Gambia vs. Liberia, Mauritania vs. Rwanda, Burkina Faso vs. Tunisia, Seychelles vs. Burundi, Chad vs. Sudan. CONCACAF: Canada vs. Honduras, Jamaica vs. Mexico, Cuba vs. United States, Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guatemala, Costa Rica vs. Suriname, El Salvador vs. Haiti. ASIA: Bahrain vs. Japan, Qatar vs. Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia vs. Iran, United Arab Emirates vs. North Korea. OCEANIA: New Caledonia vs. New Zealand, Fiji vs. Vanuatu. Darwin, Australia -- cricket, Australia vs. Bangladesh, 3rd ODI. Richmond, Virginia -- auto racing, NASCAR, Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Manchester, England -- boxing, Alex Arthur vs. Nicky Cook for WBO super-featherweight title. thru 17, Beijing -- Paralympic Games. SUNDAY, Sept. 7 Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium -- auto racing, F1, Belgian GP. Joliet, Illinois -- auto racing, IRL, Chicagoland 300. Various sites -- football, World Cup qualifying: SOUTH AMERICA: Chile vs. Brazil. AFRICA: Madagascar vs. Botswana, Zimbabwe vs. Guinea, Lesotho vs. Gabon, Mozambique vs. Ivory Coast, Republic of Congo vs. Mali, Congo vs. Egypt, Benin vs. Angola, Niger vs. Uganda. Donington, England -- motorcycling, superbikes world championship. Rieti, Italy -- athletics, IAAF Grand Prix, Rieti 2008. Hamburg, Germany -- cycling, UCI ProTour, Vattenfall Classic. MONDAY, Sept. 8 thru 14, Bucharest, Romania -- tennis, ATP, BCR Romania Open. thru 14, Bali, Indonesia -- tennis, WTA, Commonwealth Bank Classic. TUESDAY, Sept. 9 Asuncion, Paraguay -- football, World Cup qualifier: SOUTH AMERICA: Paraguay vs. Venezuela. Zagreb, Croatia -- athletics, IAAF Grand Prix, Zagreb 2008. WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 Various sites -- football, World Cup 2010 qualifiers: EUROPE: Sweden vs. Hungary, Albania vs. Malta, Portugal vs. Denmark, Moldova vs. Israel, Latvia vs. Greece, Switzerland vs. Luxembourg, San Marino vs. Poland, Northern Ireland vs. Czech Republic, Slovenia vs. Slovakia, Azerbaijan vs. Liechtenstein, Finland vs. Germany, Turkey vs. Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Estonia, Spain vs. Armenia, Andorra vs. Belarus, Croatia vs. England, Kazakhstan vs. Ukraine, Faeroe Islands vs. Romania, France vs. Serbia, Lithuania vs. Austria, Montenegro vs. Ireland, Italy vs. Georgia, Iceland vs. Scotland, Macedonia vs. Netherlands. SOUTH AMERICA: Chile vs. Colombia, Uruguay vs. Ecuador, Brazil vs. Bolivia, Peru vs. Argentina. ASIA: Uzbekistan vs. Australia, Qatar vs. Bahrain, North Korea vs. South Korea, United Arab Emirates vs. Saudi Arabia. CONCACAF: Suriname vs. El Salvador, Haiti vs. Costa Rica, Honduras vs. Jamaica, Mexico vs. Canada, Guatemala vs. Cuba, United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago. OCEANIA: New Zealand vs. New Caledonia, Vanuatu vs. Fiji. Rovereto, Italy -- athletics, EAA, Palio Citta della Quercia. thru 14, Myslowice, Poland -- beach volleyball, women's open. THURSDAY, Sept. 11 thru 14, Cologne, Germany -- golf, PGA European, Mercedes-Benz Championship. thru 14, Mobile, Alabama -- golf, U.S. LPGA, Bell Micro LPGA Classic. FRIDAY, Sept. 12 thru 14, Conover, North Carolina -- golf, Champions, Greater Hickory Classic. SATURDAY, Sept. 13 Brisbane, Australia -- rugby, Tri-Nations, Australia vs. New Zealand. thru 14, Stuttgart, Germany -- athletics, IAAF World Final. thru 14, Madrid, Spain -- tennis, Fed Cup final: Spain vs. Russia. Biloxi, Mississippi -- boxing, Nate Campbell vs. Joan Guzman for Campbell's IBF, WBO and WBA lightweight titles; Timothy Bradley vs. Edner Cherry for Bradley's WBC super lightweight title. Mafikeng, South Africa -- boxing, Cassius Baloyi vs. Javier Alvarez for Baloyi's IBF junior lightweight title. Doncaster, England -- horse racing, St. Leger. SUNDAY, Sept. 14 Monza, Italy -- auto racing, F1, Italian GP. Loudon, New Hampshire -- auto racing, NASCAR, Sylvania 300. Indianapolis -- motorcycling, MotoGP, Indianapolis GP thru 20, various sites, Poland -- cycling, Tour of Poland. London -- triathlon, World Cup. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080904.1193.LDC2009T13::2	 AP Weekly Sports Calendar 2008-09-04 23:02:39 UTC EDITORS: These are among the top sports events of the week. Coverage of most of these events will move on this circuit: FRIDAY, Sept. 5 thru 7, New York -- tennis, U.S. Open. Various sites, Africa -- football, World Cup qualifying: Zambia vs. Togo, Djibouti vs. Malawi, Libya vs. Ghana, Algeria vs. Senegal. Brussels, Belgium -- athletics, IAAF Golden League, Memorial Van Damme. thru 7, St. Louis -- golf, U.S. PGA, BMW Championship. thru 7, Crans sur Sierre, Switzerland -- golf, PGA European, European Masters. thru 21, various sites, Spain -- cycling, Spanish Vuelta. thru 6, various sites, Germany -- cycling, UCI ProTour, Tour of Germany. SATURDAY, Sept. 6 Various sites -- football, World Cup 2010 qualifiers: EUROPE: Albania vs. Sweden, Andorra vs, England, Armenia vs. Turkey, Austria vs. France, Belgium vs. Estonia, Croatia vs. Kazakhstan, Cyprus vs. Italy, Macedonia vs. Scotland, Georgia vs. Ireland (at Mainz, Germany), Hungary vs. Denmark, Israel vs. Switzerland, Liechtenstein vs. Germany, Luxembourg vs. Greece, Malta vs. Portugal, Moldova vs. Latvia, Montenegro vs. Bulgaria, Norway vs. Iceland, Poland vs. Slovenia, Romania vs. Lithuania, Serbia vs. Faeroe Islands, Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland, Spain vs. Bosnia- Herzegovina, Ukraine vs. Belarus, Wales vs. Azerbaijan. SOUTH AMERICA: Colombia vs. Uruguay, Ecuador vs. Bolivia, Peru vs. Venezuela, Argentina vs. Paraguay. AFRICA: Cape Verde Islands vs. Cameroon, Mauritius vs. Tanzania, Kenya vs. Namibia, Sierra Leone vs. Equatorial Guinea, South Africa vs. Nigeria, Gambia vs. Liberia, Mauritania vs. Rwanda, Burkina Faso vs. Tunisia, Seychelles vs. Burundi, Chad vs. Sudan. CONCACAF: Canada vs. Honduras, Jamaica vs. Mexico, Cuba vs. United States, Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guatemala, Costa Rica vs. Suriname, El Salvador vs. Haiti. ASIA: Bahrain vs. Japan, Qatar vs. Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia vs. Iran, United Arab Emirates vs. North Korea. OCEANIA: New Caledonia vs. New Zealand, Fiji vs. Vanuatu. Darwin, Australia -- cricket, Australia vs. Bangladesh, 3rd ODI. Richmond, Virginia -- auto racing, NASCAR, Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Manchester, England -- boxing, Alex Arthur vs. Nicky Cook for WBO super-featherweight title. thru 17, Beijing -- Paralympic Games. SUNDAY, Sept. 7 Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium -- auto racing, F1, Belgian GP. Joliet, Illinois -- auto racing, IRL, Chicagoland 300. Various sites -- football, World Cup qualifying: SOUTH AMERICA: Chile vs. Brazil. AFRICA: Madagascar vs. Botswana, Zimbabwe vs. Guinea, Lesotho vs. Gabon, Mozambique vs. Ivory Coast, Republic of Congo vs. Mali, Congo vs. Egypt, Benin vs. Angola, Niger vs. Uganda. Donington, England -- motorcycling, superbikes world championship. Rieti, Italy -- athletics, IAAF Grand Prix, Rieti 2008. Hamburg, Germany -- cycling, UCI ProTour, Vattenfall Classic. MONDAY, Sept. 8 thru 14, Bucharest, Romania -- tennis, ATP, BCR Romania Open. thru 14, Bali, Indonesia -- tennis, WTA, Commonwealth Bank Classic. TUESDAY, Sept. 9 Asuncion, Paraguay -- football, World Cup qualifier: SOUTH AMERICA: Paraguay vs. Venezuela. Zagreb, Croatia -- athletics, IAAF Grand Prix, Zagreb 2008. WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 Various sites -- football, World Cup 2010 qualifiers: EUROPE: Sweden vs. Hungary, Albania vs. Malta, Portugal vs. Denmark, Moldova vs. Israel, Latvia vs. Greece, Switzerland vs. Luxembourg, San Marino vs. Poland, Northern Ireland vs. Czech Republic, Slovenia vs. Slovakia, Azerbaijan vs. Liechtenstein, Finland vs. Germany, Turkey vs. Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Estonia, Spain vs. Armenia, Andorra vs. Belarus, Croatia vs. England, Kazakhstan vs. Ukraine, Faeroe Islands vs. Romania, France vs. Serbia, Lithuania vs. Austria, Montenegro vs. Ireland, Italy vs. Georgia, Iceland vs. Scotland, Macedonia vs. Netherlands. SOUTH AMERICA: Chile vs. Colombia, Uruguay vs. Ecuador, Brazil vs. Bolivia, Peru vs. Argentina. ASIA: Uzbekistan vs. Australia, Qatar vs. Bahrain, North Korea vs. South Korea, United Arab Emirates vs. Saudi Arabia. CONCACAF: Suriname vs. El Salvador, Haiti vs. Costa Rica, Honduras vs. Jamaica, Mexico vs. Canada, Guatemala vs. Cuba, United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago. OCEANIA: New Zealand vs. New Caledonia, Vanuatu vs. Fiji. Rovereto, Italy -- athletics, EAA, Palio Citta della Quercia. thru 14, Myslowice, Poland -- beach volleyball, women's open. THURSDAY, Sept. 11 thru 14, Cologne, Germany -- golf, PGA European, Mercedes-Benz Championship. thru 14, Mobile, Alabama -- golf, U.S. LPGA, Bell Micro LPGA Classic. FRIDAY, Sept. 12 thru 14, Conover, North Carolina -- golf, Champions, Greater Hickory Classic. SATURDAY, Sept. 13 Brisbane, Australia -- rugby, Tri-Nations, Australia vs. New Zealand. thru 14, Stuttgart, Germany -- athletics, IAAF World Final. thru 14, Madrid, Spain -- tennis, Fed Cup final: Spain vs. Russia. Biloxi, Mississippi -- boxing, Nate Campbell vs. Joan Guzman for Campbell's IBF, WBO and WBA lightweight titles; Timothy Bradley vs. Edner Cherry for Bradley's WBC super lightweight title. Mafikeng, South Africa -- boxing, Cassius Baloyi vs. Javier Alvarez for Baloyi's IBF junior lightweight title. Doncaster, England -- horse racing, St. Leger. SUNDAY, Sept. 14 Monza, Italy -- auto racing, F1, Italian GP. Loudon, New Hampshire -- auto racing, NASCAR, Sylvania 300. Indianapolis -- motorcycling, MotoGP, Indianapolis GP thru 20, various sites, Poland -- cycling, Tour of Poland. London -- triathlon, World Cup. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071130.0529.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: French 1998 World Cup winners poised to reunite Members of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team have been invited to reunite for two friendly matches in Tahiti and New Caledonia next May, the Oceania Football Confederation said Friday. World Cup winners Lionel Charbonnier and Christian Karembeu joined OFC President Reynald Temarii in Tahiti to launch the matches to honour Tahitian-born France international Pascal Vaihirua and New Caledonia's Karembeu. Karembeu, the former Real Madrid midfielder, has played an active role in humanitarian causes for the OFC and FIFA and is honoured team-mates from the golden era of French football are likely to play in the benefit match. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to give something back to the people of Oceania and for the team from '98 to again enjoy each other's friendship," Karembeu said in an OFC statement. "These two matches will give something back to the people." Tahiti federation technical director Charbonnier, the third- choice goalkeeper in the 1998 French squad, said he was delighted to be involved. The former France, Auxerre and Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper said he was looking forward to seeing many of his former team-mates in such an idyllic setting. "This will be great for the team from '98 to be together again and I think it is the first time a world champion team has come to Oceania," Charbonnier said in the statement. France '98 will play a Pascal Vaihirua XI at Stade Pater, Tahiti, on May 26 and another match is scheduled for New Caledonia against a Christian Karembeu XI in Noumea. Organisers have sent out invitations to Zinedine Zidane, Fabien Barthez, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps, Emmanuel Petit, Karembeu, Alain Boghossian, Marcel Desailly, Charbonnier, Robert Pires, Youri Djorkaeff, Christophe Dugarry, Franck Lebeouf, Sylvain Wiltord, Vincent Candela, Bernard Lama, Bernard Diomede, David Trezeguet, Patrick Vieira and Stephane Guivarch. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071130.0529.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: French 1998 World Cup winners poised to reunite Members of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team have been invited to reunite for two friendly matches in Tahiti and New Caledonia next May, the Oceania Football Confederation said Friday. World Cup winners Lionel Charbonnier and Christian Karembeu joined OFC President Reynald Temarii in Tahiti to launch the matches to honour Tahitian-born France international Pascal Vaihirua and New Caledonia's Karembeu. Karembeu, the former Real Madrid midfielder, has played an active role in humanitarian causes for the OFC and FIFA and is honoured team-mates from the golden era of French football are likely to play in the benefit match. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to give something back to the people of Oceania and for the team from '98 to again enjoy each other's friendship," Karembeu said in an OFC statement. "These two matches will give something back to the people." Tahiti federation technical director Charbonnier, the third- choice goalkeeper in the 1998 French squad, said he was delighted to be involved. The former France, Auxerre and Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper said he was looking forward to seeing many of his former team-mates in such an idyllic setting. "This will be great for the team from '98 to be together again and I think it is the first time a world champion team has come to Oceania," Charbonnier said in the statement. France '98 will play a Pascal Vaihirua XI at Stade Pater, Tahiti, on May 26 and another match is scheduled for New Caledonia against a Christian Karembeu XI in Noumea. Organisers have sent out invitations to Zinedine Zidane, Fabien Barthez, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps, Emmanuel Petit, Karembeu, Alain Boghossian, Marcel Desailly, Charbonnier, Robert Pires, Youri Djorkaeff, Christophe Dugarry, Franck Lebeouf, Sylvain Wiltord, Vincent Candela, Bernard Lama, Bernard Diomede, David Trezeguet, Patrick Vieira and Stephane Guivarch. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071130.0529.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: French 1998 World Cup winners poised to reunite Members of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team have been invited to reunite for two friendly matches in Tahiti and New Caledonia next May, the Oceania Football Confederation said Friday. World Cup winners Lionel Charbonnier and Christian Karembeu joined OFC President Reynald Temarii in Tahiti to launch the matches to honour Tahitian-born France international Pascal Vaihirua and New Caledonia's Karembeu. Karembeu, the former Real Madrid midfielder, has played an active role in humanitarian causes for the OFC and FIFA and is honoured team-mates from the golden era of French football are likely to play in the benefit match. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to give something back to the people of Oceania and for the team from '98 to again enjoy each other's friendship," Karembeu said in an OFC statement. "These two matches will give something back to the people." Tahiti federation technical director Charbonnier, the third- choice goalkeeper in the 1998 French squad, said he was delighted to be involved. The former France, Auxerre and Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper said he was looking forward to seeing many of his former team-mates in such an idyllic setting. "This will be great for the team from '98 to be together again and I think it is the first time a world champion team has come to Oceania," Charbonnier said in the statement. France '98 will play a Pascal Vaihirua XI at Stade Pater, Tahiti, on May 26 and another match is scheduled for New Caledonia against a Christian Karembeu XI in Noumea. Organisers have sent out invitations to Zinedine Zidane, Fabien Barthez, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps, Emmanuel Petit, Karembeu, Alain Boghossian, Marcel Desailly, Charbonnier, Robert Pires, Youri Djorkaeff, Christophe Dugarry, Franck Lebeouf, Sylvain Wiltord, Vincent Candela, Bernard Lama, Bernard Diomede, David Trezeguet, Patrick Vieira and Stephane Guivarch. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0306.LDC2009T13::1	 France adopts election reform for New Caledonia The French Congress on Monday adopted a constitutional amendment that restricts voters' rights in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Under the measure adopted in a joint session of the Senate and the National Assembly, the electoral roll for the 2009 and 2014 local elections will be restricted to those voters who were on the 1998 list and have lived in the French territory for 10 continuous years. The change was intended to satisfy demands from Kanak independence supporters under the terms of the 1998 Noumea power- sharing accord that ended a brief period of turmoil on the archipelago of some 232,000 inhabitants. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 724 to 91 -- well above the three-fifths required to pass the bill. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070219.0306.LDC2009T13::2	 France adopts election reform for New Caledonia The French Congress on Monday adopted a constitutional amendment that restricts voters' rights in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Under the measure adopted in a joint session of the Senate and the National Assembly, the electoral roll for the 2009 and 2014 local elections will be restricted to those voters who were on the 1998 list and have lived in the French territory for 10 continuous years. The change was intended to satisfy demands from Kanak independence supporters under the terms of the 1998 Noumea power- sharing accord that ended a brief period of turmoil on the archipelago of some 232,000 inhabitants. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 724 to 91 -- well above the three-fifths required to pass the bill. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070821.0377.LDC2009T13::1	 New Caledonia's Congress elects new cabinet CANBERRA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) New Caledonia's Congress has elected a new 11- member cabinet. The cabinet consists of seven pro-French and four pro- independence MPs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio reported Wednesday. It was also the second time the 54-seat Congress had to form a government in as many weeks. New Caledonia's MPs had to use a newly-installed polling booth and place their ballots in individual envelopes. It follows changes to the voting process hurriedly endorsed last week. The revised voting process was introduced to avoid a repeat of a blunder that occurred two weeks ago and led to the resignation of three pro-independence members, according to ABC. Located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, New Caledonia, the French overseas territory, has a land area of 18,575.5 square kms and a population of around 240,400. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070821.0377.LDC2009T13::2	 New Caledonia's Congress elects new cabinet CANBERRA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) New Caledonia's Congress has elected a new 11- member cabinet. The cabinet consists of seven pro-French and four pro- independence MPs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio reported Wednesday. It was also the second time the 54-seat Congress had to form a government in as many weeks. New Caledonia's MPs had to use a newly-installed polling booth and place their ballots in individual envelopes. It follows changes to the voting process hurriedly endorsed last week. The revised voting process was introduced to avoid a repeat of a blunder that occurred two weeks ago and led to the resignation of three pro-independence members, according to ABC. Located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, New Caledonia, the French overseas territory, has a land area of 18,575.5 square kms and a population of around 240,400. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070821.0377.LDC2009T13::3	 New Caledonia's Congress elects new cabinet CANBERRA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) New Caledonia's Congress has elected a new 11- member cabinet. The cabinet consists of seven pro-French and four pro- independence MPs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio reported Wednesday. It was also the second time the 54-seat Congress had to form a government in as many weeks. New Caledonia's MPs had to use a newly-installed polling booth and place their ballots in individual envelopes. It follows changes to the voting process hurriedly endorsed last week. The revised voting process was introduced to avoid a repeat of a blunder that occurred two weeks ago and led to the resignation of three pro-independence members, according to ABC. Located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, New Caledonia, the French overseas territory, has a land area of 18,575.5 square kms and a population of around 240,400. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070821.0377.LDC2009T13::4	 New Caledonia's Congress elects new cabinet CANBERRA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) New Caledonia's Congress has elected a new 11- member cabinet. The cabinet consists of seven pro-French and four pro- independence MPs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio reported Wednesday. It was also the second time the 54-seat Congress had to form a government in as many weeks. New Caledonia's MPs had to use a newly-installed polling booth and place their ballots in individual envelopes. It follows changes to the voting process hurriedly endorsed last week. The revised voting process was introduced to avoid a repeat of a blunder that occurred two weeks ago and led to the resignation of three pro-independence members, according to ABC. Located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, New Caledonia, the French overseas territory, has a land area of 18,575.5 square kms and a population of around 240,400. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070909.0103.LDC2009T13::1	 Roundup: South Pacific islanders live the dream in sports By Xia Wenhui APIA, Samoa, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The flame of 13th South Pacific Games went out Saturday evening to end the grand sports party, while the Games' theme "Live the Dream" keeps alive for good in the region. The two-week competition resulted in New Caledonia maintaining its traditional dominance to stretch out to 90 gold and 227 medals all up. The nearest rival Tahiti captured 44 gold and the host Samoa was placed third with 43 gold, 25 more than its gold booty of 18 in 12th Games in Fiji. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Tonga were positioned from the 4th to 10th. Twenty-one countries and territories harvested the 908 medals of the Games and Northern Marianas is the only one going back without crop. This was a session with legendary stories. Fiji's star sprinter Jone Delai received his best birthday gift by winning the gold. The 40-year-old veteran sprinter shows that age does not matter when the heart still beats with fire to race, Delai said he will not stop and is looking to sign off from sprinting in the Beijing Olympics. Athletes of Tokelau won two gold medals at lawn bowls events, making history by winning the gold since the South Pacific Games started in 1963. History was also made for Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi in his non-political career by winning a silver medal in archery's mixed recurve team matchplay. "I'm very happy with the medal and also thankful to 22 Chinese coaches help our athletes for better scores and more medals," said Tuilaepa, adding the friendships were witnessed and consolidated in sports. Friendship has been one of the initiatives giving birth to the South Pacific Games from the South Pacific Conference in Rabaul, Papua New Guine in 1959, aiming at "creating bonds of kindred friendship and brotherhood" amongst people of the countries of the Pacific region through sporting exchange without any distinctions as to race, religion, or politics. The first South Pacific Games was held in Suva, Fiji in 1963. Many of the competing island nations used either the British or French flags and anthems with the exception of Samoa, the first island achieving independence in the South Pacific. The 770 competitors and officials from 12 countries attended the games. Every four years the Pacific comes for the Games, a multi-sport event that is by its very design of and for the Pacific. And sports program has been developed over forty years. The 11th South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji saw for the first time the introduction of a full program of 32 sports. That program included sports that are synonymous with the Pacific, thus widely supported within the region as well as sports that have a limited participation and generally not well established. The 13th South Pacific Games commands nearly 5,000 participants, 32 sporting events and 22 Pacific Island nations and Territories. Despite all the changes, the perpetual spirit of cultural friendship through sports remains the essence of the games. New Caledonia is to host the 2011 South Pacific Games following a vote by the Games Council in 2005. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070909.0103.LDC2009T13::2	 Roundup: South Pacific islanders live the dream in sports By Xia Wenhui APIA, Samoa, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The flame of 13th South Pacific Games went out Saturday evening to end the grand sports party, while the Games' theme "Live the Dream" keeps alive for good in the region. The two-week competition resulted in New Caledonia maintaining its traditional dominance to stretch out to 90 gold and 227 medals all up. The nearest rival Tahiti captured 44 gold and the host Samoa was placed third with 43 gold, 25 more than its gold booty of 18 in 12th Games in Fiji. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Tonga were positioned from the 4th to 10th. Twenty-one countries and territories harvested the 908 medals of the Games and Northern Marianas is the only one going back without crop. This was a session with legendary stories. Fiji's star sprinter Jone Delai received his best birthday gift by winning the gold. The 40-year-old veteran sprinter shows that age does not matter when the heart still beats with fire to race, Delai said he will not stop and is looking to sign off from sprinting in the Beijing Olympics. Athletes of Tokelau won two gold medals at lawn bowls events, making history by winning the gold since the South Pacific Games started in 1963. History was also made for Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi in his non-political career by winning a silver medal in archery's mixed recurve team matchplay. "I'm very happy with the medal and also thankful to 22 Chinese coaches help our athletes for better scores and more medals," said Tuilaepa, adding the friendships were witnessed and consolidated in sports. Friendship has been one of the initiatives giving birth to the South Pacific Games from the South Pacific Conference in Rabaul, Papua New Guine in 1959, aiming at "creating bonds of kindred friendship and brotherhood" amongst people of the countries of the Pacific region through sporting exchange without any distinctions as to race, religion, or politics. The first South Pacific Games was held in Suva, Fiji in 1963. Many of the competing island nations used either the British or French flags and anthems with the exception of Samoa, the first island achieving independence in the South Pacific. The 770 competitors and officials from 12 countries attended the games. Every four years the Pacific comes for the Games, a multi-sport event that is by its very design of and for the Pacific. And sports program has been developed over forty years. The 11th South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji saw for the first time the introduction of a full program of 32 sports. That program included sports that are synonymous with the Pacific, thus widely supported within the region as well as sports that have a limited participation and generally not well established. The 13th South Pacific Games commands nearly 5,000 participants, 32 sporting events and 22 Pacific Island nations and Territories. Despite all the changes, the perpetual spirit of cultural friendship through sports remains the essence of the games. New Caledonia is to host the 2011 South Pacific Games following a vote by the Games Council in 2005. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0100.LDC2009T13::1	 China's Jinchuan in deal on New Caledonia nickel Top nickel exporter SMSP has begun talks with China's Jinchuan on building a nickel treatment plant, the head of the company based in New Caledonia said Friday. Andre Dang told AFP that Societe Miniere du sud Pacifique (SMPS) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Jinchuan late last year on the feasibility of building a factory to process laterite ore. World nickel production usually comes from sulphide ore but experts in the sector believe most of the expansion in capacity in the next decade will come from processing laterite ore, which usually has less of the metal. Dang said any plant would likely not be built in New Caledonia but in Australia due to the problem of waste disposal although the laterite would come from the French territory. Jinchuan is China's largest nickel producer with annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. It also produces copper, cobalt and platinum. SMSP is among the world's biggest nickel ore exporters with key clients in Australia, Japan and Ukraine. It has been supplying the Chinese market since last June through an accord with China's Ningbo. Dang said SMSP had already exported 300,000 tonnes of ore there with another 140,000 tonnes due to leave next month. New Caledonia, around 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) east of Australia, holds some 25 percent of the world's nickel reserves but environmentalists say the mining is causing serious damage. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0100.LDC2009T13::2	 China's Jinchuan in deal on New Caledonia nickel Top nickel exporter SMSP has begun talks with China's Jinchuan on building a nickel treatment plant, the head of the company based in New Caledonia said Friday. Andre Dang told AFP that Societe Miniere du sud Pacifique (SMPS) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Jinchuan late last year on the feasibility of building a factory to process laterite ore. World nickel production usually comes from sulphide ore but experts in the sector believe most of the expansion in capacity in the next decade will come from processing laterite ore, which usually has less of the metal. Dang said any plant would likely not be built in New Caledonia but in Australia due to the problem of waste disposal although the laterite would come from the French territory. Jinchuan is China's largest nickel producer with annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. It also produces copper, cobalt and platinum. SMSP is among the world's biggest nickel ore exporters with key clients in Australia, Japan and Ukraine. It has been supplying the Chinese market since last June through an accord with China's Ningbo. Dang said SMSP had already exported 300,000 tonnes of ore there with another 140,000 tonnes due to leave next month. New Caledonia, around 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) east of Australia, holds some 25 percent of the world's nickel reserves but environmentalists say the mining is causing serious damage. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0100.LDC2009T13::3	 China's Jinchuan in deal on New Caledonia nickel Top nickel exporter SMSP has begun talks with China's Jinchuan on building a nickel treatment plant, the head of the company based in New Caledonia said Friday. Andre Dang told AFP that Societe Miniere du sud Pacifique (SMPS) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Jinchuan late last year on the feasibility of building a factory to process laterite ore. World nickel production usually comes from sulphide ore but experts in the sector believe most of the expansion in capacity in the next decade will come from processing laterite ore, which usually has less of the metal. Dang said any plant would likely not be built in New Caledonia but in Australia due to the problem of waste disposal although the laterite would come from the French territory. Jinchuan is China's largest nickel producer with annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. It also produces copper, cobalt and platinum. SMSP is among the world's biggest nickel ore exporters with key clients in Australia, Japan and Ukraine. It has been supplying the Chinese market since last June through an accord with China's Ningbo. Dang said SMSP had already exported 300,000 tonnes of ore there with another 140,000 tonnes due to leave next month. New Caledonia, around 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) east of Australia, holds some 25 percent of the world's nickel reserves but environmentalists say the mining is causing serious damage. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070112.0100.LDC2009T13::4	 China's Jinchuan in deal on New Caledonia nickel Top nickel exporter SMSP has begun talks with China's Jinchuan on building a nickel treatment plant, the head of the company based in New Caledonia said Friday. Andre Dang told AFP that Societe Miniere du sud Pacifique (SMPS) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Jinchuan late last year on the feasibility of building a factory to process laterite ore. World nickel production usually comes from sulphide ore but experts in the sector believe most of the expansion in capacity in the next decade will come from processing laterite ore, which usually has less of the metal. Dang said any plant would likely not be built in New Caledonia but in Australia due to the problem of waste disposal although the laterite would come from the French territory. Jinchuan is China's largest nickel producer with annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. It also produces copper, cobalt and platinum. SMSP is among the world's biggest nickel ore exporters with key clients in Australia, Japan and Ukraine. It has been supplying the Chinese market since last June through an accord with China's Ningbo. Dang said SMSP had already exported 300,000 tonnes of ore there with another 140,000 tonnes due to leave next month. New Caledonia, around 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) east of Australia, holds some 25 percent of the world's nickel reserves but environmentalists say the mining is causing serious damage. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071109.0553.LDC2009T13::1	 AFP news calendar The AFP news calendar Monday, November 12 ANKARA: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas visits (until Nov 13). ANKARA: Israeli President Shimon Peres visits (until Nov 13). BEIRUT: Parliament session to elect a president to replace current head of state Emile Lahoud. BERLIN: Franco-German ministerial meeting. BRASILIA: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Brazil (until Nov 14). BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers meet. DUBAI: Dubai Air show continues (to 15). GENEVA: Christie's set to auction off a watch belonging to Empress Josephine which is estimated to sell at 120,000 to 240,000 euros (176,000 to 353,000 dollars) GENEVA: Annual report on demining in the world (at 0900 GMT). KRAKOW, Poland: Results released at the Czartoryski Museum after Leonardo Da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" is photographed by a revolutionary camera. LONDON: Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany visits. NEW DELHI: The sixth annual conference on economic integration opens (to Nov 13). OSLO: Norway's Lutheran Church opens its synod where it is to discuss the ordination of homosexual pastors and bishops (to 17). NEW DELHI: India reports September industrial output data. NEW DELHI: India hosts the sixth annual conference on Asian Economic Integration (until Nov 13). NEW YORK: Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno pays visit to New York and UN. NOUAKCHOTT: A tripartite agreement is signed between Mauritania, Senegal, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that serves as a judicial framework on repatriating Mauritanian refugees from Senegal. PARIS: Trial opens of Yvan Colonna, alleged killer of Corsican prefect Claude Erignac. STRASBOURG: European parliament holds its plenary monthly session (to Nov 15). TOKYO: Japan releases September balance of payments data. TOKYO: Bank of Japan begins two-day policy board meeting. VALENCIA, Spain: International Panel on Climate Change meets to adopt final version of latest report on world's climate (to 17). Tuesday, November 13 AMMAN: Red Cross news conference on the situation in Iraq. BRUSSELS: EU finance ministers meet. BRUSSELS: European Union Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding presents a project on reforming the telecommunications market. COPENHAGEN: Danish legislative elections. HERZILIYA, Israel: Annual conference on global terrorism with several Israeli officials expected to attend, including Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. HOUSTON, Texas: US presidential candidates to speak on energy. KABUL: The sixth anniversary of the fall of Taliban-controlled Kabul. LONDON: The Eurostar rail line to Waterloo Station is officially closed so arrivals (from Nov 14) will now arrive at St. Pancras station on a high speed rail line. MADRID: Lese-majeste trial of two cartoonists who caricatured Crown Prince Felipe and his wife making love. MALE: An association of small island states meets in the Maldives capital to discuss environmental issues (until Nov 14). OSLO: Statistics due to be published on the number of women on the boards of directors in publicly listed companies in Norway, just six weeks before a new law requires them to have at least 40 percent women on their boards. SINGAPORE: ASEAN defence ministers' meeting (to 15). THE HAGUE: Procedural hearing of Sierra Leone war crimes court in case against former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor. TOKYO: Bank of Japan governor Toshihiko Fukui holds a press conference following policy board decision. TOKYO: Japan releases preliminary statistics on gross domestic product for July- September quarter. VIENNA: Press conference scheduled at the end of the 29th Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). WARSAW: Russian inspections of Polish meat exporting companies begin. Wednesday, November 14 AUCKLAND: Census of Marine Life world conference (until Nov 16). CAIRO: Trial resumes of Egyptian newspaper editor Ibrahim Eissa charged with damaging the economy by spreading rumours about President Hosni Mubarak's health. LISBON: East Timor President Ramos Horta visits (to 15). LONDON: First international day of responsible tourism, coinciding with tourism fair in London. LONDON: St. Pancras station opens for the high-speed Eurostar trains. LOS ANGELES: Press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show (until 15). NEW DELHI:The Confederation of Indian Industry hosts a conference on the field of business knowledge management (until Nov 16). RABAT: Trial of nine Islamists, including a Tunisian, on terrorism charges. RIYADH: Labour ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council meet for talks in Saudi Arabia. SEOUL: Prime ministers of North and South Korea meet to follow up on agreements made at a landmark October summit (to Nov 16). SINGAPORE: Property firm City Developments to report third- quarter earnings. SOFIA: Orthodox Church head Bartholomew I visits. TOKYO: The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, expected to visit Japan. TUNIS: Trial resumes in the case of Abdallah Hajji, formerly held at US-run Guantanamo Detention Facility repatriated back to Tunisia at the end of June. YANGON: Myanmar opens gems and jade auction (until Nov 26). Thursday, November 15 ARUSHA, Tanzania: US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson tours Arusha (until 16), then South Africa (on the 17th and 18th) and Ghana (the 19th). GENEVA: Ministerial meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) emerging countries in a final effort to negotiate at the WTO. GWALIOR, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan fourth One-Day International. HONG KONG: Golf. UBS Hong Kong Open (until Nov 18). ISLAMABAD: Official end of Pervez Musharraf's term as Pakistan's president, and end of the term of the current lower house of parliament. LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Democratic presidential candidates hold debate. LISBON: The EU Presidency holds an international conference on the "European Year of Equality" (until Nov 16). LONDON: The Tutankhamen exhibition opens at the 02 Arena (until August 30, 2008). LYON, France: Launching of Beaujolais Nouveau 2007. MACAU: Motor Racing. Macau Grand Prix (until Nov 18). MADRID: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) meeting opens (to 17). NEW DELHI: India's winter session of parliament begins. RABAT: Trial begins of Islamist group Ansar El Mahdi. ROVANIEMI, Finland: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits with his Finnish counterpart Ilkka Kanerva. TUNIS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits. Friday, November 16 ATHENS: Opening of 48th international film festival in Greece's second city Salonika (to 25). AVIGNON, France: Deliberation in the trial of Rindy Sam, the woman who kissed (with lipstick) an American Cy Twombly painting. BRATISLAVA: Hungary Minister of Foreign affairs Kinga Goncz visits. HELSINKI: EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn visits, to hold a press conference on Turkey, Kosovo and Serbia. HOBART, Australia: Cricket. Australia v Sri Lanka. Second Test (until Nov 20). LONDON: Appeals hearing opens on decision to extradite Algerian businessman Rafik Khalifa. SINGAPORE: Government to report key trade statistics for October. SINGAPORE: ASEAN Business and Investment Summit involving the region's top executives. TALLINN: Trial begins of alleged authors of rioting over the removal of a Soviet war memorial. VALENCIA, Spain: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits. WASHINGTON: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda meets with US President George W. Bush. YEREVAN: Opposition scheduled to protest. Saturday, November 17 CARACAS: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez leaves on international trip that includes OPEC meeting in Riyadh followed by visits to France, Britain and Portugal. GENOA, Italy: The radical left demonstrates in favour of 25 people accused of rioting during the G8 Summit in Genoa during July 2001. GOSFORD, Australia: Football. Olympic qualifier. Australia v Iraq. HERNING, Denmark: Ruling Liberal Party holds annual congress (to Nov 18). LJUBLJANA: Protests against the high cost of living and low salaries. ODENSE, Denmark: Conference on the former East German secret police, Stasi, with former agents taking part and organised by the Odense University Centre for Cold War Studies (and 18). PORT VILA: Football. World cup qualifier. Vanuatu v New Zealand PRAGUE: Demonstration against US missile project. PRISTINA, Serbia: Legislative and municipal elections in Kosovo. RIYADH: OPEC summit opens (and 18). ROME: Opposition Forza Italia party organises anti-government demonstrations across Italy (to 18). STOCKHOLM: Stockholm International Film Festival opens, paying special homage to the late legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman (to 25). SUVA: Football. World Cup qualifier. Fiji v New Caledonia Sunday, November 18 ALBUFEIRA, Portugal: Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting on migration (to 19). AMMAN: International conference on landmines on the border of the Dead Sea (to 22). BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan: The projected rocket launch of Proton Breeze M with European telecommunications satellite Sirius 4. JAIPUR, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan. fifth One-Day International. KIPI, Greece: Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially open the Greco- Turk pipeline to transport natural gas from Azerbaijan and other Caucasus producers to Europe and the West. SINGAPORE: 13th ASEAN summit and related meetings. (until Nov 21) TOKYO: Athletics. Tokyo international women's marathon. TUNIS: Tunisian environmental ministry hosts international conference on protecting Africa and the Mediterranean region from climate change (to 20). Monday, November 19 BRUSSELS: The Council of General Affairs and Exterior Relations to meet with the ministers of defence and development. KATHMANDU: Winter session of Nepal's parliament begins. MANILA: International medical conference (until Nov 23). NEW YORK: International Emmy television awards. PARIS: Central African Republic President Francois Bozize visits. SINGAPORE: World Toilet Organisation holds World Toilet Day to help promote global sanitation. VALENCIA, Spain: International renewable energy conference Expoenergetica opens (until Nov 21). VIENNA: International Atomic Energy Agency board meets (to 21). Tuesday, November 20 AMMAN: Jordan holds parliamentary elections. ASWAN, Egypt: Czech President Vaclav Klaus and a delegation of businessmen visit the southern region of Aswan to discuss investment opportunities. BRUSSELS: European Commission presents its proposals for improving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). BRUSSELS: The Kosovo Troika (US, Russia, EU) meets with Serbs and Kosovars. CAIRO: "Made in India" exhibition brings over 80 Indian companies to Cairo seeking to export products to Egypt. GENEVA: Ministerial meeting of World Trade Organization (WTO) on behalf of developing countries. IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn and World Bank President Robert Zoellick and developing country ministers expected to attend. KUALA LUMPUR: Fifth Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Palm Oil (until Nov 22). KUALA LUMPUR: Tennis. Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet play in exhibition match. LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at Westminster Abbey. MANAMA: Second hearing in the Bahrain trial of five people charged with belonging to the Al-Qaeda network and plotting attacks. NEW YORK: A painting by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, stolen 20 years ago and found in the trash, is to be auctioned by Sotheby's, with an estimated one million dollar (682,000 euro) price tag. OSLO: The foreign press meets with Nobel Institute Director Geir Lunddestand at 1300 GMT. PARIS: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visits. PHNOM PENH: Bail hearing to be held for jailed Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch. SEOUL: Tennis. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras play exhibition match. THE HAGUE: International Criminal Court procedural hearings in case against Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga. VALLE DE LOS CAIDOS, Spain: Possibly the last Extreme-Right assembly in Valle de los Caidos to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Spanish dictator Franciso Franco's death, due to new Spanish legislation on Franco's victims. VIENNA: King and Queen of Sweden visit (to 22). VIENTIANE: Meeting of ministers from Francophone nations (until Nov 21). VILNIUS: Hungarian Prime Minister Frenc Gyurcsany visits. Wednesday, November 21 AMSTERDAM: Conference on the European carbon dioxide emissions trading market (to 22). ATHENS: Former Getty Museum curator Marion True in court over acquisition of stolen crown. NOUMEA: Football. World Cup qualifier. New Caledonia v Fiji. PARIS: Trial opens of two Iranians accused of encouraging an opponent to commit suicide by self-immolation in June 2003. SEOUL: Football. Olympic qualifier. South Korea v Bahrain. TOKYO: Japan releases October trade statistics. TOKYO: Football. Olympic qualifier. Japan v Saudi Arabia. TUNIS: Preparatory regional meeting on the International Conference of Tokyo on African development slated for May in Japan. WELLINGTON: Football. World Cup qualifier. New Zealand v Vanuatu. Thursday, November 22 AMSTERDAM: International documentary film festival. BEIRUT: Lebanese Independence Day. DAKAR: African summit to boost Nepad economic partnership scheme. HANOI: End of Vietnamese National Assembly session. LISBON: Reopening of postponed trial of two French accused of murdering a compatriot in his boat off the Portuguese coast. LISBON: FRONTEX, the EU border security organisation, meets. MELBOURNE: Golf. Australian Masters (until Nov 25). NEW DELHI: Cricket. India v Pakistan. first Test (until Nov 26). SHENZHEN, China: Golf. World Cup (until Nov 25). SINGAPORE: ASEAN-EU mark 30 years of diplomatic ties with summit. UNITED NATIONS: The 40th anniversary of UN Resolution 242, stipulating that Israel must evacuate the Palestinian Territories. Friday, November 23 CHIBA, Japan: Athletics. Chiba road relay race. COPENHAGEN: Final court date in the trial of four young Muslims charged with planning terrorist bombings in Denmark or abroad. KAMPALA: Commonwealth Summit, with British Queen Elizabeth II and her son Prince Charles expected to attend (until Nov 25). STUTTGART, Germany: German Green party congress. TOKYO: Thanksgiving Day, public holiday. VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI meets with cardinals to discuss relations with other Christian churches. Saturday, November 24 BEIRUT: Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's mandate ends. CANBERRA: Australian general election. MACAU: Tennis. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras play in exhibition match at Venetian arena. PHNOM PENH: Volleyball. Disabled World Cup tournament begins (until Dec 2). ROME: National demonstration against violence against women. TOKYO: Football. J-league matches. TOKYO: Japan Cup horse racing. Sunday, November 25 BEIJING: French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits. BUCHAREST: European parliament elections. CHICAGO: Annual radiology conference (Until 30). COLOMBO: Cricket. England play tour match. SEOUL: Registration of candidates for December 19 presidential election (until Nov 26). TOKYO: Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet makes five-day visit to Japan. TOKYO: Horse racing. Japan Cup. ZAGREB: General elections in Croatia. Monday, November 26 ANNAPOLIS, Maryland: International meeting on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. BRUSSELS: European agricultural ministers meet (to 27). BUCHAREST: Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema visits. LIMA: Court case opens against former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori on human rights abuses he allegedly committed while in power before fleeing to Japan. WELLINGTON: New Zealand trade data for October released. Tuesday, November 27 LONDON: British Fashion Awards ceremony for the best and brightest in the British fashion industry. SEOUL: Campaigning for December 19 presidential election officially starts. SINGAPORE: Asian Festival of 1st Films (until Dec 4). SYDNEY: Football. Sydney FC v LA Galaxy TAIPEI: Baseball. Olympic qualifying tournament (until Dec 3). WINDHOEK: The SWAPO party, currently in power in Namibia, holds its annual meeting (until Nov 30). Wednesday, November 28 BANGKOK: Tennis. Inaugural Tennis Asia Cup (until Dec 2). BRUSSELS: Mini plenary session of European parliament. EILAT, Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivers annual address to foreign media. LONDON: Christie's auctions off Faberge egg, valued at an estimated six to nine million pounds (8.6 to 12.9 million euros, 12.6 to 19 million dollars) SYDNEY: Football. Asian Football Confederation awards night. TUNIS: Finance ministers from the five countries of the Maghreb Union, including Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya, meet for a conference on an IMF private sector initiative. Thursday, November 29 ALGIERS: Communal and departmental council elections. BANGKOK: Thailand's International Motor Expo, Asia's second- largest car show (until Dec 19). BANGKOK: Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan set to marry former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova. BRUSSELS: European transportation ministers meet (to 30). KUALA LUMPUR: Hockey. Champions Trophy (until Dec 9). MADRID: The 15th annual OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) conference opens (to 30). QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand: Golf. New Zealand Open (until Dec 2). SENDAI, Japan: Figure skating. Grand Prix (until Dec 2). SIEM REAP, Cambodia: Golf. Johnnie Walker Open (until Dec 2). TOKYO: Japan releases preliminary industrial production index for October. Friday, November 30 BANGKOK: Bank of Thailand's monthly economic report. KOLKATA, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan. second Test match (until Dec 4). KUALA LUMPUR: Synergy Drive, the world's biggest listed palm oil firm, hits the Malaysian bourse after the merger of three giant plantation companies. NEW DELHI: India reports second quarter gross domestic product data. NICE, France: French-Italian summit. TOKYO: Japan releases unemployment, household spending data for October and consumer price data. Saturday, December 1 International AIDS Day. CAIRO: Four Egyptian newspaper editors begin appeal against jail terms on charges of writing articles suggesting the ruling National Democratic Party is dictatorial. JOHANNESBURG: A concert promoting AIDS awareness to take place in Elis Park. KANDY, Sri Lanka: Cricket. Sri Lanka v England. First Test match. RAMALLAH, West Bank: The Palestinian Authority begins carrying out first population census in the territories since 1997. TOKYO: Football. J-League matches. WELLINGTON: Football: David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy plays friendly against Wellington Phoenix. Sunday, December 2 CARACAS: Referendum on constitutional reforms proposed by President Hugo Chavez. HONG KONG: Legislative Council by-election. LIBREVILLE: Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba marks 40 years in power. MOSCOW: Russia holds legislative election. VANCOUVER: The Spice Girls start their world tour. Monday, December 3 BANGKOK: Thai inflation report. BRUSSELS: EU energy ministers meet. BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers meet. LIVERPOOL: The Turner Prize, an award given for a modern art work, to be announced at Tate Liverpool museum. NUSA DUA, Indonesia: The two-week United Nations Climate Change conference begins, at which nations will attempt to draft a roadmap for a future climate change deal. OTTAWA: Ceremonies comemorating the 10th anniversary of the signature of the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel land mines. Tuesday, December 4 BANGKOK: Bank of Thailand interest rate meeting. BANGKOK: Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej makes annual national address. BRUSSELS: EU finance ministers meet. YANGON: Myanmar's National Day. Wednesday, December 5 ABU DHABI: OPEC ministerial meeting. BANGKOK: National holiday to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday. BRUSSELS: EU labour ministers, social ministers and health ministers meet (to 6). CARACAS: The official signing ceremony of the Bank of the South in the presence of the Venezuelan, Argentine, Brazilian, Colombian, Ecuadorian and Bolivian presidents. RIGA: Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis to announce his resignation. Thursday, December 6 BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers meet (to Dec 7). LISBON: The 9th forum of Non-governmental organisations in the EU opens. AROUND THAILAND: Southeast Asian Games (until Dec 15). WELLINGTON: New Zealand central bank reviews interest rates. Friday, December 7 TOKYO: Japan releases updated estimate of gross domestic product for July- September quarter. Saturday, December 8 LISBON: The European Union and African Union hold joint summit (until 9). Sunday, December 9 BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Hercegovina: Presidential elections in the Republika Srpska, one of the two political entities that together compose the modern country of Bosnia and Hercegovina. 
New_Caledonia::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071109.0553.LDC2009T13::2	 AFP news calendar The AFP news calendar Monday, November 12 ANKARA: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas visits (until Nov 13). ANKARA: Israeli President Shimon Peres visits (until Nov 13). BEIRUT: Parliament session to elect a president to replace current head of state Emile Lahoud. BERLIN: Franco-German ministerial meeting. BRASILIA: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Brazil (until Nov 14). BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers meet. DUBAI: Dubai Air show continues (to 15). GENEVA: Christie's set to auction off a watch belonging to Empress Josephine which is estimated to sell at 120,000 to 240,000 euros (176,000 to 353,000 dollars) GENEVA: Annual report on demining in the world (at 0900 GMT). KRAKOW, Poland: Results released at the Czartoryski Museum after Leonardo Da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" is photographed by a revolutionary camera. LONDON: Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany visits. NEW DELHI: The sixth annual conference on economic integration opens (to Nov 13). OSLO: Norway's Lutheran Church opens its synod where it is to discuss the ordination of homosexual pastors and bishops (to 17). NEW DELHI: India reports September industrial output data. NEW DELHI: India hosts the sixth annual conference on Asian Economic Integration (until Nov 13). NEW YORK: Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno pays visit to New York and UN. NOUAKCHOTT: A tripartite agreement is signed between Mauritania, Senegal, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that serves as a judicial framework on repatriating Mauritanian refugees from Senegal. PARIS: Trial opens of Yvan Colonna, alleged killer of Corsican prefect Claude Erignac. STRASBOURG: European parliament holds its plenary monthly session (to Nov 15). TOKYO: Japan releases September balance of payments data. TOKYO: Bank of Japan begins two-day policy board meeting. VALENCIA, Spain: International Panel on Climate Change meets to adopt final version of latest report on world's climate (to 17). Tuesday, November 13 AMMAN: Red Cross news conference on the situation in Iraq. BRUSSELS: EU finance ministers meet. BRUSSELS: European Union Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding presents a project on reforming the telecommunications market. COPENHAGEN: Danish legislative elections. HERZILIYA, Israel: Annual conference on global terrorism with several Israeli officials expected to attend, including Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. HOUSTON, Texas: US presidential candidates to speak on energy. KABUL: The sixth anniversary of the fall of Taliban-controlled Kabul. LONDON: The Eurostar rail line to Waterloo Station is officially closed so arrivals (from Nov 14) will now arrive at St. Pancras station on a high speed rail line. MADRID: Lese-majeste trial of two cartoonists who caricatured Crown Prince Felipe and his wife making love. MALE: An association of small island states meets in the Maldives capital to discuss environmental issues (until Nov 14). OSLO: Statistics due to be published on the number of women on the boards of directors in publicly listed companies in Norway, just six weeks before a new law requires them to have at least 40 percent women on their boards. SINGAPORE: ASEAN defence ministers' meeting (to 15). THE HAGUE: Procedural hearing of Sierra Leone war crimes court in case against former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor. TOKYO: Bank of Japan governor Toshihiko Fukui holds a press conference following policy board decision. TOKYO: Japan releases preliminary statistics on gross domestic product for July- September quarter. VIENNA: Press conference scheduled at the end of the 29th Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). WARSAW: Russian inspections of Polish meat exporting companies begin. Wednesday, November 14 AUCKLAND: Census of Marine Life world conference (until Nov 16). CAIRO: Trial resumes of Egyptian newspaper editor Ibrahim Eissa charged with damaging the economy by spreading rumours about President Hosni Mubarak's health. LISBON: East Timor President Ramos Horta visits (to 15). LONDON: First international day of responsible tourism, coinciding with tourism fair in London. LONDON: St. Pancras station opens for the high-speed Eurostar trains. LOS ANGELES: Press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show (until 15). NEW DELHI:The Confederation of Indian Industry hosts a conference on the field of business knowledge management (until Nov 16). RABAT: Trial of nine Islamists, including a Tunisian, on terrorism charges. RIYADH: Labour ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council meet for talks in Saudi Arabia. SEOUL: Prime ministers of North and South Korea meet to follow up on agreements made at a landmark October summit (to Nov 16). SINGAPORE: Property firm City Developments to report third- quarter earnings. SOFIA: Orthodox Church head Bartholomew I visits. TOKYO: The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, expected to visit Japan. TUNIS: Trial resumes in the case of Abdallah Hajji, formerly held at US-run Guantanamo Detention Facility repatriated back to Tunisia at the end of June. YANGON: Myanmar opens gems and jade auction (until Nov 26). Thursday, November 15 ARUSHA, Tanzania: US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson tours Arusha (until 16), then South Africa (on the 17th and 18th) and Ghana (the 19th). GENEVA: Ministerial meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) emerging countries in a final effort to negotiate at the WTO. GWALIOR, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan fourth One-Day International. HONG KONG: Golf. UBS Hong Kong Open (until Nov 18). ISLAMABAD: Official end of Pervez Musharraf's term as Pakistan's president, and end of the term of the current lower house of parliament. LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Democratic presidential candidates hold debate. LISBON: The EU Presidency holds an international conference on the "European Year of Equality" (until Nov 16). LONDON: The Tutankhamen exhibition opens at the 02 Arena (until August 30, 2008). LYON, France: Launching of Beaujolais Nouveau 2007. MACAU: Motor Racing. Macau Grand Prix (until Nov 18). MADRID: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) meeting opens (to 17). NEW DELHI: India's winter session of parliament begins. RABAT: Trial begins of Islamist group Ansar El Mahdi. ROVANIEMI, Finland: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits with his Finnish counterpart Ilkka Kanerva. TUNIS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits. Friday, November 16 ATHENS: Opening of 48th international film festival in Greece's second city Salonika (to 25). AVIGNON, France: Deliberation in the trial of Rindy Sam, the woman who kissed (with lipstick) an American Cy Twombly painting. BRATISLAVA: Hungary Minister of Foreign affairs Kinga Goncz visits. HELSINKI: EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn visits, to hold a press conference on Turkey, Kosovo and Serbia. HOBART, Australia: Cricket. Australia v Sri Lanka. Second Test (until Nov 20). LONDON: Appeals hearing opens on decision to extradite Algerian businessman Rafik Khalifa. SINGAPORE: Government to report key trade statistics for October. SINGAPORE: ASEAN Business and Investment Summit involving the region's top executives. TALLINN: Trial begins of alleged authors of rioting over the removal of a Soviet war memorial. VALENCIA, Spain: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits. WASHINGTON: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda meets with US President George W. Bush. YEREVAN: Opposition scheduled to protest. Saturday, November 17 CARACAS: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez leaves on international trip that includes OPEC meeting in Riyadh followed by visits to France, Britain and Portugal. GENOA, Italy: The radical left demonstrates in favour of 25 people accused of rioting during the G8 Summit in Genoa during July 2001. GOSFORD, Australia: Football. Olympic qualifier. Australia v Iraq. HERNING, Denmark: Ruling Liberal Party holds annual congress (to Nov 18). LJUBLJANA: Protests against the high cost of living and low salaries. ODENSE, Denmark: Conference on the former East German secret police, Stasi, with former agents taking part and organised by the Odense University Centre for Cold War Studies (and 18). PORT VILA: Football. World cup qualifier. Vanuatu v New Zealand PRAGUE: Demonstration against US missile project. PRISTINA, Serbia: Legislative and municipal elections in Kosovo. RIYADH: OPEC summit opens (and 18). ROME: Opposition Forza Italia party organises anti-government demonstrations across Italy (to 18). STOCKHOLM: Stockholm International Film Festival opens, paying special homage to the late legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman (to 25). SUVA: Football. World Cup qualifier. Fiji v New Caledonia Sunday, November 18 ALBUFEIRA, Portugal: Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting on migration (to 19). AMMAN: International conference on landmines on the border of the Dead Sea (to 22). BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan: The projected rocket launch of Proton Breeze M with European telecommunications satellite Sirius 4. JAIPUR, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan. fifth One-Day International. KIPI, Greece: Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially open the Greco- Turk pipeline to transport natural gas from Azerbaijan and other Caucasus producers to Europe and the West. SINGAPORE: 13th ASEAN summit and related meetings. (until Nov 21) TOKYO: Athletics. Tokyo international women's marathon. TUNIS: Tunisian environmental ministry hosts international conference on protecting Africa and the Mediterranean region from climate change (to 20). Monday, November 19 BRUSSELS: The Council of General Affairs and Exterior Relations to meet with the ministers of defence and development. KATHMANDU: Winter session of Nepal's parliament begins. MANILA: International medical conference (until Nov 23). NEW YORK: International Emmy television awards. PARIS: Central African Republic President Francois Bozize visits. SINGAPORE: World Toilet Organisation holds World Toilet Day to help promote global sanitation. VALENCIA, Spain: International renewable energy conference Expoenergetica opens (until Nov 21). VIENNA: International Atomic Energy Agency board meets (to 21). Tuesday, November 20 AMMAN: Jordan holds parliamentary elections. ASWAN, Egypt: Czech President Vaclav Klaus and a delegation of businessmen visit the southern region of Aswan to discuss investment opportunities. BRUSSELS: European Commission presents its proposals for improving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). BRUSSELS: The Kosovo Troika (US, Russia, EU) meets with Serbs and Kosovars. CAIRO: "Made in India" exhibition brings over 80 Indian companies to Cairo seeking to export products to Egypt. GENEVA: Ministerial meeting of World Trade Organization (WTO) on behalf of developing countries. IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn and World Bank President Robert Zoellick and developing country ministers expected to attend. KUALA LUMPUR: Fifth Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Palm Oil (until Nov 22). KUALA LUMPUR: Tennis. Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet play in exhibition match. LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at Westminster Abbey. MANAMA: Second hearing in the Bahrain trial of five people charged with belonging to the Al-Qaeda network and plotting attacks. NEW YORK: A painting by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, stolen 20 years ago and found in the trash, is to be auctioned by Sotheby's, with an estimated one million dollar (682,000 euro) price tag. OSLO: The foreign press meets with Nobel Institute Director Geir Lunddestand at 1300 GMT. PARIS: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visits. PHNOM PENH: Bail hearing to be held for jailed Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch. SEOUL: Tennis. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras play exhibition match. THE HAGUE: International Criminal Court procedural hearings in case against Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga. VALLE DE LOS CAIDOS, Spain: Possibly the last Extreme-Right assembly in Valle de los Caidos to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Spanish dictator Franciso Franco's death, due to new Spanish legislation on Franco's victims. VIENNA: King and Queen of Sweden visit (to 22). VIENTIANE: Meeting of ministers from Francophone nations (until Nov 21). VILNIUS: Hungarian Prime Minister Frenc Gyurcsany visits. Wednesday, November 21 AMSTERDAM: Conference on the European carbon dioxide emissions trading market (to 22). ATHENS: Former Getty Museum curator Marion True in court over acquisition of stolen crown. NOUMEA: Football. World Cup qualifier. New Caledonia v Fiji. PARIS: Trial opens of two Iranians accused of encouraging an opponent to commit suicide by self-immolation in June 2003. SEOUL: Football. Olympic qualifier. South Korea v Bahrain. TOKYO: Japan releases October trade statistics. TOKYO: Football. Olympic qualifier. Japan v Saudi Arabia. TUNIS: Preparatory regional meeting on the International Conference of Tokyo on African development slated for May in Japan. WELLINGTON: Football. World Cup qualifier. New Zealand v Vanuatu. Thursday, November 22 AMSTERDAM: International documentary film festival. BEIRUT: Lebanese Independence Day. DAKAR: African summit to boost Nepad economic partnership scheme. HANOI: End of Vietnamese National Assembly session. LISBON: Reopening of postponed trial of two French accused of murdering a compatriot in his boat off the Portuguese coast. LISBON: FRONTEX, the EU border security organisation, meets. MELBOURNE: Golf. Australian Masters (until Nov 25). NEW DELHI: Cricket. India v Pakistan. first Test (until Nov 26). SHENZHEN, China: Golf. World Cup (until Nov 25). SINGAPORE: ASEAN-EU mark 30 years of diplomatic ties with summit. UNITED NATIONS: The 40th anniversary of UN Resolution 242, stipulating that Israel must evacuate the Palestinian Territories. Friday, November 23 CHIBA, Japan: Athletics. Chiba road relay race. COPENHAGEN: Final court date in the trial of four young Muslims charged with planning terrorist bombings in Denmark or abroad. KAMPALA: Commonwealth Summit, with British Queen Elizabeth II and her son Prince Charles expected to attend (until Nov 25). STUTTGART, Germany: German Green party congress. TOKYO: Thanksgiving Day, public holiday. VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI meets with cardinals to discuss relations with other Christian churches. Saturday, November 24 BEIRUT: Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's mandate ends. CANBERRA: Australian general election. MACAU: Tennis. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras play in exhibition match at Venetian arena. PHNOM PENH: Volleyball. Disabled World Cup tournament begins (until Dec 2). ROME: National demonstration against violence against women. TOKYO: Football. J-league matches. TOKYO: Japan Cup horse racing. Sunday, November 25 BEIJING: French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits. BUCHAREST: European parliament elections. CHICAGO: Annual radiology conference (Until 30). COLOMBO: Cricket. England play tour match. SEOUL: Registration of candidates for December 19 presidential election (until Nov 26). TOKYO: Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet makes five-day visit to Japan. TOKYO: Horse racing. Japan Cup. ZAGREB: General elections in Croatia. Monday, November 26 ANNAPOLIS, Maryland: International meeting on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. BRUSSELS: European agricultural ministers meet (to 27). BUCHAREST: Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema visits. LIMA: Court case opens against former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori on human rights abuses he allegedly committed while in power before fleeing to Japan. WELLINGTON: New Zealand trade data for October released. Tuesday, November 27 LONDON: British Fashion Awards ceremony for the best and brightest in the British fashion industry. SEOUL: Campaigning for December 19 presidential election officially starts. SINGAPORE: Asian Festival of 1st Films (until Dec 4). SYDNEY: Football. Sydney FC v LA Galaxy TAIPEI: Baseball. Olympic qualifying tournament (until Dec 3). WINDHOEK: The SWAPO party, currently in power in Namibia, holds its annual meeting (until Nov 30). Wednesday, November 28 BANGKOK: Tennis. Inaugural Tennis Asia Cup (until Dec 2). BRUSSELS: Mini plenary session of European parliament. EILAT, Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivers annual address to foreign media. LONDON: Christie's auctions off Faberge egg, valued at an estimated six to nine million pounds (8.6 to 12.9 million euros, 12.6 to 19 million dollars) SYDNEY: Football. Asian Football Confederation awards night. TUNIS: Finance ministers from the five countries of the Maghreb Union, including Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya, meet for a conference on an IMF private sector initiative. Thursday, November 29 ALGIERS: Communal and departmental council elections. BANGKOK: Thailand's International Motor Expo, Asia's second- largest car show (until Dec 19). BANGKOK: Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan set to marry former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova. BRUSSELS: European transportation ministers meet (to 30). KUALA LUMPUR: Hockey. Champions Trophy (until Dec 9). MADRID: The 15th annual OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) conference opens (to 30). QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand: Golf. New Zealand Open (until Dec 2). SENDAI, Japan: Figure skating. Grand Prix (until Dec 2). SIEM REAP, Cambodia: Golf. Johnnie Walker Open (until Dec 2). TOKYO: Japan releases preliminary industrial production index for October. Friday, November 30 BANGKOK: Bank of Thailand's monthly economic report. KOLKATA, India: Cricket. India v Pakistan. second Test match (until Dec 4). KUALA LUMPUR: Synergy Drive, the world's biggest listed palm oil firm, hits the Malaysian bourse after the merger of three giant plantation companies. NEW DELHI: India reports second quarter gross domestic product data. NICE, France: French-Italian summit. TOKYO: Japan releases unemployment, household spending data for October and consumer price data. Saturday, December 1 International AIDS Day. CAIRO: Four Egyptian newspaper editors begin appeal against jail terms on charges of writing articles suggesting the ruling National Democratic Party is dictatorial. JOHANNESBURG: A concert promoting AIDS awareness to take place in Elis Park. KANDY, Sri Lanka: Cricket. Sri Lanka v England. First Test match. RAMALLAH, West Bank: The Palestinian Authority begins carrying out first population census in the territories since 1997. TOKYO: Football. J-League matches. WELLINGTON: Football: David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy plays friendly against Wellington Phoenix. Sunday, December 2 CARACAS: Referendum on constitutional reforms proposed by President Hugo Chavez. HONG KONG: Legislative Council by-election. LIBREVILLE: Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba marks 40 years in power. MOSCOW: Russia holds legislative election. VANCOUVER: The Spice Girls start their world tour. Monday, December 3 BANGKOK: Thai inflation report. BRUSSELS: EU energy ministers meet. BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers meet. LIVERPOOL: The Turner Prize, an award given for a modern art work, to be announced at Tate Liverpool museum. NUSA DUA, Indonesia: The two-week United Nations Climate Change conference begins, at which nations will attempt to draft a roadmap for a future climate change deal. OTTAWA: Ceremonies comemorating the 10th anniversary of the signature of the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel land mines. Tuesday, December 4 BANGKOK: Bank of Thailand interest rate meeting. BANGKOK: Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej makes annual national address. BRUSSELS: EU finance ministers meet. YANGON: Myanmar's National Day. Wednesday, December 5 ABU DHABI: OPEC ministerial meeting. BANGKOK: National holiday to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday. BRUSSELS: EU labour ministers, social ministers and health ministers meet (to 6). CARACAS: The official signing ceremony of the Bank of the South in the presence of the Venezuelan, Argentine, Brazilian, Colombian, Ecuadorian and Bolivian presidents. RIGA: Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis to announce his resignation. Thursday, December 6 BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers meet (to Dec 7). LISBON: The 9th forum of Non-governmental organisations in the EU opens. AROUND THAILAND: Southeast Asian Games (until Dec 15). WELLINGTON: New Zealand central bank reviews interest rates. Friday, December 7 TOKYO: Japan releases updated estimate of gross domestic product for July- September quarter. Saturday, December 8 LISBON: The European Union and African Union hold joint summit (until 9). Sunday, December 9 BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Hercegovina: Presidential elections in the Republika Srpska, one of the two political entities that together compose the modern country of Bosnia and Hercegovina. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071026.0506.LDC2009T13::1	 Japanese shares rally on upbeat earnings reports Japanese share prices closed up 1.36 percent on Friday, rising for the first time in three days as investors cheered upbeat corporate earnings from major companies such as Sony and Honda, dealers said. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares jumped 221.46 points to 16,505.63. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares advanced 25.90 points or 1.66 percent to 1,573.97. Gainers beat decliners 1,089 to 522, with 109 issues unchanged. Turnover fell to 1.67 billion shares from 1.74 billion on Thursday. "Share prices reacted positively to earnings today," said Masatoshi Sato, a senior strategist at Mizuho Investors Securities. "A jump in Sony's shares spread to other companies and lifted market sentiment." But some players were somewhat cautious as they awaited another batch of results from companies including Nissan Motor and NTT DoCoMo after the close of trade, as well as a key US interest rate decision next week. "The market has largely priced in the Fed's 25 basis points rate cut, so US share prices might not make huge gains amid the lingering subprime problems. Also the forex market movement after the Fed decision will provide direction for Japan's market," Sato said. Sony jumped 450 yen or 8.8 percent to 5,560 after the world's second-largest maker of consumer electronics said it returned to the black in the fiscal second quarter owing to a weak yen and higher sales of digital cameras. Honda Motor surged 330 yen or 8.9 percent to 4,040 after Japan's second-largest automaker said its fiscal first-half net profit increased 38.1 percent, lifted by firm overseas sales. Canon rose 140 yen or 2.5 percent to 5,720 after the maker of office equipment and digital cameras said that its third-quarter operating profit rose 0.9 percent despite increased depreciation costs. Nomura Holdings climbed 76 yen or 4.2 percent to 1,909 after Japan's largest securities brokerage group said its net profit rose 4.0 percent in the fiscal first half despite hefty losses related to the subprime loan crisis. "Nomura bit the bullet -- and hard -- by taking losses on virtually all its declared subprime exposure in the quarter just ended, clearing the way for a strong income showing in the second half," said Neil Katkov, managing director of Asian research at financial consulting firm Celent. Japanese economic data, which showed drops in core consumer prices and industrial output, had little effect on stock trading because they were in line with expectations, dealers said. On the foreign exchange market, the dollar rose slightly to 114.27 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade from 114.14 in New York late on Thursday. The euro rose to 163.81 yen from 163.47. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071026.0506.LDC2009T13::2	 Japanese shares rally on upbeat earnings reports Japanese share prices closed up 1.36 percent on Friday, rising for the first time in three days as investors cheered upbeat corporate earnings from major companies such as Sony and Honda, dealers said. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares jumped 221.46 points to 16,505.63. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares advanced 25.90 points or 1.66 percent to 1,573.97. Gainers beat decliners 1,089 to 522, with 109 issues unchanged. Turnover fell to 1.67 billion shares from 1.74 billion on Thursday. "Share prices reacted positively to earnings today," said Masatoshi Sato, a senior strategist at Mizuho Investors Securities. "A jump in Sony's shares spread to other companies and lifted market sentiment." But some players were somewhat cautious as they awaited another batch of results from companies including Nissan Motor and NTT DoCoMo after the close of trade, as well as a key US interest rate decision next week. "The market has largely priced in the Fed's 25 basis points rate cut, so US share prices might not make huge gains amid the lingering subprime problems. Also the forex market movement after the Fed decision will provide direction for Japan's market," Sato said. Sony jumped 450 yen or 8.8 percent to 5,560 after the world's second-largest maker of consumer electronics said it returned to the black in the fiscal second quarter owing to a weak yen and higher sales of digital cameras. Honda Motor surged 330 yen or 8.9 percent to 4,040 after Japan's second-largest automaker said its fiscal first-half net profit increased 38.1 percent, lifted by firm overseas sales. Canon rose 140 yen or 2.5 percent to 5,720 after the maker of office equipment and digital cameras said that its third-quarter operating profit rose 0.9 percent despite increased depreciation costs. Nomura Holdings climbed 76 yen or 4.2 percent to 1,909 after Japan's largest securities brokerage group said its net profit rose 4.0 percent in the fiscal first half despite hefty losses related to the subprime loan crisis. "Nomura bit the bullet -- and hard -- by taking losses on virtually all its declared subprime exposure in the quarter just ended, clearing the way for a strong income showing in the second half," said Neil Katkov, managing director of Asian research at financial consulting firm Celent. Japanese economic data, which showed drops in core consumer prices and industrial output, had little effect on stock trading because they were in line with expectations, dealers said. On the foreign exchange market, the dollar rose slightly to 114.27 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade from 114.14 in New York late on Thursday. The euro rose to 163.81 yen from 163.47. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080131.0450.LDC2009T13::1	 Japan's banks reveal soaring subprime losses Japan's top banks revealed ballooning subprime losses Thursday, with Mizuho Financial taking a hit of 3.2 billion dollars, dousing hopes they would avoid getting burned by recent financial market turmoil. Mizuho said it had suffered the 345-billion-yen loss on subprime related investments in the nine months to December, almost doubling an earlier forecast and pushing its net profit down by nearly a third in the same period. Americans defaulting on mortgages that have often been bundled up and sold on financial markets triggered the subprime crisis, which has hit US and European institutions hard and spread to Japan's second-largest bank. Mizuho's results "show they have a big problem on their hands and who knows where it will stop," said Neil Katkov, a financial services expert at research and consulting firm Celent. "It's hard to say with certainty where the subprime (losses) will end," he added. Other Japanese banks have also suffered subprime-related losses although on a smaller scale than many of their peers in the United States and Europe. But with Japanese banks already struggling at home amid rock- bottom interest rates, the losses are an unwelcome extra burden. Japan's largest bank Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (MUFG) said its net profits more than halved in the nine months to December due to subprime losses and problems at its credit card unit. MUFG posted a net profit of 314.66 billion yen (2.95 billion dollars) for the first three quarters of the fiscal year, down from 690.55 billion yen a year ago. The bank said it had recorded a loss of about 55.0 billion yen on subprime loan related investments in the nine-month period. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc., Japan's number three bank, said Tuesday that it had incurred losses of 99 billion yen in the nine months to December because of the US subprime loan crisis. The problem has also burned the country's largest securities brokerage group, Nomura Holdings Inc., whose net profit tumbled 37.7 percent in the nine months to December. However, most Japanese banks' losses have been dwarfed by those of their Western rivals such as Swiss giant UBS, which suffered a loss of 3.5 billion dollars in 2007 owing to its exposure to the subprime crisis. "With the exception of Mizuho and Nomura, the losses have really been quite minimal compared to the large Western brokerages," said Katkov. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Japanese banks -- already cautious about taking risks after their own crisis sparked by the country's long spell of deflationary torpor -- are now even more likely to pursue conservative business strategies, experts said. "I think it will have a lasting effect on their business strategies. For sure it will make them more conservative," said Katkov. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080131.0450.LDC2009T13::2	 Japan's banks reveal soaring subprime losses Japan's top banks revealed ballooning subprime losses Thursday, with Mizuho Financial taking a hit of 3.2 billion dollars, dousing hopes they would avoid getting burned by recent financial market turmoil. Mizuho said it had suffered the 345-billion-yen loss on subprime related investments in the nine months to December, almost doubling an earlier forecast and pushing its net profit down by nearly a third in the same period. Americans defaulting on mortgages that have often been bundled up and sold on financial markets triggered the subprime crisis, which has hit US and European institutions hard and spread to Japan's second-largest bank. Mizuho's results "show they have a big problem on their hands and who knows where it will stop," said Neil Katkov, a financial services expert at research and consulting firm Celent. "It's hard to say with certainty where the subprime (losses) will end," he added. Other Japanese banks have also suffered subprime-related losses although on a smaller scale than many of their peers in the United States and Europe. But with Japanese banks already struggling at home amid rock- bottom interest rates, the losses are an unwelcome extra burden. Japan's largest bank Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (MUFG) said its net profits more than halved in the nine months to December due to subprime losses and problems at its credit card unit. MUFG posted a net profit of 314.66 billion yen (2.95 billion dollars) for the first three quarters of the fiscal year, down from 690.55 billion yen a year ago. The bank said it had recorded a loss of about 55.0 billion yen on subprime loan related investments in the nine-month period. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc., Japan's number three bank, said Tuesday that it had incurred losses of 99 billion yen in the nine months to December because of the US subprime loan crisis. The problem has also burned the country's largest securities brokerage group, Nomura Holdings Inc., whose net profit tumbled 37.7 percent in the nine months to December. However, most Japanese banks' losses have been dwarfed by those of their Western rivals such as Swiss giant UBS, which suffered a loss of 3.5 billion dollars in 2007 owing to its exposure to the subprime crisis. "With the exception of Mizuho and Nomura, the losses have really been quite minimal compared to the large Western brokerages," said Katkov. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Japanese banks -- already cautious about taking risks after their own crisis sparked by the country's long spell of deflationary torpor -- are now even more likely to pursue conservative business strategies, experts said. "I think it will have a lasting effect on their business strategies. For sure it will make them more conservative," said Katkov. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070213.1131.LDC2009T13::1	 Nomura ' s Instinet brokerage names co-CEOs NEW YORK 2007-02-13 15:57:20 UTC Instinet, the New York-based electronic stockbroker acquired earlier this month by Japanese financial-services company Nomura Holdings Inc., has named John F. Fay and Alex Goor as co-chief executives. Fay and Goor, previously co-presidents of the firm, will succeed Edward J. Nicoll, who will remain chairman, Instinet said Tuesday. Fay will lead Instinet's businesses in Europe and Asia as well as its finance organization. Goor will continue to head its North American business and technology operations. Nomura acquired Instinet for $1.2 billion (euro920 million) from private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and the management of the brokerage house. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070213.1131.LDC2009T13::2	 Nomura ' s Instinet brokerage names co-CEOs NEW YORK 2007-02-13 15:57:20 UTC Instinet, the New York-based electronic stockbroker acquired earlier this month by Japanese financial-services company Nomura Holdings Inc., has named John F. Fay and Alex Goor as co-chief executives. Fay and Goor, previously co-presidents of the firm, will succeed Edward J. Nicoll, who will remain chairman, Instinet said Tuesday. Fay will lead Instinet's businesses in Europe and Asia as well as its finance organization. Goor will continue to head its North American business and technology operations. Nomura acquired Instinet for $1.2 billion (euro920 million) from private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and the management of the brokerage house. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070213.1131.LDC2009T13::3	 Nomura ' s Instinet brokerage names co-CEOs NEW YORK 2007-02-13 15:57:20 UTC Instinet, the New York-based electronic stockbroker acquired earlier this month by Japanese financial-services company Nomura Holdings Inc., has named John F. Fay and Alex Goor as co-chief executives. Fay and Goor, previously co-presidents of the firm, will succeed Edward J. Nicoll, who will remain chairman, Instinet said Tuesday. Fay will lead Instinet's businesses in Europe and Asia as well as its finance organization. Goor will continue to head its North American business and technology operations. Nomura acquired Instinet for $1.2 billion (euro920 million) from private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and the management of the brokerage house. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070705.0616.LDC2009T13::1	 Japanese shares down 0.63 percent in morning deals Japanese share prices dropped 0.63 percent in morning trade Friday as investors pocketed gains after a six-day winning streak, taking a cautious stance ahead of key US jobs data, dealers said. They said a mixed session overnight on Wall Street as investors returned from the Independence Day holiday also weighed on sentiment. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares fell 113.98 points to 18,107.50 by the lunch break. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares shed 13.37 points or 0.75 percent to 1,774.79. Decliners beat gainers 1,304 to 302 on the TSE first section, with 116 stocks flat. Turnover dropped to 835.4 million shares on the TSE first section from 838.6 million on Thursday morning. "Investors moved to lock in gains ahead of the weekend, especially after prices faced strong resistance" on Thursday, a trader at a European asset management firm said. Share prices are expected to remain weaker ahead of closely watched US jobs data due out later Friday, dealers said. At the same time, the Nikkei index remains well supported above 18,000 points, with investors upbeat on prospects for both the global and Japanese economies, they added. "There are no signs of aggressive selling. Investors are just engaging in some mild profit-taking," the trader said. Seven & I Holdings dropped 40 yen or 1.11 percent to 3,560 after the retailer said Thursday its operating profit grew 6.3 percent year-on-year in the quarter to May and as it kept its full year earnings forecasts unchanged. Resona Holdings and Nomura Holdings both gave up early gains after they denied a report in the Nikkei daily that they were in tie-up talks. Resona ended the morning session down 1,000 yen or 0.35 percent at 287,000 while Nomura was down 5 yen or 0.21 percent at 2,400. Fast Retailing lost 50 yen or 0.59 percent at 8,440 after the operator of the "Uniqlo" casual clothing chain offered 900 million dollars in cash to buy the upscale US retail chain Barneys New York. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070705.0616.LDC2009T13::2	 Japanese shares down 0.63 percent in morning deals Japanese share prices dropped 0.63 percent in morning trade Friday as investors pocketed gains after a six-day winning streak, taking a cautious stance ahead of key US jobs data, dealers said. They said a mixed session overnight on Wall Street as investors returned from the Independence Day holiday also weighed on sentiment. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares fell 113.98 points to 18,107.50 by the lunch break. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares shed 13.37 points or 0.75 percent to 1,774.79. Decliners beat gainers 1,304 to 302 on the TSE first section, with 116 stocks flat. Turnover dropped to 835.4 million shares on the TSE first section from 838.6 million on Thursday morning. "Investors moved to lock in gains ahead of the weekend, especially after prices faced strong resistance" on Thursday, a trader at a European asset management firm said. Share prices are expected to remain weaker ahead of closely watched US jobs data due out later Friday, dealers said. At the same time, the Nikkei index remains well supported above 18,000 points, with investors upbeat on prospects for both the global and Japanese economies, they added. "There are no signs of aggressive selling. Investors are just engaging in some mild profit-taking," the trader said. Seven & I Holdings dropped 40 yen or 1.11 percent to 3,560 after the retailer said Thursday its operating profit grew 6.3 percent year-on-year in the quarter to May and as it kept its full year earnings forecasts unchanged. Resona Holdings and Nomura Holdings both gave up early gains after they denied a report in the Nikkei daily that they were in tie-up talks. Resona ended the morning session down 1,000 yen or 0.35 percent at 287,000 while Nomura was down 5 yen or 0.21 percent at 2,400. Fast Retailing lost 50 yen or 0.59 percent at 8,440 after the operator of the "Uniqlo" casual clothing chain offered 900 million dollars in cash to buy the upscale US retail chain Barneys New York. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070725.0434.LDC2009T13::1	 Japan's Nomura may exit US subprime market Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, indicated Wednesday that it may exit the troubled US market for subprime mortgages where it has suffered large losses. Its exposure to subprime mortages for people with weak credit histories was a blot on an impressive overall performance in the fiscal first quarter, when net profit rose almost four-fold to 76.7 billion yen (637 million dollars). The deterioration in the US residential mortgage-backed securities market lost Nomura 31.2 billion yen in the three months to June. "We are currently undertaking a thorough review of our US operations and remain focused on achieving our overall management objectives," said Nomura's president and chief executive, Nobuyuki Koga. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's earlier this month both warned of potential credit downgrades for bonds backed by subprime mortgages, which could affect investors and banks that issued the obligations. The US housing market's woes have also taken a toll on the dollar, which earlier this week slid to a new low against the euro. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070725.0434.LDC2009T13::2	 Japan's Nomura may exit US subprime market Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, indicated Wednesday that it may exit the troubled US market for subprime mortgages where it has suffered large losses. Its exposure to subprime mortages for people with weak credit histories was a blot on an impressive overall performance in the fiscal first quarter, when net profit rose almost four-fold to 76.7 billion yen (637 million dollars). The deterioration in the US residential mortgage-backed securities market lost Nomura 31.2 billion yen in the three months to June. "We are currently undertaking a thorough review of our US operations and remain focused on achieving our overall management objectives," said Nomura's president and chief executive, Nobuyuki Koga. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's earlier this month both warned of potential credit downgrades for bonds backed by subprime mortgages, which could affect investors and banks that issued the obligations. The US housing market's woes have also taken a toll on the dollar, which earlier this week slid to a new low against the euro. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070725.0434.LDC2009T13::3	 Japan's Nomura may exit US subprime market Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, indicated Wednesday that it may exit the troubled US market for subprime mortgages where it has suffered large losses. Its exposure to subprime mortages for people with weak credit histories was a blot on an impressive overall performance in the fiscal first quarter, when net profit rose almost four-fold to 76.7 billion yen (637 million dollars). The deterioration in the US residential mortgage-backed securities market lost Nomura 31.2 billion yen in the three months to June. "We are currently undertaking a thorough review of our US operations and remain focused on achieving our overall management objectives," said Nomura's president and chief executive, Nobuyuki Koga. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's earlier this month both warned of potential credit downgrades for bonds backed by subprime mortgages, which could affect investors and banks that issued the obligations. The US housing market's woes have also taken a toll on the dollar, which earlier this week slid to a new low against the euro. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070725.0434.LDC2009T13::4	 Japan's Nomura may exit US subprime market Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, indicated Wednesday that it may exit the troubled US market for subprime mortgages where it has suffered large losses. Its exposure to subprime mortages for people with weak credit histories was a blot on an impressive overall performance in the fiscal first quarter, when net profit rose almost four-fold to 76.7 billion yen (637 million dollars). The deterioration in the US residential mortgage-backed securities market lost Nomura 31.2 billion yen in the three months to June. "We are currently undertaking a thorough review of our US operations and remain focused on achieving our overall management objectives," said Nomura's president and chief executive, Nobuyuki Koga. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's earlier this month both warned of potential credit downgrades for bonds backed by subprime mortgages, which could affect investors and banks that issued the obligations. The US housing market's woes have also taken a toll on the dollar, which earlier this week slid to a new low against the euro. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070727.0385.LDC2009T13::1	 Stocks tumble in Asia on US housing woes Shares prices tumbled across Asia on Friday on growing fears that woes in the US housing sector would hit the global economy after a sharp fall on Wall Street and in Europe, dealers said. The Tokyo market, the world's second largest, closed at a near three-month low, with substantial losses in Seoul, Hong Kong and Sydney. Market players around Asia are carefully watching to see if the US troubles spread across the Pacific, said Kazuhiro Takahashi, head of the equity department at Daiwa Securities SMBC. "They will take one month or so to make sure the problem isn't hurting the global economy, which is largely expected to be solid towards next year," Takahashi said. "It is unlikely that the markets will rise back sharply after such a big drop," he added. US shares plunged Thursday by more than 300 points, although they pared losses in late trade, with investors gripped by anxiety over the housing market. The US Commerce Department said that sales of new homes dropped in June to the lowest level in three months, raising fears that trouble will spread more widely to other parts of the world's largest economy. Wall Street has been spooked by default problems in the sub-prime mortgage market, where financial institutions lent to people with patchy credit histories at the top of the US housing boom. Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, said earlier this week it may exit the US sub-prime market after incurring large losses put at 260 million dollars. "The sub-prime problems were earlier believed to have had a limited impact" before Nomura's statement, said Sohei Ikeda, stock market analyst at SMBC Friend Securities. But he added that he believed "Japanese companies' real exposure to the problem is limited." The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares closed down 418.28 points or 2.36 percent to 17,283.81, the worst finish since May 1. Confidence on the Tokyo market was also hit by a strengthening yen, which hurts exporters by making their goods less competitive, and political uncertainty ahead of weekend elections expected to result in a rebuke for the ruling party. The dollar steadied, however, in Tokyo trade, providing some comfort to nervous investors. South Korean share prices plunged 4.1 percent on a sell-off by foreign investors, with Taipei down 4.22 percent and Manila off 3.8 percent. "The global markets sell-off will mean tightening of liquidity in days ahead. We are not out of the woods yet," said Andrew Holland, managing director of DSP Merrill Lynch in Mumbai, India's financial capital. In Sydney, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed down 175.6 points or 2.8 percent, an even bigger drop than in the aftermath of the slump on Shanghai financial markets in February Singapore share prices closed down 2.4 percent while Bangkok was down more than three percent in late trade. In Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng index fell 2.76 percent, dealers said stocks such as banking giant HSBC fell on worries about the US sub-prime market, for which it has already put aside massive provisions. "Indications of further weakness in the US housing market are therefore making everyone nervous," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities in Hong KOng. One of the few markets to escape a rout was Shanghai, which was only slightly down after hitting a record high Thursday. Chinese shares have been boosted by robust corporate earnings and expectations the government is finished for now with measures to cool the fast growing economy. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070727.0385.LDC2009T13::2	 Stocks tumble in Asia on US housing woes Shares prices tumbled across Asia on Friday on growing fears that woes in the US housing sector would hit the global economy after a sharp fall on Wall Street and in Europe, dealers said. The Tokyo market, the world's second largest, closed at a near three-month low, with substantial losses in Seoul, Hong Kong and Sydney. Market players around Asia are carefully watching to see if the US troubles spread across the Pacific, said Kazuhiro Takahashi, head of the equity department at Daiwa Securities SMBC. "They will take one month or so to make sure the problem isn't hurting the global economy, which is largely expected to be solid towards next year," Takahashi said. "It is unlikely that the markets will rise back sharply after such a big drop," he added. US shares plunged Thursday by more than 300 points, although they pared losses in late trade, with investors gripped by anxiety over the housing market. The US Commerce Department said that sales of new homes dropped in June to the lowest level in three months, raising fears that trouble will spread more widely to other parts of the world's largest economy. Wall Street has been spooked by default problems in the sub-prime mortgage market, where financial institutions lent to people with patchy credit histories at the top of the US housing boom. Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, said earlier this week it may exit the US sub-prime market after incurring large losses put at 260 million dollars. "The sub-prime problems were earlier believed to have had a limited impact" before Nomura's statement, said Sohei Ikeda, stock market analyst at SMBC Friend Securities. But he added that he believed "Japanese companies' real exposure to the problem is limited." The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares closed down 418.28 points or 2.36 percent to 17,283.81, the worst finish since May 1. Confidence on the Tokyo market was also hit by a strengthening yen, which hurts exporters by making their goods less competitive, and political uncertainty ahead of weekend elections expected to result in a rebuke for the ruling party. The dollar steadied, however, in Tokyo trade, providing some comfort to nervous investors. South Korean share prices plunged 4.1 percent on a sell-off by foreign investors, with Taipei down 4.22 percent and Manila off 3.8 percent. "The global markets sell-off will mean tightening of liquidity in days ahead. We are not out of the woods yet," said Andrew Holland, managing director of DSP Merrill Lynch in Mumbai, India's financial capital. In Sydney, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed down 175.6 points or 2.8 percent, an even bigger drop than in the aftermath of the slump on Shanghai financial markets in February Singapore share prices closed down 2.4 percent while Bangkok was down more than three percent in late trade. In Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng index fell 2.76 percent, dealers said stocks such as banking giant HSBC fell on worries about the US sub-prime market, for which it has already put aside massive provisions. "Indications of further weakness in the US housing market are therefore making everyone nervous," said Kitty Chan, director at Celestial Asia Securities in Hong KOng. One of the few markets to escape a rout was Shanghai, which was only slightly down after hitting a record high Thursday. Chinese shares have been boosted by robust corporate earnings and expectations the government is finished for now with measures to cool the fast growing economy. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071024.0512.LDC2009T13::1	 Japan's Mizuho to suffer losses due to subprime: reports Mizuho Financial Group Inc. is expected to post wider than expected losses in the fiscal first half to September due to the US subprime loan crisis, reports said Wednesday. Japan's number two bank is expected to post 50 billion yen (435 million dollars) in losses for the first half, well above the 600 million yen it initially forecast, the Asahi Shimbun said in its evening edition. Mizuho officials declined to comment, saying that the bank would announce its earnings next month. The Asahi Shimbun said the banking group's investments in US funds were hit by the subprime woes. The subprime mortgage crisis was triggered during the summer as US borrowers with shaky credit histories defaulted on their loans. Investment funds and banks suffered huge losses, sparking turmoil in credit and financial markets. Japanese banks have been widely seen as less affected by the subprime crisis as they tend to be more conservative in their investments than their North American or European counterparts. Ratings agency Moody's in a report Wednesday said it believed the subprime trouble would have a limited impact on Japan. The effects on Japan from the turmoil caused by the residential mortgage-backed securities market have "so far been manageable," Moody's said. Corporations remain "in good shape, as strong banking relationships are helping Japanese companies maintain strong liquidity," it said. Globally, Moody's said the largest part of the losses being absorbed in the next couple of quarters, so "the resolution of central banks and public authorities to protect banking systems from liquidity stress will succeed." Concerns about upcoming earnings results led the Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark index to close lower on Wednesday after gains in early trade. The Nikkei business daily said brokerage firm Mizuho Securities, a Mizuho group subsidiary, was likely to post a loss of up to 10 billion yen for the six months to September as it is forced to write down the value of its securitised debt products. The brokerage firm had posted a 6.1 billion yen net profit in the three months to June. The unlisted Mizuho Securities is expected to merge early next year with Shinko Securities, another company under the Mizuho group, to form Japan's third- largest brokerage by revenue. Mizuho's expected losses follow those of Nomura Holdings Inc, Japan's largest securities firm. The company announced last week it expects to post a pre-tax loss of up to 60 billion yen (511 million dollars) for the fiscal second quarter to September because of restructuring charges and a 73-billion-yen loss from the subprime debacle. The pre-tax loss means Nomura will likely book a quarterly net loss in the second quarter, the first since early 2003. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071024.0512.LDC2009T13::2	 Japan's Mizuho to suffer losses due to subprime: reports Mizuho Financial Group Inc. is expected to post wider than expected losses in the fiscal first half to September due to the US subprime loan crisis, reports said Wednesday. Japan's number two bank is expected to post 50 billion yen (435 million dollars) in losses for the first half, well above the 600 million yen it initially forecast, the Asahi Shimbun said in its evening edition. Mizuho officials declined to comment, saying that the bank would announce its earnings next month. The Asahi Shimbun said the banking group's investments in US funds were hit by the subprime woes. The subprime mortgage crisis was triggered during the summer as US borrowers with shaky credit histories defaulted on their loans. Investment funds and banks suffered huge losses, sparking turmoil in credit and financial markets. Japanese banks have been widely seen as less affected by the subprime crisis as they tend to be more conservative in their investments than their North American or European counterparts. Ratings agency Moody's in a report Wednesday said it believed the subprime trouble would have a limited impact on Japan. The effects on Japan from the turmoil caused by the residential mortgage-backed securities market have "so far been manageable," Moody's said. Corporations remain "in good shape, as strong banking relationships are helping Japanese companies maintain strong liquidity," it said. Globally, Moody's said the largest part of the losses being absorbed in the next couple of quarters, so "the resolution of central banks and public authorities to protect banking systems from liquidity stress will succeed." Concerns about upcoming earnings results led the Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark index to close lower on Wednesday after gains in early trade. The Nikkei business daily said brokerage firm Mizuho Securities, a Mizuho group subsidiary, was likely to post a loss of up to 10 billion yen for the six months to September as it is forced to write down the value of its securitised debt products. The brokerage firm had posted a 6.1 billion yen net profit in the three months to June. The unlisted Mizuho Securities is expected to merge early next year with Shinko Securities, another company under the Mizuho group, to form Japan's third- largest brokerage by revenue. Mizuho's expected losses follow those of Nomura Holdings Inc, Japan's largest securities firm. The company announced last week it expects to post a pre-tax loss of up to 60 billion yen (511 million dollars) for the fiscal second quarter to September because of restructuring charges and a 73-billion-yen loss from the subprime debacle. The pre-tax loss means Nomura will likely book a quarterly net loss in the second quarter, the first since early 2003. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0462.LDC2009T13::1	 Two leading Japanese financial firms hit by subprime woes Two leading Japanese financial firms on Thursday reported a hit to their earnings from the US subprime mortgage woes that have rattled global financial markets. Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, said it fell into the red in the second quarter of the financial year, while Shinsei Bank Ltd. slashed its annual profit forecasts. Japan's conservative banking sector has been widely seen as less exposed than its US and European counterparts to the subprime trouble, where financial groups lent to Americans who were later unable to repay their mortgages. Nomura Holdings reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter, compared with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meaning its earnings barely grew in the first half as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom there, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Shinsei Bank, meanwhile, said it now expected to post net profit of 62 billion yen (542 million dollars) in the year to March 31, down by 10 billion yen or nearly 14 percent from the previous projection. Shinsei said in a statement it changed the forecast due to revisions by an affiliate and "prudent provisioning related to our exposure in the US residential mortgage market." "We are continuing to work to strengthen our business for growth in the future with the backing of a firm balance sheet and solid capital ratios," said Thierry Porte, the bank's president. Shinsei Bank was Japan's first lender bought by a foreign fund after its forerunner, Long Term Credit Bank, collapsed under a pile of bad debts in the late 1990s and was bailed out by the government. Even with the revision, the net profit would still be a major improvement from the last financial year when Shinsei Bank plunged deep into the red because of problems with its consumer finance unit. News reports have also said that Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Japan's second biggest bank, is due to post wider than expected losses for the fiscal first half due to the subprime crisis. However, ratings agency Moody's said Wednesday it believed the subprime trouble would have a limited impact on Japan. The effects on Japan's residential mortgage-backed securities market have "so far been manageable," Moody's said in a report. Corporations remain "in good shape, as strong banking relationships are helping Japanese companies maintain strong liquidity," it said. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0462.LDC2009T13::2	 Two leading Japanese financial firms hit by subprime woes Two leading Japanese financial firms on Thursday reported a hit to their earnings from the US subprime mortgage woes that have rattled global financial markets. Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, said it fell into the red in the second quarter of the financial year, while Shinsei Bank Ltd. slashed its annual profit forecasts. Japan's conservative banking sector has been widely seen as less exposed than its US and European counterparts to the subprime trouble, where financial groups lent to Americans who were later unable to repay their mortgages. Nomura Holdings reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter, compared with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meaning its earnings barely grew in the first half as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom there, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Shinsei Bank, meanwhile, said it now expected to post net profit of 62 billion yen (542 million dollars) in the year to March 31, down by 10 billion yen or nearly 14 percent from the previous projection. Shinsei said in a statement it changed the forecast due to revisions by an affiliate and "prudent provisioning related to our exposure in the US residential mortgage market." "We are continuing to work to strengthen our business for growth in the future with the backing of a firm balance sheet and solid capital ratios," said Thierry Porte, the bank's president. Shinsei Bank was Japan's first lender bought by a foreign fund after its forerunner, Long Term Credit Bank, collapsed under a pile of bad debts in the late 1990s and was bailed out by the government. Even with the revision, the net profit would still be a major improvement from the last financial year when Shinsei Bank plunged deep into the red because of problems with its consumer finance unit. News reports have also said that Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Japan's second biggest bank, is due to post wider than expected losses for the fiscal first half due to the subprime crisis. However, ratings agency Moody's said Wednesday it believed the subprime trouble would have a limited impact on Japan. The effects on Japan's residential mortgage-backed securities market have "so far been manageable," Moody's said in a report. Corporations remain "in good shape, as strong banking relationships are helping Japanese companies maintain strong liquidity," it said. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0462.LDC2009T13::3	 Two leading Japanese financial firms hit by subprime woes Two leading Japanese financial firms on Thursday reported a hit to their earnings from the US subprime mortgage woes that have rattled global financial markets. Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's biggest securities firm, said it fell into the red in the second quarter of the financial year, while Shinsei Bank Ltd. slashed its annual profit forecasts. Japan's conservative banking sector has been widely seen as less exposed than its US and European counterparts to the subprime trouble, where financial groups lent to Americans who were later unable to repay their mortgages. Nomura Holdings reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter, compared with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meaning its earnings barely grew in the first half as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom there, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. Shinsei Bank, meanwhile, said it now expected to post net profit of 62 billion yen (542 million dollars) in the year to March 31, down by 10 billion yen or nearly 14 percent from the previous projection. Shinsei said in a statement it changed the forecast due to revisions by an affiliate and "prudent provisioning related to our exposure in the US residential mortgage market." "We are continuing to work to strengthen our business for growth in the future with the backing of a firm balance sheet and solid capital ratios," said Thierry Porte, the bank's president. Shinsei Bank was Japan's first lender bought by a foreign fund after its forerunner, Long Term Credit Bank, collapsed under a pile of bad debts in the late 1990s and was bailed out by the government. Even with the revision, the net profit would still be a major improvement from the last financial year when Shinsei Bank plunged deep into the red because of problems with its consumer finance unit. News reports have also said that Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Japan's second biggest bank, is due to post wider than expected losses for the fiscal first half due to the subprime crisis. However, ratings agency Moody's said Wednesday it believed the subprime trouble would have a limited impact on Japan. The effects on Japan's residential mortgage-backed securities market have "so far been manageable," Moody's said in a report. Corporations remain "in good shape, as strong banking relationships are helping Japanese companies maintain strong liquidity," it said. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0667.LDC2009T13::1	 Japan's Nomura posts big loss due to subprime woes Japan's Nomura Holdings Inc. on Thursday reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter of the financial year because of the subprime loan crisis. The loss, which compares with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meant that earnings at Japan's biggest securities firm barely grew in the first half of the fiscal year as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0667.LDC2009T13::2	 Japan's Nomura posts big loss due to subprime woes Japan's Nomura Holdings Inc. on Thursday reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter of the financial year because of the subprime loan crisis. The loss, which compares with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meant that earnings at Japan's biggest securities firm barely grew in the first half of the fiscal year as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. 
Nomura::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071025.0667.LDC2009T13::3	 Japan's Nomura posts big loss due to subprime woes Japan's Nomura Holdings Inc. on Thursday reported a 10.5 billion yen (92 million dollars) net loss for the second quarter of the financial year because of the subprime loan crisis. The loss, which compares with a net profit of 76.7 billion yen a year earlier, meant that earnings at Japan's biggest securities firm barely grew in the first half of the fiscal year as a whole. "The results for the first half of the year were flat compared with the same period last year due primarily to the US residential mortgage business," noted chief executive Nobuyuki Koga. But "the underlying trends of a shift from savings to investment in Japan and increased corporate activity aimed at growth remain as strong as ever," Koga added. Nomura had already warned earlier this month that it expected to fall into the red in the second quarter, hit by recent credit market turmoil. The company is slashing 400 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce, at its US operations due to the US mortgage woes, which wreaked havoc on global markets in August. Subprime loans flourished in the US during the last part of the housing boom, providing mortgages to people with poor credit histories, often allowing them to buy homes beyond their means. Higher repayment costs are now causing rising delinquencies and investors are reassessing their exposure to risky assets such as mortgage-backed securities. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070109.0131.LDC2009T13::1	 Judge approves settlement for hundreds injured in South Carolina toxic gas release COLUMBIA, South Carolina 2007-01-09 01:37:21 UTC A judge approved a settlement to pay thousands of dollars to hundreds of people injured in a train derailment that released a toxic cloud over the town of Graniteville. U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour gave approval Monday to a preliminary settlement reached by railroad owner Norfolk Southern and plaintiffs' attorneys. Early on Jan. 6, 2005, a Norfolk Southern train veered off the main track onto a spur, rear-ending a parked train whose crew failed to switch the tracks back to the main rail. The wreck ruptured a car carrying chlorine and released a poisonous cloud over the tiny mill town, killing nine people and injuring 250. Some 5,400 people were evacuated. Under the settlement, those who sought medical attention within three months of the derailment would receive anywhere from $10,000 (euro7,689) up to several hundred thousand dollars (euros). Lawyer for both sides expect about 760 residents, mill workers and first responders to qualify to receive money under the class action suit. Attorneys don't know how much money will be paid in total. The Norfolk, Virginia-based company has already paid roughly $41 million (euro31.52 million) in claims and expenses to about 3,700 people, spokesman Robin Chapman said. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070109.0131.LDC2009T13::2	 Judge approves settlement for hundreds injured in South Carolina toxic gas release COLUMBIA, South Carolina 2007-01-09 01:37:21 UTC A judge approved a settlement to pay thousands of dollars to hundreds of people injured in a train derailment that released a toxic cloud over the town of Graniteville. U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour gave approval Monday to a preliminary settlement reached by railroad owner Norfolk Southern and plaintiffs' attorneys. Early on Jan. 6, 2005, a Norfolk Southern train veered off the main track onto a spur, rear-ending a parked train whose crew failed to switch the tracks back to the main rail. The wreck ruptured a car carrying chlorine and released a poisonous cloud over the tiny mill town, killing nine people and injuring 250. Some 5,400 people were evacuated. Under the settlement, those who sought medical attention within three months of the derailment would receive anywhere from $10,000 (euro7,689) up to several hundred thousand dollars (euros). Lawyer for both sides expect about 760 residents, mill workers and first responders to qualify to receive money under the class action suit. Attorneys don't know how much money will be paid in total. The Norfolk, Virginia-based company has already paid roughly $41 million (euro31.52 million) in claims and expenses to about 3,700 people, spokesman Robin Chapman said. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070828.0062.LDC2009T13::1	 Buffett ' s Berkshire Hathaway raises its railroad holdings, buying 10.1M more shares of BNSF OMAHA, Neb. 2007-08-28 00:14:31 UTC Warren Buffett's company has bought 10.1 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. since Thursday, increasing the legendary investor's stake in the No. 2 U.S. railroad to nearly 14.8 percent. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. revealed its three latest railroad stock purchases in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday. Both classes of Berkshire's stock fell less than 1 percent Friday before the filing was released. Berkshire Class A shares, which are the most expensive U.S. stock, lost $850 to close at $119,000. Berkshire Class B shares lost $29.50 to close at $3,965.50. The Omaha-based company bought more than 4.3 million shares for $79.96 apiece on Thursday and nearly 2.5 million shares for $79.97 on Friday. On Monday, the company bought more than 3.3 million shares for $80 apiece. It's the third set of BNSF purchases Berkshire has reported this month, with the first two sets totaling about 2.5 million shares. That brings Berskhire's total stake in the Fort Worth, Texas- based railroad to 52.1 million shares. The new shares were bought by Berkshire subsidiary National Indemnity Company. Berkshire said National Indemnity now holds 26.1 million shares, Columbia Insurance Company holds 24.7 million shares and National Fire & Marine Insurance Company holds 1.3 million shares. Because the purchases are by subsidiaries, it's not clear whether Buffett himself made the decision to buy. Berkshire officials do not typically comment on the company's stock holdings. A message left for spokeswoman Jackie Wilson after business hours Friday was not immediately returned. Buffett has said in the past that railroads have become an appealing investment because those businesses have a better competitive position today than in past years. Buffett said he was slow to realize that railroads were a good investment because the industry's past performance had prejudiced him. A May SEC filing revealed Berkshire owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific Corp. and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corp. But Berkshire omitted those investments from a quarterly summary of its stock holdings filed earlier this week because the SEC allowed the company to keep them confidential, so it's not clear how much Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stock Berkshire currently owns. Burlington Northern's gained $1.67 in after-hours trading after finishing at $80.33 Monday. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms and has major investments in such companies as The Coca-Cola Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070828.0062.LDC2009T13::2	 Buffett ' s Berkshire Hathaway raises its railroad holdings, buying 10.1M more shares of BNSF OMAHA, Neb. 2007-08-28 00:14:31 UTC Warren Buffett's company has bought 10.1 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. since Thursday, increasing the legendary investor's stake in the No. 2 U.S. railroad to nearly 14.8 percent. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. revealed its three latest railroad stock purchases in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday. Both classes of Berkshire's stock fell less than 1 percent Friday before the filing was released. Berkshire Class A shares, which are the most expensive U.S. stock, lost $850 to close at $119,000. Berkshire Class B shares lost $29.50 to close at $3,965.50. The Omaha-based company bought more than 4.3 million shares for $79.96 apiece on Thursday and nearly 2.5 million shares for $79.97 on Friday. On Monday, the company bought more than 3.3 million shares for $80 apiece. It's the third set of BNSF purchases Berkshire has reported this month, with the first two sets totaling about 2.5 million shares. That brings Berskhire's total stake in the Fort Worth, Texas- based railroad to 52.1 million shares. The new shares were bought by Berkshire subsidiary National Indemnity Company. Berkshire said National Indemnity now holds 26.1 million shares, Columbia Insurance Company holds 24.7 million shares and National Fire & Marine Insurance Company holds 1.3 million shares. Because the purchases are by subsidiaries, it's not clear whether Buffett himself made the decision to buy. Berkshire officials do not typically comment on the company's stock holdings. A message left for spokeswoman Jackie Wilson after business hours Friday was not immediately returned. Buffett has said in the past that railroads have become an appealing investment because those businesses have a better competitive position today than in past years. Buffett said he was slow to realize that railroads were a good investment because the industry's past performance had prejudiced him. A May SEC filing revealed Berkshire owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific Corp. and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corp. But Berkshire omitted those investments from a quarterly summary of its stock holdings filed earlier this week because the SEC allowed the company to keep them confidential, so it's not clear how much Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stock Berkshire currently owns. Burlington Northern's gained $1.67 in after-hours trading after finishing at $80.33 Monday. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms and has major investments in such companies as The Coca-Cola Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070828.0062.LDC2009T13::3	 Buffett ' s Berkshire Hathaway raises its railroad holdings, buying 10.1M more shares of BNSF OMAHA, Neb. 2007-08-28 00:14:31 UTC Warren Buffett's company has bought 10.1 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. since Thursday, increasing the legendary investor's stake in the No. 2 U.S. railroad to nearly 14.8 percent. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. revealed its three latest railroad stock purchases in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday. Both classes of Berkshire's stock fell less than 1 percent Friday before the filing was released. Berkshire Class A shares, which are the most expensive U.S. stock, lost $850 to close at $119,000. Berkshire Class B shares lost $29.50 to close at $3,965.50. The Omaha-based company bought more than 4.3 million shares for $79.96 apiece on Thursday and nearly 2.5 million shares for $79.97 on Friday. On Monday, the company bought more than 3.3 million shares for $80 apiece. It's the third set of BNSF purchases Berkshire has reported this month, with the first two sets totaling about 2.5 million shares. That brings Berskhire's total stake in the Fort Worth, Texas- based railroad to 52.1 million shares. The new shares were bought by Berkshire subsidiary National Indemnity Company. Berkshire said National Indemnity now holds 26.1 million shares, Columbia Insurance Company holds 24.7 million shares and National Fire & Marine Insurance Company holds 1.3 million shares. Because the purchases are by subsidiaries, it's not clear whether Buffett himself made the decision to buy. Berkshire officials do not typically comment on the company's stock holdings. A message left for spokeswoman Jackie Wilson after business hours Friday was not immediately returned. Buffett has said in the past that railroads have become an appealing investment because those businesses have a better competitive position today than in past years. Buffett said he was slow to realize that railroads were a good investment because the industry's past performance had prejudiced him. A May SEC filing revealed Berkshire owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific Corp. and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corp. But Berkshire omitted those investments from a quarterly summary of its stock holdings filed earlier this week because the SEC allowed the company to keep them confidential, so it's not clear how much Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stock Berkshire currently owns. Burlington Northern's gained $1.67 in after-hours trading after finishing at $80.33 Monday. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms and has major investments in such companies as The Coca-Cola Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::1	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::2	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::3	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::1	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::2	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::3	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070522.0220.LDC2009T13::1	 Buffett ' s interest in railroads inspires other investors OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-05-22 05:15:30 UTC Freight railroads and their investors can feel confident no new railroads will try to create a competing network -- the cost is too high. So the six major players in the U.S. industry will continue helping businesses connect with suppliers and customers for years to come. That enduring competitive advantage, combined with strong demand from shippers, is part of why billionaire Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., invested in three freight railroads. But investors who are thinking about following Buffett will have to determine whether strong business fundamentals or Buffett excitement drove the recent rise in rail stocks. The three railroads companies Berkshire invested in -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. -- are all trading near their 52-week highs. And the same is true for the three other major North American freight railroads Berkshire didn't buy: CSX Corp., Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. The run-up in rail stock prices started about six weeks ago, when Berkshire first disclosed its BNSF stake and Buffett said he'd bought into railroads. It continued last week when Berkshire revealed its investments in UP and Norfolk Southern and another billionaire, Carl Icahn, disclosed his company had invested in CSX. Edward Wolfe, an analyst with Bear Stearns & Co., said in a research report that the high-profile rail investors have helped generate new interest in the industry. "In addition to continued strong pricing and positive long-term secular demand fundamentals, we believe the strong run for the group so far in 2007 has been driven by newfound investor interest in the railroads," Wolfe said in a research note. But billionaires are not the only thing driving railroad stocks higher. The most important factor in railroads' current and future profitability is the high cost of building a rail network, which makes new competitors extremely unlikely, said Randy Cousins, an industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. Cousins said he thinks Buffett recognized some of the competitive advantages the major railroads enjoy. "I think he (Buffett) sees some powerful trends that are working for the railroad industry that aren't going to go away overnight," Cousins said. Besides the near-monopoly power that major freight railroads enjoy, Cousins said, railroads also are helped by the fact that more businesses today need supplies delivered from afar, and shipping by rail is generally less expensive than shipping by truck. Most of the major freight railroads also stand to benefit from the ethanol boom as more plants become operational in grain growing states such as Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. The fuel additive is generally shipped by rail, and some ethanol plants will likely pay railroads to deliver grain to them. Plus, railroads haul a diverse mix of products and commodities and can send locomotives wherever they are needed if the demand picture changes. "The locomotive power doesn't care what's behind the train," Cousins said. So if coal, for instance, were to suddenly become less popular with utilities because of pollution concerns, railroads could send more locomotives to the ports to haul containers full of imported goods. Railroad executives have said they do not expect the demand for coal -- which generally accounts for 20 percent to 25 percent of each major freight railroads' revenue -- to slow anytime soon. Both Omaha-based Union Pacific and Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF hauled record amounts of coal out of Wyoming's mines last year. Cousins said the biggest risk facing the industry is the chance government officials will decide to re-establish regulations that were dropped in 1980. But it's difficult to predict the chances of that happening. Buffett rarely discusses the investments Berkshire and its more than 60 subsidiaries make, and he didn't return calls for comment for this story. But Buffett offered some insight into the decision to invest in railroads at Berkshire's annual meeting earlier this month. Buffett said he made a mistake by not investing in railroads sooner, but he wasn't thinking about them two years ago. Railroads' competitive position has improved somewhat, Buffett said, and as diesel prices continue to increase, shipping by rail instead of truck will only become more attractive. Cousins said one train carrying a double stack of shipping containers can replace 220 semitrailer trucks on the highways. "There are huge competitive advantages that play to the railroad industry," Cousins said. Buffett said he doesn't expect sensational returns from railroads because it is such a capital-intensive business, but railroads are a better business than they used to be. Andy Kilpatrick, the stockbroker-author of "Of Permanent Value, the Story of Warren Buffett," said he thinks the monopolylike power of railroads was the main attraction for Buffett. And Kilpatrick thinks railroads offered Buffett an outlet for some of Berkshire's billions that will generate reliable returns. "It just seems to me they can be pretty sure they'll get a decent return," Kilpatrick said. Cousins cautioned that investors should make their own determinations about whether railroads are a good investment. The calculation for Buffett, whose company typically holds onto its investments for long periods of time, may be different for individual investors. "Mr. Buffett is not a day trader," Cousins said. And Buffett himself has said that one of the worst reasons to invest in something is because someone else bought it. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070522.0220.LDC2009T13::2	 Buffett ' s interest in railroads inspires other investors OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-05-22 05:15:30 UTC Freight railroads and their investors can feel confident no new railroads will try to create a competing network -- the cost is too high. So the six major players in the U.S. industry will continue helping businesses connect with suppliers and customers for years to come. That enduring competitive advantage, combined with strong demand from shippers, is part of why billionaire Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., invested in three freight railroads. But investors who are thinking about following Buffett will have to determine whether strong business fundamentals or Buffett excitement drove the recent rise in rail stocks. The three railroads companies Berkshire invested in -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. -- are all trading near their 52-week highs. And the same is true for the three other major North American freight railroads Berkshire didn't buy: CSX Corp., Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. The run-up in rail stock prices started about six weeks ago, when Berkshire first disclosed its BNSF stake and Buffett said he'd bought into railroads. It continued last week when Berkshire revealed its investments in UP and Norfolk Southern and another billionaire, Carl Icahn, disclosed his company had invested in CSX. Edward Wolfe, an analyst with Bear Stearns & Co., said in a research report that the high-profile rail investors have helped generate new interest in the industry. "In addition to continued strong pricing and positive long-term secular demand fundamentals, we believe the strong run for the group so far in 2007 has been driven by newfound investor interest in the railroads," Wolfe said in a research note. But billionaires are not the only thing driving railroad stocks higher. The most important factor in railroads' current and future profitability is the high cost of building a rail network, which makes new competitors extremely unlikely, said Randy Cousins, an industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. Cousins said he thinks Buffett recognized some of the competitive advantages the major railroads enjoy. "I think he (Buffett) sees some powerful trends that are working for the railroad industry that aren't going to go away overnight," Cousins said. Besides the near-monopoly power that major freight railroads enjoy, Cousins said, railroads also are helped by the fact that more businesses today need supplies delivered from afar, and shipping by rail is generally less expensive than shipping by truck. Most of the major freight railroads also stand to benefit from the ethanol boom as more plants become operational in grain growing states such as Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. The fuel additive is generally shipped by rail, and some ethanol plants will likely pay railroads to deliver grain to them. Plus, railroads haul a diverse mix of products and commodities and can send locomotives wherever they are needed if the demand picture changes. "The locomotive power doesn't care what's behind the train," Cousins said. So if coal, for instance, were to suddenly become less popular with utilities because of pollution concerns, railroads could send more locomotives to the ports to haul containers full of imported goods. Railroad executives have said they do not expect the demand for coal -- which generally accounts for 20 percent to 25 percent of each major freight railroads' revenue -- to slow anytime soon. Both Omaha-based Union Pacific and Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF hauled record amounts of coal out of Wyoming's mines last year. Cousins said the biggest risk facing the industry is the chance government officials will decide to re-establish regulations that were dropped in 1980. But it's difficult to predict the chances of that happening. Buffett rarely discusses the investments Berkshire and its more than 60 subsidiaries make, and he didn't return calls for comment for this story. But Buffett offered some insight into the decision to invest in railroads at Berkshire's annual meeting earlier this month. Buffett said he made a mistake by not investing in railroads sooner, but he wasn't thinking about them two years ago. Railroads' competitive position has improved somewhat, Buffett said, and as diesel prices continue to increase, shipping by rail instead of truck will only become more attractive. Cousins said one train carrying a double stack of shipping containers can replace 220 semitrailer trucks on the highways. "There are huge competitive advantages that play to the railroad industry," Cousins said. Buffett said he doesn't expect sensational returns from railroads because it is such a capital-intensive business, but railroads are a better business than they used to be. Andy Kilpatrick, the stockbroker-author of "Of Permanent Value, the Story of Warren Buffett," said he thinks the monopolylike power of railroads was the main attraction for Buffett. And Kilpatrick thinks railroads offered Buffett an outlet for some of Berkshire's billions that will generate reliable returns. "It just seems to me they can be pretty sure they'll get a decent return," Kilpatrick said. Cousins cautioned that investors should make their own determinations about whether railroads are a good investment. The calculation for Buffett, whose company typically holds onto its investments for long periods of time, may be different for individual investors. "Mr. Buffett is not a day trader," Cousins said. And Buffett himself has said that one of the worst reasons to invest in something is because someone else bought it. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070522.0220.LDC2009T13::3	 Buffett ' s interest in railroads inspires other investors OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-05-22 05:15:30 UTC Freight railroads and their investors can feel confident no new railroads will try to create a competing network -- the cost is too high. So the six major players in the U.S. industry will continue helping businesses connect with suppliers and customers for years to come. That enduring competitive advantage, combined with strong demand from shippers, is part of why billionaire Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., invested in three freight railroads. But investors who are thinking about following Buffett will have to determine whether strong business fundamentals or Buffett excitement drove the recent rise in rail stocks. The three railroads companies Berkshire invested in -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. -- are all trading near their 52-week highs. And the same is true for the three other major North American freight railroads Berkshire didn't buy: CSX Corp., Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. The run-up in rail stock prices started about six weeks ago, when Berkshire first disclosed its BNSF stake and Buffett said he'd bought into railroads. It continued last week when Berkshire revealed its investments in UP and Norfolk Southern and another billionaire, Carl Icahn, disclosed his company had invested in CSX. Edward Wolfe, an analyst with Bear Stearns & Co., said in a research report that the high-profile rail investors have helped generate new interest in the industry. "In addition to continued strong pricing and positive long-term secular demand fundamentals, we believe the strong run for the group so far in 2007 has been driven by newfound investor interest in the railroads," Wolfe said in a research note. But billionaires are not the only thing driving railroad stocks higher. The most important factor in railroads' current and future profitability is the high cost of building a rail network, which makes new competitors extremely unlikely, said Randy Cousins, an industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. Cousins said he thinks Buffett recognized some of the competitive advantages the major railroads enjoy. "I think he (Buffett) sees some powerful trends that are working for the railroad industry that aren't going to go away overnight," Cousins said. Besides the near-monopoly power that major freight railroads enjoy, Cousins said, railroads also are helped by the fact that more businesses today need supplies delivered from afar, and shipping by rail is generally less expensive than shipping by truck. Most of the major freight railroads also stand to benefit from the ethanol boom as more plants become operational in grain growing states such as Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. The fuel additive is generally shipped by rail, and some ethanol plants will likely pay railroads to deliver grain to them. Plus, railroads haul a diverse mix of products and commodities and can send locomotives wherever they are needed if the demand picture changes. "The locomotive power doesn't care what's behind the train," Cousins said. So if coal, for instance, were to suddenly become less popular with utilities because of pollution concerns, railroads could send more locomotives to the ports to haul containers full of imported goods. Railroad executives have said they do not expect the demand for coal -- which generally accounts for 20 percent to 25 percent of each major freight railroads' revenue -- to slow anytime soon. Both Omaha-based Union Pacific and Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF hauled record amounts of coal out of Wyoming's mines last year. Cousins said the biggest risk facing the industry is the chance government officials will decide to re-establish regulations that were dropped in 1980. But it's difficult to predict the chances of that happening. Buffett rarely discusses the investments Berkshire and its more than 60 subsidiaries make, and he didn't return calls for comment for this story. But Buffett offered some insight into the decision to invest in railroads at Berkshire's annual meeting earlier this month. Buffett said he made a mistake by not investing in railroads sooner, but he wasn't thinking about them two years ago. Railroads' competitive position has improved somewhat, Buffett said, and as diesel prices continue to increase, shipping by rail instead of truck will only become more attractive. Cousins said one train carrying a double stack of shipping containers can replace 220 semitrailer trucks on the highways. "There are huge competitive advantages that play to the railroad industry," Cousins said. Buffett said he doesn't expect sensational returns from railroads because it is such a capital-intensive business, but railroads are a better business than they used to be. Andy Kilpatrick, the stockbroker-author of "Of Permanent Value, the Story of Warren Buffett," said he thinks the monopolylike power of railroads was the main attraction for Buffett. And Kilpatrick thinks railroads offered Buffett an outlet for some of Berkshire's billions that will generate reliable returns. "It just seems to me they can be pretty sure they'll get a decent return," Kilpatrick said. Cousins cautioned that investors should make their own determinations about whether railroads are a good investment. The calculation for Buffett, whose company typically holds onto its investments for long periods of time, may be different for individual investors. "Mr. Buffett is not a day trader," Cousins said. And Buffett himself has said that one of the worst reasons to invest in something is because someone else bought it. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.: http://www.bnsf.com Union Pacific Corp.: http://www.up.com Norfolk Southern Corp.: http://www.nscorp.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070814.1496.LDC2009T13::1	 Buffett ' s Berkshire buys Dow Jones stock, hides railroad changes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-08-14 22:31:26 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 2.8 million shares of Dow Jones & Co. earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy The Wall Street Journal's publisher. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed its quarterly summary of its $61.1 billion (euro44.9 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The filing did not state how much Berkshire paid for the Dow Jones shares, which closed at $36.33 the day before news of Murdoch's $60-per-share offer became public May 1. Berkshire's summary reveals several changes in the company's holdings as of June 30, but Berkshire's recent investments in two major freight railroads were omitted. Berkshire received permission from the SEC to omit information about its investments in Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp., which were first disclosed in May. Berkshire regularly asks the Securities and Exchange Commission for the ability not to immediately disclose its holdings. Berkshire says the information could hurt its trading strategy because the market likes to follow what the "Oracle of Omaha's" company does. In May, Berkshire revealed the company owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. The news of Berkshire's railroad investments sent shares of all major freight railroads soaring. Earlier this month, Berkshire revealed in SEC filings that it had added to its railroad holdings by buying 1.62 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Berkshire owns 40.65 million shares, or about 11.5 percent of the railroad. Different disclosure rules apply to the BNSF investment because Berkshire owns more than 10 percent of that company. Buffett's assistant Debbie Bosanek said Tuesday that Berkshire would not comment on its investments beyond what the government requires the company to disclose. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries makes or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms in addition to its investments. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070814.1496.LDC2009T13::2	 Buffett ' s Berkshire buys Dow Jones stock, hides railroad changes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-08-14 22:31:26 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 2.8 million shares of Dow Jones & Co. earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy The Wall Street Journal's publisher. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed its quarterly summary of its $61.1 billion (euro44.9 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The filing did not state how much Berkshire paid for the Dow Jones shares, which closed at $36.33 the day before news of Murdoch's $60-per-share offer became public May 1. Berkshire's summary reveals several changes in the company's holdings as of June 30, but Berkshire's recent investments in two major freight railroads were omitted. Berkshire received permission from the SEC to omit information about its investments in Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp., which were first disclosed in May. Berkshire regularly asks the Securities and Exchange Commission for the ability not to immediately disclose its holdings. Berkshire says the information could hurt its trading strategy because the market likes to follow what the "Oracle of Omaha's" company does. In May, Berkshire revealed the company owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. The news of Berkshire's railroad investments sent shares of all major freight railroads soaring. Earlier this month, Berkshire revealed in SEC filings that it had added to its railroad holdings by buying 1.62 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Berkshire owns 40.65 million shares, or about 11.5 percent of the railroad. Different disclosure rules apply to the BNSF investment because Berkshire owns more than 10 percent of that company. Buffett's assistant Debbie Bosanek said Tuesday that Berkshire would not comment on its investments beyond what the government requires the company to disclose. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries makes or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms in addition to its investments. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080422.0025.LDC2009T13::1	 Railroads Roar Ahead: Global Trade, Fuel Costs Add Up to Expansion for Once-Dying Industry When Bob Billingsley hired on with Norfolk Southern railway 31 years ago, he was a rookie on work crews that were closing unused lines as the nation's economy turned its back on the railroads. Now he's in charge of raising the roof of a Norfolk Southern tunnel in southwestern Virginia to clear headroom for the double- stacked container cars that have become the symbol of the industry's sudden surge thanks to a confluence of powerful global factors. "For years, we were looking for ways to cut costs to increase profits," said Billingsley, as a train rumbled by. "Now, we're building business to increase profits." The freight railway industry is enjoying its biggest building boom in nearly a century, a turnaround as abrupt as it is ambitious. It is largely fueled by growing global trade and rising fuel costs for 18-wheelers. In 2002, the major railroads laid off 4,700 workers; in 2006, they hired more than 5,000. Profit has doubled industry-wide since 2003, and stock prices have soared. The value of the largest railroad, the Union Pacific, has tripled since 2001. This year alone, the railroads will spend nearly $10 billion to add track, build switchyards and terminals, and open tunnels to handle the coming flood of traffic. Freight rail tonnage will rise nearly 90 percent by 2035, according to the Transportation Department. In the 1970s, tight federal regulation, cheap truck fuel and a wide-open interstate highway system conspired to cripple the railroad industry, driving many lines into bankruptcy. The nation's 300,000 miles of rails became a web of slow-moving, poorly maintained lines, so dilapidated in spots that tracks would give way under standing trains. The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 largely deregulated the industry, leading to a wave of consolidation. More than 40 major lines condensed into the seven that remain, running on 162,000 miles of track. But the changing global market has fueled prosperity -- and the need to add track for the first time in 80 years. Soaring diesel prices and a driver shortage have pushed freight from 18-wheelers back onto the rails. At the same time, China's unquenchable appetite for coal and the escalating U.S. demand for Chinese goods, means more U.S. rail traffic is heading to ports in the Northwest, on its way to and from the Far East. Coal still accounts for the most tonnage hauled by U.S. railroads, but it is the ocean-crossing shipping container -- carrying autos, toys, furniture and nearly every product a consumer will buy -- that has lit a rocket under the railroad industry. Passenger rail traffic is also increasing; 2007 was Amtrak's fifth consecutive year of increased ridership, up 6 percent from 2006. The zeitgeist has even dropped a "green" gift in the industry's lap. A train can haul a ton of freight 423 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, about a 3-to-1 fuel efficiency advantage over 18-wheelers, and the railroad industry is increasingly touting itself as an eco-friendly alternative. Trucking firms also use the rail lines; UPS is the railroad industry's biggest customer. Rail traffic, revenue and profit began to soar in 2002-03 and seem largely immune to the economic downturn. Last week, for instance, CSX reported a record first-quarter profit. On Friday, the stock price of Western rail giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) hit an all-time high. At the industry's nadir in the 1970s, the average annual rate of return on investment for a railroad company was 1.2 percent. By 2006, that number was 10.2 percent. And even though the economic slump has reduced key traffic about 4 percent this year compared with last, it has not slowed the railroads' urgent tracklaying. Capital expenditures this year are up, as the railroads think the downturn is temporary, said the industry's trade group, the Association of American Railroads. Seven railways control nearly all of the freight shipped in the United States. In the West, they are, from largest to smallest by track mileage, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian Pacific/Soo Line and Kansas City Southern. In the East, they are Norfolk Southern, CSX and the Canadian National/Grand Trunk lines. Most of them have extensive expansions planned or under way. The companies are attracting the attention of big-money investors, such as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren E. Buffett, who sees a future in the Industrial Age behemoths. Buffett, a Washington Post Co. director, began loading up on shares of BNSF last year and is now its largest shareholder, with more than 18 percent of its outstanding stock. The industry estimates it will take $148 billion in expansion to carry the amount of traffic anticipated by 2035. Of that, the railroad companies will contribute $96 billion, said the industry's trade group. The rest would have to come from the federal government and the states. The railroads argue that more trains mean fewer trucks on the road and less air pollution, public benefits that the public should help pay for. Further, the railroads could not achieve the profits they say Wall Street demands without government subsidies. The railroads seek a tax credit, backed by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., that would help them expand further. Meanwhile, the railroad industry's long-standing antitrust exemption has attracted the attention of lawmakers. They seek to eliminate the exemption and closely examine the rates railroads charge to haul freight, which the industry says would cripple its expansion at a critical time. The railroads' rate structure has also drawn the ire of some of their customers: Nearly 30 antitrust lawsuits have been filed against major railroads in recent months, including one by agri- giant Archer Daniels Midland last month, alleging collusion and price-fixing. For some lawmakers and advocacy groups, today's rail industry recalls that of the late 1800s, when the only ceiling on rates was the limit of a rail baron's avarice. The railroads say today's rates are reasonable and reflect something the industry has not had in decades: pricing power. "Customers had gotten used to rates going down all those years, and all of the sudden, they're not anymore," Norfolk Southern vice president James A. Hixon said in an interview. "They don't like it." Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., whose state depends on trains carrying coal, introduced a bill last year that the railroad industry derides as the "Reregulation Act." The legislation, which has not been scheduled for a floor vote, would allow shippers to easily challenge railroad rates at the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates the rail industry. Now, some shippers say, they have almost no recourse if they think the railroads are gouging them. "It's a byzantine system, and it's rigged against the shippers," said Robert Szabo, executive director of Consumers United for Rail Equity, a coalition of shippers who say that the railroads' monopoly pricing structure raises the cost of consumer goods. The railroads "have been in a seller's market since 2004," said Szabo, whose group backs Rockefeller's legislation. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., introduced a bill last year that would remove the railroads' antitrust exemption. Unlike other industries, the Department of Justice cannot block a merger between rail companies, and the STB has been criticized for siding too often with the industry. "Competition has virtually gone away," Kohl said in an interview. His bill has not been scheduled for a floor vote. "They have carved up the country, and each (railroad) controls its vast area." Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., a co-sponsor of both bills, cites an example: The railroads charge four times as much to ship a carload of grain from Bismarck, N.D., to Minneapolis as they do to ship it from Minneapolis to Chicago, although the distances are about equal. The reason: Shippers have only one choice of railroad out of Bismarck. The railroad industry calls it "differential pricing," and "it occurs every day in the airline industry," said Edward R. Hamberger, president of the railroad trade group. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080422.0025.LDC2009T13::2	 Railroads Roar Ahead: Global Trade, Fuel Costs Add Up to Expansion for Once-Dying Industry When Bob Billingsley hired on with Norfolk Southern railway 31 years ago, he was a rookie on work crews that were closing unused lines as the nation's economy turned its back on the railroads. Now he's in charge of raising the roof of a Norfolk Southern tunnel in southwestern Virginia to clear headroom for the double- stacked container cars that have become the symbol of the industry's sudden surge thanks to a confluence of powerful global factors. "For years, we were looking for ways to cut costs to increase profits," said Billingsley, as a train rumbled by. "Now, we're building business to increase profits." The freight railway industry is enjoying its biggest building boom in nearly a century, a turnaround as abrupt as it is ambitious. It is largely fueled by growing global trade and rising fuel costs for 18-wheelers. In 2002, the major railroads laid off 4,700 workers; in 2006, they hired more than 5,000. Profit has doubled industry-wide since 2003, and stock prices have soared. The value of the largest railroad, the Union Pacific, has tripled since 2001. This year alone, the railroads will spend nearly $10 billion to add track, build switchyards and terminals, and open tunnels to handle the coming flood of traffic. Freight rail tonnage will rise nearly 90 percent by 2035, according to the Transportation Department. In the 1970s, tight federal regulation, cheap truck fuel and a wide-open interstate highway system conspired to cripple the railroad industry, driving many lines into bankruptcy. The nation's 300,000 miles of rails became a web of slow-moving, poorly maintained lines, so dilapidated in spots that tracks would give way under standing trains. The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 largely deregulated the industry, leading to a wave of consolidation. More than 40 major lines condensed into the seven that remain, running on 162,000 miles of track. But the changing global market has fueled prosperity -- and the need to add track for the first time in 80 years. Soaring diesel prices and a driver shortage have pushed freight from 18-wheelers back onto the rails. At the same time, China's unquenchable appetite for coal and the escalating U.S. demand for Chinese goods, means more U.S. rail traffic is heading to ports in the Northwest, on its way to and from the Far East. Coal still accounts for the most tonnage hauled by U.S. railroads, but it is the ocean-crossing shipping container -- carrying autos, toys, furniture and nearly every product a consumer will buy -- that has lit a rocket under the railroad industry. Passenger rail traffic is also increasing; 2007 was Amtrak's fifth consecutive year of increased ridership, up 6 percent from 2006. The zeitgeist has even dropped a "green" gift in the industry's lap. A train can haul a ton of freight 423 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, about a 3-to-1 fuel efficiency advantage over 18-wheelers, and the railroad industry is increasingly touting itself as an eco-friendly alternative. Trucking firms also use the rail lines; UPS is the railroad industry's biggest customer. Rail traffic, revenue and profit began to soar in 2002-03 and seem largely immune to the economic downturn. Last week, for instance, CSX reported a record first-quarter profit. On Friday, the stock price of Western rail giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) hit an all-time high. At the industry's nadir in the 1970s, the average annual rate of return on investment for a railroad company was 1.2 percent. By 2006, that number was 10.2 percent. And even though the economic slump has reduced key traffic about 4 percent this year compared with last, it has not slowed the railroads' urgent tracklaying. Capital expenditures this year are up, as the railroads think the downturn is temporary, said the industry's trade group, the Association of American Railroads. Seven railways control nearly all of the freight shipped in the United States. In the West, they are, from largest to smallest by track mileage, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian Pacific/Soo Line and Kansas City Southern. In the East, they are Norfolk Southern, CSX and the Canadian National/Grand Trunk lines. Most of them have extensive expansions planned or under way. The companies are attracting the attention of big-money investors, such as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren E. Buffett, who sees a future in the Industrial Age behemoths. Buffett, a Washington Post Co. director, began loading up on shares of BNSF last year and is now its largest shareholder, with more than 18 percent of its outstanding stock. The industry estimates it will take $148 billion in expansion to carry the amount of traffic anticipated by 2035. Of that, the railroad companies will contribute $96 billion, said the industry's trade group. The rest would have to come from the federal government and the states. The railroads argue that more trains mean fewer trucks on the road and less air pollution, public benefits that the public should help pay for. Further, the railroads could not achieve the profits they say Wall Street demands without government subsidies. The railroads seek a tax credit, backed by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., that would help them expand further. Meanwhile, the railroad industry's long-standing antitrust exemption has attracted the attention of lawmakers. They seek to eliminate the exemption and closely examine the rates railroads charge to haul freight, which the industry says would cripple its expansion at a critical time. The railroads' rate structure has also drawn the ire of some of their customers: Nearly 30 antitrust lawsuits have been filed against major railroads in recent months, including one by agri- giant Archer Daniels Midland last month, alleging collusion and price-fixing. For some lawmakers and advocacy groups, today's rail industry recalls that of the late 1800s, when the only ceiling on rates was the limit of a rail baron's avarice. The railroads say today's rates are reasonable and reflect something the industry has not had in decades: pricing power. "Customers had gotten used to rates going down all those years, and all of the sudden, they're not anymore," Norfolk Southern vice president James A. Hixon said in an interview. "They don't like it." Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., whose state depends on trains carrying coal, introduced a bill last year that the railroad industry derides as the "Reregulation Act." The legislation, which has not been scheduled for a floor vote, would allow shippers to easily challenge railroad rates at the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates the rail industry. Now, some shippers say, they have almost no recourse if they think the railroads are gouging them. "It's a byzantine system, and it's rigged against the shippers," said Robert Szabo, executive director of Consumers United for Rail Equity, a coalition of shippers who say that the railroads' monopoly pricing structure raises the cost of consumer goods. The railroads "have been in a seller's market since 2004," said Szabo, whose group backs Rockefeller's legislation. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., introduced a bill last year that would remove the railroads' antitrust exemption. Unlike other industries, the Department of Justice cannot block a merger between rail companies, and the STB has been criticized for siding too often with the industry. "Competition has virtually gone away," Kohl said in an interview. His bill has not been scheduled for a floor vote. "They have carved up the country, and each (railroad) controls its vast area." Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., a co-sponsor of both bills, cites an example: The railroads charge four times as much to ship a carload of grain from Bismarck, N.D., to Minneapolis as they do to ship it from Minneapolis to Chicago, although the distances are about equal. The reason: Shippers have only one choice of railroad out of Bismarck. The railroad industry calls it "differential pricing," and "it occurs every day in the airline industry," said Edward R. Hamberger, president of the railroad trade group. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080422.0025.LDC2009T13::3	 Railroads Roar Ahead: Global Trade, Fuel Costs Add Up to Expansion for Once-Dying Industry When Bob Billingsley hired on with Norfolk Southern railway 31 years ago, he was a rookie on work crews that were closing unused lines as the nation's economy turned its back on the railroads. Now he's in charge of raising the roof of a Norfolk Southern tunnel in southwestern Virginia to clear headroom for the double- stacked container cars that have become the symbol of the industry's sudden surge thanks to a confluence of powerful global factors. "For years, we were looking for ways to cut costs to increase profits," said Billingsley, as a train rumbled by. "Now, we're building business to increase profits." The freight railway industry is enjoying its biggest building boom in nearly a century, a turnaround as abrupt as it is ambitious. It is largely fueled by growing global trade and rising fuel costs for 18-wheelers. In 2002, the major railroads laid off 4,700 workers; in 2006, they hired more than 5,000. Profit has doubled industry-wide since 2003, and stock prices have soared. The value of the largest railroad, the Union Pacific, has tripled since 2001. This year alone, the railroads will spend nearly $10 billion to add track, build switchyards and terminals, and open tunnels to handle the coming flood of traffic. Freight rail tonnage will rise nearly 90 percent by 2035, according to the Transportation Department. In the 1970s, tight federal regulation, cheap truck fuel and a wide-open interstate highway system conspired to cripple the railroad industry, driving many lines into bankruptcy. The nation's 300,000 miles of rails became a web of slow-moving, poorly maintained lines, so dilapidated in spots that tracks would give way under standing trains. The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 largely deregulated the industry, leading to a wave of consolidation. More than 40 major lines condensed into the seven that remain, running on 162,000 miles of track. But the changing global market has fueled prosperity -- and the need to add track for the first time in 80 years. Soaring diesel prices and a driver shortage have pushed freight from 18-wheelers back onto the rails. At the same time, China's unquenchable appetite for coal and the escalating U.S. demand for Chinese goods, means more U.S. rail traffic is heading to ports in the Northwest, on its way to and from the Far East. Coal still accounts for the most tonnage hauled by U.S. railroads, but it is the ocean-crossing shipping container -- carrying autos, toys, furniture and nearly every product a consumer will buy -- that has lit a rocket under the railroad industry. Passenger rail traffic is also increasing; 2007 was Amtrak's fifth consecutive year of increased ridership, up 6 percent from 2006. The zeitgeist has even dropped a "green" gift in the industry's lap. A train can haul a ton of freight 423 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, about a 3-to-1 fuel efficiency advantage over 18-wheelers, and the railroad industry is increasingly touting itself as an eco-friendly alternative. Trucking firms also use the rail lines; UPS is the railroad industry's biggest customer. Rail traffic, revenue and profit began to soar in 2002-03 and seem largely immune to the economic downturn. Last week, for instance, CSX reported a record first-quarter profit. On Friday, the stock price of Western rail giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) hit an all-time high. At the industry's nadir in the 1970s, the average annual rate of return on investment for a railroad company was 1.2 percent. By 2006, that number was 10.2 percent. And even though the economic slump has reduced key traffic about 4 percent this year compared with last, it has not slowed the railroads' urgent tracklaying. Capital expenditures this year are up, as the railroads think the downturn is temporary, said the industry's trade group, the Association of American Railroads. Seven railways control nearly all of the freight shipped in the United States. In the West, they are, from largest to smallest by track mileage, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian Pacific/Soo Line and Kansas City Southern. In the East, they are Norfolk Southern, CSX and the Canadian National/Grand Trunk lines. Most of them have extensive expansions planned or under way. The companies are attracting the attention of big-money investors, such as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren E. Buffett, who sees a future in the Industrial Age behemoths. Buffett, a Washington Post Co. director, began loading up on shares of BNSF last year and is now its largest shareholder, with more than 18 percent of its outstanding stock. The industry estimates it will take $148 billion in expansion to carry the amount of traffic anticipated by 2035. Of that, the railroad companies will contribute $96 billion, said the industry's trade group. The rest would have to come from the federal government and the states. The railroads argue that more trains mean fewer trucks on the road and less air pollution, public benefits that the public should help pay for. Further, the railroads could not achieve the profits they say Wall Street demands without government subsidies. The railroads seek a tax credit, backed by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., that would help them expand further. Meanwhile, the railroad industry's long-standing antitrust exemption has attracted the attention of lawmakers. They seek to eliminate the exemption and closely examine the rates railroads charge to haul freight, which the industry says would cripple its expansion at a critical time. The railroads' rate structure has also drawn the ire of some of their customers: Nearly 30 antitrust lawsuits have been filed against major railroads in recent months, including one by agri- giant Archer Daniels Midland last month, alleging collusion and price-fixing. For some lawmakers and advocacy groups, today's rail industry recalls that of the late 1800s, when the only ceiling on rates was the limit of a rail baron's avarice. The railroads say today's rates are reasonable and reflect something the industry has not had in decades: pricing power. "Customers had gotten used to rates going down all those years, and all of the sudden, they're not anymore," Norfolk Southern vice president James A. Hixon said in an interview. "They don't like it." Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., whose state depends on trains carrying coal, introduced a bill last year that the railroad industry derides as the "Reregulation Act." The legislation, which has not been scheduled for a floor vote, would allow shippers to easily challenge railroad rates at the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates the rail industry. Now, some shippers say, they have almost no recourse if they think the railroads are gouging them. "It's a byzantine system, and it's rigged against the shippers," said Robert Szabo, executive director of Consumers United for Rail Equity, a coalition of shippers who say that the railroads' monopoly pricing structure raises the cost of consumer goods. The railroads "have been in a seller's market since 2004," said Szabo, whose group backs Rockefeller's legislation. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., introduced a bill last year that would remove the railroads' antitrust exemption. Unlike other industries, the Department of Justice cannot block a merger between rail companies, and the STB has been criticized for siding too often with the industry. "Competition has virtually gone away," Kohl said in an interview. His bill has not been scheduled for a floor vote. "They have carved up the country, and each (railroad) controls its vast area." Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., a co-sponsor of both bills, cites an example: The railroads charge four times as much to ship a carload of grain from Bismarck, N.D., to Minneapolis as they do to ship it from Minneapolis to Chicago, although the distances are about equal. The reason: Shippers have only one choice of railroad out of Bismarck. The railroad industry calls it "differential pricing," and "it occurs every day in the airline industry," said Edward R. Hamberger, president of the railroad trade group. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080422.0025.LDC2009T13::4	 Railroads Roar Ahead: Global Trade, Fuel Costs Add Up to Expansion for Once-Dying Industry When Bob Billingsley hired on with Norfolk Southern railway 31 years ago, he was a rookie on work crews that were closing unused lines as the nation's economy turned its back on the railroads. Now he's in charge of raising the roof of a Norfolk Southern tunnel in southwestern Virginia to clear headroom for the double- stacked container cars that have become the symbol of the industry's sudden surge thanks to a confluence of powerful global factors. "For years, we were looking for ways to cut costs to increase profits," said Billingsley, as a train rumbled by. "Now, we're building business to increase profits." The freight railway industry is enjoying its biggest building boom in nearly a century, a turnaround as abrupt as it is ambitious. It is largely fueled by growing global trade and rising fuel costs for 18-wheelers. In 2002, the major railroads laid off 4,700 workers; in 2006, they hired more than 5,000. Profit has doubled industry-wide since 2003, and stock prices have soared. The value of the largest railroad, the Union Pacific, has tripled since 2001. This year alone, the railroads will spend nearly $10 billion to add track, build switchyards and terminals, and open tunnels to handle the coming flood of traffic. Freight rail tonnage will rise nearly 90 percent by 2035, according to the Transportation Department. In the 1970s, tight federal regulation, cheap truck fuel and a wide-open interstate highway system conspired to cripple the railroad industry, driving many lines into bankruptcy. The nation's 300,000 miles of rails became a web of slow-moving, poorly maintained lines, so dilapidated in spots that tracks would give way under standing trains. The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 largely deregulated the industry, leading to a wave of consolidation. More than 40 major lines condensed into the seven that remain, running on 162,000 miles of track. But the changing global market has fueled prosperity -- and the need to add track for the first time in 80 years. Soaring diesel prices and a driver shortage have pushed freight from 18-wheelers back onto the rails. At the same time, China's unquenchable appetite for coal and the escalating U.S. demand for Chinese goods, means more U.S. rail traffic is heading to ports in the Northwest, on its way to and from the Far East. Coal still accounts for the most tonnage hauled by U.S. railroads, but it is the ocean-crossing shipping container -- carrying autos, toys, furniture and nearly every product a consumer will buy -- that has lit a rocket under the railroad industry. Passenger rail traffic is also increasing; 2007 was Amtrak's fifth consecutive year of increased ridership, up 6 percent from 2006. The zeitgeist has even dropped a "green" gift in the industry's lap. A train can haul a ton of freight 423 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, about a 3-to-1 fuel efficiency advantage over 18-wheelers, and the railroad industry is increasingly touting itself as an eco-friendly alternative. Trucking firms also use the rail lines; UPS is the railroad industry's biggest customer. Rail traffic, revenue and profit began to soar in 2002-03 and seem largely immune to the economic downturn. Last week, for instance, CSX reported a record first-quarter profit. On Friday, the stock price of Western rail giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) hit an all-time high. At the industry's nadir in the 1970s, the average annual rate of return on investment for a railroad company was 1.2 percent. By 2006, that number was 10.2 percent. And even though the economic slump has reduced key traffic about 4 percent this year compared with last, it has not slowed the railroads' urgent tracklaying. Capital expenditures this year are up, as the railroads think the downturn is temporary, said the industry's trade group, the Association of American Railroads. Seven railways control nearly all of the freight shipped in the United States. In the West, they are, from largest to smallest by track mileage, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian Pacific/Soo Line and Kansas City Southern. In the East, they are Norfolk Southern, CSX and the Canadian National/Grand Trunk lines. Most of them have extensive expansions planned or under way. The companies are attracting the attention of big-money investors, such as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren E. Buffett, who sees a future in the Industrial Age behemoths. Buffett, a Washington Post Co. director, began loading up on shares of BNSF last year and is now its largest shareholder, with more than 18 percent of its outstanding stock. The industry estimates it will take $148 billion in expansion to carry the amount of traffic anticipated by 2035. Of that, the railroad companies will contribute $96 billion, said the industry's trade group. The rest would have to come from the federal government and the states. The railroads argue that more trains mean fewer trucks on the road and less air pollution, public benefits that the public should help pay for. Further, the railroads could not achieve the profits they say Wall Street demands without government subsidies. The railroads seek a tax credit, backed by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., that would help them expand further. Meanwhile, the railroad industry's long-standing antitrust exemption has attracted the attention of lawmakers. They seek to eliminate the exemption and closely examine the rates railroads charge to haul freight, which the industry says would cripple its expansion at a critical time. The railroads' rate structure has also drawn the ire of some of their customers: Nearly 30 antitrust lawsuits have been filed against major railroads in recent months, including one by agri- giant Archer Daniels Midland last month, alleging collusion and price-fixing. For some lawmakers and advocacy groups, today's rail industry recalls that of the late 1800s, when the only ceiling on rates was the limit of a rail baron's avarice. The railroads say today's rates are reasonable and reflect something the industry has not had in decades: pricing power. "Customers had gotten used to rates going down all those years, and all of the sudden, they're not anymore," Norfolk Southern vice president James A. Hixon said in an interview. "They don't like it." Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., whose state depends on trains carrying coal, introduced a bill last year that the railroad industry derides as the "Reregulation Act." The legislation, which has not been scheduled for a floor vote, would allow shippers to easily challenge railroad rates at the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates the rail industry. Now, some shippers say, they have almost no recourse if they think the railroads are gouging them. "It's a byzantine system, and it's rigged against the shippers," said Robert Szabo, executive director of Consumers United for Rail Equity, a coalition of shippers who say that the railroads' monopoly pricing structure raises the cost of consumer goods. The railroads "have been in a seller's market since 2004," said Szabo, whose group backs Rockefeller's legislation. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., introduced a bill last year that would remove the railroads' antitrust exemption. Unlike other industries, the Department of Justice cannot block a merger between rail companies, and the STB has been criticized for siding too often with the industry. "Competition has virtually gone away," Kohl said in an interview. His bill has not been scheduled for a floor vote. "They have carved up the country, and each (railroad) controls its vast area." Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., a co-sponsor of both bills, cites an example: The railroads charge four times as much to ship a carload of grain from Bismarck, N.D., to Minneapolis as they do to ship it from Minneapolis to Chicago, although the distances are about equal. The reason: Shippers have only one choice of railroad out of Bismarck. The railroad industry calls it "differential pricing," and "it occurs every day in the airline industry," said Edward R. Hamberger, president of the railroad trade group. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070814.1564.LDC2009T13::1	 Buffett ' s Berkshire buys Dow Jones stock, hides railroad changes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-08-14 23:38:48 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 2.8 million shares of Dow Jones & Co. earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy The Wall Street Journal's publisher. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed its quarterly summary of its $61.1 billion (euro44.9 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The filing did not state how much Berkshire paid for the Dow Jones shares, which closed at $36.33 the day before news of Murdoch's $60-per-share offer became public May 1. Berkshire bought the Dow Jones shares sometime in April, May or June, so it could have paid as little as $34 a share. Berkshire held 2.78 million shares of Dow Jones stock, worth about $159.8 million (euro117.6 million), at the end of June. The Dow Jones purchase runs counter to Buffett's well-established opinion that newspapers face long-term challenges because the economics of the business are eroding. But Berkshire's Dow Jones ownership is likely to be short term. Murdoch's News Corp. reached an agreement to pay $5 billion (euro3.7 billion) to acquire Dow Jones on Aug. 1. Berkshire's summary reveals several changes in the company's holdings as of June 30, but Berkshire's recent investments in two major freight railroads were omitted. Berkshire received permission from the SEC to omit information about its investments in Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp., which were first disclosed in May. Berkshire regularly asks the Securities and Exchange Commission for the ability not to immediately disclose its holdings. Berkshire says the information could hurt its trading strategy because the market likes to follow what the "Oracle of Omaha's" company does. In May, Berkshire revealed the company owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. The news of Berkshire's railroad investments sent shares of all major freight railroads soaring. Earlier this month, Berkshire revealed in SEC filings that it had added to its railroad holdings by buying 1.62 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Berkshire owns 40.65 million shares, or about 11.5 percent of the railroad. Different disclosure rules apply to the BNSF investment because Berkshire owns more than 10 percent of that company. Buffett's assistant Debbie Bosanek said Tuesday that Berkshire would not comment on its investments beyond what the government requires the company to disclose. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries makes or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire added to its banking holdings with a new investment in 8.7 million shares of Bank of America Corp., worth about $425.3 million (euro312.9 million). Berkshire also added to its already sizable investments in Wells Fargo & Co. and U.S. Bancorp during the quarter and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Berkshire increased its stake in U.S. Bank's parent company from 23.3 million shares at the end of March to 37.1 million shares worth $839.6 million (euro617.7 million) at the end of June. Berkshire added about 25.5 million shares of Wells Fargo during the quarter. It owned 257.7 million shares of Wells Fargo worth about $9.1 billion (euro6.7 billion) at the end of June. That represents nearly 8 percent of Wells Fargo. Between March 31 and June 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling its last 1.25 million shares of tax preparer H&R Block Inc. Berkshire had been selling that investment since last September, when it owned 10.97 million shares of H&R Block. -- Doubling its stake in Nike Inc. to 8 million shares worth about $466.3 million (euro343 million). -- Selling its last 1.48 million shares of retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. -- Unloading nearly 6.7 million shares of Western Union. Berkshire still holds about 3.2 million shares of the company. -- Buying 2.7 million more shares of French drug maker Sanofi- Aventis to bring its stake to 3.5 million shares. -- Increasing holdings in Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble Co. Berkshire now owns 53.1 million shares of Johnson & Johnson and 105.2 million shares of Procter & Gamble. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms in addition to its investments. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070814.1564.LDC2009T13::2	 Buffett ' s Berkshire buys Dow Jones stock, hides railroad changes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-08-14 23:38:48 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 2.8 million shares of Dow Jones & Co. earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy The Wall Street Journal's publisher. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed its quarterly summary of its $61.1 billion (euro44.9 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The filing did not state how much Berkshire paid for the Dow Jones shares, which closed at $36.33 the day before news of Murdoch's $60-per-share offer became public May 1. Berkshire bought the Dow Jones shares sometime in April, May or June, so it could have paid as little as $34 a share. Berkshire held 2.78 million shares of Dow Jones stock, worth about $159.8 million (euro117.6 million), at the end of June. The Dow Jones purchase runs counter to Buffett's well-established opinion that newspapers face long-term challenges because the economics of the business are eroding. But Berkshire's Dow Jones ownership is likely to be short term. Murdoch's News Corp. reached an agreement to pay $5 billion (euro3.7 billion) to acquire Dow Jones on Aug. 1. Berkshire's summary reveals several changes in the company's holdings as of June 30, but Berkshire's recent investments in two major freight railroads were omitted. Berkshire received permission from the SEC to omit information about its investments in Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp., which were first disclosed in May. Berkshire regularly asks the Securities and Exchange Commission for the ability not to immediately disclose its holdings. Berkshire says the information could hurt its trading strategy because the market likes to follow what the "Oracle of Omaha's" company does. In May, Berkshire revealed the company owned 10.5 million shares of Union Pacific and nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. The news of Berkshire's railroad investments sent shares of all major freight railroads soaring. Earlier this month, Berkshire revealed in SEC filings that it had added to its railroad holdings by buying 1.62 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Berkshire owns 40.65 million shares, or about 11.5 percent of the railroad. Different disclosure rules apply to the BNSF investment because Berkshire owns more than 10 percent of that company. Buffett's assistant Debbie Bosanek said Tuesday that Berkshire would not comment on its investments beyond what the government requires the company to disclose. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries makes or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire added to its banking holdings with a new investment in 8.7 million shares of Bank of America Corp., worth about $425.3 million (euro312.9 million). Berkshire also added to its already sizable investments in Wells Fargo & Co. and U.S. Bancorp during the quarter and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Berkshire increased its stake in U.S. Bank's parent company from 23.3 million shares at the end of March to 37.1 million shares worth $839.6 million (euro617.7 million) at the end of June. Berkshire added about 25.5 million shares of Wells Fargo during the quarter. It owned 257.7 million shares of Wells Fargo worth about $9.1 billion (euro6.7 billion) at the end of June. That represents nearly 8 percent of Wells Fargo. Between March 31 and June 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling its last 1.25 million shares of tax preparer H&R Block Inc. Berkshire had been selling that investment since last September, when it owned 10.97 million shares of H&R Block. -- Doubling its stake in Nike Inc. to 8 million shares worth about $466.3 million (euro343 million). -- Selling its last 1.48 million shares of retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. -- Unloading nearly 6.7 million shares of Western Union. Berkshire still holds about 3.2 million shares of the company. -- Buying 2.7 million more shares of French drug maker Sanofi- Aventis to bring its stake to 3.5 million shares. -- Increasing holdings in Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble Co. Berkshire now owns 53.1 million shares of Johnson & Johnson and 105.2 million shares of Procter & Gamble. Berkshire owns furniture, insurance, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms in addition to its investments. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070109.0131.LDC2009T13::1	 Judge approves settlement for hundreds injured in South Carolina toxic gas release COLUMBIA, South Carolina 2007-01-09 01:37:21 UTC A judge approved a settlement to pay thousands of dollars to hundreds of people injured in a train derailment that released a toxic cloud over the town of Graniteville. U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour gave approval Monday to a preliminary settlement reached by railroad owner Norfolk Southern and plaintiffs' attorneys. Early on Jan. 6, 2005, a Norfolk Southern train veered off the main track onto a spur, rear-ending a parked train whose crew failed to switch the tracks back to the main rail. The wreck ruptured a car carrying chlorine and released a poisonous cloud over the tiny mill town, killing nine people and injuring 250. Some 5,400 people were evacuated. Under the settlement, those who sought medical attention within three months of the derailment would receive anywhere from $10,000 (euro7,689) up to several hundred thousand dollars (euros). Lawyer for both sides expect about 760 residents, mill workers and first responders to qualify to receive money under the class action suit. Attorneys don't know how much money will be paid in total. The Norfolk, Virginia-based company has already paid roughly $41 million (euro31.52 million) in claims and expenses to about 3,700 people, spokesman Robin Chapman said. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070109.0131.LDC2009T13::2	 Judge approves settlement for hundreds injured in South Carolina toxic gas release COLUMBIA, South Carolina 2007-01-09 01:37:21 UTC A judge approved a settlement to pay thousands of dollars to hundreds of people injured in a train derailment that released a toxic cloud over the town of Graniteville. U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour gave approval Monday to a preliminary settlement reached by railroad owner Norfolk Southern and plaintiffs' attorneys. Early on Jan. 6, 2005, a Norfolk Southern train veered off the main track onto a spur, rear-ending a parked train whose crew failed to switch the tracks back to the main rail. The wreck ruptured a car carrying chlorine and released a poisonous cloud over the tiny mill town, killing nine people and injuring 250. Some 5,400 people were evacuated. Under the settlement, those who sought medical attention within three months of the derailment would receive anywhere from $10,000 (euro7,689) up to several hundred thousand dollars (euros). Lawyer for both sides expect about 760 residents, mill workers and first responders to qualify to receive money under the class action suit. Attorneys don't know how much money will be paid in total. The Norfolk, Virginia-based company has already paid roughly $41 million (euro31.52 million) in claims and expenses to about 3,700 people, spokesman Robin Chapman said. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071114.1634.LDC2009T13::1	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts UP and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-14 23:53:02 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 14 million shares in Carmax Inc., the largest specialty used-car retailer in the United States. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed a quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first of the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September. The filing does not say how much Berkshire paid for the shares, which represent about 6.4 percent of the company, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific, after months of buying. Berskhire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific stock as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha- based railroad that Berskhire held June 30. It is less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern stock. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment does not seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire owns more than 60 subsidiaries that range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071114.1634.LDC2009T13::2	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts UP and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-14 23:53:02 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 14 million shares in Carmax Inc., the largest specialty used-car retailer in the United States. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed a quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first of the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September. The filing does not say how much Berkshire paid for the shares, which represent about 6.4 percent of the company, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific, after months of buying. Berskhire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific stock as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha- based railroad that Berskhire held June 30. It is less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern stock. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment does not seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire owns more than 60 subsidiaries that range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071114.1634.LDC2009T13::3	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts UP and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-14 23:53:02 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 14 million shares in Carmax Inc., the largest specialty used-car retailer in the United States. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed a quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first of the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September. The filing does not say how much Berkshire paid for the shares, which represent about 6.4 percent of the company, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific, after months of buying. Berskhire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific stock as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha- based railroad that Berskhire held June 30. It is less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern stock. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment does not seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire owns more than 60 subsidiaries that range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071114.1634.LDC2009T13::4	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts UP and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-14 23:53:02 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's holding company bought nearly 14 million shares in Carmax Inc., the largest specialty used-car retailer in the United States. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed a quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first of the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September. The filing does not say how much Berkshire paid for the shares, which represent about 6.4 percent of the company, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific, after months of buying. Berskhire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific stock as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha- based railroad that Berskhire held June 30. It is less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern stock. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment does not seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire owns more than 60 subsidiaries that range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071115.0169.LDC2009T13::1	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-15 02:47:20 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has bought nearly 14 million shares of Carmax Inc., America's largest specialty used-car retailer, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first stake in the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September, according to Berkshire's quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks. Carmax operates 86 used car stores in 39 U.S. markets and is preparing to open a new store in Omaha next month about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Buffett's office. Carmax says it sold 337,021 used vehicles and 208,959 wholesale vehicles at auction last year. Berkshire's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't say how much the company paid for the shares, which represent about a 6.4 percent stake in Carmax, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific Corp., after months of buying. Berkshire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha-based railroad that Berkshire held June 30. It's less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment doesn't seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire also now holds 2.7 million shares of Wabco Holdings Inc., a vehicle control systems business spun off of American Standard Cos. Berkshire would have received Wabco shares as part of the spinoff because it owned American Standard shares -- 10.96 million at the end of September. Meanwhile, Berkshire bought about 3.6 million more shares of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal. Berkshire owned 6.3 million shares of Dow Jones, worth $378.8 million (euro257.69 million), at the end of the quarter, after a purchase of nearly 2.8 million shares earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy the company. Berkshire continued adding to banking holdings during the quarter, buying 28.4 million shares of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank. Berkshire also bought more than 22 million shares of Wells Fargo & Co., bringing its total to 280 million shares. Berkshire bought fewer shares -- just 400,000 -- of Bank of America Corp., and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Between July 1 and Sept. 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling all its nearly 4 million shares in Servicemaster Co., a Downers Grove, Illinois-based lawn-care and pest-control provider. The shares were valued at $61.8 million (euro42.04 million). -- Selling all its 6.3 million shares in diversified manufacturer Tyco International Ltd. The shares were valued at $213.2 million (euro145.03 million). -- Unloading its last 3.2 million shares of The Western Union Co., which offers money-transfer services through 320,000 agents in more than 200 countries. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries make, or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire's subsidiaries range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Anheuser-Busch Cos. Berkshire's Class A shares gained $1,800, or 1.3 percent, to close at $137,500 Wednesday before the stock filing was released. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071115.0169.LDC2009T13::2	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-15 02:47:20 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has bought nearly 14 million shares of Carmax Inc., America's largest specialty used-car retailer, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first stake in the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September, according to Berkshire's quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks. Carmax operates 86 used car stores in 39 U.S. markets and is preparing to open a new store in Omaha next month about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Buffett's office. Carmax says it sold 337,021 used vehicles and 208,959 wholesale vehicles at auction last year. Berkshire's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't say how much the company paid for the shares, which represent about a 6.4 percent stake in Carmax, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific Corp., after months of buying. Berkshire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha-based railroad that Berkshire held June 30. It's less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment doesn't seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire also now holds 2.7 million shares of Wabco Holdings Inc., a vehicle control systems business spun off of American Standard Cos. Berkshire would have received Wabco shares as part of the spinoff because it owned American Standard shares -- 10.96 million at the end of September. Meanwhile, Berkshire bought about 3.6 million more shares of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal. Berkshire owned 6.3 million shares of Dow Jones, worth $378.8 million (euro257.69 million), at the end of the quarter, after a purchase of nearly 2.8 million shares earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy the company. Berkshire continued adding to banking holdings during the quarter, buying 28.4 million shares of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank. Berkshire also bought more than 22 million shares of Wells Fargo & Co., bringing its total to 280 million shares. Berkshire bought fewer shares -- just 400,000 -- of Bank of America Corp., and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Between July 1 and Sept. 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling all its nearly 4 million shares in Servicemaster Co., a Downers Grove, Illinois-based lawn-care and pest-control provider. The shares were valued at $61.8 million (euro42.04 million). -- Selling all its 6.3 million shares in diversified manufacturer Tyco International Ltd. The shares were valued at $213.2 million (euro145.03 million). -- Unloading its last 3.2 million shares of The Western Union Co., which offers money-transfer services through 320,000 agents in more than 200 countries. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries make, or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire's subsidiaries range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Anheuser-Busch Cos. Berkshire's Class A shares gained $1,800, or 1.3 percent, to close at $137,500 Wednesday before the stock filing was released. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071115.0169.LDC2009T13::3	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-15 02:47:20 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has bought nearly 14 million shares of Carmax Inc., America's largest specialty used-car retailer, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first stake in the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September, according to Berkshire's quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks. Carmax operates 86 used car stores in 39 U.S. markets and is preparing to open a new store in Omaha next month about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Buffett's office. Carmax says it sold 337,021 used vehicles and 208,959 wholesale vehicles at auction last year. Berkshire's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't say how much the company paid for the shares, which represent about a 6.4 percent stake in Carmax, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific Corp., after months of buying. Berkshire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha-based railroad that Berkshire held June 30. It's less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment doesn't seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire also now holds 2.7 million shares of Wabco Holdings Inc., a vehicle control systems business spun off of American Standard Cos. Berkshire would have received Wabco shares as part of the spinoff because it owned American Standard shares -- 10.96 million at the end of September. Meanwhile, Berkshire bought about 3.6 million more shares of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal. Berkshire owned 6.3 million shares of Dow Jones, worth $378.8 million (euro257.69 million), at the end of the quarter, after a purchase of nearly 2.8 million shares earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy the company. Berkshire continued adding to banking holdings during the quarter, buying 28.4 million shares of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank. Berkshire also bought more than 22 million shares of Wells Fargo & Co., bringing its total to 280 million shares. Berkshire bought fewer shares -- just 400,000 -- of Bank of America Corp., and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Between July 1 and Sept. 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling all its nearly 4 million shares in Servicemaster Co., a Downers Grove, Illinois-based lawn-care and pest-control provider. The shares were valued at $61.8 million (euro42.04 million). -- Selling all its 6.3 million shares in diversified manufacturer Tyco International Ltd. The shares were valued at $213.2 million (euro145.03 million). -- Unloading its last 3.2 million shares of The Western Union Co., which offers money-transfer services through 320,000 agents in more than 200 countries. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries make, or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire's subsidiaries range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Anheuser-Busch Cos. Berkshire's Class A shares gained $1,800, or 1.3 percent, to close at $137,500 Wednesday before the stock filing was released. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071115.0169.LDC2009T13::4	 Berkshire buys Carmax shares, cuts Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stakes OMAHA, Nebraska 2007-11-15 02:47:20 UTC Billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has bought nearly 14 million shares of Carmax Inc., America's largest specialty used-car retailer, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday. Berkshire bought the shares -- its first stake in the Richmond, Virginia-based company -- sometime in July, August or September, according to Berkshire's quarterly summary of its $65.8 billion (euro44.76 billion) portfolio of U.S. stocks. Carmax operates 86 used car stores in 39 U.S. markets and is preparing to open a new store in Omaha next month about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Buffett's office. Carmax says it sold 337,021 used vehicles and 208,959 wholesale vehicles at auction last year. Berkshire's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't say how much the company paid for the shares, which represent about a 6.4 percent stake in Carmax, but they were worth more than $284 million (euro193.2 million) at the end of the quarter on Sept. 30. Berkshire again cut its holdings in two railroad companies, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific Corp., after months of buying. Berkshire said it held 4.5 million shares of Union Pacific as of Sept. 30, down from the 7.4 million shares of the Omaha-based railroad that Berkshire held June 30. It's less than half of the 10.5 million shares of the railroad Berkshire held March 31, according to an earlier filing. Berkshire also said it held 1.9 million shares of Norfolk Southern as of Sept. 30, less than the 3.8 million it owned as of June 30. Earlier this year, Berkshire held nearly 6.4 million shares of Norfolk Southern. But Buffett's interest in its biggest railroad investment doesn't seem to be waning. An Oct. 5 filing showed he held 60.8 million shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Buffett's company controls 17.2 percent of the nation's second-largest railroad. Berkshire also now holds 2.7 million shares of Wabco Holdings Inc., a vehicle control systems business spun off of American Standard Cos. Berkshire would have received Wabco shares as part of the spinoff because it owned American Standard shares -- 10.96 million at the end of September. Meanwhile, Berkshire bought about 3.6 million more shares of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal. Berkshire owned 6.3 million shares of Dow Jones, worth $378.8 million (euro257.69 million), at the end of the quarter, after a purchase of nearly 2.8 million shares earlier this year before Rupert Murdoch sealed his deal to buy the company. Berkshire continued adding to banking holdings during the quarter, buying 28.4 million shares of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank. Berkshire also bought more than 22 million shares of Wells Fargo & Co., bringing its total to 280 million shares. Berkshire bought fewer shares -- just 400,000 -- of Bank of America Corp., and maintained its 6.7 million shares of M&T Bank Corp. Between July 1 and Sept. 30, Berkshire also made several other moves, including: -- Selling all its nearly 4 million shares in Servicemaster Co., a Downers Grove, Illinois-based lawn-care and pest-control provider. The shares were valued at $61.8 million (euro42.04 million). -- Selling all its 6.3 million shares in diversified manufacturer Tyco International Ltd. The shares were valued at $213.2 million (euro145.03 million). -- Unloading its last 3.2 million shares of The Western Union Co., which offers money-transfer services through 320,000 agents in more than 200 countries. The filing does not differentiate between investments Berkshire makes, investments any of its more than 60 subsidiaries make, or investments Buffett himself makes. Berkshire's subsidiaries range from insurance to clothing, furniture, and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms. Berkshire also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Anheuser-Busch Cos. Berkshire's Class A shares gained $1,800, or 1.3 percent, to close at $137,500 Wednesday before the stock filing was released. ------ On the Net: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: http://www.berkshirehathaway.com 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::1	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::2	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071130.1274.LDC2009T13::3	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; at least 14 people seriously injured CHICAGO 2007-11-30 20:39:07 UTC An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday, seriously injuring 14 people as its engine car hurtled to a stop atop a crushed boxcar. The Amtrak train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright, and most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt or with minor injuries. Five people were reported in critical condition and nine in serious condition, authorities said. Another 30 were treated for bumps and bruises, though Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco expected that number to rise to about 50. It was unclear how many of the six Amtrak workers aboard were hurt, but damage to the train was concentrated on its engine, where some of workers were. Four people had to be extricated from the front of the train, Orozco said. No one was in the portion of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the of two workers on that train were hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train on the city's South Side with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. Coert Vanderhill, 60, of Holland, Michigan, said the train was approaching the station at about 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 kph) when the engine "just ran right up the tail end" of the freight train. "Everybody just hit the seat in front of them," he said. Vanderhill, who had come to Chicago to visit his children, had a small cut on his nose and said most passengers, like him, were the "walking wounded." Twenty ambulances and a fire-suppression unit were at the scene tending to passengers, officials said. The train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago, Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said. The freight train was en route from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago, according to Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband. Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. James said it remains unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said the train shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. James said Amtrak is awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on commercial jets. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators. James said of particular interest is what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the area where the collision occurred. Interim Chicago police Superintendent Dana Starks said the accident was recorded by a camera on a nearby post and the footage would be turned over to investigators. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::1	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::2	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
Norfolk_Southern::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071201.0247.LDC2009T13::3	 Passenger train collides with freight train in Chicago; dozens of injuries, most minor CHICAGO 2007-12-01 06:24:43 UTC A passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train and crushed one end of a boxcar under its wheels, injuring dozens of people, some seriously. Most of the 187 passengers walked away unhurt. Passengers were hurled into the seats in front of them in the accident Friday on the city's South Side, and four people had to be pulled from the front of the train, where the engine was located, authorities said. The collision sent 71 people to a dozen hospitals, most of them in stable or good condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Three people were expected to be hospitalized overnight, said National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. The damage to the passenger train was mostly to its engine, where some workers of the Amtrak national passenger rail service were on board, authorities said. It was unclear how many of the five Amtrak workers who were on the train were hurt. The train's three double-decker passenger cars remained upright. No one was in the section of the Norfolk Southern freight train that was struck, and neither of the two workers aboard was hurt. Amtrak passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the train with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of children; others were taken away on stretchers and backboards. The Amtrak train was en route from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago. The freight train was traveling from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Chicago. Norfolk Southern spokesman Rudy Husband said he had no details about what caused the accident or what the freight train was carrying. Amtrak spokesman Derrick James said it was unclear which train was in the wrong place. He said Amtrak shares the track with Norfolk Southern, which owns it. He also said he did not know if the freight train was moving or stationary when it was struck. Amtrak was awaiting information from an event recorder, a device similar to the black boxes on airliners, James said. Of particular interest was what the signals were before the Amtrak train got to the spot where the collision occurred, he said. A team of nine NTSB investigators had arrived in Chicago to conduct interviews with crew members, passengers, dispatchers and supervisors in an investigation that could take months, Sumwalt said at a news conference. A police surveillance camera mounted on a nearby post recorded the accident and the footage will be turned over to investigators, Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said. -------- Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report. 
NS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080814.0150.LDC2009T13::1	 TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM-SPI STARBUCKS TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM Starbucks to open coffee shop in Amsterdam SEATTLE--Next stop for Starbucks: the Netherlands. In spring of 2009, Starbucks plans to open its first nonairport store in the country at Centraal Station in Amsterdam. The Seattle coffee company is partnering with Dutch firm Servex, a food and beverage concessionaire in Dutch railway stations. The company said it would focus on railway stations while considering other ways to develop its presence in the Netherlands. "It provides Starbucks with a strong platform to further expand across the Netherlands," said Martin Coles, newly reinstalled president of Starbucks Coffee International, in a statement. Amsterdam is considered the capital of the Netherlands, though its government is in The Hague. The Netherlands is between Belgium and Germany. In Amsterdam, coffee shops are popular with tourists because people can gather in them to smoke marijuana, which appears alongside coffee on menus. Starbucks says that it does not allow smoking at any of its locations worldwide. Starbucks is expanding its international presence as it shrinks in the U.S. The company has said that it would expand into prime European markets, marketing itself to travelers. Servex is a subsidiary of NS Poort, which is part of NS, the largest passenger rail transportation company in the Netherlands. Servex also has deals with New York Pizza and Burger King. More than 1.1 million passengers a day ride the train in the Netherlands, according to NS. The Servex partnership is similar to another deal inked in June with a U.K. company, SSP, that would put Starbucks locations in more than 150 airport and rail stations in France, Germany and the U.K. Starbucks also holds partnerships with HMSHost and Autogrill. In the Netherlands, Starbucks already has a roasting plant and support center, which opened in 2002. Located in Westpoort, the plant roasts, packages and ships coffee to more than 1,200 cafes in Europe, Middle East and Africa. It is the only roasting plant outside of the U.S. and employs about 150 people. The plant has a Starbucks store on site for employees. Starbucks' three locations at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport are operated by HMSHost through a licensing agreement. 
NS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080814.0150.LDC2009T13::2	 TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM-SPI STARBUCKS TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM Starbucks to open coffee shop in Amsterdam SEATTLE--Next stop for Starbucks: the Netherlands. In spring of 2009, Starbucks plans to open its first nonairport store in the country at Centraal Station in Amsterdam. The Seattle coffee company is partnering with Dutch firm Servex, a food and beverage concessionaire in Dutch railway stations. The company said it would focus on railway stations while considering other ways to develop its presence in the Netherlands. "It provides Starbucks with a strong platform to further expand across the Netherlands," said Martin Coles, newly reinstalled president of Starbucks Coffee International, in a statement. Amsterdam is considered the capital of the Netherlands, though its government is in The Hague. The Netherlands is between Belgium and Germany. In Amsterdam, coffee shops are popular with tourists because people can gather in them to smoke marijuana, which appears alongside coffee on menus. Starbucks says that it does not allow smoking at any of its locations worldwide. Starbucks is expanding its international presence as it shrinks in the U.S. The company has said that it would expand into prime European markets, marketing itself to travelers. Servex is a subsidiary of NS Poort, which is part of NS, the largest passenger rail transportation company in the Netherlands. Servex also has deals with New York Pizza and Burger King. More than 1.1 million passengers a day ride the train in the Netherlands, according to NS. The Servex partnership is similar to another deal inked in June with a U.K. company, SSP, that would put Starbucks locations in more than 150 airport and rail stations in France, Germany and the U.K. Starbucks also holds partnerships with HMSHost and Autogrill. In the Netherlands, Starbucks already has a roasting plant and support center, which opened in 2002. Located in Westpoort, the plant roasts, packages and ships coffee to more than 1,200 cafes in Europe, Middle East and Africa. It is the only roasting plant outside of the U.S. and employs about 150 people. The plant has a Starbucks store on site for employees. Starbucks' three locations at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport are operated by HMSHost through a licensing agreement. 
NS::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080814.0150.LDC2009T13::3	 TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM-SPI STARBUCKS TO OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN AMSTERDAM Starbucks to open coffee shop in Amsterdam SEATTLE--Next stop for Starbucks: the Netherlands. In spring of 2009, Starbucks plans to open its first nonairport store in the country at Centraal Station in Amsterdam. The Seattle coffee company is partnering with Dutch firm Servex, a food and beverage concessionaire in Dutch railway stations. The company said it would focus on railway stations while considering other ways to develop its presence in the Netherlands. "It provides Starbucks with a strong platform to further expand across the Netherlands," said Martin Coles, newly reinstalled president of Starbucks Coffee International, in a statement. Amsterdam is considered the capital of the Netherlands, though its government is in The Hague. The Netherlands is between Belgium and Germany. In Amsterdam, coffee shops are popular with tourists because people can gather in them to smoke marijuana, which appears alongside coffee on menus. Starbucks says that it does not allow smoking at any of its locations worldwide. Starbucks is expanding its international presence as it shrinks in the U.S. The company has said that it would expand into prime European markets, marketing itself to travelers. Servex is a subsidiary of NS Poort, which is part of NS, the largest passenger rail transportation company in the Netherlands. Servex also has deals with New York Pizza and Burger King. More than 1.1 million passengers a day ride the train in the Netherlands, according to NS. The Servex partnership is similar to another deal inked in June with a U.K. company, SSP, that would put Starbucks locations in more than 150 airport and rail stations in France, Germany and the U.K. Starbucks also holds partnerships with HMSHost and Autogrill. In the Netherlands, Starbucks already has a roasting plant and support center, which opened in 2002. Located in Westpoort, the plant roasts, packages and ships coffee to more than 1,200 cafes in Europe, Middle East and Africa. It is the only roasting plant outside of the U.S. and employs about 150 people. The plant has a Starbucks store on site for employees. Starbucks' three locations at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport are operated by HMSHost through a licensing agreement. 
NS::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080424.0218.LDC2009T13::1	 Dutch train conductors to have greater power against "tough" passengers BRUSSELS, April 24 (Xinhua) Train passengers traveling without tickets in the Netherlands are to be tackled by conductors equipped with handcuffs and batons, Dutch paper De Volkskrant reported Thursday. A spokesman for Netherlands Railways (NS) told the paper that the company is holding talks with the Justice Ministry on whether staff members can be given greater power to use force. "Conducting body searches and the use of a baton and handcuffs have been discussed," he was quoted as saying. The new equipment will not be handed out to all 2,300 conductors of the NS. It will only be given to a maximum of 1,000 specially trained officers, who have been deployed on lines with higher risks since the beginning of the year. These mobile security teams are allowed to use a "suitable degree of force" to arrest aggressive passengers and turn them in to the police. A three-month trial of the new scheme will take place in and around the cities of Zwolle and Amsterdam, the paper said. But the starting date is not yet known. 
NS::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080424.0218.LDC2009T13::2	 Dutch train conductors to have greater power against "tough" passengers BRUSSELS, April 24 (Xinhua) Train passengers traveling without tickets in the Netherlands are to be tackled by conductors equipped with handcuffs and batons, Dutch paper De Volkskrant reported Thursday. A spokesman for Netherlands Railways (NS) told the paper that the company is holding talks with the Justice Ministry on whether staff members can be given greater power to use force. "Conducting body searches and the use of a baton and handcuffs have been discussed," he was quoted as saying. The new equipment will not be handed out to all 2,300 conductors of the NS. It will only be given to a maximum of 1,000 specially trained officers, who have been deployed on lines with higher risks since the beginning of the year. These mobile security teams are allowed to use a "suitable degree of force" to arrest aggressive passengers and turn them in to the police. A three-month trial of the new scheme will take place in and around the cities of Zwolle and Amsterdam, the paper said. But the starting date is not yet known. 
NS::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080528.0257.LDC2009T13::1	 Dutch trains to have security cameras BRUSSELS, May 28 (Xinhua) The Dutch railway company NS is to equip all trains with surveillance cameras to tackle rising crime rates, Dutch news agency ANP reported Wednesday. New trains will automatically be installed with cameras and older ones will be renovated to have cameras fitted, according to ANP. The first batch of trains to have security cameras will be the 99 new local service Sprinters, due for delivery at the end of the year. A spokesperson for the railway company said that buses, trams and metro trains in the country are also increasingly being fitted with closed circuit cameras. "We want to be able to see what has happened on a train," he was quoted by ANP as saying. About 5,000 incidents of vandalism and misconduct occur on the Dutch railways every year, 600 of which are extremely serious and involve violence or the use of weapons, the NS said. 
NS::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080528.0257.LDC2009T13::2	 Dutch trains to have security cameras BRUSSELS, May 28 (Xinhua) The Dutch railway company NS is to equip all trains with surveillance cameras to tackle rising crime rates, Dutch news agency ANP reported Wednesday. New trains will automatically be installed with cameras and older ones will be renovated to have cameras fitted, according to ANP. The first batch of trains to have security cameras will be the 99 new local service Sprinters, due for delivery at the end of the year. A spokesperson for the railway company said that buses, trams and metro trains in the country are also increasingly being fitted with closed circuit cameras. "We want to be able to see what has happened on a train," he was quoted by ANP as saying. About 5,000 incidents of vandalism and misconduct occur on the Dutch railways every year, 600 of which are extremely serious and involve violence or the use of weapons, the NS said. 
PCC::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070228.0052.LDC2009T13::1	 Senior Cuban official says Castro will resume duty in "near future" BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) A visiting senior Cuban official said here on Wednesday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering in a "satisfying" speed and will return to his duty in "near future". Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, made the remarks during meeting with Liu Yandong, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body. Cuba, its people and PCC all are faced with challenges during the period when Castro's health is in poor condition, Remirez de Estenoz said, condemning the U.S. government and the Miami-based anti-Cuban "counterrevolutionists" for predicting that there would be chaos in Cuba and for their attempts to topple down the Cuban government. However, currently "absolute" stability is maintained in Cuba because most Cuban people hope to keep stable domestic situation, Remirez de Estenoz said. Fidel Castro, 80, had an intestinal operation on July 27, 2006. Four days later he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul Castro. "We were happy with the news that Castro is recuperating," Liu said, "and also happy to see Cuba keeping its momentum of growth under the leadership of the acting President Raul Castro." The PCC delegation was here for an one-week visit at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. 
PCC::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070228.0052.LDC2009T13::2	 Senior Cuban official says Castro will resume duty in "near future" BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) A visiting senior Cuban official said here on Wednesday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering in a "satisfying" speed and will return to his duty in "near future". Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, made the remarks during meeting with Liu Yandong, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body. Cuba, its people and PCC all are faced with challenges during the period when Castro's health is in poor condition, Remirez de Estenoz said, condemning the U.S. government and the Miami-based anti-Cuban "counterrevolutionists" for predicting that there would be chaos in Cuba and for their attempts to topple down the Cuban government. However, currently "absolute" stability is maintained in Cuba because most Cuban people hope to keep stable domestic situation, Remirez de Estenoz said. Fidel Castro, 80, had an intestinal operation on July 27, 2006. Four days later he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul Castro. "We were happy with the news that Castro is recuperating," Liu said, "and also happy to see Cuba keeping its momentum of growth under the leadership of the acting President Raul Castro." The PCC delegation was here for an one-week visit at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. 
PCC::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070228.0052.LDC2009T13::3	 Senior Cuban official says Castro will resume duty in "near future" BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) A visiting senior Cuban official said here on Wednesday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering in a "satisfying" speed and will return to his duty in "near future". Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, made the remarks during meeting with Liu Yandong, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body. Cuba, its people and PCC all are faced with challenges during the period when Castro's health is in poor condition, Remirez de Estenoz said, condemning the U.S. government and the Miami-based anti-Cuban "counterrevolutionists" for predicting that there would be chaos in Cuba and for their attempts to topple down the Cuban government. However, currently "absolute" stability is maintained in Cuba because most Cuban people hope to keep stable domestic situation, Remirez de Estenoz said. Fidel Castro, 80, had an intestinal operation on July 27, 2006. Four days later he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul Castro. "We were happy with the news that Castro is recuperating," Liu said, "and also happy to see Cuba keeping its momentum of growth under the leadership of the acting President Raul Castro." The PCC delegation was here for an one-week visit at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. 
PCC::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070228.0046.LDC2009T13::1	 China vows to promote relations with Cuban Communist Party BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) A senior official of the Communist Party of China(CPC) Wednesday met with a Cuban Communist Party(CCP) delegation, and pledged to further exchanges between the two parties. It is the first CCP delegation to visit China since Cuban leader Fidel Castro, because of his illness, temporarily handed the presidency and the post as the first CCP secretary to his younger brother Raul Castro in July of 2006. "The CPC would implement the agreement signed in 2004 with the PCC, and promote the exchanges in all levels," said Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The CCP delegation is visiting China to learn the socialist construction with Chinese characteristics and enhance the cooperation between the two parties. Wu said China and Cuba had maintained friendly relations and cooperation since 1990s with the concern of the leadership of the two countries. In the recent years, the frequent exchanges of high-level visits had further promote the reciprocal cooperation, he said, adding that "Sino-Cuban relations have entered a new era of all-around development". Cuba is the only communist country in the western hemisphere. China and Cuba have maintained sound relations since they forged diplomatic ties in 1960. Wu expressed gratitude for the support of Cuba on the issues of Tibet, Taiwan and human rights. Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, said Cuba and China were facing common tasks and challenges in the new period, which would help bring them closer. He reaffirmed Cuba's adherence to one-China policy. Remirez de Estenoz arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a week-long visit to China. 
PCC::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070228.0046.LDC2009T13::2	 China vows to promote relations with Cuban Communist Party BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) A senior official of the Communist Party of China(CPC) Wednesday met with a Cuban Communist Party(CCP) delegation, and pledged to further exchanges between the two parties. It is the first CCP delegation to visit China since Cuban leader Fidel Castro, because of his illness, temporarily handed the presidency and the post as the first CCP secretary to his younger brother Raul Castro in July of 2006. "The CPC would implement the agreement signed in 2004 with the PCC, and promote the exchanges in all levels," said Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The CCP delegation is visiting China to learn the socialist construction with Chinese characteristics and enhance the cooperation between the two parties. Wu said China and Cuba had maintained friendly relations and cooperation since 1990s with the concern of the leadership of the two countries. In the recent years, the frequent exchanges of high-level visits had further promote the reciprocal cooperation, he said, adding that "Sino-Cuban relations have entered a new era of all-around development". Cuba is the only communist country in the western hemisphere. China and Cuba have maintained sound relations since they forged diplomatic ties in 1960. Wu expressed gratitude for the support of Cuba on the issues of Tibet, Taiwan and human rights. Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, said Cuba and China were facing common tasks and challenges in the new period, which would help bring them closer. He reaffirmed Cuba's adherence to one-China policy. Remirez de Estenoz arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a week-long visit to China. 
PCI::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080507.0763.LDC2009T13::1	 Thirty years on, Italians still bitter over murder of ex-PM Thirty years since the Red Brigade leftist militant group killed former prime minister Aldo Moro, many Italians still blame his death on what they see as a self-interested political class.Most remember the moment they learned on March 16, 1978, that the former Christian Democrat leader had been kidnapped and five bodyguards had been killed. Fifty-four days later, on May 9, Moro's body was found in the boot of a car halfway between the Rome headquarters of his party and that of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), symbolising his killers' disdain for Moro's proposed "middle way" associating the two parties. Marco Tarchi, a political scientist at the University of Florence, described Moro as "the most striking figure of his time," and said that nevertheless, "They did very little to try to prevent his death, there was no political will to resolve the situation." Moro's "historic compromise" was aimed at encouraging cooperation with the communists who made up more than 30 percent of the electorate in a difficult economic situation and in the face of attacks by both left- and right-wing extremists during Italy's "Years of Lead." Then prime minister Giulio Andreotti, now 89, said last year that the hardline approach was the only one possible since the Red Brigades "had as much against" the Christian Democrats (DC) as against PCI leader Enrico Berlinguer and his euro-communism. Andreotti was speaking out after debate was revived over his government's handling of the affair. Moro, who had twice preceded Andreotti as prime minister but split from the DC shortly before his kidnapping, wrote scores of letters during his captivity urging negotiations with the Red Brigades, who were demanding political recognition and the release of 13 prisoners. He wrote to his family, Andreotti, then interior minister Francesco Cossiga, DC officials, as well as Pope Paul VI and then UN secretary general Kurt Waldheim. Moro's widow Eleonora has never forgiven the DC leadership. "The state wanted Aldo Moro's death," she said. "Those who were in various positions of command wanted to eliminate him ... because he was a problem." Moro was also bitter over the pope's lack of response, even though the pontiff had called for his unconditional release, writing in his last letter on May 5: "The pope did precious little. Maybe he will have some qualms about it." A new book by journalist Annachiara Valle alleges that upper echelons at the Vatican were displeased by mediation efforts of the Italian Catholic Church. In "The Church in the Italy of the Years of Lead," Valle quotes Cardinal Giuseppe Siri as saying on the news of Moro's kidnapping: "He only got what he deserved." Valle wrote that the Vatican was essentially anti-communist, and was under pressure from the far right of the DC opposed to Moro's call for rapprochement. When the pope, 36 days into Moro's captivity, went down on his knees to implore the Red Brigades to release him, the words "simply without condition" convinced the prisoner that his days were numbered. He had written to his wife: "The key (to his freedom) is in the Vatican." The Holy See even raised a large ransom, but former Red Brigades members say they would never have released Moro in exchange for money. Pietro Ingrao, a senior communist figure who was speaker of the lower house of parliament and is now 93, thinks Moro could have been saved. "It may have been possible to save a life without giving up fighting" the Red Brigades, he wrote in his memoirs. The head of the parliamentary investigation into the murder, Giovanni Pellegrino, said that Moro had "provoked hostility even within the DC. The secret services, the military, the Americans and the Russians didn't appreciate him at all." He said it "seems credible" that the people Moro had crossed "were motivated to allow the failure of the secret talks." Pellegrino added that "like all builders of the future, Moro was misunderstood by his contemporaries." 
PCI::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080507.0763.LDC2009T13::2	 Thirty years on, Italians still bitter over murder of ex-PM Thirty years since the Red Brigade leftist militant group killed former prime minister Aldo Moro, many Italians still blame his death on what they see as a self-interested political class.Most remember the moment they learned on March 16, 1978, that the former Christian Democrat leader had been kidnapped and five bodyguards had been killed. Fifty-four days later, on May 9, Moro's body was found in the boot of a car halfway between the Rome headquarters of his party and that of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), symbolising his killers' disdain for Moro's proposed "middle way" associating the two parties. Marco Tarchi, a political scientist at the University of Florence, described Moro as "the most striking figure of his time," and said that nevertheless, "They did very little to try to prevent his death, there was no political will to resolve the situation." Moro's "historic compromise" was aimed at encouraging cooperation with the communists who made up more than 30 percent of the electorate in a difficult economic situation and in the face of attacks by both left- and right-wing extremists during Italy's "Years of Lead." Then prime minister Giulio Andreotti, now 89, said last year that the hardline approach was the only one possible since the Red Brigades "had as much against" the Christian Democrats (DC) as against PCI leader Enrico Berlinguer and his euro-communism. Andreotti was speaking out after debate was revived over his government's handling of the affair. Moro, who had twice preceded Andreotti as prime minister but split from the DC shortly before his kidnapping, wrote scores of letters during his captivity urging negotiations with the Red Brigades, who were demanding political recognition and the release of 13 prisoners. He wrote to his family, Andreotti, then interior minister Francesco Cossiga, DC officials, as well as Pope Paul VI and then UN secretary general Kurt Waldheim. Moro's widow Eleonora has never forgiven the DC leadership. "The state wanted Aldo Moro's death," she said. "Those who were in various positions of command wanted to eliminate him ... because he was a problem." Moro was also bitter over the pope's lack of response, even though the pontiff had called for his unconditional release, writing in his last letter on May 5: "The pope did precious little. Maybe he will have some qualms about it." A new book by journalist Annachiara Valle alleges that upper echelons at the Vatican were displeased by mediation efforts of the Italian Catholic Church. In "The Church in the Italy of the Years of Lead," Valle quotes Cardinal Giuseppe Siri as saying on the news of Moro's kidnapping: "He only got what he deserved." Valle wrote that the Vatican was essentially anti-communist, and was under pressure from the far right of the DC opposed to Moro's call for rapprochement. When the pope, 36 days into Moro's captivity, went down on his knees to implore the Red Brigades to release him, the words "simply without condition" convinced the prisoner that his days were numbered. He had written to his wife: "The key (to his freedom) is in the Vatican." The Holy See even raised a large ransom, but former Red Brigades members say they would never have released Moro in exchange for money. Pietro Ingrao, a senior communist figure who was speaker of the lower house of parliament and is now 93, thinks Moro could have been saved. "It may have been possible to save a life without giving up fighting" the Red Brigades, he wrote in his memoirs. The head of the parliamentary investigation into the murder, Giovanni Pellegrino, said that Moro had "provoked hostility even within the DC. The secret services, the military, the Americans and the Russians didn't appreciate him at all." He said it "seems credible" that the people Moro had crossed "were motivated to allow the failure of the secret talks." Pellegrino added that "like all builders of the future, Moro was misunderstood by his contemporaries." 
PRC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070318.0012.LDC2009T13::1	 ACADEMICS PROPOSE DRAFT 'SECOND REPUBLIC' CONSTITUTION Taipei, March 18 (CNA) 03/18/07 16:50:12 (By Deborah Kuo) Unveiling a "second republic" draft constitution Sunday, National Taiwan University professor Chen Ming-tung and his co- authors called for the establishment of a parliamentary system of government for the country, and a president who will be elected by parliamentarians as nominal head of state. Chen said the "second republic" constitution -- which might also be called the "Taiwan Constitution" and which preserves most of the guidelines of the existing Republic of China Constitution, including retaining the title and national flag of the ROC and the definition of the traditional ROC sovereign territory -- aims to combine the "Taiwan Constitution" and the "ROC Constitution." The draft "Taiwan Constitution" also aims to provide a legal basis for Taiwanese authorities to negotiate with their counterparts from the other side of the Taiwan Strait based on the political realities of the status quo so that final cross- strait political arrangements could be made, Chen said. According to Chen, the draft "Taiwan Constitution" contains 177 articles, and stipulates that a parliamentary system of government will be adopted in the ROC on Taiwan and the top administrative organization will be the "Department of State, " replacing the existing Executive Yuan, while the top administrator will be the "prime minister," a post to be assumed by a parliamentarian. The "prime minister, " according to the draft constitution, will be nominated by the president and then elected by the consent of at least half of the parliamentarians before assuming office. According to the draft constitution, the presidency will be a nominal position, although the president will have to be nominated by a presidential recommendation committee before the nomination is voted on and approved by the parliament. The term of the "nominal president" would be six years, with a maximum limit of two terms. According to the draft constitution, the ROC central government will be divided into three branches, namely the state department, the parliament and an independent judicial system. The existing Examination Yuan would be brought under the jurisdiction of the state department, while the Control Yuan, the country's top watchdog body, would come under the jurisdiction of the parliament. The parliament envisaged under the "Taiwan Constitution" will be a 200-seat legislative body with lawmakers elected to four-year terms and eligible for reelection. According to the preface of the draft constitution, the ROC was officially established in 1911, kicking off the country's "first republican" era. In July 1921, the area of Mongolia became independent with the establishment of the People's Republic of Mongolia, and in October 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was established on the Chinese mainland, which in later years had won recognition by most countries around the world. The ROC central government relocated its seat to Taiwan in the same year of 1949, unveiling a "ROC on Taiwan" era, with the country's territory being redefined as including the Taiwan proper, the islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu, as well as other isles in their vicinity, according to the preface. The "Taiwan Constitution" also stipulates that the ROC's development of political relations of any form with the PRC must be decided in a nationwide referendum after cross-strait negotiations are held on principles of equality and peace. Chen, a professor with NTU's Graduate Institute of National Development who was formerly a vice chairman of the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council, and Chen Tsi-yang, a professor in law with National Taipei University, as well as Chen Ying-ling, an associate professor in law and government studies with National Central University jointly put forth the draft Taiwan constitution at a colloquium co-sponsored by the Taiwan Thinktank and the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association. 
PRC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070318.0012.LDC2009T13::2	 ACADEMICS PROPOSE DRAFT 'SECOND REPUBLIC' CONSTITUTION Taipei, March 18 (CNA) 03/18/07 16:50:12 (By Deborah Kuo) Unveiling a "second republic" draft constitution Sunday, National Taiwan University professor Chen Ming-tung and his co- authors called for the establishment of a parliamentary system of government for the country, and a president who will be elected by parliamentarians as nominal head of state. Chen said the "second republic" constitution -- which might also be called the "Taiwan Constitution" and which preserves most of the guidelines of the existing Republic of China Constitution, including retaining the title and national flag of the ROC and the definition of the traditional ROC sovereign territory -- aims to combine the "Taiwan Constitution" and the "ROC Constitution." The draft "Taiwan Constitution" also aims to provide a legal basis for Taiwanese authorities to negotiate with their counterparts from the other side of the Taiwan Strait based on the political realities of the status quo so that final cross- strait political arrangements could be made, Chen said. According to Chen, the draft "Taiwan Constitution" contains 177 articles, and stipulates that a parliamentary system of government will be adopted in the ROC on Taiwan and the top administrative organization will be the "Department of State, " replacing the existing Executive Yuan, while the top administrator will be the "prime minister," a post to be assumed by a parliamentarian. The "prime minister, " according to the draft constitution, will be nominated by the president and then elected by the consent of at least half of the parliamentarians before assuming office. According to the draft constitution, the presidency will be a nominal position, although the president will have to be nominated by a presidential recommendation committee before the nomination is voted on and approved by the parliament. The term of the "nominal president" would be six years, with a maximum limit of two terms. According to the draft constitution, the ROC central government will be divided into three branches, namely the state department, the parliament and an independent judicial system. The existing Examination Yuan would be brought under the jurisdiction of the state department, while the Control Yuan, the country's top watchdog body, would come under the jurisdiction of the parliament. The parliament envisaged under the "Taiwan Constitution" will be a 200-seat legislative body with lawmakers elected to four-year terms and eligible for reelection. According to the preface of the draft constitution, the ROC was officially established in 1911, kicking off the country's "first republican" era. In July 1921, the area of Mongolia became independent with the establishment of the People's Republic of Mongolia, and in October 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was established on the Chinese mainland, which in later years had won recognition by most countries around the world. The ROC central government relocated its seat to Taiwan in the same year of 1949, unveiling a "ROC on Taiwan" era, with the country's territory being redefined as including the Taiwan proper, the islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu, as well as other isles in their vicinity, according to the preface. The "Taiwan Constitution" also stipulates that the ROC's development of political relations of any form with the PRC must be decided in a nationwide referendum after cross-strait negotiations are held on principles of equality and peace. Chen, a professor with NTU's Graduate Institute of National Development who was formerly a vice chairman of the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council, and Chen Tsi-yang, a professor in law with National Taipei University, as well as Chen Ying-ling, an associate professor in law and government studies with National Central University jointly put forth the draft Taiwan constitution at a colloquium co-sponsored by the Taiwan Thinktank and the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association. 
PRC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081006.0014.LDC2009T13::1	 China cancels, postpones military exchanges with US: Pentagon China has canceled or postponed several military exchanges with the United States in protest against a proposed 6.5 billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday. "The Chinese reaction is unfortunate and results in missed opportunities," said Major Stuart Upton. Upton said senior level visits and exchanges involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief issues that had been scheduled to take place before the end of November were canceled or postponed. The Pentagon notified Congress Friday of 6.5 billion dollars in proposed arms sales to Taiwan, including advanced Patriot missile defenses, Apache attack helicopters and submarine-launched anti- ship missiles. Chinese officials in Washington and Beijing "responded with displeasure to the US announcement," Upton said. "PRC officials have informed us that US-Chinese bilateral events may be affected," he said. Upton said there has been no change in US policy on arms sales to Taiwan and that the United States had faithfully abided by the US Taiwan Relations Act which provides for sales of defensive weapons to Taipei. "We feel that the global security environment calls for US and PRC officials to maintain close relations to address common security challenges," he said. "Uncertainty over the motivations and direction of China's military expansion leads others to hedge," he said. "This could lead to a security environment less favorable to China's interests, the region's, and our own." In protesting the proposed sales on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao warned it would damage Sino-US relations, and called on Washington to call them off. Liu said the sales would grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, endanger national security and disturb the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, he added. "It is only natural that this move would stir up strong indignation of the Chinese government and people," he said, according to Xinhua. "We sternly warn the United States that there is only one China in the world, and that Taiwan is a part of China," Liu said. 
PRC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081006.0014.LDC2009T13::2	 China cancels, postpones military exchanges with US: Pentagon China has canceled or postponed several military exchanges with the United States in protest against a proposed 6.5 billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday. "The Chinese reaction is unfortunate and results in missed opportunities," said Major Stuart Upton. Upton said senior level visits and exchanges involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief issues that had been scheduled to take place before the end of November were canceled or postponed. The Pentagon notified Congress Friday of 6.5 billion dollars in proposed arms sales to Taiwan, including advanced Patriot missile defenses, Apache attack helicopters and submarine-launched anti- ship missiles. Chinese officials in Washington and Beijing "responded with displeasure to the US announcement," Upton said. "PRC officials have informed us that US-Chinese bilateral events may be affected," he said. Upton said there has been no change in US policy on arms sales to Taiwan and that the United States had faithfully abided by the US Taiwan Relations Act which provides for sales of defensive weapons to Taipei. "We feel that the global security environment calls for US and PRC officials to maintain close relations to address common security challenges," he said. "Uncertainty over the motivations and direction of China's military expansion leads others to hedge," he said. "This could lead to a security environment less favorable to China's interests, the region's, and our own." In protesting the proposed sales on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao warned it would damage Sino-US relations, and called on Washington to call them off. Liu said the sales would grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, endanger national security and disturb the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, he added. "It is only natural that this move would stir up strong indignation of the Chinese government and people," he said, according to Xinhua. "We sternly warn the United States that there is only one China in the world, and that Taiwan is a part of China," Liu said. 
PRC::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070509.1446.LDC2009T13::1	 More than 100 members of U.S. House of Representatives demand action against Sudan by China WASHINGTON 2007-05-09 19:44:22 UTC A group of 108 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday that demanded China do more to persuade Sudan's government to stop the bloodletting in the Darfur region. The letter suggested that unless China changes its policies in Sudan, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games could become a disaster for the Chinese rather than the image enhancer the Chinese government is expecting. China is the largest investor in Sudan and a major beneficiary of its oil and construction contracts. "Unfortunately, the PRC has reportedly been engaged in arms sales with the government of Sudan, arms which are used by government forces and the Janjaweed militia to maim and kill innocent Sudanese civilians," the letter said. PRC is the initials of China's formal name, the People's Republic of China. "The international community is stepping up to its responsibilities, but unless China does its part to ensure that the government of Sudan accepts the best and most reasonable path to peace, history will judge your government as having bankrolled a genocide," the letter reads. More than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million made homeless in four years of bloody attacks from Arab militias allegedly sponsored by President Omar al-Bashir's government. The attacks began after black African Sudanese rose to demand autonomy for the vast western Sudan region. Among signatories of the letter were Democratic Reps. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, and Tom Lantos, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who organized the project. It was delivered to the Sudanese Embassy on Wednesday. 
PRC::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070509.1446.LDC2009T13::2	 More than 100 members of U.S. House of Representatives demand action against Sudan by China WASHINGTON 2007-05-09 19:44:22 UTC A group of 108 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday that demanded China do more to persuade Sudan's government to stop the bloodletting in the Darfur region. The letter suggested that unless China changes its policies in Sudan, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games could become a disaster for the Chinese rather than the image enhancer the Chinese government is expecting. China is the largest investor in Sudan and a major beneficiary of its oil and construction contracts. "Unfortunately, the PRC has reportedly been engaged in arms sales with the government of Sudan, arms which are used by government forces and the Janjaweed militia to maim and kill innocent Sudanese civilians," the letter said. PRC is the initials of China's formal name, the People's Republic of China. "The international community is stepping up to its responsibilities, but unless China does its part to ensure that the government of Sudan accepts the best and most reasonable path to peace, history will judge your government as having bankrolled a genocide," the letter reads. More than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million made homeless in four years of bloody attacks from Arab militias allegedly sponsored by President Omar al-Bashir's government. The attacks began after black African Sudanese rose to demand autonomy for the vast western Sudan region. Among signatories of the letter were Democratic Reps. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, and Tom Lantos, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who organized the project. It was delivered to the Sudanese Embassy on Wednesday. 
PRC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0418.LDC2009T13::1	 Italian communists call for Afghan troop pullout One of the communist factions within Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's left- wing government called Monday for the immediate withdrawal of the country's troops from Afghanistan. The demand came in the wake of a NATO raid that freed two Italian soldiers taken hostage in in western Afghanistan. The Italian Communist Party expressed "huge satisfaction" at the freeing of the hostages - but reaffirmed its position that all troops must come home, according to the Italian news agency Ansa. Italy currently has around 2,000 troops in the country. The PDCI is the only member of the government coalition to demand Monday their immediate withdrawal. Franco Giordano, secretary of the Reformed Communist Party (PRC), underlined on Sunday that the hostage crisis had not changed his party's position on a withdrawal, but said he prefered to concentrate his attention on the "lives of the soldiers." The Greens, also a pacifist party like the PRC, have adopted the same line. Rome's military engagement in Afghanistan was the cause of the fall of the Prodi government in February. It was then resurrected after winning a vote of confidence in both chambers of parliament. 
PRC::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0418.LDC2009T13::2	 Italian communists call for Afghan troop pullout One of the communist factions within Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's left- wing government called Monday for the immediate withdrawal of the country's troops from Afghanistan. The demand came in the wake of a NATO raid that freed two Italian soldiers taken hostage in in western Afghanistan. The Italian Communist Party expressed "huge satisfaction" at the freeing of the hostages - but reaffirmed its position that all troops must come home, according to the Italian news agency Ansa. Italy currently has around 2,000 troops in the country. The PDCI is the only member of the government coalition to demand Monday their immediate withdrawal. Franco Giordano, secretary of the Reformed Communist Party (PRC), underlined on Sunday that the hostage crisis had not changed his party's position on a withdrawal, but said he prefered to concentrate his attention on the "lives of the soldiers." The Greens, also a pacifist party like the PRC, have adopted the same line. Rome's military engagement in Afghanistan was the cause of the fall of the Prodi government in February. It was then resurrected after winning a vote of confidence in both chambers of parliament. 
PRC::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070914.1537.LDC2009T13::1	 Taiwan leader criticizes U.S. saying Washington would rather improve relations with North Korea NEW YORK 2007-09-14 22:42:08 UTC Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian criticized the United States on Friday, saying Washington would rather improve relations with communist North Korea than support a democratic referendum in Taiwan on its quest for U.N. membership. Speaking via video to an audience in New York, Chen said he believes the U.S. opposes a referendum on a seat for Taiwan in the world body because of China's opposition, intimidation and threat of military action. "As a leader in the community of democracies, why can't the U.S. say no to China?," he asked. "Why can't the U.S. openly say that you can't hold a gun pointing at the head of the 23 million people of Taiwan and use the other hand to choke Taiwan" and then say Taiwan "can't cry out in pain?" Chen said the referendum he is pushing to underscore the island's sovereignty and right to join the U.N. is the best way to show the world that the majority of Taiwanese favor the effort. While polls show 77 percent support for U.N. membership, he said, a poll cannot substitute for "a formal democratic procedure." Taiwan is a close U.S. ally, despite a lack of official ties, but the referendum exasperates U.S. officials. They worry that, by angering China, Chen is upsetting the delicate balance of power keeping peace in the Taiwan Strait. The United States has hinted it would go to war to protect Taiwan if nuclear-armed China attacked. But Chen said the people of Taiwan cannot understand why the United States is being "very stern and strict" and trying to silence them. "For past decades, the U.S. has supported the people of Taiwan, but now our democracy is being locked in a birdcage," he said. "I'm convinced that the United States would rather improve relations with North Korea than Taiwan," Chen said. "The U.S. also believes Kosovo will be independent eventually. If you support Kosovo, why can't you support or at least care about Taiwan? Are we that unworthy?" China claims Taiwan as a province and resists anything that appears to give the self-governing, democratic island the trappings of sovereignty. Officials in Beijing vow to attack at any declaration of Taiwanese independence, and have stationed hundreds of missiles opposite Taiwan. Chen said misunderstandings arise because of a lack of top-level communication between the U.S. and Taiwan. Chen is banned from visiting Washington under U.S. guidelines that allow only unofficial relations with Taiwan, and so must appear via satellite. Taiwan is making its 15th attempt to win approval from a key U.N. General Assembly to become a United Nations member, for the first time under the name Taiwan rather than the Republic of China. The committee is expected to meet next Wednesday -- and the proposal by Taiwan's allies to list the issue of its admission on the U.N. agenda is certain to face the same fate as the 14 previous attempts -- a resounding defeated. Taiwan's former Nationalist government was a founding member of the U.N. in 1945 when it was based in China. But the Communist Party's capture of the mainland in 1949 and the Nationalists' retreat to Taiwan led to the communist government's takeover of China's U.N. seat in 1971. "The U.N. bid does not equal Taiwan independence," Chen said. "We want to be part of the U.N. We want to use the name Taiwan to enter the U.N. ... Why can't we?" Chen said the U.N. resolution that gave Beijing the China seat never mentions Taiwan, does not declare that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and does not accept Beijing's claim that it has sovereignty over Taiwan. "Accordingly, the PRC has no right nor does it have the legitimacy to represent the people of Taiwan in the United Nations," he said. Among the panelists at the New York event, which was co-sponsored by the Overseas Press Club and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, was John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who urged President George W. Bush to extend full diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. "I think ultimately removing the ambiguity on the status of Taiwan would benefit the United States and make it clear that the U.S. will not tolerate the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, by China against Taiwan," he said. 
PRC::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070914.1537.LDC2009T13::2	 Taiwan leader criticizes U.S. saying Washington would rather improve relations with North Korea NEW YORK 2007-09-14 22:42:08 UTC Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian criticized the United States on Friday, saying Washington would rather improve relations with communist North Korea than support a democratic referendum in Taiwan on its quest for U.N. membership. Speaking via video to an audience in New York, Chen said he believes the U.S. opposes a referendum on a seat for Taiwan in the world body because of China's opposition, intimidation and threat of military action. "As a leader in the community of democracies, why can't the U.S. say no to China?," he asked. "Why can't the U.S. openly say that you can't hold a gun pointing at the head of the 23 million people of Taiwan and use the other hand to choke Taiwan" and then say Taiwan "can't cry out in pain?" Chen said the referendum he is pushing to underscore the island's sovereignty and right to join the U.N. is the best way to show the world that the majority of Taiwanese favor the effort. While polls show 77 percent support for U.N. membership, he said, a poll cannot substitute for "a formal democratic procedure." Taiwan is a close U.S. ally, despite a lack of official ties, but the referendum exasperates U.S. officials. They worry that, by angering China, Chen is upsetting the delicate balance of power keeping peace in the Taiwan Strait. The United States has hinted it would go to war to protect Taiwan if nuclear-armed China attacked. But Chen said the people of Taiwan cannot understand why the United States is being "very stern and strict" and trying to silence them. "For past decades, the U.S. has supported the people of Taiwan, but now our democracy is being locked in a birdcage," he said. "I'm convinced that the United States would rather improve relations with North Korea than Taiwan," Chen said. "The U.S. also believes Kosovo will be independent eventually. If you support Kosovo, why can't you support or at least care about Taiwan? Are we that unworthy?" China claims Taiwan as a province and resists anything that appears to give the self-governing, democratic island the trappings of sovereignty. Officials in Beijing vow to attack at any declaration of Taiwanese independence, and have stationed hundreds of missiles opposite Taiwan. Chen said misunderstandings arise because of a lack of top-level communication between the U.S. and Taiwan. Chen is banned from visiting Washington under U.S. guidelines that allow only unofficial relations with Taiwan, and so must appear via satellite. Taiwan is making its 15th attempt to win approval from a key U.N. General Assembly to become a United Nations member, for the first time under the name Taiwan rather than the Republic of China. The committee is expected to meet next Wednesday -- and the proposal by Taiwan's allies to list the issue of its admission on the U.N. agenda is certain to face the same fate as the 14 previous attempts -- a resounding defeated. Taiwan's former Nationalist government was a founding member of the U.N. in 1945 when it was based in China. But the Communist Party's capture of the mainland in 1949 and the Nationalists' retreat to Taiwan led to the communist government's takeover of China's U.N. seat in 1971. "The U.N. bid does not equal Taiwan independence," Chen said. "We want to be part of the U.N. We want to use the name Taiwan to enter the U.N. ... Why can't we?" Chen said the U.N. resolution that gave Beijing the China seat never mentions Taiwan, does not declare that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and does not accept Beijing's claim that it has sovereignty over Taiwan. "Accordingly, the PRC has no right nor does it have the legitimacy to represent the people of Taiwan in the United Nations," he said. Among the panelists at the New York event, which was co-sponsored by the Overseas Press Club and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, was John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who urged President George W. Bush to extend full diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. "I think ultimately removing the ambiguity on the status of Taiwan would benefit the United States and make it clear that the U.S. will not tolerate the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, by China against Taiwan," he said. 
Queen_City::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071226.0493.LDC2009T13::1	 Princess Diana ' s tiara inspires architect ' s design for Cincinnati ' s tallest building CINCINNATI 2007-12-26 15:09:43 UTC The U.S. city known as Queen City may soon have a new skyscraper inspired by a tiara worn by a princess. Architect Gyo Obata was flipping through books in a bookstore when he was struck by a picture of Princess Diana wearing a tiara, said Joe Robertson, project manager for the St. Louis- based architectural firm HOK. "Gyo thought 'That's perfect. Here we have the crown of the building, and the nickname for the city is Queen City,'" Robertson said. The city's advisory Urban Design Review Board is set to weigh in on the design for the proposed 40-story Great American Insurance Building. The four-member review board includes three local architects. Its opinions are only advisory but could influence officials and regulatory boards that must approve project plans or authorize city financial assistance. The new building will have about 800,000 square feet (74,322 square meters) of space, with a glass and aluminum facade. Construction is expected to begin in the spring. 
Queen_City::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20071226.0493.LDC2009T13::2	 Princess Diana ' s tiara inspires architect ' s design for Cincinnati ' s tallest building CINCINNATI 2007-12-26 15:09:43 UTC The U.S. city known as Queen City may soon have a new skyscraper inspired by a tiara worn by a princess. Architect Gyo Obata was flipping through books in a bookstore when he was struck by a picture of Princess Diana wearing a tiara, said Joe Robertson, project manager for the St. Louis- based architectural firm HOK. "Gyo thought 'That's perfect. Here we have the crown of the building, and the nickname for the city is Queen City,'" Robertson said. The city's advisory Urban Design Review Board is set to weigh in on the design for the proposed 40-story Great American Insurance Building. The four-member review board includes three local architects. Its opinions are only advisory but could influence officials and regulatory boards that must approve project plans or authorize city financial assistance. The new building will have about 800,000 square feet (74,322 square meters) of space, with a glass and aluminum facade. Construction is expected to begin in the spring. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080222.0050.LDC2009T13::1	 Kenyan runner to defend Tainan International Marathon title Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) 02/22/08 22:17:07 (By Chris Wang) Kenyan long-distance runner Bernard Mutai will make it to the southern city of Tainan to defend his title in the 2008 Tainan International Marathon, despite widespread violence that has torn his homeland apart, the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) said Friday. Three other Kenyan athletes will not be able to leave the East African country, which has been mired in violence in which 1,000 people have died following a controversial presidential election, the SAC said in a statement. Mutai finished first in the mens group in two hours, 21 minutes and 11 seconds while Russian runner Oksana Lokhlova won the womens group in 3:03:09 last year. More than 6,000 runners will participate in four distances -- the 42.195-kilometer full marathon, the 21-km, half-marathon, the 10 km and the 3 km -- in the annual race. Taiwanese runner Wu Wen- chian, who has qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will participate in the 10km event as a pre-Olympics warm-up. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080222.0050.LDC2009T13::2	 Kenyan runner to defend Tainan International Marathon title Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) 02/22/08 22:17:07 (By Chris Wang) Kenyan long-distance runner Bernard Mutai will make it to the southern city of Tainan to defend his title in the 2008 Tainan International Marathon, despite widespread violence that has torn his homeland apart, the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) said Friday. Three other Kenyan athletes will not be able to leave the East African country, which has been mired in violence in which 1,000 people have died following a controversial presidential election, the SAC said in a statement. Mutai finished first in the mens group in two hours, 21 minutes and 11 seconds while Russian runner Oksana Lokhlova won the womens group in 3:03:09 last year. More than 6,000 runners will participate in four distances -- the 42.195-kilometer full marathon, the 21-km, half-marathon, the 10 km and the 3 km -- in the annual race. Taiwanese runner Wu Wen- chian, who has qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will participate in the 10km event as a pre-Olympics warm-up. 
SAC::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20071003.0047.LDC2009T13::1	 The Fallout From Sputnik All this is just some of the fallout from Sputnik, the tiny Soviet satellite that Korolev and his team launched 50 years ago on Oct. 4, 1957, igniting a national panic in the United States, the effects of which still reverberate. The little aluminum sphere was not the source of fear but rather the huge rocket that it rode atop, the world's first intercontinental ballistic missile. The 183-ton projectile gave the former Soviet Union an unrivaled capability to destroy any city on Earth within minutes of its launch. For the first time in U.S. history, the American heartland was vulnerable to attack by a foreign government. For Korolev's Kremlin masters, Sputnik was never about space exploration or cosmic milestones. It was a bold display of military might meant to match -- and top -- Washington's own frequent exhibitions of firepower. "We simply switch the warhead," boasted Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev, in case anyone missed the point. The irony of the Sputnik crisis, of the terrifying realization that the Soviet Union suddenly possessed an advanced new weapons system far more lethal than anything in the U.S. arsenal, was that the debacle was largely of Washington's own making -- a perfect example of how a nation's best-intentioned policies can sometimes backfire. The roots of the crisis went back to 1953, when Dwight D. Eisenhower swept into the White House on a platform of securing the country against communist threats. Under the stewardship of John Foster Dulles, his hawkish secretary of State, Eisenhower devised a new defense doctrine to counter the spreading "Red menace," which recently had claimed Eastern Europe and was infecting Asia. The U.S., according to Ike's doctrine, no longer would get bogged down in "minor" wars like in Korea. Instead, it would prepare for "total war," an all-out nuclear holocaust designed, in Dulles' own words, "to create sufficient fear in the enemy to deter aggression." To keep the Soviets sufficiently frightened and in check, the Air Force's Strategic Air Command, or SAC, began a systematic and sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation. Every day, U.S. planes took off from bases around the world and penetrated Soviet airspace, probing for weaknesses in Russian radar defenses. Huge exercises with ominous names like Operation Power House scrambled hundreds of nuclear-laden long-range bombers that charged across the Atlantic, headed for Moscow. At the last minute, they would turn around, but in some war games, squadrons of B-47 Stratojets would take off from Greenland, cross the North Pole and fly deep into Siberia in attack formation -- in broad daylight. "With any luck, we could have started World War III," the SAC commander, Gen. Curtis LeMay, famously declared. The Russians were not amused. Had the Soviets tried the same stunt, Khrushchev indignantly responded, "it would have meant war." Throughout the campaign to demonstrate overwhelming American air superiority, the United States violated Soviet airspace more than 10,000 times. Our thermonuclear stockpile increased tenfold, while LeMay publicly speculated about the 60 million Soviet citizens targeted for annihilation under the Dulles doctrine of massive retaliation. The term was a bit of a misnomer because Soviet planes at the time did not have the range to reach U.S. soil and never once infringed on U.S. territory. The double standard was not lost on Khrushchev. "Stop sending intruders into our airspace," he thundered at a visiting U.S. Air Force delegation in 1956. But he was largely powerless to prevent the incursions, which, of course, was the entire point of the exercise. Unfortunately, the massive retaliation doctrine was too effective. "Soviet leaders may have become convinced that the U.S. actually has intentions of military aggression," the CIA warned in a 1955 report. And the intelligence agency was right. "We were very afraid and saw the Americans clearly as the aggressors," recalled Khrushchev's son, Sergei, who now lives in Rhode Island. And so the Soviet Union started a crash program to build an ICBM. Korolev, who as a lonely and fatherless child dreamed of the Wright brothers and grew up in splendid isolation behind the locked gates of his grandparents' czarist estate, was given a blank check. A sturdy, studious lad who would develop a boxer's build and a disdain for suits and ties, he nonetheless mesmerized Khrushchev, who was fascinated with rocket technology. While the U.S. slashed its meager missile budget to build bigger and more bombers, Korolev launched Sputnik largely to distract Khrushchev from the nagging problems he was having developing a heat shield that could protect a nuclear warhead from the atmospheric forces of re-entry. The Politburo justified its new weapon of mass destruction as a crucial deterrent. "For us, it was of national importance," Sergei Khrushchev explained. "Father felt that only its existence could stop war." Sputnik was the ICBM's public unveiling, Moscow's turn to demonstrate its air superiority. Ten times more powerful than any operational U.S. missile of the era, it instantly redressed and reversed the strategic imbalance and catapulted the Soviet Union into superpower status as America's technological equal. The Eisenhower administration's own actions, which some historians now call reckless, inadvertently sped up the Soviets' quest for a missile. It's a historical lesson the current occupants of the White House should ponder. Today, as it was half a century ago, the United States is far ahead of its closest military rivals. But U.S. military posturing continues at Russia's expense. To be sure, no one in the new Moscow -- a city of sushi bars and billionaires, oil barons and metals magnates, where convoys of Mercedes glide along once desolate streets and the swankiest apartments list for upward of $50 million -- is worried about war. But a Bush administration plan to install a missile defense system in several former Warsaw Pact nations, now NATO members, is feeding Russia's traditional paranoia about the West. The missile interceptor shield, the administration says, is a defense against rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. Yet Washington's insistence on deploying the system in Poland, Russia's frontyard, rather than in Central Asia, where it would be closer to its intended targets, as Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has proposed, is prompting a return to Cold War rhetoric from the Kremlin. In retaliation, Russia has resumed the global patrols of its nuclear bomber fleet, which had been suspended since 1991, tested a new "father of all bombs" and fast-tracked development of a new-generation ballistic missile capable of evading U.S. interceptor shields. Flush with petrodollars -- Russia's Siberian oil fields produce more oil and natural gas than Saudi Arabia -- and eager to prove that it is back as a major power, Moscow is not in a mood to be bullied or belittled by the United States. And Sputnik should serve as a reminder of what happens when you goad the Russian bear. Brzezinski, a former Wall Street Journal Moscow correspondent, is the author of "Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries that Ignited the Space Age." 
SAC::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20071003.0047.LDC2009T13::2	 The Fallout From Sputnik All this is just some of the fallout from Sputnik, the tiny Soviet satellite that Korolev and his team launched 50 years ago on Oct. 4, 1957, igniting a national panic in the United States, the effects of which still reverberate. The little aluminum sphere was not the source of fear but rather the huge rocket that it rode atop, the world's first intercontinental ballistic missile. The 183-ton projectile gave the former Soviet Union an unrivaled capability to destroy any city on Earth within minutes of its launch. For the first time in U.S. history, the American heartland was vulnerable to attack by a foreign government. For Korolev's Kremlin masters, Sputnik was never about space exploration or cosmic milestones. It was a bold display of military might meant to match -- and top -- Washington's own frequent exhibitions of firepower. "We simply switch the warhead," boasted Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev, in case anyone missed the point. The irony of the Sputnik crisis, of the terrifying realization that the Soviet Union suddenly possessed an advanced new weapons system far more lethal than anything in the U.S. arsenal, was that the debacle was largely of Washington's own making -- a perfect example of how a nation's best-intentioned policies can sometimes backfire. The roots of the crisis went back to 1953, when Dwight D. Eisenhower swept into the White House on a platform of securing the country against communist threats. Under the stewardship of John Foster Dulles, his hawkish secretary of State, Eisenhower devised a new defense doctrine to counter the spreading "Red menace," which recently had claimed Eastern Europe and was infecting Asia. The U.S., according to Ike's doctrine, no longer would get bogged down in "minor" wars like in Korea. Instead, it would prepare for "total war," an all-out nuclear holocaust designed, in Dulles' own words, "to create sufficient fear in the enemy to deter aggression." To keep the Soviets sufficiently frightened and in check, the Air Force's Strategic Air Command, or SAC, began a systematic and sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation. Every day, U.S. planes took off from bases around the world and penetrated Soviet airspace, probing for weaknesses in Russian radar defenses. Huge exercises with ominous names like Operation Power House scrambled hundreds of nuclear-laden long-range bombers that charged across the Atlantic, headed for Moscow. At the last minute, they would turn around, but in some war games, squadrons of B-47 Stratojets would take off from Greenland, cross the North Pole and fly deep into Siberia in attack formation -- in broad daylight. "With any luck, we could have started World War III," the SAC commander, Gen. Curtis LeMay, famously declared. The Russians were not amused. Had the Soviets tried the same stunt, Khrushchev indignantly responded, "it would have meant war." Throughout the campaign to demonstrate overwhelming American air superiority, the United States violated Soviet airspace more than 10,000 times. Our thermonuclear stockpile increased tenfold, while LeMay publicly speculated about the 60 million Soviet citizens targeted for annihilation under the Dulles doctrine of massive retaliation. The term was a bit of a misnomer because Soviet planes at the time did not have the range to reach U.S. soil and never once infringed on U.S. territory. The double standard was not lost on Khrushchev. "Stop sending intruders into our airspace," he thundered at a visiting U.S. Air Force delegation in 1956. But he was largely powerless to prevent the incursions, which, of course, was the entire point of the exercise. Unfortunately, the massive retaliation doctrine was too effective. "Soviet leaders may have become convinced that the U.S. actually has intentions of military aggression," the CIA warned in a 1955 report. And the intelligence agency was right. "We were very afraid and saw the Americans clearly as the aggressors," recalled Khrushchev's son, Sergei, who now lives in Rhode Island. And so the Soviet Union started a crash program to build an ICBM. Korolev, who as a lonely and fatherless child dreamed of the Wright brothers and grew up in splendid isolation behind the locked gates of his grandparents' czarist estate, was given a blank check. A sturdy, studious lad who would develop a boxer's build and a disdain for suits and ties, he nonetheless mesmerized Khrushchev, who was fascinated with rocket technology. While the U.S. slashed its meager missile budget to build bigger and more bombers, Korolev launched Sputnik largely to distract Khrushchev from the nagging problems he was having developing a heat shield that could protect a nuclear warhead from the atmospheric forces of re-entry. The Politburo justified its new weapon of mass destruction as a crucial deterrent. "For us, it was of national importance," Sergei Khrushchev explained. "Father felt that only its existence could stop war." Sputnik was the ICBM's public unveiling, Moscow's turn to demonstrate its air superiority. Ten times more powerful than any operational U.S. missile of the era, it instantly redressed and reversed the strategic imbalance and catapulted the Soviet Union into superpower status as America's technological equal. The Eisenhower administration's own actions, which some historians now call reckless, inadvertently sped up the Soviets' quest for a missile. It's a historical lesson the current occupants of the White House should ponder. Today, as it was half a century ago, the United States is far ahead of its closest military rivals. But U.S. military posturing continues at Russia's expense. To be sure, no one in the new Moscow -- a city of sushi bars and billionaires, oil barons and metals magnates, where convoys of Mercedes glide along once desolate streets and the swankiest apartments list for upward of $50 million -- is worried about war. But a Bush administration plan to install a missile defense system in several former Warsaw Pact nations, now NATO members, is feeding Russia's traditional paranoia about the West. The missile interceptor shield, the administration says, is a defense against rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. Yet Washington's insistence on deploying the system in Poland, Russia's frontyard, rather than in Central Asia, where it would be closer to its intended targets, as Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has proposed, is prompting a return to Cold War rhetoric from the Kremlin. In retaliation, Russia has resumed the global patrols of its nuclear bomber fleet, which had been suspended since 1991, tested a new "father of all bombs" and fast-tracked development of a new-generation ballistic missile capable of evading U.S. interceptor shields. Flush with petrodollars -- Russia's Siberian oil fields produce more oil and natural gas than Saudi Arabia -- and eager to prove that it is back as a major power, Moscow is not in a mood to be bullied or belittled by the United States. And Sputnik should serve as a reminder of what happens when you goad the Russian bear. Brzezinski, a former Wall Street Journal Moscow correspondent, is the author of "Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries that Ignited the Space Age." 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070530.0010.LDC2009T13::1	 TOP SPORTS AFFAIRS AGENCY RENAMED Taipei, May 30 (CNA) 05/30/07 12:08:39 (By Deborah Kuo) Taiwan's top sports affairs agency changed its English name Wednesday from the National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to the "Sports Affairs Council (SAC), " effective immediately, SAC officials announced earlier in the day. The council's Department of Public Sports has also been renamed the "Department of Sports for All," the SAC officials said. The name changes are aimed at making Taiwan's sports exchanges with countries around the world more convenient, the officials said. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070530.0010.LDC2009T13::2	 TOP SPORTS AFFAIRS AGENCY RENAMED Taipei, May 30 (CNA) 05/30/07 12:08:39 (By Deborah Kuo) Taiwan's top sports affairs agency changed its English name Wednesday from the National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to the "Sports Affairs Council (SAC), " effective immediately, SAC officials announced earlier in the day. The council's Department of Public Sports has also been renamed the "Department of Sports for All," the SAC officials said. The name changes are aimed at making Taiwan's sports exchanges with countries around the world more convenient, the officials said. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070530.0010.LDC2009T13::3	 TOP SPORTS AFFAIRS AGENCY RENAMED Taipei, May 30 (CNA) 05/30/07 12:08:39 (By Deborah Kuo) Taiwan's top sports affairs agency changed its English name Wednesday from the National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to the "Sports Affairs Council (SAC), " effective immediately, SAC officials announced earlier in the day. The council's Department of Public Sports has also been renamed the "Department of Sports for All," the SAC officials said. The name changes are aimed at making Taiwan's sports exchanges with countries around the world more convenient, the officials said. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070719.0042.LDC2009T13::1	 2007 TAIWAN SPORTS RECREATION, LEISURE SHOW OPENS IN TAIPEI Taipei, July 19 (CNA) 07/19/07 22:06:21 (By Nick Huang) The 2007 Taiwan Sports Recreation and Leisure Show opened at the Taipei World Trade Center Thursday. The four-day show is organized by the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council at the commission of the the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, an SAC official said. SAC Minister Yang Chung-ho delivered a speech during the opening of the fair, the first of its kind in Taiwan. BOFT Director Huang Chih-peng also attended, the official noted. The show, which has attracted 159 companies from home and abroad, is made up of three exhibition and sales divisions, with several theme areas including sports leisure, cycling, mountaineering, digital amusement, sightseeing factories, medical tourism and commercial tourism. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070719.0042.LDC2009T13::2	 2007 TAIWAN SPORTS RECREATION, LEISURE SHOW OPENS IN TAIPEI Taipei, July 19 (CNA) 07/19/07 22:06:21 (By Nick Huang) The 2007 Taiwan Sports Recreation and Leisure Show opened at the Taipei World Trade Center Thursday. The four-day show is organized by the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council at the commission of the the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, an SAC official said. SAC Minister Yang Chung-ho delivered a speech during the opening of the fair, the first of its kind in Taiwan. BOFT Director Huang Chih-peng also attended, the official noted. The show, which has attracted 159 companies from home and abroad, is made up of three exhibition and sales divisions, with several theme areas including sports leisure, cycling, mountaineering, digital amusement, sightseeing factories, medical tourism and commercial tourism. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070719.0042.LDC2009T13::3	 2007 TAIWAN SPORTS RECREATION, LEISURE SHOW OPENS IN TAIPEI Taipei, July 19 (CNA) 07/19/07 22:06:21 (By Nick Huang) The 2007 Taiwan Sports Recreation and Leisure Show opened at the Taipei World Trade Center Thursday. The four-day show is organized by the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council at the commission of the the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, an SAC official said. SAC Minister Yang Chung-ho delivered a speech during the opening of the fair, the first of its kind in Taiwan. BOFT Director Huang Chih-peng also attended, the official noted. The show, which has attracted 159 companies from home and abroad, is made up of three exhibition and sales divisions, with several theme areas including sports leisure, cycling, mountaineering, digital amusement, sightseeing factories, medical tourism and commercial tourism. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070804.0015.LDC2009T13::1	 Taiwan wins bid to host FISU Forum 2010 Taipei, Aug. 4 (CNA) 08/04/07 16:19:58 (By Y.F. Low) Taiwan has won its bid to host the 2010 forum of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) , a Sports Affairs Council (SAC) official said Saturday. It is being considered by the Taiwanese authorities as "yet another score" in the country's "sports diplomacy, " following Taipei's success in obtaining the right to host the 2009 Summer Deaflympics and Kaohsiung's winning of the right to host the 2009 World Games. According to SAC Vice Chairman Lee Kao-hsiang, the FISU Forum is a biennial event held alternately with the universiade, and Taiwan made a bid to host the forum in a low-profile manner in light of China's isolation of the country in the international arena. Lee said the sports park under construction in Kaohsiung City in preparation for the 2009 World Games gave Taiwan a great advantage in competing for the right to host the 2010 FISU Forum, because the availability of the facility shows the world that Taiwan has the ability to host international sports events. The FISU, the abbreviation of the Belgium-based Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire, is the organizer of the Winter and the Summer Universiades in uneven years and World University Championships in even years. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070804.0015.LDC2009T13::2	 Taiwan wins bid to host FISU Forum 2010 Taipei, Aug. 4 (CNA) 08/04/07 16:19:58 (By Y.F. Low) Taiwan has won its bid to host the 2010 forum of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) , a Sports Affairs Council (SAC) official said Saturday. It is being considered by the Taiwanese authorities as "yet another score" in the country's "sports diplomacy, " following Taipei's success in obtaining the right to host the 2009 Summer Deaflympics and Kaohsiung's winning of the right to host the 2009 World Games. According to SAC Vice Chairman Lee Kao-hsiang, the FISU Forum is a biennial event held alternately with the universiade, and Taiwan made a bid to host the forum in a low-profile manner in light of China's isolation of the country in the international arena. Lee said the sports park under construction in Kaohsiung City in preparation for the 2009 World Games gave Taiwan a great advantage in competing for the right to host the 2010 FISU Forum, because the availability of the facility shows the world that Taiwan has the ability to host international sports events. The FISU, the abbreviation of the Belgium-based Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire, is the organizer of the Winter and the Summer Universiades in uneven years and World University Championships in even years. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070903.0026.LDC2009T13::1	 Taipei Fubon Bank wins right to issue sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) 09/03/07 19:47:38 (By Lilian Wu) Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a sports lottery after beating two other bidders, a Ministry of Finance (MOF) official said Monday. Su Le-ming, director-general of the ministry's Department of National Treasury, made the announcement after a screening committee reviewed bids from Taipei Fubon Bank, Chinatrust Commercial Bank and the Bank of Kaohsiung. The screening committee was composed of officials from the MOF, the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) , the Financial Supervisory Commission, academics and representatives of various civic groups. Su noted that the statute governing the issuing of lotteries states that anyone earning from lottery sales must establish a fund to provide money for social welfare and charity programs, although assistance for sports development is not included. Asked if the statute will be amended to include sports assistance, Su said the issue had not been discussed. Finance officials said the statute will be followed until such time as an amendment is made. The MOF is not planning an amendment to the statute at present, they said, but will exchange views with the SAC before the sports lottery is issued by April 15 next year. They noted that the SAC expressed hope earlier that the lottery will help promote sport in Taiwan in addition to providing assistance for social welfare and the underprivileged. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070903.0026.LDC2009T13::2	 Taipei Fubon Bank wins right to issue sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) 09/03/07 19:47:38 (By Lilian Wu) Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a sports lottery after beating two other bidders, a Ministry of Finance (MOF) official said Monday. Su Le-ming, director-general of the ministry's Department of National Treasury, made the announcement after a screening committee reviewed bids from Taipei Fubon Bank, Chinatrust Commercial Bank and the Bank of Kaohsiung. The screening committee was composed of officials from the MOF, the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) , the Financial Supervisory Commission, academics and representatives of various civic groups. Su noted that the statute governing the issuing of lotteries states that anyone earning from lottery sales must establish a fund to provide money for social welfare and charity programs, although assistance for sports development is not included. Asked if the statute will be amended to include sports assistance, Su said the issue had not been discussed. Finance officials said the statute will be followed until such time as an amendment is made. The MOF is not planning an amendment to the statute at present, they said, but will exchange views with the SAC before the sports lottery is issued by April 15 next year. They noted that the SAC expressed hope earlier that the lottery will help promote sport in Taiwan in addition to providing assistance for social welfare and the underprivileged. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070903.0026.LDC2009T13::3	 Taipei Fubon Bank wins right to issue sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) 09/03/07 19:47:38 (By Lilian Wu) Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a sports lottery after beating two other bidders, a Ministry of Finance (MOF) official said Monday. Su Le-ming, director-general of the ministry's Department of National Treasury, made the announcement after a screening committee reviewed bids from Taipei Fubon Bank, Chinatrust Commercial Bank and the Bank of Kaohsiung. The screening committee was composed of officials from the MOF, the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) , the Financial Supervisory Commission, academics and representatives of various civic groups. Su noted that the statute governing the issuing of lotteries states that anyone earning from lottery sales must establish a fund to provide money for social welfare and charity programs, although assistance for sports development is not included. Asked if the statute will be amended to include sports assistance, Su said the issue had not been discussed. Finance officials said the statute will be followed until such time as an amendment is made. The MOF is not planning an amendment to the statute at present, they said, but will exchange views with the SAC before the sports lottery is issued by April 15 next year. They noted that the SAC expressed hope earlier that the lottery will help promote sport in Taiwan in addition to providing assistance for social welfare and the underprivileged. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070906.0043.LDC2009T13::1	 Sport authorities seek law amendment for sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) 09/06/07 21:55:53 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) is seeking assistance from ruling and opposition legislators to push for an amendment to the regulations governing lottery issuance since Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a long- waited sports lottery Monday, SAC officials said Thursday. The amendment proposes allowing the anticipated surpluses from the sports lottery to be spent on projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwanese sports and athletes, the officials said, noting that in the March 21-enacted amendments to the Statute for Issuance of Public Benefit Lottery, surpluses generated from all kinds of public benefit lotteries can only be spent on a planned national annuity, national health insurance preparation, or other social welfare projects. As currently written, the law means that no money from the upcoming sports lottery can be used to promote sporting activities, the officials said. With this in mind, the SAC filed its proposed amendment bill to the Ministry of Finance March 30, suggesting that sports lottery surpluses be spent only on sports development, the officials added. SAC Vice Minister Lee Kao-hsiang said he believes the SAC-drafted amendment bill will win lawmakers' support because the main reason behind issuing the sports lottery was helping the country promote sport. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070906.0043.LDC2009T13::2	 Sport authorities seek law amendment for sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) 09/06/07 21:55:53 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) is seeking assistance from ruling and opposition legislators to push for an amendment to the regulations governing lottery issuance since Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a long- waited sports lottery Monday, SAC officials said Thursday. The amendment proposes allowing the anticipated surpluses from the sports lottery to be spent on projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwanese sports and athletes, the officials said, noting that in the March 21-enacted amendments to the Statute for Issuance of Public Benefit Lottery, surpluses generated from all kinds of public benefit lotteries can only be spent on a planned national annuity, national health insurance preparation, or other social welfare projects. As currently written, the law means that no money from the upcoming sports lottery can be used to promote sporting activities, the officials said. With this in mind, the SAC filed its proposed amendment bill to the Ministry of Finance March 30, suggesting that sports lottery surpluses be spent only on sports development, the officials added. SAC Vice Minister Lee Kao-hsiang said he believes the SAC-drafted amendment bill will win lawmakers' support because the main reason behind issuing the sports lottery was helping the country promote sport. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070906.0043.LDC2009T13::3	 Sport authorities seek law amendment for sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) 09/06/07 21:55:53 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) is seeking assistance from ruling and opposition legislators to push for an amendment to the regulations governing lottery issuance since Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a long- waited sports lottery Monday, SAC officials said Thursday. The amendment proposes allowing the anticipated surpluses from the sports lottery to be spent on projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwanese sports and athletes, the officials said, noting that in the March 21-enacted amendments to the Statute for Issuance of Public Benefit Lottery, surpluses generated from all kinds of public benefit lotteries can only be spent on a planned national annuity, national health insurance preparation, or other social welfare projects. As currently written, the law means that no money from the upcoming sports lottery can be used to promote sporting activities, the officials said. With this in mind, the SAC filed its proposed amendment bill to the Ministry of Finance March 30, suggesting that sports lottery surpluses be spent only on sports development, the officials added. SAC Vice Minister Lee Kao-hsiang said he believes the SAC-drafted amendment bill will win lawmakers' support because the main reason behind issuing the sports lottery was helping the country promote sport. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070906.0043.LDC2009T13::4	 Sport authorities seek law amendment for sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) 09/06/07 21:55:53 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) is seeking assistance from ruling and opposition legislators to push for an amendment to the regulations governing lottery issuance since Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a long- waited sports lottery Monday, SAC officials said Thursday. The amendment proposes allowing the anticipated surpluses from the sports lottery to be spent on projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwanese sports and athletes, the officials said, noting that in the March 21-enacted amendments to the Statute for Issuance of Public Benefit Lottery, surpluses generated from all kinds of public benefit lotteries can only be spent on a planned national annuity, national health insurance preparation, or other social welfare projects. As currently written, the law means that no money from the upcoming sports lottery can be used to promote sporting activities, the officials said. With this in mind, the SAC filed its proposed amendment bill to the Ministry of Finance March 30, suggesting that sports lottery surpluses be spent only on sports development, the officials added. SAC Vice Minister Lee Kao-hsiang said he believes the SAC-drafted amendment bill will win lawmakers' support because the main reason behind issuing the sports lottery was helping the country promote sport. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070906.0043.LDC2009T13::5	 Sport authorities seek law amendment for sports lottery Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) 09/06/07 21:55:53 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) is seeking assistance from ruling and opposition legislators to push for an amendment to the regulations governing lottery issuance since Taipei Fubon Bank has won the right to issue a long- waited sports lottery Monday, SAC officials said Thursday. The amendment proposes allowing the anticipated surpluses from the sports lottery to be spent on projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwanese sports and athletes, the officials said, noting that in the March 21-enacted amendments to the Statute for Issuance of Public Benefit Lottery, surpluses generated from all kinds of public benefit lotteries can only be spent on a planned national annuity, national health insurance preparation, or other social welfare projects. As currently written, the law means that no money from the upcoming sports lottery can be used to promote sporting activities, the officials said. With this in mind, the SAC filed its proposed amendment bill to the Ministry of Finance March 30, suggesting that sports lottery surpluses be spent only on sports development, the officials added. SAC Vice Minister Lee Kao-hsiang said he believes the SAC-drafted amendment bill will win lawmakers' support because the main reason behind issuing the sports lottery was helping the country promote sport. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070911.0025.LDC2009T13::1	 Sports authorities plan to resume golf course opening Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) 09/11/07 18:08:19 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) has recently worked out a plan to allow new applications to build golf courses on Taiwan and its outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, SAC officials said Tuesday. If approved and adopted by the Executive Yuan, it will be the first time the three outlying islands will have been opened to golf course construction, the officials noted. The government has frozen new golf course construction on Taiwan proper since 1993 out of concern for environmental protection. In the wake of a five-year review of the ban, the SAC has concluded that the country has room for more golf courses and that the islands off Taiwan's coast can also be exploited, the officials said. According to an SAC survey, Taiwan had 82 golf courses at one point. The amount dropped to 69 in the past five years, with 38 located in the north, 15 in central Taiwan, 14 in the south and two in the east. The total golf course allowance was set at 79 in 2001, the SAC officials said, adding that the council has proposed between four and seven new courses be approved for the northern area including Matsu, nine or 10 in the central area including Kinmen, four to seven in the southern area including Penghu and one to four in the eastern area. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070911.0025.LDC2009T13::2	 Sports authorities plan to resume golf course opening Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) 09/11/07 18:08:19 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) has recently worked out a plan to allow new applications to build golf courses on Taiwan and its outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, SAC officials said Tuesday. If approved and adopted by the Executive Yuan, it will be the first time the three outlying islands will have been opened to golf course construction, the officials noted. The government has frozen new golf course construction on Taiwan proper since 1993 out of concern for environmental protection. In the wake of a five-year review of the ban, the SAC has concluded that the country has room for more golf courses and that the islands off Taiwan's coast can also be exploited, the officials said. According to an SAC survey, Taiwan had 82 golf courses at one point. The amount dropped to 69 in the past five years, with 38 located in the north, 15 in central Taiwan, 14 in the south and two in the east. The total golf course allowance was set at 79 in 2001, the SAC officials said, adding that the council has proposed between four and seven new courses be approved for the northern area including Matsu, nine or 10 in the central area including Kinmen, four to seven in the southern area including Penghu and one to four in the eastern area. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070911.0025.LDC2009T13::3	 Sports authorities plan to resume golf course opening Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) 09/11/07 18:08:19 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) has recently worked out a plan to allow new applications to build golf courses on Taiwan and its outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, SAC officials said Tuesday. If approved and adopted by the Executive Yuan, it will be the first time the three outlying islands will have been opened to golf course construction, the officials noted. The government has frozen new golf course construction on Taiwan proper since 1993 out of concern for environmental protection. In the wake of a five-year review of the ban, the SAC has concluded that the country has room for more golf courses and that the islands off Taiwan's coast can also be exploited, the officials said. According to an SAC survey, Taiwan had 82 golf courses at one point. The amount dropped to 69 in the past five years, with 38 located in the north, 15 in central Taiwan, 14 in the south and two in the east. The total golf course allowance was set at 79 in 2001, the SAC officials said, adding that the council has proposed between four and seven new courses be approved for the northern area including Matsu, nine or 10 in the central area including Kinmen, four to seven in the southern area including Penghu and one to four in the eastern area. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070911.0025.LDC2009T13::4	 Sports authorities plan to resume golf course opening Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) 09/11/07 18:08:19 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) has recently worked out a plan to allow new applications to build golf courses on Taiwan and its outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, SAC officials said Tuesday. If approved and adopted by the Executive Yuan, it will be the first time the three outlying islands will have been opened to golf course construction, the officials noted. The government has frozen new golf course construction on Taiwan proper since 1993 out of concern for environmental protection. In the wake of a five-year review of the ban, the SAC has concluded that the country has room for more golf courses and that the islands off Taiwan's coast can also be exploited, the officials said. According to an SAC survey, Taiwan had 82 golf courses at one point. The amount dropped to 69 in the past five years, with 38 located in the north, 15 in central Taiwan, 14 in the south and two in the east. The total golf course allowance was set at 79 in 2001, the SAC officials said, adding that the council has proposed between four and seven new courses be approved for the northern area including Matsu, nine or 10 in the central area including Kinmen, four to seven in the southern area including Penghu and one to four in the eastern area. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070911.0025.LDC2009T13::5	 Sports authorities plan to resume golf course opening Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) 09/11/07 18:08:19 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Sports Affairs Council (SAC) has recently worked out a plan to allow new applications to build golf courses on Taiwan and its outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, SAC officials said Tuesday. If approved and adopted by the Executive Yuan, it will be the first time the three outlying islands will have been opened to golf course construction, the officials noted. The government has frozen new golf course construction on Taiwan proper since 1993 out of concern for environmental protection. In the wake of a five-year review of the ban, the SAC has concluded that the country has room for more golf courses and that the islands off Taiwan's coast can also be exploited, the officials said. According to an SAC survey, Taiwan had 82 golf courses at one point. The amount dropped to 69 in the past five years, with 38 located in the north, 15 in central Taiwan, 14 in the south and two in the east. The total golf course allowance was set at 79 in 2001, the SAC officials said, adding that the council has proposed between four and seven new courses be approved for the northern area including Matsu, nine or 10 in the central area including Kinmen, four to seven in the southern area including Penghu and one to four in the eastern area. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070926.0026.LDC2009T13::1	 President to ignite torch to promote Taiwan's U.N. bid Taipei, Sept. 26 (CNA) 09/26/07 19:23:25 President Chen Shui-bian will ignite a torch on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office Oct. 24 to promote Taiwan's bid for membership of the United Nations, Executive Yuan spokesman Shieh Jyh-wey said Wednesday. Shieh made the remarks after Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announced earlier in the day that Oct. 24 will be designated as "Taiwan United Nations Day" in accordance with a proposal by local civic groups. Shieh said the torch will travel through Taipei County, Keelung City, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Pingtung County and Kaohsiung County in a 1,200-km relay around the 25 cities and counties of the nation before returning to Ketagalan Boulevard Nov. 3. The torch relay is planned by the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) as part of the nation's efforts to underscore the determination of Taiwan to join the United Nations. SAC Chairman Yang Chung-ho said the relay will be held in a carnival atmosphere and that anyone can take part. It is hoped that the torch relay will enable the world to hear the voice of the Taiwanese, he continued. Oct. 24 -- the anniversary of the coming into force of the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 -- is celebrated internationally as United Nations Day. The country has tried without success since 1993 to have the United Nations consider the issue of its representation after the China seat in the United Nations was given to the People's Republic of China at the expense of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, in 1971. This year marks the first time the nation has tried to enter the world body under the name Taiwan. (By Lilian Wu) d 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20070926.0026.LDC2009T13::2	 President to ignite torch to promote Taiwan's U.N. bid Taipei, Sept. 26 (CNA) 09/26/07 19:23:25 President Chen Shui-bian will ignite a torch on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office Oct. 24 to promote Taiwan's bid for membership of the United Nations, Executive Yuan spokesman Shieh Jyh-wey said Wednesday. Shieh made the remarks after Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announced earlier in the day that Oct. 24 will be designated as "Taiwan United Nations Day" in accordance with a proposal by local civic groups. Shieh said the torch will travel through Taipei County, Keelung City, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Pingtung County and Kaohsiung County in a 1,200-km relay around the 25 cities and counties of the nation before returning to Ketagalan Boulevard Nov. 3. The torch relay is planned by the Sports Affairs Council (SAC) as part of the nation's efforts to underscore the determination of Taiwan to join the United Nations. SAC Chairman Yang Chung-ho said the relay will be held in a carnival atmosphere and that anyone can take part. It is hoped that the torch relay will enable the world to hear the voice of the Taiwanese, he continued. Oct. 24 -- the anniversary of the coming into force of the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 -- is celebrated internationally as United Nations Day. The country has tried without success since 1993 to have the United Nations consider the issue of its representation after the China seat in the United Nations was given to the People's Republic of China at the expense of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, in 1971. This year marks the first time the nation has tried to enter the world body under the name Taiwan. (By Lilian Wu) d 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20071005.0039.LDC2009T13::1	 Budget for U.N. bid activities being examined: Auditor-General Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) 10/05/07 20:57:33 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Ministry of Audit has not stopped overseeing government spending on organizing activities to promote Taiwan's U.N. bid, Auditor-General Lin Chin- lung said Friday. Lin said the ministry has mailed a letter to the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), requesting an explanation of whether or not it earmarked a budget this year for activities targeting Taiwan's bid for membership in the United Nations, or whether it spent money based on government regulations in organizing a nationwide torch relay Oct. 24 to win public support for the U.N. bid. Lin made the remarks in response to a question by Legislator Lin Teh-fu of the opposition Kuomintang during an interpellation session at the Legislative Yuan. At the session, the lawmaker questioned the legality of the SAC's allegedly spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to organize the torch relay, which will pass through all 25 of Taiwan's counties and cities. Lin Teh-fu claimed that the SAC did not write a budget for any such activities this year and questioned how it plans to finance the torch relay. The auditor-general said he had also asked both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Government Information Office (GIO) to explain and make public their spending on advertising Taiwan's U.N. bid. The MOFA said it spent more than NT$47 million (US$1.4 million) on U.N. advertising this year, while the GIO spent NT$16 million to publicize Taiwan's strong desire to be part of the United Nations. Although both said they used money from their budgets to seek Taiwan's presence in international activities to conduct the publicity, Lin Chin-lung said his office was not satisfied with the answers and has requested a further explanation. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20071005.0039.LDC2009T13::2	 Budget for U.N. bid activities being examined: Auditor-General Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) 10/05/07 20:57:33 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Ministry of Audit has not stopped overseeing government spending on organizing activities to promote Taiwan's U.N. bid, Auditor-General Lin Chin- lung said Friday. Lin said the ministry has mailed a letter to the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), requesting an explanation of whether or not it earmarked a budget this year for activities targeting Taiwan's bid for membership in the United Nations, or whether it spent money based on government regulations in organizing a nationwide torch relay Oct. 24 to win public support for the U.N. bid. Lin made the remarks in response to a question by Legislator Lin Teh-fu of the opposition Kuomintang during an interpellation session at the Legislative Yuan. At the session, the lawmaker questioned the legality of the SAC's allegedly spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to organize the torch relay, which will pass through all 25 of Taiwan's counties and cities. Lin Teh-fu claimed that the SAC did not write a budget for any such activities this year and questioned how it plans to finance the torch relay. The auditor-general said he had also asked both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Government Information Office (GIO) to explain and make public their spending on advertising Taiwan's U.N. bid. The MOFA said it spent more than NT$47 million (US$1.4 million) on U.N. advertising this year, while the GIO spent NT$16 million to publicize Taiwan's strong desire to be part of the United Nations. Although both said they used money from their budgets to seek Taiwan's presence in international activities to conduct the publicity, Lin Chin-lung said his office was not satisfied with the answers and has requested a further explanation. 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20071005.0039.LDC2009T13::3	 Budget for U.N. bid activities being examined: Auditor-General Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) 10/05/07 20:57:33 (By Elizabeth Hsu) The Ministry of Audit has not stopped overseeing government spending on organizing activities to promote Taiwan's U.N. bid, Auditor-General Lin Chin- lung said Friday. Lin said the ministry has mailed a letter to the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), requesting an explanation of whether or not it earmarked a budget this year for activities targeting Taiwan's bid for membership in the United Nations, or whether it spent money based on government regulations in organizing a nationwide torch relay Oct. 24 to win public support for the U.N. bid. Lin made the remarks in response to a question by Legislator Lin Teh-fu of the opposition Kuomintang during an interpellation session at the Legislative Yuan. At the session, the lawmaker questioned the legality of the SAC's allegedly spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to organize the torch relay, which will pass through all 25 of Taiwan's counties and cities. Lin Teh-fu claimed that the SAC did not write a budget for any such activities this year and questioned how it plans to finance the torch relay. The auditor-general said he had also asked both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Government Information Office (GIO) to explain and make public their spending on advertising Taiwan's U.N. bid. The MOFA said it spent more than NT$47 million (US$1.4 million) on U.N. advertising this year, while the GIO spent NT$16 million to publicize Taiwan's strong desire to be part of the United Nations. Although both said they used money from their budgets to seek Taiwan's presence in international activities to conduct the publicity, Lin Chin-lung said his office was not satisfied with the answers and has requested a further explanation. 
SAC::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080925.0055.LDC2009T13::1	 ARTIST SKY PATTERSON EXPLORES HUMAN CONDITION SAN ANTONIO Swimmers, horse whisperers and the war in Iraq inspired the series of color-filled, emotionally laden paintings that Sky Patterson is showing as the San Antonio Art League's 63rd Artist of the Year. Richly expressionistic, these paintings feature shadowy figures with obscured faces against abstract backgrounds riddled with paint drips, scratched-off layers of collage and existential angst. "The common denominator in most of my paintings is the faceless figure," Patterson said. "I'm not trying to do traditional portraiture; I'm more concerned with exploring the human condition. Making the figures faceless tends to make them more universal. I like to be honest with my materials and to reveal the actual process of painting, which is the reason for the paint drips. A lot of the time, the process of painting excites me more than the image." Patterson's one-man show, which pretty much spans his short, seven-year career, is on view through Oct. 19 at the San Antonio Art League & Museum. The 30-year-old artist is attracting national attention. Recently included in the "New American Talent 23" exhibit at Austin's Arthouse, Patterson has twice received a prestigious artist-in- residence scholarship from the Robert M. MacNamara Foundation in Westport Island, Maine. In 2004, Southwest Art magazine featured him in an article titled "21 Under 31: A New Generation of Emerging Western American Artists." He comes from a creative family. He's the grandson of Hondo Crouch, the guiding spirit behind the fabled Texas Hill Country town of Luckenbach, celebrated in the 1978 song recorded by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. His father is architect Dow Patterson, and his mother is textile artist Becky Patterson, who wrote the memoir "Hondo, My Father." He lives and paints in the studio he built on his great- grandfather's ranch near Comfort, Texas. "After graduating from Churchill High School (in San Antonio), I worked for a jeweler for a while, and then decided to major in art at San Antonio College," Patterson said. "That's been my only formal education as an artist, but I learned a lot at SAC. I studied with Mark Pritchett as well as Eduardo Rodriguez and Tom Willome. I really think SAC's art department is second to none." But his most important influence was the American Indian artist Fritz Scholder, who died in 2005. While working as a counselor at an art camp in California in 2000, Patterson said he wrote a fan letter to Scholder, who wanted to see his work. "He became my mentor," Patterson said. "I went to see him and took work for him to critique, and we continued to work together until his death. I worried that I should go on to earn an art degree, but then I realized, 'This is my school.' Fritz told me that the way to learn how to be an artist was to make art and keep on making it, so that's what I've done." Scholder, who rebelled against the cliches of traditional American Indian painters by de-romanticizing his figures, began as a student of Wayne Thiebaud, a leader of the Bay Area figurative painters in San Francisco. Patterson cites other artists from that movement as influencing him, such as Nathan Oliveira and Richard Diebenkorn, along with the more expressionistic figurative paintings of the English artist Francis Bacon. "People say that my paintings are dark and desolate with a lot of despair," he said. "But I'm just trying to show the complexities of life. . . . For example, my swimmers represent struggle, and I think water can be seen as the subconscious." Patterson based his earliest paintings in this show on his experiences as a member of the swim team at Churchill High School, using some of his teammates and competitors as models, although the faces are in shadows and the figures have the mythic quality of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. "Swimmer Looking Back" isolates a rear view of a male figure against a subtle green background, evoking a sense of loneliness, or one man against the world. "Clavado" is a blue swimmer with outstretched arms on an unstretched, torn and mangled canvas, which can be seen as a contemporary version of the crucifixion. "In swimming, you're on a team, but it's not really a team sport," Patterson said. "You compete more against yourself than you do other swimmers. When I hit the water, I felt cut off from reality, with only the sound of water in my ears and my vision blurred. There's something embryonic about it. The swimmers in the paintings are essentially existential shells of people." His next series, "72 Virgins," was sparked by the Iraq war and the heavenly delights promised to Islamic suicide bombers. It began as a collaborative project with local artists Steve DaLuz and Andy Tschoepe. Patterson borrowed the poses for his figures from the Aztec gods and goddesses depicted in the popular calendars by Mexican artist Jesus Helguera. But he updated the figures with topical references, such as draping the women in burqas and arming the men with automatic weapons. With titles such as "Bound Virgin" and "Woman with Heroic Death Figure," these images link the conflicts of the present with the myths of the ancient past, showing that hero worship is in many ways a celebration of violence. The entire second floor of the Art League museum is devoted to Patterson's horse and figure paintings. Patterson grew up around horses, so the subject is a natural to him, but these aren't standard equine portraits. The emphasis is on the body language between man and horse, with the figure often appearing as a silhouette. The background is abstract, with bright blotches of pure color. "In this more recent work, I'm trying to make my paintings more complex," Patterson said. "For me, painting is a cathartic process. I'm trying to show more than just the anatomy of the horse -- I want to show its spiritual presence." (E-mail: dgoddard@express-news.net 
SAC::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080925.0055.LDC2009T13::2	 ARTIST SKY PATTERSON EXPLORES HUMAN CONDITION SAN ANTONIO Swimmers, horse whisperers and the war in Iraq inspired the series of color-filled, emotionally laden paintings that Sky Patterson is showing as the San Antonio Art League's 63rd Artist of the Year. Richly expressionistic, these paintings feature shadowy figures with obscured faces against abstract backgrounds riddled with paint drips, scratched-off layers of collage and existential angst. "The common denominator in most of my paintings is the faceless figure," Patterson said. "I'm not trying to do traditional portraiture; I'm more concerned with exploring the human condition. Making the figures faceless tends to make them more universal. I like to be honest with my materials and to reveal the actual process of painting, which is the reason for the paint drips. A lot of the time, the process of painting excites me more than the image." Patterson's one-man show, which pretty much spans his short, seven-year career, is on view through Oct. 19 at the San Antonio Art League & Museum. The 30-year-old artist is attracting national attention. Recently included in the "New American Talent 23" exhibit at Austin's Arthouse, Patterson has twice received a prestigious artist-in- residence scholarship from the Robert M. MacNamara Foundation in Westport Island, Maine. In 2004, Southwest Art magazine featured him in an article titled "21 Under 31: A New Generation of Emerging Western American Artists." He comes from a creative family. He's the grandson of Hondo Crouch, the guiding spirit behind the fabled Texas Hill Country town of Luckenbach, celebrated in the 1978 song recorded by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. His father is architect Dow Patterson, and his mother is textile artist Becky Patterson, who wrote the memoir "Hondo, My Father." He lives and paints in the studio he built on his great- grandfather's ranch near Comfort, Texas. "After graduating from Churchill High School (in San Antonio), I worked for a jeweler for a while, and then decided to major in art at San Antonio College," Patterson said. "That's been my only formal education as an artist, but I learned a lot at SAC. I studied with Mark Pritchett as well as Eduardo Rodriguez and Tom Willome. I really think SAC's art department is second to none." But his most important influence was the American Indian artist Fritz Scholder, who died in 2005. While working as a counselor at an art camp in California in 2000, Patterson said he wrote a fan letter to Scholder, who wanted to see his work. "He became my mentor," Patterson said. "I went to see him and took work for him to critique, and we continued to work together until his death. I worried that I should go on to earn an art degree, but then I realized, 'This is my school.' Fritz told me that the way to learn how to be an artist was to make art and keep on making it, so that's what I've done." Scholder, who rebelled against the cliches of traditional American Indian painters by de-romanticizing his figures, began as a student of Wayne Thiebaud, a leader of the Bay Area figurative painters in San Francisco. Patterson cites other artists from that movement as influencing him, such as Nathan Oliveira and Richard Diebenkorn, along with the more expressionistic figurative paintings of the English artist Francis Bacon. "People say that my paintings are dark and desolate with a lot of despair," he said. "But I'm just trying to show the complexities of life. . . . For example, my swimmers represent struggle, and I think water can be seen as the subconscious." Patterson based his earliest paintings in this show on his experiences as a member of the swim team at Churchill High School, using some of his teammates and competitors as models, although the faces are in shadows and the figures have the mythic quality of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. "Swimmer Looking Back" isolates a rear view of a male figure against a subtle green background, evoking a sense of loneliness, or one man against the world. "Clavado" is a blue swimmer with outstretched arms on an unstretched, torn and mangled canvas, which can be seen as a contemporary version of the crucifixion. "In swimming, you're on a team, but it's not really a team sport," Patterson said. "You compete more against yourself than you do other swimmers. When I hit the water, I felt cut off from reality, with only the sound of water in my ears and my vision blurred. There's something embryonic about it. The swimmers in the paintings are essentially existential shells of people." His next series, "72 Virgins," was sparked by the Iraq war and the heavenly delights promised to Islamic suicide bombers. It began as a collaborative project with local artists Steve DaLuz and Andy Tschoepe. Patterson borrowed the poses for his figures from the Aztec gods and goddesses depicted in the popular calendars by Mexican artist Jesus Helguera. But he updated the figures with topical references, such as draping the women in burqas and arming the men with automatic weapons. With titles such as "Bound Virgin" and "Woman with Heroic Death Figure," these images link the conflicts of the present with the myths of the ancient past, showing that hero worship is in many ways a celebration of violence. The entire second floor of the Art League museum is devoted to Patterson's horse and figure paintings. Patterson grew up around horses, so the subject is a natural to him, but these aren't standard equine portraits. The emphasis is on the body language between man and horse, with the figure often appearing as a silhouette. The background is abstract, with bright blotches of pure color. "In this more recent work, I'm trying to make my paintings more complex," Patterson said. "For me, painting is a cathartic process. I'm trying to show more than just the anatomy of the horse -- I want to show its spiritual presence." (E-mail: dgoddard@express-news.net 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080123.0012.LDC2009T13::1	 Sports Affairs Council to relocate to Kaohsiung Feb. 1: premier Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) 01/23/08 16:19:04 (By Lilian Wu) Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announced Wednesday that the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), Taiwan's top sports administrative body, will be relocated to Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan Feb. 1. The premier said the relocation is part of the administration's efforts to balance regional development between northern and southern Taiwan. The agency will relocate to the Zuoying district in Kaohsiung where Taiwan's National Sports Training Center and a new 40,000 seat multi-purpose stadium under construction are located. Many of Taiwan's top athletes with regional or Olympic potential train there, and the 2009 World Games, a sports festival featuring non-Olympic events, will be centered around the complex. Chang said the move would strengthen athletic training programs and enhance the country's competitive standards, while integrating the selection, training, counseling, and competitive programs of top local athletes. The premier said that because the relocation will involve change at many levels, the government will protect the rights of the agency's staffers. SAC Vice Chairman Lee Kao-hsiung said Wednesday that those who relocate to Kaohsiung will receive a monthly subsidy of NT$20,000 (US$606) per person for a period of three years, similar to the amount given to staffers of the Fisheries Administration under the Council of Agriculture, which was relocated to Kaohsiung last year. The administration expects to spend around NT$15 million in relocation subsidies as the council's 114 employees move to Kaohsiung in two stages. A first group is in the process of relocating now to get the office started, with most of the staffers expected to move south between March 1 and Sept. 1. Chang said the relocation of the SAC, following the move by the Fisheries Administration, has shown that the administration's pledge to "balance the nation's regional development is not just empty words." 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080123.0012.LDC2009T13::2	 Sports Affairs Council to relocate to Kaohsiung Feb. 1: premier Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) 01/23/08 16:19:04 (By Lilian Wu) Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announced Wednesday that the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), Taiwan's top sports administrative body, will be relocated to Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan Feb. 1. The premier said the relocation is part of the administration's efforts to balance regional development between northern and southern Taiwan. The agency will relocate to the Zuoying district in Kaohsiung where Taiwan's National Sports Training Center and a new 40,000 seat multi-purpose stadium under construction are located. Many of Taiwan's top athletes with regional or Olympic potential train there, and the 2009 World Games, a sports festival featuring non-Olympic events, will be centered around the complex. Chang said the move would strengthen athletic training programs and enhance the country's competitive standards, while integrating the selection, training, counseling, and competitive programs of top local athletes. The premier said that because the relocation will involve change at many levels, the government will protect the rights of the agency's staffers. SAC Vice Chairman Lee Kao-hsiung said Wednesday that those who relocate to Kaohsiung will receive a monthly subsidy of NT$20,000 (US$606) per person for a period of three years, similar to the amount given to staffers of the Fisheries Administration under the Council of Agriculture, which was relocated to Kaohsiung last year. The administration expects to spend around NT$15 million in relocation subsidies as the council's 114 employees move to Kaohsiung in two stages. A first group is in the process of relocating now to get the office started, with most of the staffers expected to move south between March 1 and Sept. 1. Chang said the relocation of the SAC, following the move by the Fisheries Administration, has shown that the administration's pledge to "balance the nation's regional development is not just empty words." 
SAC::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080123.0012.LDC2009T13::3	 Sports Affairs Council to relocate to Kaohsiung Feb. 1: premier Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) 01/23/08 16:19:04 (By Lilian Wu) Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announced Wednesday that the Sports Affairs Council (SAC), Taiwan's top sports administrative body, will be relocated to Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan Feb. 1. The premier said the relocation is part of the administration's efforts to balance regional development between northern and southern Taiwan. The agency will relocate to the Zuoying district in Kaohsiung where Taiwan's National Sports Training Center and a new 40,000 seat multi-purpose stadium under construction are located. Many of Taiwan's top athletes with regional or Olympic potential train there, and the 2009 World Games, a sports festival featuring non-Olympic events, will be centered around the complex. Chang said the move would strengthen athletic training programs and enhance the country's competitive standards, while integrating the selection, training, counseling, and competitive programs of top local athletes. The premier said that because the relocation will involve change at many levels, the government will protect the rights of the agency's staffers. SAC Vice Chairman Lee Kao-hsiung said Wednesday that those who relocate to Kaohsiung will receive a monthly subsidy of NT$20,000 (US$606) per person for a period of three years, similar to the amount given to staffers of the Fisheries Administration under the Council of Agriculture, which was relocated to Kaohsiung last year. The administration expects to spend around NT$15 million in relocation subsidies as the council's 114 employees move to Kaohsiung in two stages. A first group is in the process of relocating now to get the office started, with most of the staffers expected to move south between March 1 and Sept. 1. Chang said the relocation of the SAC, following the move by the Fisheries Administration, has shown that the administration's pledge to "balance the nation's regional development is not just empty words." 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070919.0158.LDC2009T13::1	 TECH MAY START FRESHMAN AT RUNNING BACK Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Jonathan Dwyer didn't ask to wear No. 21. It reveals nothing about his ego. He wasn't some cocky freshman claiming to being the next Calvin Johnson. Dwyer asked for his high school number, 12, and wound up with 21, instead. So far, though, the jersey fits. No. 21 once again leads Georgia Tech in touchdowns. Dwyer has scored five, including at least one in each of the first three games of his college career. Johnson first showed he was something special with an eight- catch, three-touchdown performance at Clemson in his first ACC road game. Saturday at Virginia, Dwyer might get a chance to do something special in his first ACC road game, too. If Tashard Choice's hamstring injury limits his carries or keeps him from playing, Tech could turn to the freshman from Kell High School in Marietta. Dwyer said he is prepared for whatever role Tech needs him to fill, including starter. "It's just a dream that every freshman has," he said. "I don't know if I'm going to start or how many carries I'll get. Nothing is guaranteed. I just have to be ready to play." He has a history of stepping up when needed. He started at free safety in the first game of his freshman year at Kell, then started at running back in the second game after injuries sidelined the team's top two players at that position. Dwyer ran for more than 100 yards. "The most underrated thing about him is his competitiveness," said Irv Sigler, Kell's coach for Dwyer's final two seasons. "You can see it in his eyes and in his body language." Sigler said he has no doubt Dwyer will be up to the task on Saturday if Choice can't play. "I don't think there's any question he's more than capable of doing it," Sigler said. "From an emotional standpoint, from a physical standpoint, he's way beyond his years." Dwyer took over when Choice got hurt on Saturday against Boston College, but Tech has other options at the position. Senior Rashaun Grant ran for 23 yards on three carries against Boston College and ran for 122 yards three years ago at N.C. State. Sophomore Jamaal Evans was Choice's top backup against Notre Dame, though zero playing time against Boston College suggests he has dropped to fourth on the depth chart. Dwyer might be Tech's speediest player. He was runner-up in the Class AAAAA state championship 100 meters as a high school junior, and he showed off that speed on a 40-yard reverse play against Samford. He's strong, too, as he showed while breaking tackles on a 65-yard run later in that game. What he has shown so far might just hint at what he can accomplish at Tech. "Right now, he's playing on pure physical talent and instincts more than he is knowledge of the blocking schemes and getting a feel for where things should be," Tech coach Chan Gailey said. "He will get better at that as time goes on." He needs to work on his blocking and on holding onto the football. (He fumbled, and recovered, in his first carry Saturday night.) He also can improve as a runner by learning where to cut and when to wait for a block. "I always make mistakes," Dwyer said. "I'm still getting the hang of it. But as the season goes on, each game I get to play in I understand it a little bit more. This is what I need to do: follow my blockers, follow my keys and follow [fullback] Mike Cox. "I learned a lot [from the first three games]. I learned how good a player I am and how good everybody else is." One clue to how good a player Dwyer is: Only two Yellow Jackets straight out of high school have run for more yards in a game than Dwyer's 138 against Samford. That would be Robert Lavette and Jerry Mays, who went on to become Tech's career rushing leaders. It takes special qualities for a player to succeed as soon as he steps on campus. "Probably first and foremost, confidence," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "There are certain players that come into camp every year, they just have that look and that air about them that I'm here to play. ... The way he plays on tape says right from the start he was one of those players who say, 'I'm here to play."' Gailey must have seen that even before practice began. He's the guy who assigned Dwyer No. 21. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070919.0158.LDC2009T13::2	 TECH MAY START FRESHMAN AT RUNNING BACK Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Jonathan Dwyer didn't ask to wear No. 21. It reveals nothing about his ego. He wasn't some cocky freshman claiming to being the next Calvin Johnson. Dwyer asked for his high school number, 12, and wound up with 21, instead. So far, though, the jersey fits. No. 21 once again leads Georgia Tech in touchdowns. Dwyer has scored five, including at least one in each of the first three games of his college career. Johnson first showed he was something special with an eight- catch, three-touchdown performance at Clemson in his first ACC road game. Saturday at Virginia, Dwyer might get a chance to do something special in his first ACC road game, too. If Tashard Choice's hamstring injury limits his carries or keeps him from playing, Tech could turn to the freshman from Kell High School in Marietta. Dwyer said he is prepared for whatever role Tech needs him to fill, including starter. "It's just a dream that every freshman has," he said. "I don't know if I'm going to start or how many carries I'll get. Nothing is guaranteed. I just have to be ready to play." He has a history of stepping up when needed. He started at free safety in the first game of his freshman year at Kell, then started at running back in the second game after injuries sidelined the team's top two players at that position. Dwyer ran for more than 100 yards. "The most underrated thing about him is his competitiveness," said Irv Sigler, Kell's coach for Dwyer's final two seasons. "You can see it in his eyes and in his body language." Sigler said he has no doubt Dwyer will be up to the task on Saturday if Choice can't play. "I don't think there's any question he's more than capable of doing it," Sigler said. "From an emotional standpoint, from a physical standpoint, he's way beyond his years." Dwyer took over when Choice got hurt on Saturday against Boston College, but Tech has other options at the position. Senior Rashaun Grant ran for 23 yards on three carries against Boston College and ran for 122 yards three years ago at N.C. State. Sophomore Jamaal Evans was Choice's top backup against Notre Dame, though zero playing time against Boston College suggests he has dropped to fourth on the depth chart. Dwyer might be Tech's speediest player. He was runner-up in the Class AAAAA state championship 100 meters as a high school junior, and he showed off that speed on a 40-yard reverse play against Samford. He's strong, too, as he showed while breaking tackles on a 65-yard run later in that game. What he has shown so far might just hint at what he can accomplish at Tech. "Right now, he's playing on pure physical talent and instincts more than he is knowledge of the blocking schemes and getting a feel for where things should be," Tech coach Chan Gailey said. "He will get better at that as time goes on." He needs to work on his blocking and on holding onto the football. (He fumbled, and recovered, in his first carry Saturday night.) He also can improve as a runner by learning where to cut and when to wait for a block. "I always make mistakes," Dwyer said. "I'm still getting the hang of it. But as the season goes on, each game I get to play in I understand it a little bit more. This is what I need to do: follow my blockers, follow my keys and follow [fullback] Mike Cox. "I learned a lot [from the first three games]. I learned how good a player I am and how good everybody else is." One clue to how good a player Dwyer is: Only two Yellow Jackets straight out of high school have run for more yards in a game than Dwyer's 138 against Samford. That would be Robert Lavette and Jerry Mays, who went on to become Tech's career rushing leaders. It takes special qualities for a player to succeed as soon as he steps on campus. "Probably first and foremost, confidence," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "There are certain players that come into camp every year, they just have that look and that air about them that I'm here to play. ... The way he plays on tape says right from the start he was one of those players who say, 'I'm here to play."' Gailey must have seen that even before practice began. He's the guy who assigned Dwyer No. 21. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070713.0091.LDC2009T13::1	 F Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Since Georgia Tech's Rambling Wreck really wrecked, roughly $20,000 in pledges has streamed in, enough with donated materials and labor to cover estimated repairs. But the iconic 1930 Ford Model A car is still stuck out of traffic. It is in pieces at a body shop in Lawrenceville, Ga. and awaiting rare parts. John Bird, the senior student elected as the car's driver for this year, nonetheless says the jalopy will lead the Yellow Jackets onto the field for the Sept. 8 home opener against Samford, continuing a tradition that began in 1961. "It's going pretty good," said Bird, who was towing the car to appear at a Savannah wedding last month when an apparent trailer malfunction sent him off I-75. "The interior is stripped, the fenders are off, and it looks like a hot rod. The body work is pretty much done. "What's slowing them down is all the wood that holds up the soft top was destroyed in the wreck. We had to order a new kit, and that's holding it up. That [wood] frame has to be used as a gauge for the straightening of the body." Soon after the June 15 accident, several of the Wreck's former elected drivers (there is one per year) said they, together, would fix the car. Reality - repair estimates ranging up to $30,000 - changed the plan. "We had a driver from as far back as 1976, and a lot of us met. When they all saw what needed to be done, we decided we needed a body shop," Bird said. Enter Awesome Specialists, a Lawrenceville fiberglass and body repair shop. The Wreck's former drivers still plan to do much of the car's mechanical work once the body is finished and painted, and there is more help coming. "Mike's A'Ford-Able Parts," one of the nation's premier parts collectors for Model A's built between 1928-31, is helping with parts. Eco-Clean, a restoration shop, has offered help with upholstery and the soft top after pieces of the trailer punctured the car's roof and seats. Coker Tires of Tennessee is helping with tires. Tech's textile engineering department, where Bird is a polymer and fiber engineering major, vowed to help gather interior fabrics. Tech's mechanical engineering department will manufacture parts like the flagpoles and struts for the sides of the car's roof. "They're also going to help with a brass emblem etched with a 1952 Yellow Jacket that would have been difficult to replace," Bird said. "As long as we give them materials, they'll do it free in the machine shop." Not all has gone well. The car's curators hoped to prevent photos of the damaged Wreck from getting out, but the Monroe County Sheriff's Office released accident investigation pictures to some media. "It was being kept in my parents' garage at first," Bird said. "I don't want my mom and dad drawn into this because some UGA fan wants pictures of the Rambling Wreck. Somebody dug up my address, called and said they were coming. That was one of the biggest concerns. The mystique of the car was second." Bird and the Ramblin' Reck Club, the student organization that cares for the car, have drawn sympathy and criticism. "Some question the upkeep, but the car has been kept for 46 years by the Reck club. We've been doing it right," Bird said. "Who would maintain it if it wasn't a student organization?" Despite a very modest sum from the Wreck's insurance policy, the cost of putting the Rambling Wreck back on the road looks to be covered. "I think 250-300 people have donated. We've definitely got enough to exceed the costs with the companies that have offered to pay for or sponsor parts," Bird said. "Without sponsorships, our costs would have been in the upper $20,000s. "Most likely the costs covered by donations will be $19,000-$20,000. We're making progress. Part of the wood we need came [Thursday]. We don't know all the mechanical damage yet, but we know it starts. I'm pretty sure we should be fine by Samford, where worst-case scenario we're working on the motor but it runs." Matt Winkeljohn writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mwinkeljohn @ ajc.com 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070713.0091.LDC2009T13::2	 F Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Since Georgia Tech's Rambling Wreck really wrecked, roughly $20,000 in pledges has streamed in, enough with donated materials and labor to cover estimated repairs. But the iconic 1930 Ford Model A car is still stuck out of traffic. It is in pieces at a body shop in Lawrenceville, Ga. and awaiting rare parts. John Bird, the senior student elected as the car's driver for this year, nonetheless says the jalopy will lead the Yellow Jackets onto the field for the Sept. 8 home opener against Samford, continuing a tradition that began in 1961. "It's going pretty good," said Bird, who was towing the car to appear at a Savannah wedding last month when an apparent trailer malfunction sent him off I-75. "The interior is stripped, the fenders are off, and it looks like a hot rod. The body work is pretty much done. "What's slowing them down is all the wood that holds up the soft top was destroyed in the wreck. We had to order a new kit, and that's holding it up. That [wood] frame has to be used as a gauge for the straightening of the body." Soon after the June 15 accident, several of the Wreck's former elected drivers (there is one per year) said they, together, would fix the car. Reality - repair estimates ranging up to $30,000 - changed the plan. "We had a driver from as far back as 1976, and a lot of us met. When they all saw what needed to be done, we decided we needed a body shop," Bird said. Enter Awesome Specialists, a Lawrenceville fiberglass and body repair shop. The Wreck's former drivers still plan to do much of the car's mechanical work once the body is finished and painted, and there is more help coming. "Mike's A'Ford-Able Parts," one of the nation's premier parts collectors for Model A's built between 1928-31, is helping with parts. Eco-Clean, a restoration shop, has offered help with upholstery and the soft top after pieces of the trailer punctured the car's roof and seats. Coker Tires of Tennessee is helping with tires. Tech's textile engineering department, where Bird is a polymer and fiber engineering major, vowed to help gather interior fabrics. Tech's mechanical engineering department will manufacture parts like the flagpoles and struts for the sides of the car's roof. "They're also going to help with a brass emblem etched with a 1952 Yellow Jacket that would have been difficult to replace," Bird said. "As long as we give them materials, they'll do it free in the machine shop." Not all has gone well. The car's curators hoped to prevent photos of the damaged Wreck from getting out, but the Monroe County Sheriff's Office released accident investigation pictures to some media. "It was being kept in my parents' garage at first," Bird said. "I don't want my mom and dad drawn into this because some UGA fan wants pictures of the Rambling Wreck. Somebody dug up my address, called and said they were coming. That was one of the biggest concerns. The mystique of the car was second." Bird and the Ramblin' Reck Club, the student organization that cares for the car, have drawn sympathy and criticism. "Some question the upkeep, but the car has been kept for 46 years by the Reck club. We've been doing it right," Bird said. "Who would maintain it if it wasn't a student organization?" Despite a very modest sum from the Wreck's insurance policy, the cost of putting the Rambling Wreck back on the road looks to be covered. "I think 250-300 people have donated. We've definitely got enough to exceed the costs with the companies that have offered to pay for or sponsor parts," Bird said. "Without sponsorships, our costs would have been in the upper $20,000s. "Most likely the costs covered by donations will be $19,000-$20,000. We're making progress. Part of the wood we need came [Thursday]. We don't know all the mechanical damage yet, but we know it starts. I'm pretty sure we should be fine by Samford, where worst-case scenario we're working on the motor but it runs." Matt Winkeljohn writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mwinkeljohn @ ajc.com 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070904.0125.LDC2009T13::1	 GAILEY: THAT WAS FAR FROM PERFECT Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Minutes after completing the most lopsided season- opening victory any coach ever achieved over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech's Chan Gailey made it clear his work had only just begun. "We didn't play perfectly," Gailey said after Saturday's 33-3 rout at South Bend, Ind. "We didn't. We've got things we can go work on." Here is Gailey's list heading into Saturday's home opener against Samford: 1. Improve the passing game Quarterback Taylor Bennett was 11-for-23 for 121 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. "I thought he rushed some things," Gailey said. "It's the first game, and he wanted to be perfect. He's got to realize he doesn't have to be perfect." It was Bennett's third college start but his first as the everyday quarterback rather than the emergency fill-in. Bennett started only one season in high school. Offensive coordinator John Bond sounded confident Bennett has the talent to do what needs doing. "He can make all the throws that anybody could ever want to make," Bond said. "Hopefully," Bennett said, "I can get my game a little more touched up for (Samford)." 2. Score touchdowns in the red zone Tech wants Travis Bell setting career highs for PAT kicks, not field goals. Bell attempted five field goals, two more than he had ever attempted before. He made four of them. The Yellow Jackets never fumbled or threw an interception, and they punted on just two of their first 10 possessions. But Gailey wants to see more sevens and fewer threes, especially when the offense gets the field position it received on Saturday. (The average Tech possession started at the 42.) "Any time you go in there and don't score a touchdown, you get concerned," he said. "You're always concerned about that." The offense got better as the game went on, with Tech scoring three touchdowns in its last four trips inside the 25. "Once we got an idea of what they were going to do in the red zone, that's when we started to score (touchdowns)," left tackle Andrew Gardner said. 3. Tackle better When you hold a Charlie Weis-coached team to minus-8 yards rushing and 122 yards total offense, make 19 tackles for loss and force and recover three fumbles, you've done a whole lot of things right on defense. Still, watching the film showed Gailey his team could have done even more. He wants to see the first man make the play. "We can tackle better," Gailey said. 4. Increase return yardage Tech showed major improvement in one area that had been a source of frustration in 2005 and 2006 - kickoff coverage. Even with the new rule moving kickoffs back to the 30-yard line, Tech held Notre Dame inside the 25 on four kickoffs and inside the 30 on two others. Punting and punt coverage continued to be exceptional, with Durant Brooks averaging 46 yards on three punts and Notre Dame's only return losing a yard. The return game, though, showed room for improvement. Jamaal Evans returned the second-half kickoff from his end zone and reached only the 16. His other return was only slightly better, 19 yards to the 24. If Tech's defense continues to shine, the Jackets won't be returning many kickoffs. But punts are likely to be numerous. Tyler Evans returned three for 17 yards. Gailey said he saw room for improvement in both areas. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com. 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070904.0125.LDC2009T13::2	 GAILEY: THAT WAS FAR FROM PERFECT Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Minutes after completing the most lopsided season- opening victory any coach ever achieved over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech's Chan Gailey made it clear his work had only just begun. "We didn't play perfectly," Gailey said after Saturday's 33-3 rout at South Bend, Ind. "We didn't. We've got things we can go work on." Here is Gailey's list heading into Saturday's home opener against Samford: 1. Improve the passing game Quarterback Taylor Bennett was 11-for-23 for 121 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. "I thought he rushed some things," Gailey said. "It's the first game, and he wanted to be perfect. He's got to realize he doesn't have to be perfect." It was Bennett's third college start but his first as the everyday quarterback rather than the emergency fill-in. Bennett started only one season in high school. Offensive coordinator John Bond sounded confident Bennett has the talent to do what needs doing. "He can make all the throws that anybody could ever want to make," Bond said. "Hopefully," Bennett said, "I can get my game a little more touched up for (Samford)." 2. Score touchdowns in the red zone Tech wants Travis Bell setting career highs for PAT kicks, not field goals. Bell attempted five field goals, two more than he had ever attempted before. He made four of them. The Yellow Jackets never fumbled or threw an interception, and they punted on just two of their first 10 possessions. But Gailey wants to see more sevens and fewer threes, especially when the offense gets the field position it received on Saturday. (The average Tech possession started at the 42.) "Any time you go in there and don't score a touchdown, you get concerned," he said. "You're always concerned about that." The offense got better as the game went on, with Tech scoring three touchdowns in its last four trips inside the 25. "Once we got an idea of what they were going to do in the red zone, that's when we started to score (touchdowns)," left tackle Andrew Gardner said. 3. Tackle better When you hold a Charlie Weis-coached team to minus-8 yards rushing and 122 yards total offense, make 19 tackles for loss and force and recover three fumbles, you've done a whole lot of things right on defense. Still, watching the film showed Gailey his team could have done even more. He wants to see the first man make the play. "We can tackle better," Gailey said. 4. Increase return yardage Tech showed major improvement in one area that had been a source of frustration in 2005 and 2006 - kickoff coverage. Even with the new rule moving kickoffs back to the 30-yard line, Tech held Notre Dame inside the 25 on four kickoffs and inside the 30 on two others. Punting and punt coverage continued to be exceptional, with Durant Brooks averaging 46 yards on three punts and Notre Dame's only return losing a yard. The return game, though, showed room for improvement. Jamaal Evans returned the second-half kickoff from his end zone and reached only the 16. His other return was only slightly better, 19 yards to the 24. If Tech's defense continues to shine, the Jackets won't be returning many kickoffs. But punts are likely to be numerous. Tyler Evans returned three for 17 yards. Gailey said he saw room for improvement in both areas. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com. 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070906.0114.LDC2009T13::1	 SAMFORD HAS SOME HISTORY ON ITS SIDE Cox News Service ATLANTA -- It can happen here. It already has. A Division I-AA football team came to Atlanta and beat Georgia Tech. The team was Furman, the date Sept. 17, 1983, the score 17-14, a result the next day's Atlanta Journal-Constitution described as "the most disconcerting defeat of the Bill Curry regime." Nearly a quarter-century later, it remains the only time a team from what is now called the Football Championship Subdivision beat Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets carry a 15-game winning streak against such teams into Saturday's home opener with Samford. Kevin Esval has this word of advice for No. 21 Tech, which faces ACC Atlantic Division power Boston College next week: "Don't look too far ahead." Esval kicked the field goal with 60 seconds left that beat Tech in 1983. "It's the greatest moment in my life," Esval said of that day, and it's still so special he keeps two photos of the 27-yard kick in his home office. "The field goal gets longer as you get older," Esval said Thurday. "Short or long, it was fun. That was an incredible day." Esval remembers taking offense at a newspaper schedule that pictured the helmets of every Tech opponent except Furman. A teammate quoted in the Journal-Constitution said the Paladins were fired up by comments attributed to Curry. Whatever their motivations, the Paladins had talent. They had beaten South Carolina a year before and would beat N.C. State a year later. They tied Tech in 1986. Ernest Gibson, whose interception clinched the victory over Tech, went on to play for the New England Patriots. Stanford Jennings, who ran for 168 yards against Tech, gained Super Bowl fame with the Cincinnati Bengals by returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Chas Fox, who caught one of Furman's touchdown passes, also played in the NFL. Furman's coach was Dick Sheridan, who later coached N.C. State, and Furman's quarterback that day was Bobby Lamb, now the Paladins' coach. There's still talent in Furman and Samford's division. Four players from that division were picked in the first four rounds of the 2007 NFL draft, including Falcons third-round pick Laurent Robinson. And at least two starters on Tech's defense were heavily recruited by Division I-AA teams. Michigan-slayer Appalachian State worked hard to woo Tech defensive tackle Vance Walker. "Every now and then, I think I could have possibly been playing with them," Walker said. "I don't look down on them at all." Strongside linebacker Shane Bowen talked to Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky. "That could have been me," Bowen said. "I could have been playing at a school like that." Esval? He thought he was headed to North Carolina but says Furman turned out to be ideal for him. He heads a Nashville investment bank that does mergers and acquisitions of health care companies. He makes multi-million-dollar deals, but he cherishes the money kick he made at Grant Field. "It's one of the biggest events in my sporting career," he said. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com 
Samford::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070906.0114.LDC2009T13::2	 SAMFORD HAS SOME HISTORY ON ITS SIDE Cox News Service ATLANTA -- It can happen here. It already has. A Division I-AA football team came to Atlanta and beat Georgia Tech. The team was Furman, the date Sept. 17, 1983, the score 17-14, a result the next day's Atlanta Journal-Constitution described as "the most disconcerting defeat of the Bill Curry regime." Nearly a quarter-century later, it remains the only time a team from what is now called the Football Championship Subdivision beat Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets carry a 15-game winning streak against such teams into Saturday's home opener with Samford. Kevin Esval has this word of advice for No. 21 Tech, which faces ACC Atlantic Division power Boston College next week: "Don't look too far ahead." Esval kicked the field goal with 60 seconds left that beat Tech in 1983. "It's the greatest moment in my life," Esval said of that day, and it's still so special he keeps two photos of the 27-yard kick in his home office. "The field goal gets longer as you get older," Esval said Thurday. "Short or long, it was fun. That was an incredible day." Esval remembers taking offense at a newspaper schedule that pictured the helmets of every Tech opponent except Furman. A teammate quoted in the Journal-Constitution said the Paladins were fired up by comments attributed to Curry. Whatever their motivations, the Paladins had talent. They had beaten South Carolina a year before and would beat N.C. State a year later. They tied Tech in 1986. Ernest Gibson, whose interception clinched the victory over Tech, went on to play for the New England Patriots. Stanford Jennings, who ran for 168 yards against Tech, gained Super Bowl fame with the Cincinnati Bengals by returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Chas Fox, who caught one of Furman's touchdown passes, also played in the NFL. Furman's coach was Dick Sheridan, who later coached N.C. State, and Furman's quarterback that day was Bobby Lamb, now the Paladins' coach. There's still talent in Furman and Samford's division. Four players from that division were picked in the first four rounds of the 2007 NFL draft, including Falcons third-round pick Laurent Robinson. And at least two starters on Tech's defense were heavily recruited by Division I-AA teams. Michigan-slayer Appalachian State worked hard to woo Tech defensive tackle Vance Walker. "Every now and then, I think I could have possibly been playing with them," Walker said. "I don't look down on them at all." Strongside linebacker Shane Bowen talked to Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky. "That could have been me," Bowen said. "I could have been playing at a school like that." Esval? He thought he was headed to North Carolina but says Furman turned out to be ideal for him. He heads a Nashville investment bank that does mergers and acquisitions of health care companies. He makes multi-million-dollar deals, but he cherishes the money kick he made at Grant Field. "It's one of the biggest events in my sporting career," he said. Mike Knobler writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: mknobler AT ajc.com 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::4	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::5	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::6	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::7	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::8	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071125.0378.LDC2009T13::9	 Football: Sfaxien triumph gives Tunisia CAF club double Tunisia completed a Confederation of African Football club double when CS Sfaxien lifted the Confederation Cup this weekend. Sfaxien defeated Al-Merreikh of Sudan 1-0 in the second leg of the final thanks to an 86th-minute goal from defender Amir Messaoud off a free kick in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. Traditional poor travellers Merreikh did well to contain the Tunisians until four minutes from full-time after entering the return match with virtually no hope having lost the first leg 4-2 in Omdurman three weeks ago. Tunisian captain and midfielder Abdelkrim Nafti boasted before the second match that Merreikh were wasting time turning up as Sfaxien could field a reserve team and still triumph. The 5-2 aggregate victory margin was the biggest in a competition modelled on the European UEFA Cup and introduced four years when the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued. Fellow Tunisians Etoile Sahel were shock winners of the Champions League this month, depriving Egyptian giants Al-Ahly of a record third consecutive title with a 3-1 victory in Cairo after a goalless first encounter. Sfaxien, one of the 'big four' in Tunisia with Etoile, Esperance and Club Africain, entered the Confederation Cup decider desperate to succeed following a heartbreaking loss to Ahly last year in the Champions League final. After defying the odds to force a 1-1 draw in Cairo, Sfaxien stayed ahead on aggregate under the the away-goal rule until stoppage time when Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutraika scored the goal that kept the trophy in Egypt. It was the second African title for Sfaxien after defeating Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal 3-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 1998 CAF Cup and they tackle Etoile on February 23 in Sousse for the Super Cup. This one-off match pits the Champions League winners against the Confederation Cup holders and after neutral venues failed to attract good attendances, it is staged on the home ground of the champions. Losing both legs of the final completed a miserable month for Merreikh, who have dominated Sudanese football for decades with 2007 African Champions League semi- finalists Al-Hilal. They were eliminated by Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the second round of the Arab Champions League last weekend and German coach Otto Pfister quit after the home defeat by Sfaxien to take charge of the Cameroon national team. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070518.0022.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: African Confederation Cup fixtures African Confederation Cup fourth round, second leg fixtures this weekend (first leg score in brackets): At Douala, Cameroon Astres Douala (CMR) v Etoile (CGO) (1-2) At Ismailia, Egypt Ismailia (EGY) v Wydad Casablanca (MAR) (1-0) At Harare Mwana Africa (ZIM) v Tout Puissant Mazembe Englebert (COD) (0-1) At Omdurman, Sudan Al-Merreikh (SUD) v Young Africans (TAN) (0-0) At Ilorin, Nigeria Kwara Utd (NGR) v Nasarawa Utd (NGR) (1-1) At Gafsa, Tunisia Gaouafel Gafsa (TUN) v Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) (1-2) At Port Harcourt, Nigeria Dolphin (NGR) v Maranatha Fiokpo (TOG) (2-1) At Sfax, Tunisia Club Sportif Sfaxien (TUN) v Cotonsport Garoua (CMR) (1-2) Second leg: May 19-20 Note: The eight winners will be split into two groups at a draw in Switzerland on May 28 and the clubs finishing first qualify for two-leg final 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070518.0022.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: African Confederation Cup fixtures African Confederation Cup fourth round, second leg fixtures this weekend (first leg score in brackets): At Douala, Cameroon Astres Douala (CMR) v Etoile (CGO) (1-2) At Ismailia, Egypt Ismailia (EGY) v Wydad Casablanca (MAR) (1-0) At Harare Mwana Africa (ZIM) v Tout Puissant Mazembe Englebert (COD) (0-1) At Omdurman, Sudan Al-Merreikh (SUD) v Young Africans (TAN) (0-0) At Ilorin, Nigeria Kwara Utd (NGR) v Nasarawa Utd (NGR) (1-1) At Gafsa, Tunisia Gaouafel Gafsa (TUN) v Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) (1-2) At Port Harcourt, Nigeria Dolphin (NGR) v Maranatha Fiokpo (TOG) (2-1) At Sfax, Tunisia Club Sportif Sfaxien (TUN) v Cotonsport Garoua (CMR) (1-2) Second leg: May 19-20 Note: The eight winners will be split into two groups at a draw in Switzerland on May 28 and the clubs finishing first qualify for two-leg final 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070520.0197.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Victorious South Africans slam Tunisian 'dirty tricks' by Andrew Thompson Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa slammed rivals Gaouafel Gafsa of Tunisia Sunday after squeezing into the African Confederation Cup group phase. Sundowns recovered from the shock of conceding an early goal to force a 1-1 draw in the south-west Tunisian city and qualify 3-2 on aggregate after building a narrow first leg lead two weeks ago. But Mamelodi general manager Afzal Khan slammed the hosts, accusing the North African club of 'dirty tricks' ahead of the fourth round, second leg clash. A midweek domestic league fixture prevented the South Africans leaving Johannesburg until Thursday night and they arrived in Tunis the following afternoon via Paris. But Khan claimed there was a seven-hour delay before Gaouafel officials arrived in the Tunisian capital to organise the 370-kilometre journey to Gafsa. "We only arrived in Gafsa early on Saturday morning and our pleas to the Algerian match commissioner for a 24-hour postponement of the fixture until Sunday fell on deaf ears," fumed Khan. "This meant we went into a match staged in blistering heat without any training. To say I am proud of our players is the understatement of the year," added the official. Although Gaouafel lurk in the lower regions of the Tunisian league and were appearing in Africa for the first time this year, they entered the second leg as marginal favourites having lost only 2-1 away. And the local club could not have made a better start as Radhouane Ben Ouannes scored after just six minutes at the 12,000-capacity November 7 Stadium in the heart of the Tunisian phosphate region. South African clubs are notoriously poor travellers, regularly struggling to cope with alien conditions and Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund must have feared the worst having fallen behind so early. But veteran Zimbabwean striker Peter Ndlovu responded swiftly, levelling after 14 minutes with a goal that calmed Sundowns nerves and intensified the pressure on Gaouafel as they surrendered the away-goal advantage. There were no further goals, although increasingly weary Sundowns did have some narrow escapes as Gafsa sought a second goal that would have taken the tie to a penalty shootout. Tunisia had better luck later Saturday when Club Sportif Sfaxien thrashed Cameroon visitors Cotonsport Garoua 4-0 in the Mediterranean city of Sfax to advance 5-2 on aggregate. Trailing 2-1 after the first leg in central Africa, Sfaxien made light of the absence of suspended Hadj Messaoud and Haitham Mrabet to strike twice in the first 10 minutes. Diminutive midfielder Abdelkerim Nafti, a finalist in the 2006 African Champions League Footballer of the Year poll, scored after five minutes followed by Hamza Younes. Another Younes goal early in the second half left Cotonsport with a mountain to scale and they rarely got beyond the base before Hamza Sallemi completed the rout six minutes from full-time. Faisal Ajab and Abdelhamid Saudy scored within 10 minutes during the first half to give Al-Merreikh of Sudan a 2-0 victory over Young Africans of Tanzania in steamy Omdurman after a goalless first leg. Astres Douala of Cameroon won by the same score at home to Etoile of Congo to also qualify for the pool phase after losing the delayed first leg 2-1 in Brazzaville last weekend. The Cameroonians were eliminated in the previous round by Benfica Luanda of Angola only to be reinstated when Benfica were found guilty of using suspended striker Mbungu Mputu. Ismailia of Egypt, Mwana Africa of Zimbabwe and Tout Puissant Mazembe Englebert of the Democratic Republic of Congo have also qualified and the remaining two slots will be filled later Sunday after fixtures in Nigeria. The eight survivors will be split into two groups at a draw in the Swiss city of Zurich on May 28 and the clubs topping the tables progress to a two-leg final with the winners collecting 400,000 dollars. Hearts of Oak of Ghana, FAR Rabat of Morocco and Etoile Sahel of Tunisia won previous editions of a competition introudced three years ago in place of the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070520.0197.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Victorious South Africans slam Tunisian 'dirty tricks' by Andrew Thompson Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa slammed rivals Gaouafel Gafsa of Tunisia Sunday after squeezing into the African Confederation Cup group phase. Sundowns recovered from the shock of conceding an early goal to force a 1-1 draw in the south-west Tunisian city and qualify 3-2 on aggregate after building a narrow first leg lead two weeks ago. But Mamelodi general manager Afzal Khan slammed the hosts, accusing the North African club of 'dirty tricks' ahead of the fourth round, second leg clash. A midweek domestic league fixture prevented the South Africans leaving Johannesburg until Thursday night and they arrived in Tunis the following afternoon via Paris. But Khan claimed there was a seven-hour delay before Gaouafel officials arrived in the Tunisian capital to organise the 370-kilometre journey to Gafsa. "We only arrived in Gafsa early on Saturday morning and our pleas to the Algerian match commissioner for a 24-hour postponement of the fixture until Sunday fell on deaf ears," fumed Khan. "This meant we went into a match staged in blistering heat without any training. To say I am proud of our players is the understatement of the year," added the official. Although Gaouafel lurk in the lower regions of the Tunisian league and were appearing in Africa for the first time this year, they entered the second leg as marginal favourites having lost only 2-1 away. And the local club could not have made a better start as Radhouane Ben Ouannes scored after just six minutes at the 12,000-capacity November 7 Stadium in the heart of the Tunisian phosphate region. South African clubs are notoriously poor travellers, regularly struggling to cope with alien conditions and Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund must have feared the worst having fallen behind so early. But veteran Zimbabwean striker Peter Ndlovu responded swiftly, levelling after 14 minutes with a goal that calmed Sundowns nerves and intensified the pressure on Gaouafel as they surrendered the away-goal advantage. There were no further goals, although increasingly weary Sundowns did have some narrow escapes as Gafsa sought a second goal that would have taken the tie to a penalty shootout. Tunisia had better luck later Saturday when Club Sportif Sfaxien thrashed Cameroon visitors Cotonsport Garoua 4-0 in the Mediterranean city of Sfax to advance 5-2 on aggregate. Trailing 2-1 after the first leg in central Africa, Sfaxien made light of the absence of suspended Hadj Messaoud and Haitham Mrabet to strike twice in the first 10 minutes. Diminutive midfielder Abdelkerim Nafti, a finalist in the 2006 African Champions League Footballer of the Year poll, scored after five minutes followed by Hamza Younes. Another Younes goal early in the second half left Cotonsport with a mountain to scale and they rarely got beyond the base before Hamza Sallemi completed the rout six minutes from full-time. Faisal Ajab and Abdelhamid Saudy scored within 10 minutes during the first half to give Al-Merreikh of Sudan a 2-0 victory over Young Africans of Tanzania in steamy Omdurman after a goalless first leg. Astres Douala of Cameroon won by the same score at home to Etoile of Congo to also qualify for the pool phase after losing the delayed first leg 2-1 in Brazzaville last weekend. The Cameroonians were eliminated in the previous round by Benfica Luanda of Angola only to be reinstated when Benfica were found guilty of using suspended striker Mbungu Mputu. Ismailia of Egypt, Mwana Africa of Zimbabwe and Tout Puissant Mazembe Englebert of the Democratic Republic of Congo have also qualified and the remaining two slots will be filled later Sunday after fixtures in Nigeria. The eight survivors will be split into two groups at a draw in the Swiss city of Zurich on May 28 and the clubs topping the tables progress to a two-leg final with the winners collecting 400,000 dollars. Hearts of Oak of Ghana, FAR Rabat of Morocco and Etoile Sahel of Tunisia won previous editions of a competition introudced three years ago in place of the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070520.0197.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: Victorious South Africans slam Tunisian 'dirty tricks' by Andrew Thompson Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa slammed rivals Gaouafel Gafsa of Tunisia Sunday after squeezing into the African Confederation Cup group phase. Sundowns recovered from the shock of conceding an early goal to force a 1-1 draw in the south-west Tunisian city and qualify 3-2 on aggregate after building a narrow first leg lead two weeks ago. But Mamelodi general manager Afzal Khan slammed the hosts, accusing the North African club of 'dirty tricks' ahead of the fourth round, second leg clash. A midweek domestic league fixture prevented the South Africans leaving Johannesburg until Thursday night and they arrived in Tunis the following afternoon via Paris. But Khan claimed there was a seven-hour delay before Gaouafel officials arrived in the Tunisian capital to organise the 370-kilometre journey to Gafsa. "We only arrived in Gafsa early on Saturday morning and our pleas to the Algerian match commissioner for a 24-hour postponement of the fixture until Sunday fell on deaf ears," fumed Khan. "This meant we went into a match staged in blistering heat without any training. To say I am proud of our players is the understatement of the year," added the official. Although Gaouafel lurk in the lower regions of the Tunisian league and were appearing in Africa for the first time this year, they entered the second leg as marginal favourites having lost only 2-1 away. And the local club could not have made a better start as Radhouane Ben Ouannes scored after just six minutes at the 12,000-capacity November 7 Stadium in the heart of the Tunisian phosphate region. South African clubs are notoriously poor travellers, regularly struggling to cope with alien conditions and Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund must have feared the worst having fallen behind so early. But veteran Zimbabwean striker Peter Ndlovu responded swiftly, levelling after 14 minutes with a goal that calmed Sundowns nerves and intensified the pressure on Gaouafel as they surrendered the away-goal advantage. There were no further goals, although increasingly weary Sundowns did have some narrow escapes as Gafsa sought a second goal that would have taken the tie to a penalty shootout. Tunisia had better luck later Saturday when Club Sportif Sfaxien thrashed Cameroon visitors Cotonsport Garoua 4-0 in the Mediterranean city of Sfax to advance 5-2 on aggregate. Trailing 2-1 after the first leg in central Africa, Sfaxien made light of the absence of suspended Hadj Messaoud and Haitham Mrabet to strike twice in the first 10 minutes. Diminutive midfielder Abdelkerim Nafti, a finalist in the 2006 African Champions League Footballer of the Year poll, scored after five minutes followed by Hamza Younes. Another Younes goal early in the second half left Cotonsport with a mountain to scale and they rarely got beyond the base before Hamza Sallemi completed the rout six minutes from full-time. Faisal Ajab and Abdelhamid Saudy scored within 10 minutes during the first half to give Al-Merreikh of Sudan a 2-0 victory over Young Africans of Tanzania in steamy Omdurman after a goalless first leg. Astres Douala of Cameroon won by the same score at home to Etoile of Congo to also qualify for the pool phase after losing the delayed first leg 2-1 in Brazzaville last weekend. The Cameroonians were eliminated in the previous round by Benfica Luanda of Angola only to be reinstated when Benfica were found guilty of using suspended striker Mbungu Mputu. Ismailia of Egypt, Mwana Africa of Zimbabwe and Tout Puissant Mazembe Englebert of the Democratic Republic of Congo have also qualified and the remaining two slots will be filled later Sunday after fixtures in Nigeria. The eight survivors will be split into two groups at a draw in the Swiss city of Zurich on May 28 and the clubs topping the tables progress to a two-leg final with the winners collecting 400,000 dollars. Hearts of Oak of Ghana, FAR Rabat of Morocco and Etoile Sahel of Tunisia won previous editions of a competition introudced three years ago in place of the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070902.0202.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Another African loss leaves Sundowns struggling Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa lost ground in their challenge for an African Confederation Cup final place this weekend after losing 1-0 to Astres Douala in Cameroon. A softly awarded penalty midway through the second half in the Atlantic city settled the Group A clash with Roland Ndjam sending Calvin Marlin the wrong way from the spot kick. It was the first win for Astres in four group matches and Sundowns' second defeat as they try and meet the demands of billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe and bring an African trophy to Pretoria. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia overcame Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at home in the other group match to regain first spot with seven points. Mazembe and Sundowns have six each and Astres, eliminated in the third qualifying round only to be reinstated when Benfica Luanda of Angola were disqualified, prop up the table with four. Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund slammed the 'actors' of Astres after seeing his team flop at the rundown Reunification Stadium and fail to score for a third consecutive match. "I deplore the way Astres played. It was so unprofessional, diving all the time trying to fool the match officials. And the penalty was scandalous," he fumed to reporters. Opposite number Nicolas Tonye preferred to look ahead to September 22 and a make-or-break clash with 2006 African Champions League runners-up Sfaxien in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. "We have our first victory and that brings hope to our hearts. I respect Sfaxien because they held us in Douala, but let no one think we'll travel to Tunisia expecting the worst," he cautioned. Overuse has reduced the Reunification Stadium to a cabbage patch unsuited to international football and a Sundowns side not fond of physical fare struggled to adapt. The penalty stemmed from a collision between Astres striker Ene Otobong and recalled Marlin as they chased after a loose ball, leaving Ndjam to claim his first African Confederation Cup goal. Sfaxien atoned for an away loss to Mazembe two weeks ago thanks to goals from recent signing Hamdi Rouid in the first minute and Abdelkarim Nafti 15 minutes from full-time via a penalty kick. The Tunisian team coached by Swiss Michel Decastel are formidable at their Taieb Mhiri Stadium home, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in five qualifying and group matches this year. Al-Merreikh of Sudan bounced back from a shock third-round loss at Kwara United of Nigeria by winning 4-1 in Omdurman courtesy of goals from Ahmed Mogahid, Mohamed Safary, Abdulhamid al-Soudei and Brazilian Paulo Roberto. Expensively assembled Merreikh have seven points, Dolphin of Nigeria six, Kwara four and Ismailia of Egypt two with the group winners qualifying for the two- leg decider. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070902.0202.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Another African loss leaves Sundowns struggling Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa lost ground in their challenge for an African Confederation Cup final place this weekend after losing 1-0 to Astres Douala in Cameroon. A softly awarded penalty midway through the second half in the Atlantic city settled the Group A clash with Roland Ndjam sending Calvin Marlin the wrong way from the spot kick. It was the first win for Astres in four group matches and Sundowns' second defeat as they try and meet the demands of billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe and bring an African trophy to Pretoria. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia overcame Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at home in the other group match to regain first spot with seven points. Mazembe and Sundowns have six each and Astres, eliminated in the third qualifying round only to be reinstated when Benfica Luanda of Angola were disqualified, prop up the table with four. Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund slammed the 'actors' of Astres after seeing his team flop at the rundown Reunification Stadium and fail to score for a third consecutive match. "I deplore the way Astres played. It was so unprofessional, diving all the time trying to fool the match officials. And the penalty was scandalous," he fumed to reporters. Opposite number Nicolas Tonye preferred to look ahead to September 22 and a make-or-break clash with 2006 African Champions League runners-up Sfaxien in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. "We have our first victory and that brings hope to our hearts. I respect Sfaxien because they held us in Douala, but let no one think we'll travel to Tunisia expecting the worst," he cautioned. Overuse has reduced the Reunification Stadium to a cabbage patch unsuited to international football and a Sundowns side not fond of physical fare struggled to adapt. The penalty stemmed from a collision between Astres striker Ene Otobong and recalled Marlin as they chased after a loose ball, leaving Ndjam to claim his first African Confederation Cup goal. Sfaxien atoned for an away loss to Mazembe two weeks ago thanks to goals from recent signing Hamdi Rouid in the first minute and Abdelkarim Nafti 15 minutes from full-time via a penalty kick. The Tunisian team coached by Swiss Michel Decastel are formidable at their Taieb Mhiri Stadium home, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in five qualifying and group matches this year. Al-Merreikh of Sudan bounced back from a shock third-round loss at Kwara United of Nigeria by winning 4-1 in Omdurman courtesy of goals from Ahmed Mogahid, Mohamed Safary, Abdulhamid al-Soudei and Brazilian Paulo Roberto. Expensively assembled Merreikh have seven points, Dolphin of Nigeria six, Kwara four and Ismailia of Egypt two with the group winners qualifying for the two- leg decider. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070902.0202.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: Another African loss leaves Sundowns struggling Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa lost ground in their challenge for an African Confederation Cup final place this weekend after losing 1-0 to Astres Douala in Cameroon. A softly awarded penalty midway through the second half in the Atlantic city settled the Group A clash with Roland Ndjam sending Calvin Marlin the wrong way from the spot kick. It was the first win for Astres in four group matches and Sundowns' second defeat as they try and meet the demands of billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe and bring an African trophy to Pretoria. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia overcame Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at home in the other group match to regain first spot with seven points. Mazembe and Sundowns have six each and Astres, eliminated in the third qualifying round only to be reinstated when Benfica Luanda of Angola were disqualified, prop up the table with four. Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund slammed the 'actors' of Astres after seeing his team flop at the rundown Reunification Stadium and fail to score for a third consecutive match. "I deplore the way Astres played. It was so unprofessional, diving all the time trying to fool the match officials. And the penalty was scandalous," he fumed to reporters. Opposite number Nicolas Tonye preferred to look ahead to September 22 and a make-or-break clash with 2006 African Champions League runners-up Sfaxien in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. "We have our first victory and that brings hope to our hearts. I respect Sfaxien because they held us in Douala, but let no one think we'll travel to Tunisia expecting the worst," he cautioned. Overuse has reduced the Reunification Stadium to a cabbage patch unsuited to international football and a Sundowns side not fond of physical fare struggled to adapt. The penalty stemmed from a collision between Astres striker Ene Otobong and recalled Marlin as they chased after a loose ball, leaving Ndjam to claim his first African Confederation Cup goal. Sfaxien atoned for an away loss to Mazembe two weeks ago thanks to goals from recent signing Hamdi Rouid in the first minute and Abdelkarim Nafti 15 minutes from full-time via a penalty kick. The Tunisian team coached by Swiss Michel Decastel are formidable at their Taieb Mhiri Stadium home, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in five qualifying and group matches this year. Al-Merreikh of Sudan bounced back from a shock third-round loss at Kwara United of Nigeria by winning 4-1 in Omdurman courtesy of goals from Ahmed Mogahid, Mohamed Safary, Abdulhamid al-Soudei and Brazilian Paulo Roberto. Expensively assembled Merreikh have seven points, Dolphin of Nigeria six, Kwara four and Ismailia of Egypt two with the group winners qualifying for the two- leg decider. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070902.0202.LDC2009T13::4	 Football: Another African loss leaves Sundowns struggling Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa lost ground in their challenge for an African Confederation Cup final place this weekend after losing 1-0 to Astres Douala in Cameroon. A softly awarded penalty midway through the second half in the Atlantic city settled the Group A clash with Roland Ndjam sending Calvin Marlin the wrong way from the spot kick. It was the first win for Astres in four group matches and Sundowns' second defeat as they try and meet the demands of billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe and bring an African trophy to Pretoria. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia overcame Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at home in the other group match to regain first spot with seven points. Mazembe and Sundowns have six each and Astres, eliminated in the third qualifying round only to be reinstated when Benfica Luanda of Angola were disqualified, prop up the table with four. Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund slammed the 'actors' of Astres after seeing his team flop at the rundown Reunification Stadium and fail to score for a third consecutive match. "I deplore the way Astres played. It was so unprofessional, diving all the time trying to fool the match officials. And the penalty was scandalous," he fumed to reporters. Opposite number Nicolas Tonye preferred to look ahead to September 22 and a make-or-break clash with 2006 African Champions League runners-up Sfaxien in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. "We have our first victory and that brings hope to our hearts. I respect Sfaxien because they held us in Douala, but let no one think we'll travel to Tunisia expecting the worst," he cautioned. Overuse has reduced the Reunification Stadium to a cabbage patch unsuited to international football and a Sundowns side not fond of physical fare struggled to adapt. The penalty stemmed from a collision between Astres striker Ene Otobong and recalled Marlin as they chased after a loose ball, leaving Ndjam to claim his first African Confederation Cup goal. Sfaxien atoned for an away loss to Mazembe two weeks ago thanks to goals from recent signing Hamdi Rouid in the first minute and Abdelkarim Nafti 15 minutes from full-time via a penalty kick. The Tunisian team coached by Swiss Michel Decastel are formidable at their Taieb Mhiri Stadium home, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in five qualifying and group matches this year. Al-Merreikh of Sudan bounced back from a shock third-round loss at Kwara United of Nigeria by winning 4-1 in Omdurman courtesy of goals from Ahmed Mogahid, Mohamed Safary, Abdulhamid al-Soudei and Brazilian Paulo Roberto. Expensively assembled Merreikh have seven points, Dolphin of Nigeria six, Kwara four and Ismailia of Egypt two with the group winners qualifying for the two- leg decider. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070902.0202.LDC2009T13::5	 Football: Another African loss leaves Sundowns struggling Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa lost ground in their challenge for an African Confederation Cup final place this weekend after losing 1-0 to Astres Douala in Cameroon. A softly awarded penalty midway through the second half in the Atlantic city settled the Group A clash with Roland Ndjam sending Calvin Marlin the wrong way from the spot kick. It was the first win for Astres in four group matches and Sundowns' second defeat as they try and meet the demands of billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe and bring an African trophy to Pretoria. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia overcame Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at home in the other group match to regain first spot with seven points. Mazembe and Sundowns have six each and Astres, eliminated in the third qualifying round only to be reinstated when Benfica Luanda of Angola were disqualified, prop up the table with four. Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund slammed the 'actors' of Astres after seeing his team flop at the rundown Reunification Stadium and fail to score for a third consecutive match. "I deplore the way Astres played. It was so unprofessional, diving all the time trying to fool the match officials. And the penalty was scandalous," he fumed to reporters. Opposite number Nicolas Tonye preferred to look ahead to September 22 and a make-or-break clash with 2006 African Champions League runners-up Sfaxien in the Mediterranean town of Sfax. "We have our first victory and that brings hope to our hearts. I respect Sfaxien because they held us in Douala, but let no one think we'll travel to Tunisia expecting the worst," he cautioned. Overuse has reduced the Reunification Stadium to a cabbage patch unsuited to international football and a Sundowns side not fond of physical fare struggled to adapt. The penalty stemmed from a collision between Astres striker Ene Otobong and recalled Marlin as they chased after a loose ball, leaving Ndjam to claim his first African Confederation Cup goal. Sfaxien atoned for an away loss to Mazembe two weeks ago thanks to goals from recent signing Hamdi Rouid in the first minute and Abdelkarim Nafti 15 minutes from full-time via a penalty kick. The Tunisian team coached by Swiss Michel Decastel are formidable at their Taieb Mhiri Stadium home, scoring 16 goals and conceding none in five qualifying and group matches this year. Al-Merreikh of Sudan bounced back from a shock third-round loss at Kwara United of Nigeria by winning 4-1 in Omdurman courtesy of goals from Ahmed Mogahid, Mohamed Safary, Abdulhamid al-Soudei and Brazilian Paulo Roberto. Expensively assembled Merreikh have seven points, Dolphin of Nigeria six, Kwara four and Ismailia of Egypt two with the group winners qualifying for the two- leg decider. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070923.0109.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Sundowns eliminated from African Confederation Cup Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were eliminated from the African Confederation Cup race after crashing 3-1 to Tout Puissant Mazembe Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Needing maximum points to retain a realistic chance of overtaking Group A leaders Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia, Sundowns fell behind after seven minutes and trailed by three goals midway through the second half. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal of the competition to give Mazembe the lead at a packed Kenya Stadium in the southern city of Lubumbashi. Patou 'Papy' Kabangu added a second goal with 37 minutes gone and Alain Kaluyitukadioko converted a 58th-minute penalty to end the match as a contest at a venue where Sundowns drew 0-0 with Mazembe in the 2001 Champions League. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a consolsation goal five mintues from full-time for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro. It was the third consecutive away loss for Sundowns in the pool phase after a 4-0 drubbing from Sfaxien and a controversial 1-0 loss to Astres Douala of Cameroon with the South Africans criticising the penalty winner. Sfaxien overcame Astres 3-0 in the Mediterraean cith of Sfax Saturday via goals from Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes to remain top of the standings with 10 points, one more than Mazembe. The Tunisians complete their six-match mini-league programme at Sundowns over the weekend of October 6-7 while 1967 and 1968 African champions Mazembe confront Astres in Cameroon at the same time. Dolphin hopes of topping Group B were dealt a serious blow after they could only draw 0-0 against Kwara United in a dour all- Nigeria clash that produced few scoring chances at Township Stadium in the central town of Ilorin. Leaders Al-Merreikh of Sudan host third-placed Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman late Sunday and a win for the local club will virtually seal a place in the two- leg final during November. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070923.0109.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Sundowns eliminated from African Confederation Cup Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were eliminated from the African Confederation Cup race after crashing 3-1 to Tout Puissant Mazembe Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Needing maximum points to retain a realistic chance of overtaking Group A leaders Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia, Sundowns fell behind after seven minutes and trailed by three goals midway through the second half. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal of the competition to give Mazembe the lead at a packed Kenya Stadium in the southern city of Lubumbashi. Patou 'Papy' Kabangu added a second goal with 37 minutes gone and Alain Kaluyitukadioko converted a 58th-minute penalty to end the match as a contest at a venue where Sundowns drew 0-0 with Mazembe in the 2001 Champions League. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a consolsation goal five mintues from full-time for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro. It was the third consecutive away loss for Sundowns in the pool phase after a 4-0 drubbing from Sfaxien and a controversial 1-0 loss to Astres Douala of Cameroon with the South Africans criticising the penalty winner. Sfaxien overcame Astres 3-0 in the Mediterraean cith of Sfax Saturday via goals from Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes to remain top of the standings with 10 points, one more than Mazembe. The Tunisians complete their six-match mini-league programme at Sundowns over the weekend of October 6-7 while 1967 and 1968 African champions Mazembe confront Astres in Cameroon at the same time. Dolphin hopes of topping Group B were dealt a serious blow after they could only draw 0-0 against Kwara United in a dour all- Nigeria clash that produced few scoring chances at Township Stadium in the central town of Ilorin. Leaders Al-Merreikh of Sudan host third-placed Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman late Sunday and a win for the local club will virtually seal a place in the two- leg final during November. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070923.0109.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: Sundowns eliminated from African Confederation Cup Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were eliminated from the African Confederation Cup race after crashing 3-1 to Tout Puissant Mazembe Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Needing maximum points to retain a realistic chance of overtaking Group A leaders Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia, Sundowns fell behind after seven minutes and trailed by three goals midway through the second half. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal of the competition to give Mazembe the lead at a packed Kenya Stadium in the southern city of Lubumbashi. Patou 'Papy' Kabangu added a second goal with 37 minutes gone and Alain Kaluyitukadioko converted a 58th-minute penalty to end the match as a contest at a venue where Sundowns drew 0-0 with Mazembe in the 2001 Champions League. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a consolsation goal five mintues from full-time for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro. It was the third consecutive away loss for Sundowns in the pool phase after a 4-0 drubbing from Sfaxien and a controversial 1-0 loss to Astres Douala of Cameroon with the South Africans criticising the penalty winner. Sfaxien overcame Astres 3-0 in the Mediterraean cith of Sfax Saturday via goals from Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes to remain top of the standings with 10 points, one more than Mazembe. The Tunisians complete their six-match mini-league programme at Sundowns over the weekend of October 6-7 while 1967 and 1968 African champions Mazembe confront Astres in Cameroon at the same time. Dolphin hopes of topping Group B were dealt a serious blow after they could only draw 0-0 against Kwara United in a dour all- Nigeria clash that produced few scoring chances at Township Stadium in the central town of Ilorin. Leaders Al-Merreikh of Sudan host third-placed Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman late Sunday and a win for the local club will virtually seal a place in the two- leg final during November. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070923.0109.LDC2009T13::4	 Football: Sundowns eliminated from African Confederation Cup Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were eliminated from the African Confederation Cup race after crashing 3-1 to Tout Puissant Mazembe Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Needing maximum points to retain a realistic chance of overtaking Group A leaders Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia, Sundowns fell behind after seven minutes and trailed by three goals midway through the second half. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal of the competition to give Mazembe the lead at a packed Kenya Stadium in the southern city of Lubumbashi. Patou 'Papy' Kabangu added a second goal with 37 minutes gone and Alain Kaluyitukadioko converted a 58th-minute penalty to end the match as a contest at a venue where Sundowns drew 0-0 with Mazembe in the 2001 Champions League. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a consolsation goal five mintues from full-time for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro. It was the third consecutive away loss for Sundowns in the pool phase after a 4-0 drubbing from Sfaxien and a controversial 1-0 loss to Astres Douala of Cameroon with the South Africans criticising the penalty winner. Sfaxien overcame Astres 3-0 in the Mediterraean cith of Sfax Saturday via goals from Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes to remain top of the standings with 10 points, one more than Mazembe. The Tunisians complete their six-match mini-league programme at Sundowns over the weekend of October 6-7 while 1967 and 1968 African champions Mazembe confront Astres in Cameroon at the same time. Dolphin hopes of topping Group B were dealt a serious blow after they could only draw 0-0 against Kwara United in a dour all- Nigeria clash that produced few scoring chances at Township Stadium in the central town of Ilorin. Leaders Al-Merreikh of Sudan host third-placed Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman late Sunday and a win for the local club will virtually seal a place in the two- leg final during November. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0458.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Sfaxien, Merreikh set for Confederation Cup final The race for African Confederation Cup final places was reduced to four clubs at the weekend. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia are one point ahead of Tout Puissant Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A and the contenders complete their six-match programmes with away fixtures. Al-Merreikh of Sudan are much better placed in Group B with a three-point advantage over Dolphin of Nigeria, who must win the top-of-the-table clash 5-0 next month to squeeze through on head- to-head records. Sfaxien outclassed Astres Douala of Cameroon 3-0 in the Mediterranean town of Sfax via goals from Congolese Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Ivorian Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes after leading 1-0 at half-time. Unlucky runners-up to Al-Ahly of Egypt in the African Champions League last year, the Tunisians have been outstanding at home in the second-tier continental competition, scoring 19 goals without reply in six outings. Mazembe outplayed South African visitors Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the southern city of Lubumbashi in a match both teams had to win to remain in contention. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal to give Mazembe an early lead and the former African champions led 3-0 midway through the second half. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a late consolation goal for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro as they slumped to a third consecutive away loss. Al-Merreikh had to settle for a 1-0 win over Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman after scoring 10 goals in two previous home group matches against Dolphin and fellow Nigerians Kwara United. Faisal Agab settled the outcome by converting a 43rd-minute penalty which leaves the Sudanese well placed to reach their second African final after lifting the Cup Winners Cup 18 years ago. Dolphin needed a win at Kwara to have a realistic chance of a second appearance in the final within three years, but squandered numerous chances during a drab 0-0 draw. Jacob Aikionbare was the biggest Dolphin culprit in the central town of Ilorin, wasting a chance in each half to break the deadlock against bottom-of-the-table Kwara. The final group matches are scheduled for the weekend of October 5-7 and the two-leg final for November with Merreikh or Dolphin enjoying home advantage first. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0458.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Sfaxien, Merreikh set for Confederation Cup final The race for African Confederation Cup final places was reduced to four clubs at the weekend. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia are one point ahead of Tout Puissant Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A and the contenders complete their six-match programmes with away fixtures. Al-Merreikh of Sudan are much better placed in Group B with a three-point advantage over Dolphin of Nigeria, who must win the top-of-the-table clash 5-0 next month to squeeze through on head- to-head records. Sfaxien outclassed Astres Douala of Cameroon 3-0 in the Mediterranean town of Sfax via goals from Congolese Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Ivorian Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes after leading 1-0 at half-time. Unlucky runners-up to Al-Ahly of Egypt in the African Champions League last year, the Tunisians have been outstanding at home in the second-tier continental competition, scoring 19 goals without reply in six outings. Mazembe outplayed South African visitors Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the southern city of Lubumbashi in a match both teams had to win to remain in contention. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal to give Mazembe an early lead and the former African champions led 3-0 midway through the second half. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a late consolation goal for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro as they slumped to a third consecutive away loss. Al-Merreikh had to settle for a 1-0 win over Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman after scoring 10 goals in two previous home group matches against Dolphin and fellow Nigerians Kwara United. Faisal Agab settled the outcome by converting a 43rd-minute penalty which leaves the Sudanese well placed to reach their second African final after lifting the Cup Winners Cup 18 years ago. Dolphin needed a win at Kwara to have a realistic chance of a second appearance in the final within three years, but squandered numerous chances during a drab 0-0 draw. Jacob Aikionbare was the biggest Dolphin culprit in the central town of Ilorin, wasting a chance in each half to break the deadlock against bottom-of-the-table Kwara. The final group matches are scheduled for the weekend of October 5-7 and the two-leg final for November with Merreikh or Dolphin enjoying home advantage first. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0458.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: Sfaxien, Merreikh set for Confederation Cup final The race for African Confederation Cup final places was reduced to four clubs at the weekend. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia are one point ahead of Tout Puissant Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A and the contenders complete their six-match programmes with away fixtures. Al-Merreikh of Sudan are much better placed in Group B with a three-point advantage over Dolphin of Nigeria, who must win the top-of-the-table clash 5-0 next month to squeeze through on head- to-head records. Sfaxien outclassed Astres Douala of Cameroon 3-0 in the Mediterranean town of Sfax via goals from Congolese Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Ivorian Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes after leading 1-0 at half-time. Unlucky runners-up to Al-Ahly of Egypt in the African Champions League last year, the Tunisians have been outstanding at home in the second-tier continental competition, scoring 19 goals without reply in six outings. Mazembe outplayed South African visitors Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the southern city of Lubumbashi in a match both teams had to win to remain in contention. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal to give Mazembe an early lead and the former African champions led 3-0 midway through the second half. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a late consolation goal for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro as they slumped to a third consecutive away loss. Al-Merreikh had to settle for a 1-0 win over Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman after scoring 10 goals in two previous home group matches against Dolphin and fellow Nigerians Kwara United. Faisal Agab settled the outcome by converting a 43rd-minute penalty which leaves the Sudanese well placed to reach their second African final after lifting the Cup Winners Cup 18 years ago. Dolphin needed a win at Kwara to have a realistic chance of a second appearance in the final within three years, but squandered numerous chances during a drab 0-0 draw. Jacob Aikionbare was the biggest Dolphin culprit in the central town of Ilorin, wasting a chance in each half to break the deadlock against bottom-of-the-table Kwara. The final group matches are scheduled for the weekend of October 5-7 and the two-leg final for November with Merreikh or Dolphin enjoying home advantage first. 
Sfax::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070924.0458.LDC2009T13::4	 Football: Sfaxien, Merreikh set for Confederation Cup final The race for African Confederation Cup final places was reduced to four clubs at the weekend. Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia are one point ahead of Tout Puissant Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A and the contenders complete their six-match programmes with away fixtures. Al-Merreikh of Sudan are much better placed in Group B with a three-point advantage over Dolphin of Nigeria, who must win the top-of-the-table clash 5-0 next month to squeeze through on head- to-head records. Sfaxien outclassed Astres Douala of Cameroon 3-0 in the Mediterranean town of Sfax via goals from Congolese Blaise 'Lelo' Mbele, Ivorian Blaise Kouassi and Hamza Younes after leading 1-0 at half-time. Unlucky runners-up to Al-Ahly of Egypt in the African Champions League last year, the Tunisians have been outstanding at home in the second-tier continental competition, scoring 19 goals without reply in six outings. Mazembe outplayed South African visitors Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the southern city of Lubumbashi in a match both teams had to win to remain in contention. Leading Confederation Cup scorer Mputu Mabi scored his eighth goal to give Mazembe an early lead and the former African champions led 3-0 midway through the second half. Lungisani Ndlela snatched a late consolation goal for Sundowns, who lacked injured midfielders Brent Carelse, Surprise Moriri and Esrom Nyandoro as they slumped to a third consecutive away loss. Al-Merreikh had to settle for a 1-0 win over Ismailia of Egypt in Omdurman after scoring 10 goals in two previous home group matches against Dolphin and fellow Nigerians Kwara United. Faisal Agab settled the outcome by converting a 43rd-minute penalty which leaves the Sudanese well placed to reach their second African final after lifting the Cup Winners Cup 18 years ago. Dolphin needed a win at Kwara to have a realistic chance of a second appearance in the final within three years, but squandered numerous chances during a drab 0-0 draw. Jacob Aikionbare was the biggest Dolphin culprit in the central town of Ilorin, wasting a chance in each half to break the deadlock against bottom-of-the-table Kwara. The final group matches are scheduled for the weekend of October 5-7 and the two-leg final for November with Merreikh or Dolphin enjoying home advantage first. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070624.0294.LDC2009T13::1	 Paris Air Show offers flying toys for super-rich LE BOURGET, France 2007-06-24 10:29:38 UTC Fancy a helicopter-plane hybrid you can launch from your lawn? Yearning to fly in the world's biggest passenger jet -- all by yourself? How about shooting into orbit at a cost of up to US$100,000 a minute? This year's Paris Air Show hasn't just been about fuel-efficient Boeing Dreamliners and fearless MiG fighter jets. For the super- rich, it's also been a showcase for high-end, high-tech flying machines. Mingling among the industry professionals and military officers at the show in Le Bourget over the past week have been more extravagant figures. For instance Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of the Chelsea soccer team, was reported to have picked up a personal jet. Airbus was casting about at the show for new customers for its long-delayed A380 superjumbo, which could theoretically hold more than 800 seats. Few new airlines took the bait -- but potential private buyers are lining up. "We are in negotiations with several private individuals," Airbus commercial sales chief John Leahy said. No one has signed a deal yet, he said, but the company is hoping for one by the end of the year. One of the lesser noted deals announced at Le Bourget involved a company called Aero Toy Store, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: It's buying 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland for more than US$80 million (euro60 million), to be refitted for "discerning clientele" in Florida, Canada and the Caribbean. Air Harrods, meanwhile, bought an S-76 helicopter at Le Bourget from Sikorsky -- the fourth such craft for the U.K.-based company that operates executive and VIP flights. Sikorsky is more widely known for its Black Hawk helicopters, popular with armies worldwide. Most aircraft on display at the air show, while impressive, were of predictable shape and form -- but not Bell-Agusta's BA-609 tiltrotor. Part helicopter, part plane, the craft takes off vertically before its rotors lower to allow it to cruise horizontally. A bigger and more powerful tiltrotor, Bell Boeing's V-22 Osprey, captured attention at the Farnborough International Airshow last year after years in development, but the U.S. Marine Corps remains its only customer, largely because of its high price. Bell-Agusta may not be looking just at militaries for the BA-609 -- its promoters note the convenience of a craft that doesn't need a runway to take off. "It's intriguing," said James Ferrell, a consultant for the executive jet industry at Le Bourget. "There are many questions to be worked out, but this is something we are studying." For those itching to explore beyond the Earth's atmosphere, European aerospace company EADS unveiled a model of a jet designed to take tourists into space. The space jet would rocket paying passengers to weightlessness -- but only for three minutes. Tickets are expected to cost US$199,000-$265,000 (euro148,000-euro197,000) -- no small sum but also nothing like the US$20 million (euro15 million) paid by the world's first space tourist, Dennis Tito, to jet up to the International Space Station in 2001. EADS Astrium joins entrepreneurs including British billionaire Richard Branson who are hoping to develop a space tourism industry. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070624.0294.LDC2009T13::2	 Paris Air Show offers flying toys for super-rich LE BOURGET, France 2007-06-24 10:29:38 UTC Fancy a helicopter-plane hybrid you can launch from your lawn? Yearning to fly in the world's biggest passenger jet -- all by yourself? How about shooting into orbit at a cost of up to US$100,000 a minute? This year's Paris Air Show hasn't just been about fuel-efficient Boeing Dreamliners and fearless MiG fighter jets. For the super- rich, it's also been a showcase for high-end, high-tech flying machines. Mingling among the industry professionals and military officers at the show in Le Bourget over the past week have been more extravagant figures. For instance Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of the Chelsea soccer team, was reported to have picked up a personal jet. Airbus was casting about at the show for new customers for its long-delayed A380 superjumbo, which could theoretically hold more than 800 seats. Few new airlines took the bait -- but potential private buyers are lining up. "We are in negotiations with several private individuals," Airbus commercial sales chief John Leahy said. No one has signed a deal yet, he said, but the company is hoping for one by the end of the year. One of the lesser noted deals announced at Le Bourget involved a company called Aero Toy Store, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: It's buying 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland for more than US$80 million (euro60 million), to be refitted for "discerning clientele" in Florida, Canada and the Caribbean. Air Harrods, meanwhile, bought an S-76 helicopter at Le Bourget from Sikorsky -- the fourth such craft for the U.K.-based company that operates executive and VIP flights. Sikorsky is more widely known for its Black Hawk helicopters, popular with armies worldwide. Most aircraft on display at the air show, while impressive, were of predictable shape and form -- but not Bell-Agusta's BA-609 tiltrotor. Part helicopter, part plane, the craft takes off vertically before its rotors lower to allow it to cruise horizontally. A bigger and more powerful tiltrotor, Bell Boeing's V-22 Osprey, captured attention at the Farnborough International Airshow last year after years in development, but the U.S. Marine Corps remains its only customer, largely because of its high price. Bell-Agusta may not be looking just at militaries for the BA-609 -- its promoters note the convenience of a craft that doesn't need a runway to take off. "It's intriguing," said James Ferrell, a consultant for the executive jet industry at Le Bourget. "There are many questions to be worked out, but this is something we are studying." For those itching to explore beyond the Earth's atmosphere, European aerospace company EADS unveiled a model of a jet designed to take tourists into space. The space jet would rocket paying passengers to weightlessness -- but only for three minutes. Tickets are expected to cost US$199,000-$265,000 (euro148,000-euro197,000) -- no small sum but also nothing like the US$20 million (euro15 million) paid by the world's first space tourist, Dennis Tito, to jet up to the International Space Station in 2001. EADS Astrium joins entrepreneurs including British billionaire Richard Branson who are hoping to develop a space tourism industry. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081016.0965.LDC2009T13::1	 United Technologies earns up 6 pct, helped by Otis HARTFORD, Connecticut 2008-10-16 15:34:19 UTC United Technologies Corp. said Thursday its third-quarter earnings rose 6 percent, as rising sales of elevators in China and Sikorsky helicopters helped shield the diverse manufacturer from the global economic slowdown. The strength of its business prompted UTC, whose companies include Otis elevator and Pratt & Whitney jet engines, to lift the lower end of its 2008 forecast. UTC now expects per-share profit of $4.90 to $4.95 for the year, after raising the bottom end of its guidance from $4.80. Chief Executive Louis Chenevert said in a statement that order rates have slowed in some businesses "given the current turmoil," in global financial markets, but backlogs across UTC businesses remain strong. A diverse group of businesses and little exposure to commercial finance have helped UTC avoid the impact of the financial crisis that has hurt other companies. But several analysts have warned that UTC -- which sells elevators in China, jet engines for German airline Lufthansa, fuel tanks for Colombian Air Force helicopters and has other international ventures -- could be hurt by a global slowdown. UTC's international business accounted for about 62 percent of the company's total $34.16 billion last year. Some analysts also say the rising dollar could hurt UTC. Until recently, the dollar was falling, making U.S. exports more attractive overseas. In the third quarter, net income rose to $1.27 billion, or $1.33 per share, from $1.20 billion, or $1.21 per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose nearly 7 percent to $14.81 billion, below analysts' expectations. United Technologies took $93 million in restructuring charges, most of which stemmed from work force cuts at its heating and ventilation systems business, Carrier, along with Pratt & Whitney. A gain from the partial sale of an investment at Pratt & Whitney cut the total charge in to $56 million, or 3 cents per share. Carrier has been hurt by the collapse in the housing market. In the latest period ended September 30, profit rose less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, profit at Otis elevator rose by 14 percent to $648 million, helped by a building boom in China. Profit at Sikorsky rose by 29 percent, to $133 million, as the helicopter manufacturer saw higher demand from military and commercial customers. United Technologies' fire and security business notched a 29 percent jump in profit, to $154 million. On Monday, UTC dropped an unsolicited bid to buy Diebold Inc. for $2.6 billion, an effort to broaden its security business and expand into China. UTC executives were frustrated with the target company's refusal to discuss the offer and its delay in releasing financial information. UTC also paid $950 million for share repurchases in the third quarter, for a total of $2.5 billion in 2008 so far. It expects share repurchases to total $3 billion by the end of the year. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20081016.0965.LDC2009T13::2	 United Technologies earns up 6 pct, helped by Otis HARTFORD, Connecticut 2008-10-16 15:34:19 UTC United Technologies Corp. said Thursday its third-quarter earnings rose 6 percent, as rising sales of elevators in China and Sikorsky helicopters helped shield the diverse manufacturer from the global economic slowdown. The strength of its business prompted UTC, whose companies include Otis elevator and Pratt & Whitney jet engines, to lift the lower end of its 2008 forecast. UTC now expects per-share profit of $4.90 to $4.95 for the year, after raising the bottom end of its guidance from $4.80. Chief Executive Louis Chenevert said in a statement that order rates have slowed in some businesses "given the current turmoil," in global financial markets, but backlogs across UTC businesses remain strong. A diverse group of businesses and little exposure to commercial finance have helped UTC avoid the impact of the financial crisis that has hurt other companies. But several analysts have warned that UTC -- which sells elevators in China, jet engines for German airline Lufthansa, fuel tanks for Colombian Air Force helicopters and has other international ventures -- could be hurt by a global slowdown. UTC's international business accounted for about 62 percent of the company's total $34.16 billion last year. Some analysts also say the rising dollar could hurt UTC. Until recently, the dollar was falling, making U.S. exports more attractive overseas. In the third quarter, net income rose to $1.27 billion, or $1.33 per share, from $1.20 billion, or $1.21 per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose nearly 7 percent to $14.81 billion, below analysts' expectations. United Technologies took $93 million in restructuring charges, most of which stemmed from work force cuts at its heating and ventilation systems business, Carrier, along with Pratt & Whitney. A gain from the partial sale of an investment at Pratt & Whitney cut the total charge in to $56 million, or 3 cents per share. Carrier has been hurt by the collapse in the housing market. In the latest period ended September 30, profit rose less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, profit at Otis elevator rose by 14 percent to $648 million, helped by a building boom in China. Profit at Sikorsky rose by 29 percent, to $133 million, as the helicopter manufacturer saw higher demand from military and commercial customers. United Technologies' fire and security business notched a 29 percent jump in profit, to $154 million. On Monday, UTC dropped an unsolicited bid to buy Diebold Inc. for $2.6 billion, an effort to broaden its security business and expand into China. UTC executives were frustrated with the target company's refusal to discuss the offer and its delay in releasing financial information. UTC also paid $950 million for share repurchases in the third quarter, for a total of $2.5 billion in 2008 so far. It expects share repurchases to total $3 billion by the end of the year. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080725.0042.LDC2009T13::1	 Taichung ceremony marks 100th cockpit completion Taipei, July 25 (CNA) 07/25/08 19:13:11 (By Lilian Wu) The Aviation Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) held a celebration at its complex in Shalu in central Taiwan's Taichung County Friday to mark the completion of its 100th cockpit for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The AIDC and aviation firms from other countries have joined U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to co-produce the 20-seat helicopter, which is used for civilian purposes. The S-92 is known for being a safe and reliable workforce for cargo and passenger transport, search and rescue missions and resources exploration. AIDC Chairman and CEO Kent Feng said the company is responsible for the production, assembly and design of S-92 cockpits. Sikorsky has an order for 200 S-92 helicopters, which means the AIDC expects to make another 100 at a total value of NT$7 billion (US$229.5 million), Feng said. Vice Minister of Economic Affairs John Chen-chung Deng and domestic industrial suppliers were also invited to attend the ceremony. Deng noted that the first cockpit roll-out in 1997 was witnessed by current Economic Affairs Minister Yiin Chii-ming, who was then a vice economics minister, and that he was pleased to witness the 100th cockpit delivery on behalf of Minister Yiin today. Gary Jones, SAC purchasing manager of supply management, also led a delegation to witness the ceremony. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080725.0042.LDC2009T13::2	 Taichung ceremony marks 100th cockpit completion Taipei, July 25 (CNA) 07/25/08 19:13:11 (By Lilian Wu) The Aviation Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) held a celebration at its complex in Shalu in central Taiwan's Taichung County Friday to mark the completion of its 100th cockpit for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The AIDC and aviation firms from other countries have joined U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to co-produce the 20-seat helicopter, which is used for civilian purposes. The S-92 is known for being a safe and reliable workforce for cargo and passenger transport, search and rescue missions and resources exploration. AIDC Chairman and CEO Kent Feng said the company is responsible for the production, assembly and design of S-92 cockpits. Sikorsky has an order for 200 S-92 helicopters, which means the AIDC expects to make another 100 at a total value of NT$7 billion (US$229.5 million), Feng said. Vice Minister of Economic Affairs John Chen-chung Deng and domestic industrial suppliers were also invited to attend the ceremony. Deng noted that the first cockpit roll-out in 1997 was witnessed by current Economic Affairs Minister Yiin Chii-ming, who was then a vice economics minister, and that he was pleased to witness the 100th cockpit delivery on behalf of Minister Yiin today. Gary Jones, SAC purchasing manager of supply management, also led a delegation to witness the ceremony. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::CNA_ENG_20080725.0042.LDC2009T13::3	 Taichung ceremony marks 100th cockpit completion Taipei, July 25 (CNA) 07/25/08 19:13:11 (By Lilian Wu) The Aviation Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) held a celebration at its complex in Shalu in central Taiwan's Taichung County Friday to mark the completion of its 100th cockpit for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The AIDC and aviation firms from other countries have joined U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to co-produce the 20-seat helicopter, which is used for civilian purposes. The S-92 is known for being a safe and reliable workforce for cargo and passenger transport, search and rescue missions and resources exploration. AIDC Chairman and CEO Kent Feng said the company is responsible for the production, assembly and design of S-92 cockpits. Sikorsky has an order for 200 S-92 helicopters, which means the AIDC expects to make another 100 at a total value of NT$7 billion (US$229.5 million), Feng said. Vice Minister of Economic Affairs John Chen-chung Deng and domestic industrial suppliers were also invited to attend the ceremony. Deng noted that the first cockpit roll-out in 1997 was witnessed by current Economic Affairs Minister Yiin Chii-ming, who was then a vice economics minister, and that he was pleased to witness the 100th cockpit delivery on behalf of Minister Yiin today. Gary Jones, SAC purchasing manager of supply management, also led a delegation to witness the ceremony. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080215.0005.LDC2009T13::1	 Frank Piasecki, Helicopter Pioneer, Dies Frank Piasecki, 88, an engineer who flew the second successful helicopter in America and built the first technically and commercially viable tandem-rotor helicopter, died Feb. 11 at his home in Havertown, Pa., after strokes. Piasecki ranked with Igor Sikorsky and Arthur Young as a major helicopter visionary of the last century. His most significant contribution was creating, in 1945, a helicopter with one rotor each in the front and back, which could carry three times the weight of conventional helicopters. His work helped extend the helicopter's use beyond aerial observation into combat, commercial and rescue applications. Roger Connor, curator of vertical flight at the National Air and Space Museum, said Piasecki's tandem-rotor design was significant because single-rotor designs "had trouble carrying weight of any size because the engine was under the rotor system. Adding cargo would unbalance the aircraft and take it off the center of gravity." Connor said Piasecki's tandem-rotor helicopter could "handle large cargo and a shift in weight without difficulty. It greatly increased capability at a time the military was beginning to look at that." For a time, Piasecki and Sikorsky were at the forefront of their industry and competed to address problems with carrying ever- larger cargo loads. Piasecki's designs were first used operationally by the Navy in the early 1950s but were not deployed to Korea during the war there. Connor said Piasecki persuaded the French to use a second generation of Piasecki helicopters, the H-21 series, during the Algerian war during the 1950s. From the successes and failures in Algeria, Piasecki was better able to refine the aircraft for the U.S. Army and Air Force in the Vietnam War. He continued over the decades to make helicopters compatible with military needs, such as avoiding radar detection and landing in remote or harsh conditions. Technologies from his early designs led to the later development of the Army's Chinook and Navy's Sea Knight, both of which are still in use. Frank Nicholas Piasecki, whose father was a Polish immigrant, was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 1919. As a teen-ager, he worked at two local companies making autogyros, a precursor to the helicopter. Many may recall the autogyro for its memorable appearance in two popular films of the early 1930s, "International House" with W.C. Fields and "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable. Piasecki was a 1940 aeronautical engineering graduate of New York University and that same year co-founded a company, P-V Engineering Forum, near Philadelphia. He chose the name, he told The New York Times, "because if you used the word `helicopter,' people thought you were absolutely nuts." He built his earliest helicopter models from parts he found in an auto junkyard near Philadelphia, and in 1943 followed Sikorsky as the second American to successfully fly a helicopter, the single- rotor PV-2. Piasecki did not have an airplane license, and an awkward moment ensued as he prepared to test the PV-2 for military dignitaries at National Airport. A licensing official with the civil aviation agency asked for his airplane pilot's license, and he did not have one. As a result, Piasecki received the first helicopter license, Connor said. In 1945, Piasecki developed the first tandem-rotor helicopter and it was soon put into production by the Navy. It was affectionately known as the "flying banana" for its bent fuselage, which keeps the rotors from hitting each other. In 1960, Boeing bought one of Piasecki's successor businesses, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., and he continued to work in research and development. One of his notorious failures was the Heli-Stat, a 343-foot-long airship made from a helium blimp and four surplus Sikorsky helicopters. It was designed for the U.S. Forest Service to help with timber harvesting in remote areas. His Heli-Stat project ended in disaster when it crashed in 1986 at the New Jersey airfield where the Hindenburg dirigible exploded in 1937. A pilot was killed and three others were seriously injured. Piasecki remained a revered figure to many helicopter enthusiasts. He received the National Medal of Technology, the country's highest honor for technological achievement, as well as the National Air and Space Museum's lifetime achievement award. He also was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Weyerhaeuser Piasecki of Havertown; seven children; and 13 grandchildren. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080215.0005.LDC2009T13::2	 Frank Piasecki, Helicopter Pioneer, Dies Frank Piasecki, 88, an engineer who flew the second successful helicopter in America and built the first technically and commercially viable tandem-rotor helicopter, died Feb. 11 at his home in Havertown, Pa., after strokes. Piasecki ranked with Igor Sikorsky and Arthur Young as a major helicopter visionary of the last century. His most significant contribution was creating, in 1945, a helicopter with one rotor each in the front and back, which could carry three times the weight of conventional helicopters. His work helped extend the helicopter's use beyond aerial observation into combat, commercial and rescue applications. Roger Connor, curator of vertical flight at the National Air and Space Museum, said Piasecki's tandem-rotor design was significant because single-rotor designs "had trouble carrying weight of any size because the engine was under the rotor system. Adding cargo would unbalance the aircraft and take it off the center of gravity." Connor said Piasecki's tandem-rotor helicopter could "handle large cargo and a shift in weight without difficulty. It greatly increased capability at a time the military was beginning to look at that." For a time, Piasecki and Sikorsky were at the forefront of their industry and competed to address problems with carrying ever- larger cargo loads. Piasecki's designs were first used operationally by the Navy in the early 1950s but were not deployed to Korea during the war there. Connor said Piasecki persuaded the French to use a second generation of Piasecki helicopters, the H-21 series, during the Algerian war during the 1950s. From the successes and failures in Algeria, Piasecki was better able to refine the aircraft for the U.S. Army and Air Force in the Vietnam War. He continued over the decades to make helicopters compatible with military needs, such as avoiding radar detection and landing in remote or harsh conditions. Technologies from his early designs led to the later development of the Army's Chinook and Navy's Sea Knight, both of which are still in use. Frank Nicholas Piasecki, whose father was a Polish immigrant, was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 1919. As a teen-ager, he worked at two local companies making autogyros, a precursor to the helicopter. Many may recall the autogyro for its memorable appearance in two popular films of the early 1930s, "International House" with W.C. Fields and "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable. Piasecki was a 1940 aeronautical engineering graduate of New York University and that same year co-founded a company, P-V Engineering Forum, near Philadelphia. He chose the name, he told The New York Times, "because if you used the word `helicopter,' people thought you were absolutely nuts." He built his earliest helicopter models from parts he found in an auto junkyard near Philadelphia, and in 1943 followed Sikorsky as the second American to successfully fly a helicopter, the single- rotor PV-2. Piasecki did not have an airplane license, and an awkward moment ensued as he prepared to test the PV-2 for military dignitaries at National Airport. A licensing official with the civil aviation agency asked for his airplane pilot's license, and he did not have one. As a result, Piasecki received the first helicopter license, Connor said. In 1945, Piasecki developed the first tandem-rotor helicopter and it was soon put into production by the Navy. It was affectionately known as the "flying banana" for its bent fuselage, which keeps the rotors from hitting each other. In 1960, Boeing bought one of Piasecki's successor businesses, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., and he continued to work in research and development. One of his notorious failures was the Heli-Stat, a 343-foot-long airship made from a helium blimp and four surplus Sikorsky helicopters. It was designed for the U.S. Forest Service to help with timber harvesting in remote areas. His Heli-Stat project ended in disaster when it crashed in 1986 at the New Jersey airfield where the Hindenburg dirigible exploded in 1937. A pilot was killed and three others were seriously injured. Piasecki remained a revered figure to many helicopter enthusiasts. He received the National Medal of Technology, the country's highest honor for technological achievement, as well as the National Air and Space Museum's lifetime achievement award. He also was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Weyerhaeuser Piasecki of Havertown; seven children; and 13 grandchildren. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080215.0005.LDC2009T13::3	 Frank Piasecki, Helicopter Pioneer, Dies Frank Piasecki, 88, an engineer who flew the second successful helicopter in America and built the first technically and commercially viable tandem-rotor helicopter, died Feb. 11 at his home in Havertown, Pa., after strokes. Piasecki ranked with Igor Sikorsky and Arthur Young as a major helicopter visionary of the last century. His most significant contribution was creating, in 1945, a helicopter with one rotor each in the front and back, which could carry three times the weight of conventional helicopters. His work helped extend the helicopter's use beyond aerial observation into combat, commercial and rescue applications. Roger Connor, curator of vertical flight at the National Air and Space Museum, said Piasecki's tandem-rotor design was significant because single-rotor designs "had trouble carrying weight of any size because the engine was under the rotor system. Adding cargo would unbalance the aircraft and take it off the center of gravity." Connor said Piasecki's tandem-rotor helicopter could "handle large cargo and a shift in weight without difficulty. It greatly increased capability at a time the military was beginning to look at that." For a time, Piasecki and Sikorsky were at the forefront of their industry and competed to address problems with carrying ever- larger cargo loads. Piasecki's designs were first used operationally by the Navy in the early 1950s but were not deployed to Korea during the war there. Connor said Piasecki persuaded the French to use a second generation of Piasecki helicopters, the H-21 series, during the Algerian war during the 1950s. From the successes and failures in Algeria, Piasecki was better able to refine the aircraft for the U.S. Army and Air Force in the Vietnam War. He continued over the decades to make helicopters compatible with military needs, such as avoiding radar detection and landing in remote or harsh conditions. Technologies from his early designs led to the later development of the Army's Chinook and Navy's Sea Knight, both of which are still in use. Frank Nicholas Piasecki, whose father was a Polish immigrant, was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 1919. As a teen-ager, he worked at two local companies making autogyros, a precursor to the helicopter. Many may recall the autogyro for its memorable appearance in two popular films of the early 1930s, "International House" with W.C. Fields and "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable. Piasecki was a 1940 aeronautical engineering graduate of New York University and that same year co-founded a company, P-V Engineering Forum, near Philadelphia. He chose the name, he told The New York Times, "because if you used the word `helicopter,' people thought you were absolutely nuts." He built his earliest helicopter models from parts he found in an auto junkyard near Philadelphia, and in 1943 followed Sikorsky as the second American to successfully fly a helicopter, the single- rotor PV-2. Piasecki did not have an airplane license, and an awkward moment ensued as he prepared to test the PV-2 for military dignitaries at National Airport. A licensing official with the civil aviation agency asked for his airplane pilot's license, and he did not have one. As a result, Piasecki received the first helicopter license, Connor said. In 1945, Piasecki developed the first tandem-rotor helicopter and it was soon put into production by the Navy. It was affectionately known as the "flying banana" for its bent fuselage, which keeps the rotors from hitting each other. In 1960, Boeing bought one of Piasecki's successor businesses, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., and he continued to work in research and development. One of his notorious failures was the Heli-Stat, a 343-foot-long airship made from a helium blimp and four surplus Sikorsky helicopters. It was designed for the U.S. Forest Service to help with timber harvesting in remote areas. His Heli-Stat project ended in disaster when it crashed in 1986 at the New Jersey airfield where the Hindenburg dirigible exploded in 1937. A pilot was killed and three others were seriously injured. Piasecki remained a revered figure to many helicopter enthusiasts. He received the National Medal of Technology, the country's highest honor for technological achievement, as well as the National Air and Space Museum's lifetime achievement award. He also was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Weyerhaeuser Piasecki of Havertown; seven children; and 13 grandchildren. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080215.0005.LDC2009T13::4	 Frank Piasecki, Helicopter Pioneer, Dies Frank Piasecki, 88, an engineer who flew the second successful helicopter in America and built the first technically and commercially viable tandem-rotor helicopter, died Feb. 11 at his home in Havertown, Pa., after strokes. Piasecki ranked with Igor Sikorsky and Arthur Young as a major helicopter visionary of the last century. His most significant contribution was creating, in 1945, a helicopter with one rotor each in the front and back, which could carry three times the weight of conventional helicopters. His work helped extend the helicopter's use beyond aerial observation into combat, commercial and rescue applications. Roger Connor, curator of vertical flight at the National Air and Space Museum, said Piasecki's tandem-rotor design was significant because single-rotor designs "had trouble carrying weight of any size because the engine was under the rotor system. Adding cargo would unbalance the aircraft and take it off the center of gravity." Connor said Piasecki's tandem-rotor helicopter could "handle large cargo and a shift in weight without difficulty. It greatly increased capability at a time the military was beginning to look at that." For a time, Piasecki and Sikorsky were at the forefront of their industry and competed to address problems with carrying ever- larger cargo loads. Piasecki's designs were first used operationally by the Navy in the early 1950s but were not deployed to Korea during the war there. Connor said Piasecki persuaded the French to use a second generation of Piasecki helicopters, the H-21 series, during the Algerian war during the 1950s. From the successes and failures in Algeria, Piasecki was better able to refine the aircraft for the U.S. Army and Air Force in the Vietnam War. He continued over the decades to make helicopters compatible with military needs, such as avoiding radar detection and landing in remote or harsh conditions. Technologies from his early designs led to the later development of the Army's Chinook and Navy's Sea Knight, both of which are still in use. Frank Nicholas Piasecki, whose father was a Polish immigrant, was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 1919. As a teen-ager, he worked at two local companies making autogyros, a precursor to the helicopter. Many may recall the autogyro for its memorable appearance in two popular films of the early 1930s, "International House" with W.C. Fields and "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable. Piasecki was a 1940 aeronautical engineering graduate of New York University and that same year co-founded a company, P-V Engineering Forum, near Philadelphia. He chose the name, he told The New York Times, "because if you used the word `helicopter,' people thought you were absolutely nuts." He built his earliest helicopter models from parts he found in an auto junkyard near Philadelphia, and in 1943 followed Sikorsky as the second American to successfully fly a helicopter, the single- rotor PV-2. Piasecki did not have an airplane license, and an awkward moment ensued as he prepared to test the PV-2 for military dignitaries at National Airport. A licensing official with the civil aviation agency asked for his airplane pilot's license, and he did not have one. As a result, Piasecki received the first helicopter license, Connor said. In 1945, Piasecki developed the first tandem-rotor helicopter and it was soon put into production by the Navy. It was affectionately known as the "flying banana" for its bent fuselage, which keeps the rotors from hitting each other. In 1960, Boeing bought one of Piasecki's successor businesses, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., and he continued to work in research and development. One of his notorious failures was the Heli-Stat, a 343-foot-long airship made from a helium blimp and four surplus Sikorsky helicopters. It was designed for the U.S. Forest Service to help with timber harvesting in remote areas. His Heli-Stat project ended in disaster when it crashed in 1986 at the New Jersey airfield where the Hindenburg dirigible exploded in 1937. A pilot was killed and three others were seriously injured. Piasecki remained a revered figure to many helicopter enthusiasts. He received the National Medal of Technology, the country's highest honor for technological achievement, as well as the National Air and Space Museum's lifetime achievement award. He also was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Weyerhaeuser Piasecki of Havertown; seven children; and 13 grandchildren. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080807.0144.LDC2009T13::1	 Helicopter Carrying Firefighters Crashes JUNCTION CITY, Calif. A helicopter carrying a firefighting crew back crashed in the remote reaches of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and nine of those on board are missing and feared dead, authorities said Wednesday. The four others on board were critically injured, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities have not yet identified all of the passengers. The Sikorksy helicopter crashed about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday while taking off from a remote site about 35 miles northwest of Redding, in northern California, officials said. The chopper was shuttling a hand-crew back to its base in Junction City after three days cutting fire lines in the wilderness. It took off with 11 firefighters and two pilots from a clearing, cut by chainsaws in the forest on a steep mountainside. One of the surviving victims, Richard Schroeder, 42, said in a phone interview from his hospital room in Redding that it seemed that the propeller of the helicopter hit a tree as it was taking off. A father of five from Medford, Ore., Schroeder said someone behind him screamed for everyone to put their heads under their legs. "He was looking out the window and saw something," Schroeder said. Schroeder's stomach dropped as the helicopter plummeted head- first. He blacked out on impact, and woke up with a body on him, he said. He shoved the body off, and saw the tail of the aircraft was on fire. His mouth was bleeding heavily and he could barely breathe. He said he thought, "I'm not dying here," unbuckled himself and kicked out a partially broken window. He wiggled outside. Men above at the helipad screamed at him to scramble up the slope. The helicopter exploded as he watched from above. "I was totally shocked," he said. "I lost all my friends." Schroeder sustained serious injuries to his neck, shoulder and back. He did not suffer any burns, he said. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are sending investigators to the scene to determine why the helicopter failed to lift off. Ten of the victims, including Schroeder, are affiliated with Merlin, Ore.-based Grayback Forestry, one of the largest and longest-established private firefighting contractors. The company identified two other survivors also from Medford: Michael Brown, 20, and Jonathan Frohreich, 18, Grayback was still notifying the relatives of the missing individuals and planned to release their names shortly. The two and another victim were taken to University of California-Davis Regional Burn Center in Sacramento, where two of them were listed in critical condition and the third was listed in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit, according to Carole Gan, a hospital spokeswoman. "All of them have burns," Gan said, declining to provide additional information on their injuries or identities. The crew was among 1,200 firefighters, assisted by nine helicopters, who were battling the Iron and Alps complex fires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that have burned 86,000 acres. Another firefighter assigned to the fires died late last month when he was hit by a falling tree. The lightning fire started June 21 and is 87 percent contained. Schroeder said the crew was being transported back for "R & R" because clouds were rolling in and they expected heavy lightning strikes. He said they were the third group to go out from that spot on Tuesday. "This is a tragic day for firefighters everywhere," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a news conference. "We are praying for the swift recovery of all the victims, and our hearts go out to their loved ones." The Sikorsky S-61 was owned by Carson Helicopters of Grants Pass, Ore., which describes itself as one of the largest firefighting helicopter contractors with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. In April the Federal Aviation Administration issued an "airworthiness directive" regarding Sikorsky S-model helicopters after one developed fatigue failures in the main rotor shaft. Carson Helicopters was among the companies alerted to the problem. The FAA also outlined a list of actions to "prevent structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter..." Carson filed comments in May, saying it had been six months since it had ordered some of the relevant parts from Sikorsky and they were expected to arrive this month. According to a Los Angeles Times review of forest service records, Carson is one of several aviation companies regularly used by the agency to fight wildfires in California. From 2000 to 2007, the company was paid more than $10 million by the forest service for its work in the state. Bob Madden, Carson's director of corporate affairs, said the S-61 aircraft was inspected twice a day as part of its agreement with the forest service and was in good shape. Madden said the company had two pilots aboard the helicopter. One was transported to the burn center at UC Davis and the other is unaccounted for. He said authorities believe seven of the firefighters aboard worked for Grayback and the rest "could have been from the U.S. Forest Service." The aircraft and crew were assigned to the Iron Complex, Madden said. The helicopter is capable of dropping water and fire retardant, but the tanks were empty at the time of the crash. Carson has been in business for 50 years, Madden said, and during the last 10 has been involved in firefighting. The company does business in the United States, Australia, Mexico and Canada. "Years back, there was an incident in construction, but we've never had an incident with serious injury or fatality fighting fire," Madden said. Schroeder said he hopes he can be back on the fire lines again. After years of working all sorts of jobs, he started firefighting two years ago with Grayback and felt like he found his calling. "He's a quick-witted young man when it comes to getting out of danger," said his mother, Linda Parks. "He's a hero." Times staff writer Bettina Boxall contributed to this story. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080807.0144.LDC2009T13::2	 Helicopter Carrying Firefighters Crashes JUNCTION CITY, Calif. A helicopter carrying a firefighting crew back crashed in the remote reaches of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and nine of those on board are missing and feared dead, authorities said Wednesday. The four others on board were critically injured, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities have not yet identified all of the passengers. The Sikorksy helicopter crashed about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday while taking off from a remote site about 35 miles northwest of Redding, in northern California, officials said. The chopper was shuttling a hand-crew back to its base in Junction City after three days cutting fire lines in the wilderness. It took off with 11 firefighters and two pilots from a clearing, cut by chainsaws in the forest on a steep mountainside. One of the surviving victims, Richard Schroeder, 42, said in a phone interview from his hospital room in Redding that it seemed that the propeller of the helicopter hit a tree as it was taking off. A father of five from Medford, Ore., Schroeder said someone behind him screamed for everyone to put their heads under their legs. "He was looking out the window and saw something," Schroeder said. Schroeder's stomach dropped as the helicopter plummeted head- first. He blacked out on impact, and woke up with a body on him, he said. He shoved the body off, and saw the tail of the aircraft was on fire. His mouth was bleeding heavily and he could barely breathe. He said he thought, "I'm not dying here," unbuckled himself and kicked out a partially broken window. He wiggled outside. Men above at the helipad screamed at him to scramble up the slope. The helicopter exploded as he watched from above. "I was totally shocked," he said. "I lost all my friends." Schroeder sustained serious injuries to his neck, shoulder and back. He did not suffer any burns, he said. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are sending investigators to the scene to determine why the helicopter failed to lift off. Ten of the victims, including Schroeder, are affiliated with Merlin, Ore.-based Grayback Forestry, one of the largest and longest-established private firefighting contractors. The company identified two other survivors also from Medford: Michael Brown, 20, and Jonathan Frohreich, 18, Grayback was still notifying the relatives of the missing individuals and planned to release their names shortly. The two and another victim were taken to University of California-Davis Regional Burn Center in Sacramento, where two of them were listed in critical condition and the third was listed in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit, according to Carole Gan, a hospital spokeswoman. "All of them have burns," Gan said, declining to provide additional information on their injuries or identities. The crew was among 1,200 firefighters, assisted by nine helicopters, who were battling the Iron and Alps complex fires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that have burned 86,000 acres. Another firefighter assigned to the fires died late last month when he was hit by a falling tree. The lightning fire started June 21 and is 87 percent contained. Schroeder said the crew was being transported back for "R & R" because clouds were rolling in and they expected heavy lightning strikes. He said they were the third group to go out from that spot on Tuesday. "This is a tragic day for firefighters everywhere," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a news conference. "We are praying for the swift recovery of all the victims, and our hearts go out to their loved ones." The Sikorsky S-61 was owned by Carson Helicopters of Grants Pass, Ore., which describes itself as one of the largest firefighting helicopter contractors with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. In April the Federal Aviation Administration issued an "airworthiness directive" regarding Sikorsky S-model helicopters after one developed fatigue failures in the main rotor shaft. Carson Helicopters was among the companies alerted to the problem. The FAA also outlined a list of actions to "prevent structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter..." Carson filed comments in May, saying it had been six months since it had ordered some of the relevant parts from Sikorsky and they were expected to arrive this month. According to a Los Angeles Times review of forest service records, Carson is one of several aviation companies regularly used by the agency to fight wildfires in California. From 2000 to 2007, the company was paid more than $10 million by the forest service for its work in the state. Bob Madden, Carson's director of corporate affairs, said the S-61 aircraft was inspected twice a day as part of its agreement with the forest service and was in good shape. Madden said the company had two pilots aboard the helicopter. One was transported to the burn center at UC Davis and the other is unaccounted for. He said authorities believe seven of the firefighters aboard worked for Grayback and the rest "could have been from the U.S. Forest Service." The aircraft and crew were assigned to the Iron Complex, Madden said. The helicopter is capable of dropping water and fire retardant, but the tanks were empty at the time of the crash. Carson has been in business for 50 years, Madden said, and during the last 10 has been involved in firefighting. The company does business in the United States, Australia, Mexico and Canada. "Years back, there was an incident in construction, but we've never had an incident with serious injury or fatality fighting fire," Madden said. Schroeder said he hopes he can be back on the fire lines again. After years of working all sorts of jobs, he started firefighting two years ago with Grayback and felt like he found his calling. "He's a quick-witted young man when it comes to getting out of danger," said his mother, Linda Parks. "He's a hero." Times staff writer Bettina Boxall contributed to this story. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080807.0144.LDC2009T13::3	 Helicopter Carrying Firefighters Crashes JUNCTION CITY, Calif. A helicopter carrying a firefighting crew back crashed in the remote reaches of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and nine of those on board are missing and feared dead, authorities said Wednesday. The four others on board were critically injured, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities have not yet identified all of the passengers. The Sikorksy helicopter crashed about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday while taking off from a remote site about 35 miles northwest of Redding, in northern California, officials said. The chopper was shuttling a hand-crew back to its base in Junction City after three days cutting fire lines in the wilderness. It took off with 11 firefighters and two pilots from a clearing, cut by chainsaws in the forest on a steep mountainside. One of the surviving victims, Richard Schroeder, 42, said in a phone interview from his hospital room in Redding that it seemed that the propeller of the helicopter hit a tree as it was taking off. A father of five from Medford, Ore., Schroeder said someone behind him screamed for everyone to put their heads under their legs. "He was looking out the window and saw something," Schroeder said. Schroeder's stomach dropped as the helicopter plummeted head- first. He blacked out on impact, and woke up with a body on him, he said. He shoved the body off, and saw the tail of the aircraft was on fire. His mouth was bleeding heavily and he could barely breathe. He said he thought, "I'm not dying here," unbuckled himself and kicked out a partially broken window. He wiggled outside. Men above at the helipad screamed at him to scramble up the slope. The helicopter exploded as he watched from above. "I was totally shocked," he said. "I lost all my friends." Schroeder sustained serious injuries to his neck, shoulder and back. He did not suffer any burns, he said. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are sending investigators to the scene to determine why the helicopter failed to lift off. Ten of the victims, including Schroeder, are affiliated with Merlin, Ore.-based Grayback Forestry, one of the largest and longest-established private firefighting contractors. The company identified two other survivors also from Medford: Michael Brown, 20, and Jonathan Frohreich, 18, Grayback was still notifying the relatives of the missing individuals and planned to release their names shortly. The two and another victim were taken to University of California-Davis Regional Burn Center in Sacramento, where two of them were listed in critical condition and the third was listed in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit, according to Carole Gan, a hospital spokeswoman. "All of them have burns," Gan said, declining to provide additional information on their injuries or identities. The crew was among 1,200 firefighters, assisted by nine helicopters, who were battling the Iron and Alps complex fires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that have burned 86,000 acres. Another firefighter assigned to the fires died late last month when he was hit by a falling tree. The lightning fire started June 21 and is 87 percent contained. Schroeder said the crew was being transported back for "R & R" because clouds were rolling in and they expected heavy lightning strikes. He said they were the third group to go out from that spot on Tuesday. "This is a tragic day for firefighters everywhere," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a news conference. "We are praying for the swift recovery of all the victims, and our hearts go out to their loved ones." The Sikorsky S-61 was owned by Carson Helicopters of Grants Pass, Ore., which describes itself as one of the largest firefighting helicopter contractors with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. In April the Federal Aviation Administration issued an "airworthiness directive" regarding Sikorsky S-model helicopters after one developed fatigue failures in the main rotor shaft. Carson Helicopters was among the companies alerted to the problem. The FAA also outlined a list of actions to "prevent structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter..." Carson filed comments in May, saying it had been six months since it had ordered some of the relevant parts from Sikorsky and they were expected to arrive this month. According to a Los Angeles Times review of forest service records, Carson is one of several aviation companies regularly used by the agency to fight wildfires in California. From 2000 to 2007, the company was paid more than $10 million by the forest service for its work in the state. Bob Madden, Carson's director of corporate affairs, said the S-61 aircraft was inspected twice a day as part of its agreement with the forest service and was in good shape. Madden said the company had two pilots aboard the helicopter. One was transported to the burn center at UC Davis and the other is unaccounted for. He said authorities believe seven of the firefighters aboard worked for Grayback and the rest "could have been from the U.S. Forest Service." The aircraft and crew were assigned to the Iron Complex, Madden said. The helicopter is capable of dropping water and fire retardant, but the tanks were empty at the time of the crash. Carson has been in business for 50 years, Madden said, and during the last 10 has been involved in firefighting. The company does business in the United States, Australia, Mexico and Canada. "Years back, there was an incident in construction, but we've never had an incident with serious injury or fatality fighting fire," Madden said. Schroeder said he hopes he can be back on the fire lines again. After years of working all sorts of jobs, he started firefighting two years ago with Grayback and felt like he found his calling. "He's a quick-witted young man when it comes to getting out of danger," said his mother, Linda Parks. "He's a hero." Times staff writer Bettina Boxall contributed to this story. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0198.LDC2009T13::1	 US helicopter maker Sikorsky buys Poland's Mielec The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States is to takeover the biggest Polish aircraft manufacturer, PZL Mielec, in a deal worth 65 million euros (85 million dollars), the Polish company announced Wednesday. "Following the acquisition, the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation will modernise Mielec's facilities, where it will then produce Black Hawk helicopters," the Polish group said in a statement. The takeover is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the year. PZL Mielec currently belongs to Poland's National Agency for Industrial Development and provides jobs for 1,500 people. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0198.LDC2009T13::2	 US helicopter maker Sikorsky buys Poland's Mielec The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States is to takeover the biggest Polish aircraft manufacturer, PZL Mielec, in a deal worth 65 million euros (85 million dollars), the Polish company announced Wednesday. "Following the acquisition, the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation will modernise Mielec's facilities, where it will then produce Black Hawk helicopters," the Polish group said in a statement. The takeover is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the year. PZL Mielec currently belongs to Poland's National Agency for Industrial Development and provides jobs for 1,500 people. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070110.0198.LDC2009T13::3	 US helicopter maker Sikorsky buys Poland's Mielec The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States is to takeover the biggest Polish aircraft manufacturer, PZL Mielec, in a deal worth 65 million euros (85 million dollars), the Polish company announced Wednesday. "Following the acquisition, the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation will modernise Mielec's facilities, where it will then produce Black Hawk helicopters," the Polish group said in a statement. The takeover is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the year. PZL Mielec currently belongs to Poland's National Agency for Industrial Development and provides jobs for 1,500 people. 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070618.1282.LDC2009T13::1	 United Technologies head announces billions in new deals, affirms earnings HARTFORD, Connecticut 2007-06-18 18:44:06 UTC United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace units will announce more than 30 new deals worth a combined total of more than $4 billion (euro2.98 billion) this week, the conglomerate's president and chief operating officer said Monday. Louis Chenevert told an audience at the Paris Air Show that the sales and service agreements, several of which were disclosed Monday, will help drive UTC's earnings-per-share growth over the next several years. He also reaffirmed the company's 2007 earnings projection of between $4.05 (euro3.02) and $4.20 (euro3.13) per share. "We like where we are at this point in time in revenue growth," Chenevert said. "We've got some strong momentum across all of our businesses." Hartford-based United Technologies is the parent company of jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, aerospace company Hamilton Sundstrand, Sikorsky Aircraft, elevator maker Otis, heating and cooling product division Carrier, and other businesses. UTC divisions on Monday announced several new aerospace deals to supply engines, parts, fuel technology and other services to various national and international customers. Stratford-based Sikorsky said Monday it had delivered three Black Hawk helicopters to the Kingdom of Jordan, with five more slated for delivery by the end of the calendar year. Sikorsky also announced a $58 million (euro43 million) deal between the U.S. government and the Royal Thai Navy, which is purchasing two MH-60S helicopters. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney announced deals with China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines, also of China, in which Pratt and other corporate partners will provide engines for dozens of planes. The China Eastern Airlines deal is worth more than $260 million (euro194 million) to Pratt in U.S. dollars, while the Hainan deal is valued at more than $180 million (euro134 million), the company said. Also Monday, Pratt disclosed details of two new five-year deals for engine parts and replacement: a $100 million (euro74.6 million) agreement with Miami-based AeroThrust, and a $10.5 million (euro8 million) deal with air cargo carrier MK Airlines of the United Kingdom. Hamilton Sundstrand on Monday publicized a new 20-year contract to provide auxiliary power units for China Southern Airlines' 50 new Airbus planes. The companies also will team to establish a repair facility north of Beijing. The 20-year contract's value is more than $60 million (euro45 million) in U.S. dollars, UTC officials said. UTC officials credit the company's product diversity and overseas business deals with helping to boost its profitability, especially as the soft U.S. housing market has hurt sales of climate-control products and other offerings. Chenevert said Monday that the company will continue to focus on everything from cutting-edge fuel cells -- what he deemed UTC's "product of the century" -- to energy-efficient elevators, better engine turbo fans and other new products. In the early 1970s, about 25 percent of UTC's business was international. By last year, that had grown to about 60 percent, company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George David said last month. UTC said earlier this year that it expects 2007 revenue to increase to more than $51 billion (euro38.05 billion), a 6.7 increase over revenue of $47.8 billion (euro35.6 billion) in 2006. Chenevert said Monday he remains "very comfortable" with the company's financial guidance to investors and analysts. "We feel very good about the global position of UTC. We feel very good about the portfolio," Chenevert said. UTC's board last week approved a 21 percent quarterly dividend increase to 32 cents per share, payable Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 17. UTC shares rose 10 cents to $72.11 in mid-afternoon trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. ---- On the Web: http://www.utc.com 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070618.1282.LDC2009T13::2	 United Technologies head announces billions in new deals, affirms earnings HARTFORD, Connecticut 2007-06-18 18:44:06 UTC United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace units will announce more than 30 new deals worth a combined total of more than $4 billion (euro2.98 billion) this week, the conglomerate's president and chief operating officer said Monday. Louis Chenevert told an audience at the Paris Air Show that the sales and service agreements, several of which were disclosed Monday, will help drive UTC's earnings-per-share growth over the next several years. He also reaffirmed the company's 2007 earnings projection of between $4.05 (euro3.02) and $4.20 (euro3.13) per share. "We like where we are at this point in time in revenue growth," Chenevert said. "We've got some strong momentum across all of our businesses." Hartford-based United Technologies is the parent company of jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, aerospace company Hamilton Sundstrand, Sikorsky Aircraft, elevator maker Otis, heating and cooling product division Carrier, and other businesses. UTC divisions on Monday announced several new aerospace deals to supply engines, parts, fuel technology and other services to various national and international customers. Stratford-based Sikorsky said Monday it had delivered three Black Hawk helicopters to the Kingdom of Jordan, with five more slated for delivery by the end of the calendar year. Sikorsky also announced a $58 million (euro43 million) deal between the U.S. government and the Royal Thai Navy, which is purchasing two MH-60S helicopters. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney announced deals with China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines, also of China, in which Pratt and other corporate partners will provide engines for dozens of planes. The China Eastern Airlines deal is worth more than $260 million (euro194 million) to Pratt in U.S. dollars, while the Hainan deal is valued at more than $180 million (euro134 million), the company said. Also Monday, Pratt disclosed details of two new five-year deals for engine parts and replacement: a $100 million (euro74.6 million) agreement with Miami-based AeroThrust, and a $10.5 million (euro8 million) deal with air cargo carrier MK Airlines of the United Kingdom. Hamilton Sundstrand on Monday publicized a new 20-year contract to provide auxiliary power units for China Southern Airlines' 50 new Airbus planes. The companies also will team to establish a repair facility north of Beijing. The 20-year contract's value is more than $60 million (euro45 million) in U.S. dollars, UTC officials said. UTC officials credit the company's product diversity and overseas business deals with helping to boost its profitability, especially as the soft U.S. housing market has hurt sales of climate-control products and other offerings. Chenevert said Monday that the company will continue to focus on everything from cutting-edge fuel cells -- what he deemed UTC's "product of the century" -- to energy-efficient elevators, better engine turbo fans and other new products. In the early 1970s, about 25 percent of UTC's business was international. By last year, that had grown to about 60 percent, company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George David said last month. UTC said earlier this year that it expects 2007 revenue to increase to more than $51 billion (euro38.05 billion), a 6.7 increase over revenue of $47.8 billion (euro35.6 billion) in 2006. Chenevert said Monday he remains "very comfortable" with the company's financial guidance to investors and analysts. "We feel very good about the global position of UTC. We feel very good about the portfolio," Chenevert said. UTC's board last week approved a 21 percent quarterly dividend increase to 32 cents per share, payable Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 17. UTC shares rose 10 cents to $72.11 in mid-afternoon trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. ---- On the Web: http://www.utc.com 
Sikorsky::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070618.1282.LDC2009T13::3	 United Technologies head announces billions in new deals, affirms earnings HARTFORD, Connecticut 2007-06-18 18:44:06 UTC United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace units will announce more than 30 new deals worth a combined total of more than $4 billion (euro2.98 billion) this week, the conglomerate's president and chief operating officer said Monday. Louis Chenevert told an audience at the Paris Air Show that the sales and service agreements, several of which were disclosed Monday, will help drive UTC's earnings-per-share growth over the next several years. He also reaffirmed the company's 2007 earnings projection of between $4.05 (euro3.02) and $4.20 (euro3.13) per share. "We like where we are at this point in time in revenue growth," Chenevert said. "We've got some strong momentum across all of our businesses." Hartford-based United Technologies is the parent company of jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, aerospace company Hamilton Sundstrand, Sikorsky Aircraft, elevator maker Otis, heating and cooling product division Carrier, and other businesses. UTC divisions on Monday announced several new aerospace deals to supply engines, parts, fuel technology and other services to various national and international customers. Stratford-based Sikorsky said Monday it had delivered three Black Hawk helicopters to the Kingdom of Jordan, with five more slated for delivery by the end of the calendar year. Sikorsky also announced a $58 million (euro43 million) deal between the U.S. government and the Royal Thai Navy, which is purchasing two MH-60S helicopters. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney announced deals with China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines, also of China, in which Pratt and other corporate partners will provide engines for dozens of planes. The China Eastern Airlines deal is worth more than $260 million (euro194 million) to Pratt in U.S. dollars, while the Hainan deal is valued at more than $180 million (euro134 million), the company said. Also Monday, Pratt disclosed details of two new five-year deals for engine parts and replacement: a $100 million (euro74.6 million) agreement with Miami-based AeroThrust, and a $10.5 million (euro8 million) deal with air cargo carrier MK Airlines of the United Kingdom. Hamilton Sundstrand on Monday publicized a new 20-year contract to provide auxiliary power units for China Southern Airlines' 50 new Airbus planes. The companies also will team to establish a repair facility north of Beijing. The 20-year contract's value is more than $60 million (euro45 million) in U.S. dollars, UTC officials said. UTC officials credit the company's product diversity and overseas business deals with helping to boost its profitability, especially as the soft U.S. housing market has hurt sales of climate-control products and other offerings. Chenevert said Monday that the company will continue to focus on everything from cutting-edge fuel cells -- what he deemed UTC's "product of the century" -- to energy-efficient elevators, better engine turbo fans and other new products. In the early 1970s, about 25 percent of UTC's business was international. By last year, that had grown to about 60 percent, company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George David said last month. UTC said earlier this year that it expects 2007 revenue to increase to more than $51 billion (euro38.05 billion), a 6.7 increase over revenue of $47.8 billion (euro35.6 billion) in 2006. Chenevert said Monday he remains "very comfortable" with the company's financial guidance to investors and analysts. "We feel very good about the global position of UTC. We feel very good about the portfolio," Chenevert said. UTC's board last week approved a 21 percent quarterly dividend increase to 32 cents per share, payable Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 17. UTC shares rose 10 cents to $72.11 in mid-afternoon trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. ---- On the Web: http://www.utc.com 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951018.0281.LDC2007T07::1	 Treason trial of Somaliland's first president opens in Hargeisa A treason trial in absentia of the first president of breakaway Somaliland and four of his associates opened in the region's "capital" Hargeisa Wednesday, reports reaching here said. Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tur" and his associates are accused of carrying out warfare in Somaliland and of campaigning against the independence it declared from the rest of Somalia following the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A council of elders replaced Tur with independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, in February 1994. The self- declared republic has not received any international recognition. The four accused are charged with leading a hit-and-run guerrilla struggle against Egal's government over the past two years. Tur now holds the post of first vice president in the Somali "government" set up by General Mohamed Farah Aidid after his supporters elected him "interim president" on June 15, a "government" rival Somali factions have refused to recognise. The other three accused are Aidid's "foreign minister," General Jama Mohamed Ghalib; his "disarmament minister," Islma'il Mohamed Buba; and Muhidin Aw-Ali, a senior official in Tur's Somali National Movement faction, which fought a guerrilla war against Siad Barre's forces in the north before his final overthrow. They are being defended by a private lawyer, Abdullahi Askar. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951018.0281.LDC2007T07::2	 Treason trial of Somaliland's first president opens in Hargeisa A treason trial in absentia of the first president of breakaway Somaliland and four of his associates opened in the region's "capital" Hargeisa Wednesday, reports reaching here said. Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tur" and his associates are accused of carrying out warfare in Somaliland and of campaigning against the independence it declared from the rest of Somalia following the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A council of elders replaced Tur with independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, in February 1994. The self- declared republic has not received any international recognition. The four accused are charged with leading a hit-and-run guerrilla struggle against Egal's government over the past two years. Tur now holds the post of first vice president in the Somali "government" set up by General Mohamed Farah Aidid after his supporters elected him "interim president" on June 15, a "government" rival Somali factions have refused to recognise. The other three accused are Aidid's "foreign minister," General Jama Mohamed Ghalib; his "disarmament minister," Islma'il Mohamed Buba; and Muhidin Aw-Ali, a senior official in Tur's Somali National Movement faction, which fought a guerrilla war against Siad Barre's forces in the north before his final overthrow. They are being defended by a private lawyer, Abdullahi Askar. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19951018.0281.LDC2007T07::3	 Treason trial of Somaliland's first president opens in Hargeisa A treason trial in absentia of the first president of breakaway Somaliland and four of his associates opened in the region's "capital" Hargeisa Wednesday, reports reaching here said. Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tur" and his associates are accused of carrying out warfare in Somaliland and of campaigning against the independence it declared from the rest of Somalia following the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A council of elders replaced Tur with independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, in February 1994. The self- declared republic has not received any international recognition. The four accused are charged with leading a hit-and-run guerrilla struggle against Egal's government over the past two years. Tur now holds the post of first vice president in the Somali "government" set up by General Mohamed Farah Aidid after his supporters elected him "interim president" on June 15, a "government" rival Somali factions have refused to recognise. The other three accused are Aidid's "foreign minister," General Jama Mohamed Ghalib; his "disarmament minister," Islma'il Mohamed Buba; and Muhidin Aw-Ali, a senior official in Tur's Somali National Movement faction, which fought a guerrilla war against Siad Barre's forces in the north before his final overthrow. They are being defended by a private lawyer, Abdullahi Askar. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960506.0109.LDC2007T07::1	 Somali faction orders Aidid's deputy to leave Mogadishu A Somali clan faction has ordered the vice-president of warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid to quit Mogadishu by next Sunday or be responsible for the consequences, south Mogadishu Radio reported on Monday. The radio said that Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", vice president of General Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA), had been ordered to leave town in light of a recent interview in which he blamed Aidid's rival, Osman Hassan Ali "Atto", for continued fighting between the factions. A spokesman for Atto described the interview as "meaningless" and threatened that "security of such provocative elements will not be guaranteed in south Mogadishu." The spokesman warned that Tuur would never be forgiven for the mistake of being the first individual to announce the disintegration of Somalia in May 1991, soon after the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Tuur led the Somali National Movement (SNM) in north and northwest Somalia, which then seceded from the rest of Somalia after the fall of Barre and declared itself the independent Republic of Somaliland, which has yet to receive international recognition. Tuur became the first president of the breakaway republic, but was replaced in 1993 by independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal. In April 1994, Tuur renounced the secession policy of Somaliland and joined the south Mogadishu conference sponsored by General Aidid, which on June 15 proclaimed the general interim president of Somalia for three years. Tuur's militiamen, supported by Aidid's armed USC/SNA faction militia, are currently engaged in a bitter war against Egal's administration in Somaliland. Obsaervers here have noted that this is the first time a threat has been directed at a political supporter of Aidid in south Mogadishu since clashes erupted there between his armed militiamen and those of Atto, his former financier-turned bitter political rival. The fighting between Aidid's and Atto's factions has claimed more than 120 lives and left more than 400 people wounded. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960506.0109.LDC2007T07::2	 Somali faction orders Aidid's deputy to leave Mogadishu A Somali clan faction has ordered the vice-president of warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid to quit Mogadishu by next Sunday or be responsible for the consequences, south Mogadishu Radio reported on Monday. The radio said that Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", vice president of General Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA), had been ordered to leave town in light of a recent interview in which he blamed Aidid's rival, Osman Hassan Ali "Atto", for continued fighting between the factions. A spokesman for Atto described the interview as "meaningless" and threatened that "security of such provocative elements will not be guaranteed in south Mogadishu." The spokesman warned that Tuur would never be forgiven for the mistake of being the first individual to announce the disintegration of Somalia in May 1991, soon after the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Tuur led the Somali National Movement (SNM) in north and northwest Somalia, which then seceded from the rest of Somalia after the fall of Barre and declared itself the independent Republic of Somaliland, which has yet to receive international recognition. Tuur became the first president of the breakaway republic, but was replaced in 1993 by independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal. In April 1994, Tuur renounced the secession policy of Somaliland and joined the south Mogadishu conference sponsored by General Aidid, which on June 15 proclaimed the general interim president of Somalia for three years. Tuur's militiamen, supported by Aidid's armed USC/SNA faction militia, are currently engaged in a bitter war against Egal's administration in Somaliland. Obsaervers here have noted that this is the first time a threat has been directed at a political supporter of Aidid in south Mogadishu since clashes erupted there between his armed militiamen and those of Atto, his former financier-turned bitter political rival. The fighting between Aidid's and Atto's factions has claimed more than 120 lives and left more than 400 people wounded. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960506.0109.LDC2007T07::3	 Somali faction orders Aidid's deputy to leave Mogadishu A Somali clan faction has ordered the vice-president of warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid to quit Mogadishu by next Sunday or be responsible for the consequences, south Mogadishu Radio reported on Monday. The radio said that Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", vice president of General Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA), had been ordered to leave town in light of a recent interview in which he blamed Aidid's rival, Osman Hassan Ali "Atto", for continued fighting between the factions. A spokesman for Atto described the interview as "meaningless" and threatened that "security of such provocative elements will not be guaranteed in south Mogadishu." The spokesman warned that Tuur would never be forgiven for the mistake of being the first individual to announce the disintegration of Somalia in May 1991, soon after the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Tuur led the Somali National Movement (SNM) in north and northwest Somalia, which then seceded from the rest of Somalia after the fall of Barre and declared itself the independent Republic of Somaliland, which has yet to receive international recognition. Tuur became the first president of the breakaway republic, but was replaced in 1993 by independent Somalia's first prime minister, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal. In April 1994, Tuur renounced the secession policy of Somaliland and joined the south Mogadishu conference sponsored by General Aidid, which on June 15 proclaimed the general interim president of Somalia for three years. Tuur's militiamen, supported by Aidid's armed USC/SNA faction militia, are currently engaged in a bitter war against Egal's administration in Somaliland. Obsaervers here have noted that this is the first time a threat has been directed at a political supporter of Aidid in south Mogadishu since clashes erupted there between his armed militiamen and those of Atto, his former financier-turned bitter political rival. The fighting between Aidid's and Atto's factions has claimed more than 120 lives and left more than 400 people wounded. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::1	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::2	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::3	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::4	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::5	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::6	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19960507.0238.LDC2007T07::7	 Armed militiamen surrender to Somaliland administration More than 100 armed militiamen, accompanied by two technicals (armed wagons), surrendered last weekend to the unrecognised administration of the breakaway republic of Somaliland led by Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, the republic's Radio Hargeisa reported in a broadcast heard here on Tuesday. The radio said those who surrendered were from the Qassim sub-clan of the Habar Yonis clan that supports Somaliland's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", currently deputy president in General Mohamed Farah Aidid's United Somali Congress/Somali National Alliance (USC/SNA) faction government in Mogadishu. Observers said it was the first time in Somalia's five-year civil struggle that armed militiamen had surrendered to their opponents and that it was a major setback for Tuur since his Habar Yonis clan loyalists embarked on the struggle against Egal's Habar Awal clan militia. Hundreds of Hargeisa residents, including President Egal himself and top government officials lined up the streets of the capital to welcome back the returning militiamen who went straight to Birjeh, the former military centre for reintegration. But Tuur's top lieutenants in the Somali capital Mogadishu denied the surrender report, saying that they were only militiamen from a dozen families whom Egal had bought with money, and pledged that they would continue their struggle against the Somaliland leader. Tuur's fighters have been battling Egal's militia from from the Habar Awal clan, which dominates the breakaway republic's administration, since 1994 when the former Somaliland president was outvoted by elders and replaced by Egal. The surrendering militiamen had been carrying out their campaigns against the administration in Hargeisa from the mountains lying southeast of Hargeisa in the northwest Somali region bordering Ethiopia. Tuur, who led northern and northwestern Somalia-based Somali National Movement (SNM), declared the region the independent republic of Somaliland in 1991 soon after the overthrow of dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. However, he renounced the secession of Somaliland after he was replaced by Egal in 1994 and joined the also yet to be recognised south Mogadishu government of Genegal Aidid, formed after he was declared interim president of Somalia for three year by a conference of his supporters on June 15, and which still hopes to reunify Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::1	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::2	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::3	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::4	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::5	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::6	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20020503.0524.LDC2007T07::7	 Mohamed Ibrahim Egal: A president never recognised by outside world by Ali Musa Abdi The president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, who died in a South African hospital on Friday, ruled his country for the past nine years but was never recognised by the international community. Despite the lack of recognition, however, Egal managed to establish peace in Somalia's former northwest region, a rare phenomenon in a country which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of Mohamed Said Barre in January 1991. A veteran of the politics of Somalia, both before and after independence, Egal saw Somalia achieve its independence from British colonial rule and then reunite with the Italian colony in the north to form the first Somali republic in 1960. The union fell apart in 1991, when Somaliland declared itskh in Somaliland before going to Britain for further education between 1952 and 1955, graduating with a diploma in business administration. The son of one of the wealthiest men in Somaliland, Egal became secretary general of the Somali National League (SNL), the political party that fought for the independence of Somaliland from British colonial rule. He was defense minister in the new republic from 1960-63 and then minister of education from 1963-64, but resigned due to political frustration. He went into opposition between 1964 and 1967, after founding the Somali National Council (SNC), through which he gained control of parliament. In 1969, Egal was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia, with Abdul Rashid Ali Sharmake as president of the second Somali republic. Egal's government was overthrown by General Barre in October 1969 after Sharmake was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Egal was imprisoned between 1969 and 1975. He served as Somali ambassador to India after reconciling with Barre in 1976, but was again arrested a year later and charged with "treason" before a Somali National Security Court, which did not allow appeal. He was released in 1983. After his release, Egal, who hails from the Issak clan, became president of Somali Chamber of Commerce but resigned in 1989. The tall and burly Egal, with dark complexion, became president of Somaliland in 1993, replacing the breakaway republic's first president Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur". Somaliland unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, five months after Barre's overthrow, but has yet to be recognised by the international community. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20021027.0287.LDC2007T07::1	 Warring Somali factions sign ceasefire agreement (ADDS quotes, details, background) Somali's warring factions took a major step towards restoring peace in their war-torn country Sunday by signing a ceasefire accord to enable the drafting of a new constitution. Under the agreement, signed in Eldoret, northwest Kenya, 22 faction leaders "committed themselves to the establishment of a national federal government and pledged security for humanitarian operations," a top official of the mediating committee said. "The Somalis have finally agreed and signed the first crucial phase of the peace conference," the official told AFP by telephone from the venue. The talks are the 16th attempt to bring peace to the Horn of Africa country, which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of the dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in January 1991. Leading warlords Hussein Mohamed Aidid, Musa Sudi Yalahow, Osman Hassan Ali "Atto", General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, Colonel Hassan Mohamed Noor "Shatigudud" and Barre Hirale all attended the conference, along with delegates from the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the northeastern territory of Puntland. Each controls portions of the divided country, while the TNG, set up in August 2000 by another peace conference held in neighbouring Djibouti, controls pockets of the Somali capital. Most warlords at the Eldoret conference pledged to honor the agreement, which Aidid described as a "milestone to the pacification and democratisation of Somalia, which would make it a good place to live." He told AFP Nairobi from Eldoret: "The world community can trust us that we will make peace in Somalia this time and implement all the agreed principles, but what we need now is a unified effort by the international community to help the peace process." Aidid said he had instructed his miliamen to lay down their weapons after the signing of the ceasefire accord. A top official of the heavily armed United Somali Congress/Somali Salvation Alliance (USC/SSA), which controls parts of south and north Mogadishu and the neighbouring Balad district, said his Abgal clan fighters would respect the agreement. "The peace agreement should not only be on paper, but should be implemented inside Somalia, and the USC/SSA will honour its pledge," USC/SSA official Abukar Ali Jumale told AFP by telephone. For his part, northeast regional state of Puntland minister Awad Ashra also pledged to implement the accord. "Puntland is not at war with any Somali group. It is an administration that has pacified its region and wanted to see a peaceful federal republic of Somalia," Ashra said, also by telephone from Eldoret. "I would like to thank the organisers of the conference for their maturity and support for the peace process," he said on behalf of Puntland President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, who is also at the conference. In Somaliland, which declared independence from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, a foreign ministry official said the territory would like to see peace restored in Somalia, but insisted it was interested only in being "a good neighbour." Somaliland is not participating in the Eldoret conference, which is sponsored by the seven-nation regional Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and nominally Somalia. The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, the Arab League, Egypt and IGAD. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20021027.0287.LDC2007T07::2	 Warring Somali factions sign ceasefire agreement (ADDS quotes, details, background) Somali's warring factions took a major step towards restoring peace in their war-torn country Sunday by signing a ceasefire accord to enable the drafting of a new constitution. Under the agreement, signed in Eldoret, northwest Kenya, 22 faction leaders "committed themselves to the establishment of a national federal government and pledged security for humanitarian operations," a top official of the mediating committee said. "The Somalis have finally agreed and signed the first crucial phase of the peace conference," the official told AFP by telephone from the venue. The talks are the 16th attempt to bring peace to the Horn of Africa country, which has been ruled by clan warlords since the overthrow of the dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in January 1991. Leading warlords Hussein Mohamed Aidid, Musa Sudi Yalahow, Osman Hassan Ali "Atto", General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, Colonel Hassan Mohamed Noor "Shatigudud" and Barre Hirale all attended the conference, along with delegates from the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the northeastern territory of Puntland. Each controls portions of the divided country, while the TNG, set up in August 2000 by another peace conference held in neighbouring Djibouti, controls pockets of the Somali capital. Most warlords at the Eldoret conference pledged to honor the agreement, which Aidid described as a "milestone to the pacification and democratisation of Somalia, which would make it a good place to live." He told AFP Nairobi from Eldoret: "The world community can trust us that we will make peace in Somalia this time and implement all the agreed principles, but what we need now is a unified effort by the international community to help the peace process." Aidid said he had instructed his miliamen to lay down their weapons after the signing of the ceasefire accord. A top official of the heavily armed United Somali Congress/Somali Salvation Alliance (USC/SSA), which controls parts of south and north Mogadishu and the neighbouring Balad district, said his Abgal clan fighters would respect the agreement. "The peace agreement should not only be on paper, but should be implemented inside Somalia, and the USC/SSA will honour its pledge," USC/SSA official Abukar Ali Jumale told AFP by telephone. For his part, northeast regional state of Puntland minister Awad Ashra also pledged to implement the accord. "Puntland is not at war with any Somali group. It is an administration that has pacified its region and wanted to see a peaceful federal republic of Somalia," Ashra said, also by telephone from Eldoret. "I would like to thank the organisers of the conference for their maturity and support for the peace process," he said on behalf of Puntland President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, who is also at the conference. In Somaliland, which declared independence from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, a foreign ministry official said the territory would like to see peace restored in Somalia, but insisted it was interested only in being "a good neighbour." Somaliland is not participating in the Eldoret conference, which is sponsored by the seven-nation regional Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and nominally Somalia. The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, the Arab League, Egypt and IGAD. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0025.LDC2007T07::1	 UN special representative welcomes intiative for Somali conference UN Special Representative in Somalia Victor Gbeho has welcomed initiatives by Somali leaders to expedite the holding of a national reconciliation conference by the end of October, a UN statement announced here. The statement said that after the signing of a declaration here early on Friday by 12 factions and organisations calling for the convening of a national reconciliation conference on October 27, Gbeho had urged all concerned Somali leaders to intensify their consultations in order to facilitate the convening of the conference. "The UN will continue to support such efforts and will extend all necessary assistance for the conference which is expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad- based", Gbeho pledged. The 12 factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), announced at a press conference here on Friday that they had agreed to hold a national reconciliation conference in the Somalia capital to discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity in November this year. But Aidid's arch rival, self-styled interim president Ali Mahdi Mohamed said on Friday that he would not participate in the conference, saying he could only take part if the meeting was organised by the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) peacekeeping force. At the same time, Aidid reiterated his criticism against UNOSOM, which he accused of "sabotaging" reconciliation efforts by Somali leaders. The meeting is also to be attended by former president of the northern breakaway self-declared Republic of Somaliland, Abdurahman Tuur, and Colonel Abdurahi Yusuf, the self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF). Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia. Recently, Egal ordered out of Somaliland all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuur, whom he claimed no longer had any political backing in Somaliland, in order to drag his yet to be recognised republic back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0025.LDC2007T07::2	 UN special representative welcomes intiative for Somali conference UN Special Representative in Somalia Victor Gbeho has welcomed initiatives by Somali leaders to expedite the holding of a national reconciliation conference by the end of October, a UN statement announced here. The statement said that after the signing of a declaration here early on Friday by 12 factions and organisations calling for the convening of a national reconciliation conference on October 27, Gbeho had urged all concerned Somali leaders to intensify their consultations in order to facilitate the convening of the conference. "The UN will continue to support such efforts and will extend all necessary assistance for the conference which is expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad- based", Gbeho pledged. The 12 factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), announced at a press conference here on Friday that they had agreed to hold a national reconciliation conference in the Somalia capital to discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity in November this year. But Aidid's arch rival, self-styled interim president Ali Mahdi Mohamed said on Friday that he would not participate in the conference, saying he could only take part if the meeting was organised by the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) peacekeeping force. At the same time, Aidid reiterated his criticism against UNOSOM, which he accused of "sabotaging" reconciliation efforts by Somali leaders. The meeting is also to be attended by former president of the northern breakaway self-declared Republic of Somaliland, Abdurahman Tuur, and Colonel Abdurahi Yusuf, the self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF). Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia. Recently, Egal ordered out of Somaliland all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuur, whom he claimed no longer had any political backing in Somaliland, in order to drag his yet to be recognised republic back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0025.LDC2007T07::3	 UN special representative welcomes intiative for Somali conference UN Special Representative in Somalia Victor Gbeho has welcomed initiatives by Somali leaders to expedite the holding of a national reconciliation conference by the end of October, a UN statement announced here. The statement said that after the signing of a declaration here early on Friday by 12 factions and organisations calling for the convening of a national reconciliation conference on October 27, Gbeho had urged all concerned Somali leaders to intensify their consultations in order to facilitate the convening of the conference. "The UN will continue to support such efforts and will extend all necessary assistance for the conference which is expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad- based", Gbeho pledged. The 12 factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), announced at a press conference here on Friday that they had agreed to hold a national reconciliation conference in the Somalia capital to discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity in November this year. But Aidid's arch rival, self-styled interim president Ali Mahdi Mohamed said on Friday that he would not participate in the conference, saying he could only take part if the meeting was organised by the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) peacekeeping force. At the same time, Aidid reiterated his criticism against UNOSOM, which he accused of "sabotaging" reconciliation efforts by Somali leaders. The meeting is also to be attended by former president of the northern breakaway self-declared Republic of Somaliland, Abdurahman Tuur, and Colonel Abdurahi Yusuf, the self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF). Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia. Recently, Egal ordered out of Somaliland all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuur, whom he claimed no longer had any political backing in Somaliland, in order to drag his yet to be recognised republic back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0025.LDC2007T07::4	 UN special representative welcomes intiative for Somali conference UN Special Representative in Somalia Victor Gbeho has welcomed initiatives by Somali leaders to expedite the holding of a national reconciliation conference by the end of October, a UN statement announced here. The statement said that after the signing of a declaration here early on Friday by 12 factions and organisations calling for the convening of a national reconciliation conference on October 27, Gbeho had urged all concerned Somali leaders to intensify their consultations in order to facilitate the convening of the conference. "The UN will continue to support such efforts and will extend all necessary assistance for the conference which is expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad- based", Gbeho pledged. The 12 factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), announced at a press conference here on Friday that they had agreed to hold a national reconciliation conference in the Somalia capital to discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity in November this year. But Aidid's arch rival, self-styled interim president Ali Mahdi Mohamed said on Friday that he would not participate in the conference, saying he could only take part if the meeting was organised by the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) peacekeeping force. At the same time, Aidid reiterated his criticism against UNOSOM, which he accused of "sabotaging" reconciliation efforts by Somali leaders. The meeting is also to be attended by former president of the northern breakaway self-declared Republic of Somaliland, Abdurahman Tuur, and Colonel Abdurahi Yusuf, the self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF). Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia. Recently, Egal ordered out of Somaliland all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuur, whom he claimed no longer had any political backing in Somaliland, in order to drag his yet to be recognised republic back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0122.LDC2007T07::1	 Interim Somali president rejects agreement on reconciliation conference By Ali Mussa Abdi Interim Somali President Ali Mahdi Mohamed has rejected Friday's agreement by 12 Somali clan factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), to hold a Somali reconciliation conference here on October 27. Addressing a press conference north of Mogadishu on Saturday, Ali Mahdi, who is also spokesman for the Group of 12, said he had refused to sign Friday's agreement and would neither recognise the meeting at which the document, known as the Memorandum, was concluded, nor recognise the document itself. Describing Friday's agreement as provocative and unfounded, Ali Mahdi charged that agreement "was not in touch with the realities in Somalia and would lead the country into chaos and more fighting". "The Memorandum is the usual behavior of General Aidid to sabotage the efforts of the international community and of the Somali people to come together", Ali Mahdi said. The self-styled Somali president also accused the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM), particularly the UN Special Representative Victor Gbeho and his deputy Hisham Omayad, of siding with General Aidid and threatened to demand their removal from Somalia. "Gbeho and Omayad have exclusively interfered in Somali affairs when they recognised and allowed self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), Colonel Abdulahi Yusuf from the Majerteen sub-clan, to sign Friday's Memorandum", he pointed. As a result, Ali Mahdi, who also accused UNOSOM of failing to invite Somali political leaders from Nairobi and from other regions of Somalia to participate in the coming reconciliation conference warned: "If the UN representative and his deputy did not rectify their mistakes, I would demand their expulsion from Somalia on behalf of the 12 factions I am spokesman for". "UNOSOM has defected and welcomed the Memorandum of General Aidid. The whole peace process has been hijacked by Aidid, a man greedy for power", added Ali Mahdi. In his statement, Gbeho had pledged UN's support for any efforts to hold the October 27 conference and said that the world body would extend all necessary assistance for the conference which was expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad-based. Friday's Memorandum called for the 16 signatories to an earlier peace agreement in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to take part in the national reconciliation conference on October 27, which would discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity, but had failed to mention the self-styled interim president, thus provoking his wrath. The attendance at the agreement of former president of the self- declared Republic of Somaliland in the north, Abdurahman Tuur, was also expected to trigger protests from the leaders of the yet-to-be- recognised republic, which was Somalia's northern region until the January, 1991 overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. In the confused aftermath of Barre's overthrow, the rebel Somali National Movement (SNM), which had battled government forces in the region for years, proclaimed an independent republic of Somaliland, with its seat of government in Hargeissa. Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia, and recently ordered out of the territory all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuurm, in order to drag the territory back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0122.LDC2007T07::2	 Interim Somali president rejects agreement on reconciliation conference By Ali Mussa Abdi Interim Somali President Ali Mahdi Mohamed has rejected Friday's agreement by 12 Somali clan factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), to hold a Somali reconciliation conference here on October 27. Addressing a press conference north of Mogadishu on Saturday, Ali Mahdi, who is also spokesman for the Group of 12, said he had refused to sign Friday's agreement and would neither recognise the meeting at which the document, known as the Memorandum, was concluded, nor recognise the document itself. Describing Friday's agreement as provocative and unfounded, Ali Mahdi charged that agreement "was not in touch with the realities in Somalia and would lead the country into chaos and more fighting". "The Memorandum is the usual behavior of General Aidid to sabotage the efforts of the international community and of the Somali people to come together", Ali Mahdi said. The self-styled Somali president also accused the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM), particularly the UN Special Representative Victor Gbeho and his deputy Hisham Omayad, of siding with General Aidid and threatened to demand their removal from Somalia. "Gbeho and Omayad have exclusively interfered in Somali affairs when they recognised and allowed self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), Colonel Abdulahi Yusuf from the Majerteen sub-clan, to sign Friday's Memorandum", he pointed. As a result, Ali Mahdi, who also accused UNOSOM of failing to invite Somali political leaders from Nairobi and from other regions of Somalia to participate in the coming reconciliation conference warned: "If the UN representative and his deputy did not rectify their mistakes, I would demand their expulsion from Somalia on behalf of the 12 factions I am spokesman for". "UNOSOM has defected and welcomed the Memorandum of General Aidid. The whole peace process has been hijacked by Aidid, a man greedy for power", added Ali Mahdi. In his statement, Gbeho had pledged UN's support for any efforts to hold the October 27 conference and said that the world body would extend all necessary assistance for the conference which was expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad-based. Friday's Memorandum called for the 16 signatories to an earlier peace agreement in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to take part in the national reconciliation conference on October 27, which would discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity, but had failed to mention the self-styled interim president, thus provoking his wrath. The attendance at the agreement of former president of the self- declared Republic of Somaliland in the north, Abdurahman Tuur, was also expected to trigger protests from the leaders of the yet-to-be- recognised republic, which was Somalia's northern region until the January, 1991 overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. In the confused aftermath of Barre's overthrow, the rebel Somali National Movement (SNM), which had battled government forces in the region for years, proclaimed an independent republic of Somaliland, with its seat of government in Hargeissa. Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia, and recently ordered out of the territory all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuurm, in order to drag the territory back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941015.0122.LDC2007T07::3	 Interim Somali president rejects agreement on reconciliation conference By Ali Mussa Abdi Interim Somali President Ali Mahdi Mohamed has rejected Friday's agreement by 12 Somali clan factions, including warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's Somali National Alliance (SNA), to hold a Somali reconciliation conference here on October 27. Addressing a press conference north of Mogadishu on Saturday, Ali Mahdi, who is also spokesman for the Group of 12, said he had refused to sign Friday's agreement and would neither recognise the meeting at which the document, known as the Memorandum, was concluded, nor recognise the document itself. Describing Friday's agreement as provocative and unfounded, Ali Mahdi charged that agreement "was not in touch with the realities in Somalia and would lead the country into chaos and more fighting". "The Memorandum is the usual behavior of General Aidid to sabotage the efforts of the international community and of the Somali people to come together", Ali Mahdi said. The self-styled Somali president also accused the UN Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM), particularly the UN Special Representative Victor Gbeho and his deputy Hisham Omayad, of siding with General Aidid and threatened to demand their removal from Somalia. "Gbeho and Omayad have exclusively interfered in Somali affairs when they recognised and allowed self-appointed chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), Colonel Abdulahi Yusuf from the Majerteen sub-clan, to sign Friday's Memorandum", he pointed. As a result, Ali Mahdi, who also accused UNOSOM of failing to invite Somali political leaders from Nairobi and from other regions of Somalia to participate in the coming reconciliation conference warned: "If the UN representative and his deputy did not rectify their mistakes, I would demand their expulsion from Somalia on behalf of the 12 factions I am spokesman for". "UNOSOM has defected and welcomed the Memorandum of General Aidid. The whole peace process has been hijacked by Aidid, a man greedy for power", added Ali Mahdi. In his statement, Gbeho had pledged UN's support for any efforts to hold the October 27 conference and said that the world body would extend all necessary assistance for the conference which was expected to include the representatives of all the recognised factions and to be broad-based. Friday's Memorandum called for the 16 signatories to an earlier peace agreement in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to take part in the national reconciliation conference on October 27, which would discuss the holding of elections to precede the formation of a government of national unity, but had failed to mention the self-styled interim president, thus provoking his wrath. The attendance at the agreement of former president of the self- declared Republic of Somaliland in the north, Abdurahman Tuur, was also expected to trigger protests from the leaders of the yet-to-be- recognised republic, which was Somalia's northern region until the January, 1991 overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. In the confused aftermath of Barre's overthrow, the rebel Somali National Movement (SNM), which had battled government forces in the region for years, proclaimed an independent republic of Somaliland, with its seat of government in Hargeissa. Current Somaliland President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal has vowed to have nothing to do with the clan conflicts in southern Somalia, and recently ordered out of the territory all UNOSOM personnel, accusing them of holding talks with Tuurm, in order to drag the territory back into the bloody clan fighting in Somalia. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950228.0131.LDC2007T07::1	 Rival militias clash in Somaliland Fighting has broken out between rival militias in Somalia's breakaway northern region of Somaliland, a radio station in the province's capital Hargeisa said Tuesday. Radio Hargeisa reported clashes between the forces of Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, president of the self-proclaimed republic, and militiamen loyal to his rival, Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", president of the Somalian National Movement (SMN). on Monday. Egal's forces launched an attack on the village of Salahley, 60 kilometres (36 miles) southeast of Hargeisa, a strongold of Tuur's regional commander General Jama Mohamed Qualib, the station said. An SMN spokesman in Mogadishu claimed that Egal's forces were defeated and pursued to Hargeisa. Neither the radio station nor the opposition representatives in Hargeisa gave any assessment of the incident. But according to people in Hargeisa interviewed in radio link-ups with AFP, at least seven people were killed and 22 injured. They said there was no fighting in Hargeisa. In fighting around Hargeisa at the end of last year Egal's forces pushed back those of Tuur, Somaliland's first president after its self-proclaimed independence in 1991 which went recognised by other countries. Tuur, who has rejoined the faction led by General Mohamed Farah Aidid and is now opposed to independence, was replaced as president in 1993 by Egal after internal disputes in the SNM. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950228.0131.LDC2007T07::2	 Rival militias clash in Somaliland Fighting has broken out between rival militias in Somalia's breakaway northern region of Somaliland, a radio station in the province's capital Hargeisa said Tuesday. Radio Hargeisa reported clashes between the forces of Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, president of the self-proclaimed republic, and militiamen loyal to his rival, Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", president of the Somalian National Movement (SMN). on Monday. Egal's forces launched an attack on the village of Salahley, 60 kilometres (36 miles) southeast of Hargeisa, a strongold of Tuur's regional commander General Jama Mohamed Qualib, the station said. An SMN spokesman in Mogadishu claimed that Egal's forces were defeated and pursued to Hargeisa. Neither the radio station nor the opposition representatives in Hargeisa gave any assessment of the incident. But according to people in Hargeisa interviewed in radio link-ups with AFP, at least seven people were killed and 22 injured. They said there was no fighting in Hargeisa. In fighting around Hargeisa at the end of last year Egal's forces pushed back those of Tuur, Somaliland's first president after its self-proclaimed independence in 1991 which went recognised by other countries. Tuur, who has rejoined the faction led by General Mohamed Farah Aidid and is now opposed to independence, was replaced as president in 1993 by Egal after internal disputes in the SNM. 
Somaliland::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950228.0131.LDC2007T07::3	 Rival militias clash in Somaliland Fighting has broken out between rival militias in Somalia's breakaway northern region of Somaliland, a radio station in the province's capital Hargeisa said Tuesday. Radio Hargeisa reported clashes between the forces of Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, president of the self-proclaimed republic, and militiamen loyal to his rival, Abdurahman Ahmed Ali "Tuur", president of the Somalian National Movement (SMN). on Monday. Egal's forces launched an attack on the village of Salahley, 60 kilometres (36 miles) southeast of Hargeisa, a strongold of Tuur's regional commander General Jama Mohamed Qualib, the station said. An SMN spokesman in Mogadishu claimed that Egal's forces were defeated and pursued to Hargeisa. Neither the radio station nor the opposition representatives in Hargeisa gave any assessment of the incident. But according to people in Hargeisa interviewed in radio link-ups with AFP, at least seven people were killed and 22 injured. They said there was no fighting in Hargeisa. In fighting around Hargeisa at the end of last year Egal's forces pushed back those of Tuur, Somaliland's first president after its self-proclaimed independence in 1991 which went recognised by other countries. Tuur, who has rejoined the faction led by General Mohamed Farah Aidid and is now opposed to independence, was replaced as president in 1993 by Egal after internal disputes in the SNM. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0875.LDC2009T13::1	 Rugby League: Melbourne Storm the team to beat in 2007 by Robert Smith Melbourne Storm are the bookmakers' favourites to go one better than last year's controversial Grand Final defeat and win this season's Australian National Rugby League title. The Storm kick off the new season against the Wests Tigers at home on Friday, shaping up as the team to beat after going down to the Brisbane Broncos in last year's decider. Melbourne, who were a product of the former Super League and won their first premiership in 1999, the year after their formation, are a well-drilled outfit under the coaching of assistant national team coach Craig Bellamy. They boast some of the most exciting running backs in the game with Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, and have a rugged forward pack. Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos are the pick of the other challengers for the 2007 title. The Bulldogs are built around an imposing forward pack, spearheaded by Test forwards Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley, Andrew Ryan and New Zealander Sonny Bill Williams, who has just signed with a new five-year deal. The Broncos, who lost to St Helens in last month's World Club Challenge match in England, will again be led by Test skipper and stand-off Darren Lockyer. The champions are without their warhorse front-rower Shane Webcke and how they adapt to his retirement will decide their chances of defending their crown. Manly Sea Eagles, strengthened by the signing of former Parramatta and St Helens back Jamie Lyon, are also in the running along with the New Zealand Warriors. North Queensland Cowboys, surprise 2005 grand finalists, take on the Broncos in all-Queensland derby in their opening premiership match on Friday and are boosted by the acquisition of experienced playmaker Jason Smith, recruited from Canberra. St George Illawarra have slumped in the betting after the loss of Test centre Mark Gasnier for possibly the whole season after damaging his pectoral muscle. In coaching moves, Test coach Ricky Stuart has left the Sydney Roosters for Cronulla Sharks, former Canberra Raiders' mentor Matt Elliott is in charge of Penrith, former Parramatta coach Jason Taylor has taken over at the ambitious South Sydney Rabbitohs and former Test coach Chris Anderson has the Roosters. Michael Hagan and Brian Smith have swapped clubs with Hagan in charge of Parramatta and former Eels' coach Smith moving to Newcastle Knights, the club of champion scrum-half Andrew Johns, still rated among the most influential players in the NRL. There will be a third Queensland club in this year's NRL with Gold Coast Titans, coached by former Penrith forward John Cartwright, expanding the league to 16 teams. Canberra Raiders, who have lost a wealth of experienced players, are the bookmakers' favourites for the wooden spoon ahead of Souths and the Titans. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0875.LDC2009T13::2	 Rugby League: Melbourne Storm the team to beat in 2007 by Robert Smith Melbourne Storm are the bookmakers' favourites to go one better than last year's controversial Grand Final defeat and win this season's Australian National Rugby League title. The Storm kick off the new season against the Wests Tigers at home on Friday, shaping up as the team to beat after going down to the Brisbane Broncos in last year's decider. Melbourne, who were a product of the former Super League and won their first premiership in 1999, the year after their formation, are a well-drilled outfit under the coaching of assistant national team coach Craig Bellamy. They boast some of the most exciting running backs in the game with Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, and have a rugged forward pack. Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos are the pick of the other challengers for the 2007 title. The Bulldogs are built around an imposing forward pack, spearheaded by Test forwards Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley, Andrew Ryan and New Zealander Sonny Bill Williams, who has just signed with a new five-year deal. The Broncos, who lost to St Helens in last month's World Club Challenge match in England, will again be led by Test skipper and stand-off Darren Lockyer. The champions are without their warhorse front-rower Shane Webcke and how they adapt to his retirement will decide their chances of defending their crown. Manly Sea Eagles, strengthened by the signing of former Parramatta and St Helens back Jamie Lyon, are also in the running along with the New Zealand Warriors. North Queensland Cowboys, surprise 2005 grand finalists, take on the Broncos in all-Queensland derby in their opening premiership match on Friday and are boosted by the acquisition of experienced playmaker Jason Smith, recruited from Canberra. St George Illawarra have slumped in the betting after the loss of Test centre Mark Gasnier for possibly the whole season after damaging his pectoral muscle. In coaching moves, Test coach Ricky Stuart has left the Sydney Roosters for Cronulla Sharks, former Canberra Raiders' mentor Matt Elliott is in charge of Penrith, former Parramatta coach Jason Taylor has taken over at the ambitious South Sydney Rabbitohs and former Test coach Chris Anderson has the Roosters. Michael Hagan and Brian Smith have swapped clubs with Hagan in charge of Parramatta and former Eels' coach Smith moving to Newcastle Knights, the club of champion scrum-half Andrew Johns, still rated among the most influential players in the NRL. There will be a third Queensland club in this year's NRL with Gold Coast Titans, coached by former Penrith forward John Cartwright, expanding the league to 16 teams. Canberra Raiders, who have lost a wealth of experienced players, are the bookmakers' favourites for the wooden spoon ahead of Souths and the Titans. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070314.0875.LDC2009T13::3	 Rugby League: Melbourne Storm the team to beat in 2007 by Robert Smith Melbourne Storm are the bookmakers' favourites to go one better than last year's controversial Grand Final defeat and win this season's Australian National Rugby League title. The Storm kick off the new season against the Wests Tigers at home on Friday, shaping up as the team to beat after going down to the Brisbane Broncos in last year's decider. Melbourne, who were a product of the former Super League and won their first premiership in 1999, the year after their formation, are a well-drilled outfit under the coaching of assistant national team coach Craig Bellamy. They boast some of the most exciting running backs in the game with Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, and have a rugged forward pack. Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos are the pick of the other challengers for the 2007 title. The Bulldogs are built around an imposing forward pack, spearheaded by Test forwards Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley, Andrew Ryan and New Zealander Sonny Bill Williams, who has just signed with a new five-year deal. The Broncos, who lost to St Helens in last month's World Club Challenge match in England, will again be led by Test skipper and stand-off Darren Lockyer. The champions are without their warhorse front-rower Shane Webcke and how they adapt to his retirement will decide their chances of defending their crown. Manly Sea Eagles, strengthened by the signing of former Parramatta and St Helens back Jamie Lyon, are also in the running along with the New Zealand Warriors. North Queensland Cowboys, surprise 2005 grand finalists, take on the Broncos in all-Queensland derby in their opening premiership match on Friday and are boosted by the acquisition of experienced playmaker Jason Smith, recruited from Canberra. St George Illawarra have slumped in the betting after the loss of Test centre Mark Gasnier for possibly the whole season after damaging his pectoral muscle. In coaching moves, Test coach Ricky Stuart has left the Sydney Roosters for Cronulla Sharks, former Canberra Raiders' mentor Matt Elliott is in charge of Penrith, former Parramatta coach Jason Taylor has taken over at the ambitious South Sydney Rabbitohs and former Test coach Chris Anderson has the Roosters. Michael Hagan and Brian Smith have swapped clubs with Hagan in charge of Parramatta and former Eels' coach Smith moving to Newcastle Knights, the club of champion scrum-half Andrew Johns, still rated among the most influential players in the NRL. There will be a third Queensland club in this year's NRL with Gold Coast Titans, coached by former Penrith forward John Cartwright, expanding the league to 16 teams. Canberra Raiders, who have lost a wealth of experienced players, are the bookmakers' favourites for the wooden spoon ahead of Souths and the Titans. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070316.0267.LDC2009T13::1	 Rugby League: Champion Broncos beaten in NRL season opener Champions Brisbane Broncos lost their opening match of the new Australian National Rugby League season, going down to North Queensland Cowboys 23-16 in Brisbane Friday. Test scrum-half Johnathan Thurston inspired the Cowboys and featured in all their three first-half tries for a 16-6 half-time lead before a ground record 50,416 crowd at Lang Park. Test fullback Karmichael Hunt, who was pitched in as the Broncos' scrum-half, provided Brisbane's second half spark. He scored in the 57th minute and then combined with Test skipper Darren Lockyer and Tonie Carroll to send youngster Joel Moon over in the 62nd. Lockyer kicked the sideline conversion to level at 16-16, but not to be outdone, Thurston's inside pass sent Matt Bowen on a 60m run to the try-line seven minutes from fulltime. Bowen sealed the all-Queensland derby with a 25m drop goal with two minutes left. Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm opened their season with a tense 18-16 victory over the Wests Tigers in Melbourne. The Storm prevailed in an entertaining encounter, with both sides scoring three tries in a superb start to the NRL season. While the Storm were the better side, they didn't have the match all their own way as the Tigers' outstanding defence which kept them in the game. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070316.0267.LDC2009T13::2	 Rugby League: Champion Broncos beaten in NRL season opener Champions Brisbane Broncos lost their opening match of the new Australian National Rugby League season, going down to North Queensland Cowboys 23-16 in Brisbane Friday. Test scrum-half Johnathan Thurston inspired the Cowboys and featured in all their three first-half tries for a 16-6 half-time lead before a ground record 50,416 crowd at Lang Park. Test fullback Karmichael Hunt, who was pitched in as the Broncos' scrum-half, provided Brisbane's second half spark. He scored in the 57th minute and then combined with Test skipper Darren Lockyer and Tonie Carroll to send youngster Joel Moon over in the 62nd. Lockyer kicked the sideline conversion to level at 16-16, but not to be outdone, Thurston's inside pass sent Matt Bowen on a 60m run to the try-line seven minutes from fulltime. Bowen sealed the all-Queensland derby with a 25m drop goal with two minutes left. Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm opened their season with a tense 18-16 victory over the Wests Tigers in Melbourne. The Storm prevailed in an entertaining encounter, with both sides scoring three tries in a superb start to the NRL season. While the Storm were the better side, they didn't have the match all their own way as the Tigers' outstanding defence which kept them in the game. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070316.0267.LDC2009T13::3	 Rugby League: Champion Broncos beaten in NRL season opener Champions Brisbane Broncos lost their opening match of the new Australian National Rugby League season, going down to North Queensland Cowboys 23-16 in Brisbane Friday. Test scrum-half Johnathan Thurston inspired the Cowboys and featured in all their three first-half tries for a 16-6 half-time lead before a ground record 50,416 crowd at Lang Park. Test fullback Karmichael Hunt, who was pitched in as the Broncos' scrum-half, provided Brisbane's second half spark. He scored in the 57th minute and then combined with Test skipper Darren Lockyer and Tonie Carroll to send youngster Joel Moon over in the 62nd. Lockyer kicked the sideline conversion to level at 16-16, but not to be outdone, Thurston's inside pass sent Matt Bowen on a 60m run to the try-line seven minutes from fulltime. Bowen sealed the all-Queensland derby with a 25m drop goal with two minutes left. Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm opened their season with a tense 18-16 victory over the Wests Tigers in Melbourne. The Storm prevailed in an entertaining encounter, with both sides scoring three tries in a superb start to the NRL season. While the Storm were the better side, they didn't have the match all their own way as the Tigers' outstanding defence which kept them in the game. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070324.0136.LDC2009T13::1	 Rugby League: Storm batter Raiders for big NRL win Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm overpowered the lowly Canberra Raiders 32-16 in Australia's National Rugby League on Saturday. The Raiders led for 38 minutes before the Storm hit top gear to clear away for their second win of the new season after losing to the Brisbane Broncos in last season's grand final. The win ensured Melbourne maintained their near decade-long dominance against the struggling Raiders, winning 15 of the 20 matches they have played against Canberra. Manly's Michael Monaghan filled in seamlessly for injured scrum- half Matt Orford, creating two of the Sea Eagles' three tries in their 19-8 win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. Monaghan cleverly switched the attack to send forward Anthony Watmough over in the sixth minute and kicked for winger Michael Robertson to score in the final minute of the first half. A storm lashed the ground 10 minutes before kick-off and rain bucketed down on the players during the warm-up and for periods during the match. Manly coped better with the conditions, scoring three tries to one with Jamie Lyon booting three goals from five attempts. Monaghan kicked a drop goal in the final minute of the match. North Queensland Cowboys scored seven tries in smashing the Sydney Roosters 43-6 in Townsville. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070324.0136.LDC2009T13::2	 Rugby League: Storm batter Raiders for big NRL win Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm overpowered the lowly Canberra Raiders 32-16 in Australia's National Rugby League on Saturday. The Raiders led for 38 minutes before the Storm hit top gear to clear away for their second win of the new season after losing to the Brisbane Broncos in last season's grand final. The win ensured Melbourne maintained their near decade-long dominance against the struggling Raiders, winning 15 of the 20 matches they have played against Canberra. Manly's Michael Monaghan filled in seamlessly for injured scrum- half Matt Orford, creating two of the Sea Eagles' three tries in their 19-8 win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. Monaghan cleverly switched the attack to send forward Anthony Watmough over in the sixth minute and kicked for winger Michael Robertson to score in the final minute of the first half. A storm lashed the ground 10 minutes before kick-off and rain bucketed down on the players during the warm-up and for periods during the match. Manly coped better with the conditions, scoring three tries to one with Jamie Lyon booting three goals from five attempts. Monaghan kicked a drop goal in the final minute of the match. North Queensland Cowboys scored seven tries in smashing the Sydney Roosters 43-6 in Townsville. 
Storm::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070324.0136.LDC2009T13::3	 Rugby League: Storm batter Raiders for big NRL win Premiership favourites Melbourne Storm overpowered the lowly Canberra Raiders 32-16 in Australia's National Rugby League on Saturday. The Raiders led for 38 minutes before the Storm hit top gear to clear away for their second win of the new season after losing to the Brisbane Broncos in last season's grand final. The win ensured Melbourne maintained their near decade-long dominance against the struggling Raiders, winning 15 of the 20 matches they have played against Canberra. Manly's Michael Monaghan filled in seamlessly for injured scrum- half Matt Orford, creating two of the Sea Eagles' three tries in their 19-8 win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. Monaghan cleverly switched the attack to send forward Anthony Watmough over in the sixth minute and kicked for winger Michael Robertson to score in the final minute of the first half. A storm lashed the ground 10 minutes before kick-off and rain bucketed down on the players during the warm-up and for periods during the match. Manly coped better with the conditions, scoring three tries to one with Jamie Lyon booting three goals from five attempts. Monaghan kicked a drop goal in the final minute of the match. North Queensland Cowboys scored seven tries in smashing the Sydney Roosters 43-6 in Townsville. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941224.0114.LDC2007T07::1	 Iran, Cuba seek to expand ties Iran and Cuba announced their intention to boost economic cooperation during a visit here Saturday by Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina. Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said Tehran wanted to find "practical ways to expand cooperation" with Havana, in a statement issued by the presidential office. During talks with Robaina the Iranian leader expressed the hope that the Cuban people would overcome their difficulties through their "efforts and strong will" -- an apparent reference to the US embargo against the Caribbean island. Robaina, who arrived here Friday, praised Iran's "humanitarian stand" toward Cuba over "human rights and the embargo," the statement said. He called for greater cooperation in the transfer of technology, energy resources, health and sugar production. The Cuban minister also met Saturday with parliament speaker Ali Akbar Nategh Nuri and Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati. Tehran and Havana established diplomatic ties after the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Bilateral trade is worth around 20 million dollars annually. Cuba is helping Iran to build a sugar production plant and selling it pharmaceutical products. A high-level Iranian delegation led by Construction Minister Gholamreza Foruzesh visited Cuba in June to discuss economic and trade ties. Robaina is on a seven-nation tour of the Middle East and North Africa, which he began at the beginning of this month. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941224.0114.LDC2007T07::2	 Iran, Cuba seek to expand ties Iran and Cuba announced their intention to boost economic cooperation during a visit here Saturday by Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina. Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said Tehran wanted to find "practical ways to expand cooperation" with Havana, in a statement issued by the presidential office. During talks with Robaina the Iranian leader expressed the hope that the Cuban people would overcome their difficulties through their "efforts and strong will" -- an apparent reference to the US embargo against the Caribbean island. Robaina, who arrived here Friday, praised Iran's "humanitarian stand" toward Cuba over "human rights and the embargo," the statement said. He called for greater cooperation in the transfer of technology, energy resources, health and sugar production. The Cuban minister also met Saturday with parliament speaker Ali Akbar Nategh Nuri and Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati. Tehran and Havana established diplomatic ties after the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Bilateral trade is worth around 20 million dollars annually. Cuba is helping Iran to build a sugar production plant and selling it pharmaceutical products. A high-level Iranian delegation led by Construction Minister Gholamreza Foruzesh visited Cuba in June to discuss economic and trade ties. Robaina is on a seven-nation tour of the Middle East and North Africa, which he began at the beginning of this month. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0176.LDC2009T13::1	 US agrees to Iranair Airbus overhaul: Tehran The United States has agreed to the overhaul of six Airbus planes in Iran's flagship airline which is under US sanctions, the student ISNA news agency quoted a top aviation official as saying Friday. "American aviation officials have completed the formalities for the overhaul of six Airbus planes" belonging to Iranair, the head of the national aviation company, Ruhollah Rezai Niaraki, told the agency. The Airbus 310s "will be sent to a third country, most likely in Europe, in the near future for basic repairs," he said. The aircraft, equipped with US-made General Electric engines, are currently grounded at Tehran's Mehrabad airport. In October 2006, the United States allowed the sale of aircraft parts to Iran's ageing civilian fleet, which suffers from US sanctions prohibiting the sale of US Boeings or European Airbuses containing US parts to Iran. Iran has one of the world's worst air safety records, with deadly crashes claiming more than 600 lives in the past five years. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0176.LDC2009T13::2	 US agrees to Iranair Airbus overhaul: Tehran The United States has agreed to the overhaul of six Airbus planes in Iran's flagship airline which is under US sanctions, the student ISNA news agency quoted a top aviation official as saying Friday. "American aviation officials have completed the formalities for the overhaul of six Airbus planes" belonging to Iranair, the head of the national aviation company, Ruhollah Rezai Niaraki, told the agency. The Airbus 310s "will be sent to a third country, most likely in Europe, in the near future for basic repairs," he said. The aircraft, equipped with US-made General Electric engines, are currently grounded at Tehran's Mehrabad airport. In October 2006, the United States allowed the sale of aircraft parts to Iran's ageing civilian fleet, which suffers from US sanctions prohibiting the sale of US Boeings or European Airbuses containing US parts to Iran. Iran has one of the world's worst air safety records, with deadly crashes claiming more than 600 lives in the past five years. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950219.0137.LDC2007T07::1	 Cuba offers to trade sugar for Iranian oil Cuba on Sunday offered to buy one million tonnes of oil annually from Iran and pay for it in sugar, the official Iranian news agency IRNA said. Cuba's visiting minister of foreign investment and international cooperation, Ernesto Melendez Bachs, made the offer in a meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Gholamreza Aghazadeh. Aghazadeh did not say if his country would agree to the offer, but "welcomed an expansion of oil and economic cooperation between Tehran and Havana," IRNA said. "We hope the two countries would move to implement bilateral agreements within a practical framework," he was quoted as saying. But Iranian Commerce Minister Yahya Al-Ashagh said in a meeting with Melendez on Sunday that his country planned to "barter oil with sugar" with Cuba. Eshagh said Iran was also interested in buying sugar from Cuba directly. "We hope Cuba can supply us with the needed sugar in the next few months," he was quoted as saying by IRNA. Iran and Cuba announced their intention to boost economic cooperation during a visit here in late December by Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina. Tehran and Havana established diplomatic ties after the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Bilateral trade is worth around 20 million dollars annually. Cuba is helping Iran to build a sugar production plant and selling it pharmaceutical products. A high-level Iranian delegation led by Construction Minister Gholamreza Foruzesh visited Cuba in June to discuss economic and trade ties. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950219.0137.LDC2007T07::2	 Cuba offers to trade sugar for Iranian oil Cuba on Sunday offered to buy one million tonnes of oil annually from Iran and pay for it in sugar, the official Iranian news agency IRNA said. Cuba's visiting minister of foreign investment and international cooperation, Ernesto Melendez Bachs, made the offer in a meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Gholamreza Aghazadeh. Aghazadeh did not say if his country would agree to the offer, but "welcomed an expansion of oil and economic cooperation between Tehran and Havana," IRNA said. "We hope the two countries would move to implement bilateral agreements within a practical framework," he was quoted as saying. But Iranian Commerce Minister Yahya Al-Ashagh said in a meeting with Melendez on Sunday that his country planned to "barter oil with sugar" with Cuba. Eshagh said Iran was also interested in buying sugar from Cuba directly. "We hope Cuba can supply us with the needed sugar in the next few months," he was quoted as saying by IRNA. Iran and Cuba announced their intention to boost economic cooperation during a visit here in late December by Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina. Tehran and Havana established diplomatic ties after the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Bilateral trade is worth around 20 million dollars annually. Cuba is helping Iran to build a sugar production plant and selling it pharmaceutical products. A high-level Iranian delegation led by Construction Minister Gholamreza Foruzesh visited Cuba in June to discuss economic and trade ties. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0178.LDC2009T13::1	 China tells Iran to make 'serious response' to UN resolution Chinese President Hu Jintao urged Iran on Friday to make a "serious response" to a United Nations Security Council resolution on its nuclear program, China's state media said. "The resolution reflects the shared concerns of the international community over the Iranian nuclear issue," Hu told Ali Larijani, Iran's visiting top nuclear negotiator. "We hope Iran can make a serious response to the resolution," Hu was quoted as saying by Chinese state television. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad this week vowed Iran will step up its atomic program in defiance of the resolution last month which imposed sanctions against Tehran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment. China is a key player in the diplomatic maneuverings over Iran's nuclear program as it is a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council. "The international community should continue its diplomatic efforts for a return to negotiations as soon as possible, and seek a lasting, overall and appropriate solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," Hu was quoted as saying. "China's policy is consistent. We wish to preserve the international non- proliferation system and preserve peace and stability in the Middle East," Hu said according to the television report. The report did not detail what Larijani, who has been meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing this week, told Hu regarding the Islamic republic's nuclear program. China, which has major energy interests in Iran, supports Tehran's right to a program. China last month voted in favor of the UN resolution, but Beijing sought to water down the measure and has said it prefers negotiations instead of sanctions. The sanctions take aim at Iranian efforts to enrich uranium, which the United States and others fear could be used to make a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its atomic program is entirely peaceful and it has every right to the full nuclear fuel cycle. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0178.LDC2009T13::2	 China tells Iran to make 'serious response' to UN resolution Chinese President Hu Jintao urged Iran on Friday to make a "serious response" to a United Nations Security Council resolution on its nuclear program, China's state media said. "The resolution reflects the shared concerns of the international community over the Iranian nuclear issue," Hu told Ali Larijani, Iran's visiting top nuclear negotiator. "We hope Iran can make a serious response to the resolution," Hu was quoted as saying by Chinese state television. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad this week vowed Iran will step up its atomic program in defiance of the resolution last month which imposed sanctions against Tehran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment. China is a key player in the diplomatic maneuverings over Iran's nuclear program as it is a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council. "The international community should continue its diplomatic efforts for a return to negotiations as soon as possible, and seek a lasting, overall and appropriate solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," Hu was quoted as saying. "China's policy is consistent. We wish to preserve the international non- proliferation system and preserve peace and stability in the Middle East," Hu said according to the television report. The report did not detail what Larijani, who has been meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing this week, told Hu regarding the Islamic republic's nuclear program. China, which has major energy interests in Iran, supports Tehran's right to a program. China last month voted in favor of the UN resolution, but Beijing sought to water down the measure and has said it prefers negotiations instead of sanctions. The sanctions take aim at Iranian efforts to enrich uranium, which the United States and others fear could be used to make a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its atomic program is entirely peaceful and it has every right to the full nuclear fuel cycle. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950317.0148.LDC2007T07::1	 Iran loses symbol of Islamic revolution, as Khomeini era ends by Kianouche Dorranie Ahmad Khomeini, as the sole surviving son of the late ayatollah who founded the Islamic republic, played a key role in defending the radical anti-Western line laid down by his father. He may never have held an official post, but since the 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the shah he was often involved in key decisions, such as determining a successor to the ayatollah. After his father's death in June 1989, Khomeini, who died aged 50 on Friday, was no longer centre-stage and the radicals were sidelined in parliamentary elections at the expense of Islamic conservatives. But venerated as the living memory of Ayatollah Khomeini, he was still untouchable for the press and the clergy. And as a pillar of the Islamic republic because of his name, he was a prominent figure at public functions. Ahmad Khomeini often criticized the economic liberalization launched by President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, protesting over the fall in the purchasing power of the poor and the growing influence of capitalists. On February 1, however, in a speech at his father's mausoleum, he reaffirmed his backing for both Rafsanjani and Ayatollah Ali Khameini who succeeded Ayatollah Khomeini. During his father's 10-year tenure, the ayatollah prevented Ahmad Khomeini from taking an official role in the country's political life. But he was the leader's closest aide and served as a secretary to filter all his visitors. Khomeini was there at all his father's public appearances and would be seated at the ayatollah's feet on the balcony of his residence in Jamaran, northern Tehran, when he gave speeches. He held several honorary posts in the post-Khomeini era, including member of the Council of Experts which can designate Iran's leader. He also represented Ayatollah Khamenei in the Supreme National Security Council. Ahmad Khomeini was seen to have played a crucial role in revoking the designation of Ayatollah Hossen Ali Montazeri, whom he accused of having links to liberals and the opposition People's Mujahedeen. A middle-ranking cleric with the title of hojatoleslam, he studied in Koranic schools in the holy city of Qom. Ahmad Khomeini was also a football enthusiast during the 1960s and was one of the best players in the Tehran club Shahin. But he cut short his career to join Ayatollah Khomeini in exile in Iraq. The hojatoleslam, who wore a black turban and was bearded, has left behind a wife. He had three sons, including his eldest, Hassan, 23, who studies in Qom. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950317.0148.LDC2007T07::2	 Iran loses symbol of Islamic revolution, as Khomeini era ends by Kianouche Dorranie Ahmad Khomeini, as the sole surviving son of the late ayatollah who founded the Islamic republic, played a key role in defending the radical anti-Western line laid down by his father. He may never have held an official post, but since the 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the shah he was often involved in key decisions, such as determining a successor to the ayatollah. After his father's death in June 1989, Khomeini, who died aged 50 on Friday, was no longer centre-stage and the radicals were sidelined in parliamentary elections at the expense of Islamic conservatives. But venerated as the living memory of Ayatollah Khomeini, he was still untouchable for the press and the clergy. And as a pillar of the Islamic republic because of his name, he was a prominent figure at public functions. Ahmad Khomeini often criticized the economic liberalization launched by President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, protesting over the fall in the purchasing power of the poor and the growing influence of capitalists. On February 1, however, in a speech at his father's mausoleum, he reaffirmed his backing for both Rafsanjani and Ayatollah Ali Khameini who succeeded Ayatollah Khomeini. During his father's 10-year tenure, the ayatollah prevented Ahmad Khomeini from taking an official role in the country's political life. But he was the leader's closest aide and served as a secretary to filter all his visitors. Khomeini was there at all his father's public appearances and would be seated at the ayatollah's feet on the balcony of his residence in Jamaran, northern Tehran, when he gave speeches. He held several honorary posts in the post-Khomeini era, including member of the Council of Experts which can designate Iran's leader. He also represented Ayatollah Khamenei in the Supreme National Security Council. Ahmad Khomeini was seen to have played a crucial role in revoking the designation of Ayatollah Hossen Ali Montazeri, whom he accused of having links to liberals and the opposition People's Mujahedeen. A middle-ranking cleric with the title of hojatoleslam, he studied in Koranic schools in the holy city of Qom. Ahmad Khomeini was also a football enthusiast during the 1960s and was one of the best players in the Tehran club Shahin. But he cut short his career to join Ayatollah Khomeini in exile in Iraq. The hojatoleslam, who wore a black turban and was bearded, has left behind a wife. He had three sons, including his eldest, Hassan, 23, who studies in Qom. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0195.LDC2009T13::1	 UN nuclear chief to report on whether to continue atomic aid to Iran IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei is to report on whether the UN atomic agency should cut down aid to Iran as part of sanctions on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a document obtained by AFP. The report could lead to an emergency meeting later this month or in early February of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board of governors at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, diplomats said Friday. But some countries, including several European states, are urging caution, saying it would be better to wait until a regularly scheduled IAEA board meeting in March. ElBaradei is for that board to file another report on Iran's compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1737 which demands that Tehran halt sensitive nuclear fuel work that can also be weapons related. The Security Council had in imposing sanctions on Iran on December 23 over fears Tehran seeks nuclear weapons ruled "that all states shall also take the necessary measures to prevent the provision to Iran of any technical assistance or training" which might help Iran make nuclear reactor fuel or develop "nuclear weapon delivery systems." ElBaradei than sent a letter December 27 to the Slovenian chairman of the IAEA board to say his secretariat "will evaluate all IAEA technical cooperation projects for Iran in light of resolution 1737 and will prepare a report including a list of the projects which could, in the Secretariat's judgement, continue to be implemented," according to the copy of the letter obtained by AFP. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0195.LDC2009T13::2	 UN nuclear chief to report on whether to continue atomic aid to Iran IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei is to report on whether the UN atomic agency should cut down aid to Iran as part of sanctions on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a document obtained by AFP. The report could lead to an emergency meeting later this month or in early February of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board of governors at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, diplomats said Friday. But some countries, including several European states, are urging caution, saying it would be better to wait until a regularly scheduled IAEA board meeting in March. ElBaradei is for that board to file another report on Iran's compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1737 which demands that Tehran halt sensitive nuclear fuel work that can also be weapons related. The Security Council had in imposing sanctions on Iran on December 23 over fears Tehran seeks nuclear weapons ruled "that all states shall also take the necessary measures to prevent the provision to Iran of any technical assistance or training" which might help Iran make nuclear reactor fuel or develop "nuclear weapon delivery systems." ElBaradei than sent a letter December 27 to the Slovenian chairman of the IAEA board to say his secretariat "will evaluate all IAEA technical cooperation projects for Iran in light of resolution 1737 and will prepare a report including a list of the projects which could, in the Secretariat's judgement, continue to be implemented," according to the copy of the letter obtained by AFP. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070105.0195.LDC2009T13::3	 UN nuclear chief to report on whether to continue atomic aid to Iran IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei is to report on whether the UN atomic agency should cut down aid to Iran as part of sanctions on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a document obtained by AFP. The report could lead to an emergency meeting later this month or in early February of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board of governors at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, diplomats said Friday. But some countries, including several European states, are urging caution, saying it would be better to wait until a regularly scheduled IAEA board meeting in March. ElBaradei is for that board to file another report on Iran's compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1737 which demands that Tehran halt sensitive nuclear fuel work that can also be weapons related. The Security Council had in imposing sanctions on Iran on December 23 over fears Tehran seeks nuclear weapons ruled "that all states shall also take the necessary measures to prevent the provision to Iran of any technical assistance or training" which might help Iran make nuclear reactor fuel or develop "nuclear weapon delivery systems." ElBaradei than sent a letter December 27 to the Slovenian chairman of the IAEA board to say his secretariat "will evaluate all IAEA technical cooperation projects for Iran in light of resolution 1737 and will prepare a report including a list of the projects which could, in the Secretariat's judgement, continue to be implemented," according to the copy of the letter obtained by AFP. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950319.0187.LDC2007T07::1	 Ayatollah Khomeini's grandson emerges from the wings The grandson of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seems ready to adopt the mantle of his grandfather's legacy much to the surprise of Iranians, most of whom have never seen him before. Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, 23, has been thrust into the spotlight with the death on Friday of his father Ahmad Khomeini. Ahmad Khomeini was the last surviving son of the Ayatollah, who founded the the Islamic Republic in the 1979 revolution which toppled the pro-Western shah. "It is the duty of all of us to take up the flag of my father which he placed on my shoulders," Hassan Khomeini told a crowd of tens of thousands at his father's funeral Saturday. Parliamentary speaker Aki Akbar Nategh-Nuri said in a rare public eulogy that "he has the blood of his father and his grandfather" and praised his "calm and control" in dealing with his father's death. For the past two days Hassan Khomeini has regularly appeared flanking Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and President Ali Akbar Rafsanjani at the funeral and official ceremonies in his father's memory. Iranians had only been vaguely aware of his existence before, through his father's official biography and photographs of the small boy who arrived in Iran at the age of seven shortly after the 1979 revolution. There were reports that he was studying in the holy city of Qom, 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of Tehran, but nobody was aware that he had acquired the title of Hojatoleslam -- the last stage before becoming an Ayatollah. His height and presence along with fluent public speaking and a controlled manner have created a big impression over the past few days. Iranians also say he has his father's voice and resembles his grandfather Ayatollah Khomeini at the same age. Although Ahmad Khomeini had no official role in Iran, he was venerated as the "memory of the Ayatollah" and came to symbolise the spirit of his father's revolutionary brand of Islam. In a gesture that left no doubt about the government's desire to perpetuate the name of the republic's founder, Nategh-Nuri conferred on Hassan Khomeini the title of "memory of the Ayatollah and of Ahmad Khomeini." Khomeini, 50, a staunch defender of his father's anti-Western position, died Friday after suffering a heart attack five days earlier. Hundreds of thousands mourned at his funeral Saturday, and there were scenes of hysteria as he was laid to rest next to the Ayatollah in a huge black-and-white marble mausoleum in southern Tehran. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19950319.0187.LDC2007T07::2	 Ayatollah Khomeini's grandson emerges from the wings The grandson of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seems ready to adopt the mantle of his grandfather's legacy much to the surprise of Iranians, most of whom have never seen him before. Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, 23, has been thrust into the spotlight with the death on Friday of his father Ahmad Khomeini. Ahmad Khomeini was the last surviving son of the Ayatollah, who founded the the Islamic Republic in the 1979 revolution which toppled the pro-Western shah. "It is the duty of all of us to take up the flag of my father which he placed on my shoulders," Hassan Khomeini told a crowd of tens of thousands at his father's funeral Saturday. Parliamentary speaker Aki Akbar Nategh-Nuri said in a rare public eulogy that "he has the blood of his father and his grandfather" and praised his "calm and control" in dealing with his father's death. For the past two days Hassan Khomeini has regularly appeared flanking Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and President Ali Akbar Rafsanjani at the funeral and official ceremonies in his father's memory. Iranians had only been vaguely aware of his existence before, through his father's official biography and photographs of the small boy who arrived in Iran at the age of seven shortly after the 1979 revolution. There were reports that he was studying in the holy city of Qom, 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of Tehran, but nobody was aware that he had acquired the title of Hojatoleslam -- the last stage before becoming an Ayatollah. His height and presence along with fluent public speaking and a controlled manner have created a big impression over the past few days. Iranians also say he has his father's voice and resembles his grandfather Ayatollah Khomeini at the same age. Although Ahmad Khomeini had no official role in Iran, he was venerated as the "memory of the Ayatollah" and came to symbolise the spirit of his father's revolutionary brand of Islam. In a gesture that left no doubt about the government's desire to perpetuate the name of the republic's founder, Nategh-Nuri conferred on Hassan Khomeini the title of "memory of the Ayatollah and of Ahmad Khomeini." Khomeini, 50, a staunch defender of his father's anti-Western position, died Friday after suffering a heart attack five days earlier. Hundreds of thousands mourned at his funeral Saturday, and there were scenes of hysteria as he was laid to rest next to the Ayatollah in a huge black-and-white marble mausoleum in southern Tehran. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060906.0647.LDC2007T07::1	 Iranian nuclear negotiator set for talks in Spain Chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani is due to visit Spain on Thursday for talks with Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, an official said. He is also expected to briefly meet Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an official in the Spanish presidency said. "Spain hopes to facilitate the dialogue" between Iran and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana over the international community's standoff with Iran concerning its disputed nuclear programme, the official said. The United States and others accuse Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons with sensitive uranium enrichment work Tehran says is for peaceful energy purposes only. Spanish news agency Europa Press reported that Moratinos is expected to press Larijani to respond positively to an offer of economic incentives from world powers in exchange for Tehran's suspension of uranium enrichment. Iran refused to suspend enrichment before a August 31 deadline, citing its right to develop nuclear energy, and is now facing possible UN sanctions. Larijani was expected to meet Solana on Wednesday to discuss the impasse but the meeting was delayed at the last minute and a new date has not been set. His visit to Madrid coincides with one from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is also due to meet Zapatero and Moratinos on Thursday for talks including Iran and the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The presidency official said the Iranian negotiator was not expected to meet Annan during his time in the Spanish capital. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant in talks in Tehran with Annan at the weekend. Ahmadinejad told Annan he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear program but would not accept a suspension of enrichment before talks. The European Union said at a foreign ministers meeting in Finland Saturday that it would give Iran extra time to show it was serious about negotiating but warned the Western bloc expected a clear response. A meeting between Solana and Larijani would be a key step in getting talks started. pal/sgi/smc/ag Iran-nucléaire-politique-Espagne-Onu-UE BON POUR TOUS/ Le négociateur iranien Ali Larijani s'entretiendra jeudi avec M. Moratinos MADRID, 6 sept 2006 (AFP) - Le chef des négociateurs nucléaires iraniens, Ali Larijani, s'entretiendra jeudi à Madrid avec le ministre espagnol des Affaires étrangères, Miguel Angel Moratinos, a indiqué une source de la présidence du gouvernement espagnol. "L'Espagne souhaite faciliter le dialogue" entre le négociateur iranien et le chef de la diplomatie européenne, l'Espagnol Javier Solana, a indiqué dans la soirée cette source à l'AFP, pour expliquer cette visite. Le négociateur iranien sera également brièvement reçu au siège de l'exécutif espagnol par le chef du gouvernement, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Sa visite dans la capitale espagnole coïncidera avec celle du secrétaire général des Nations unies, Kofi Annan, de retour d'une tournée au Moyen-Orient. Mais "il n'est pas prévu" que les deux hommes se rencontrent, a assuré à l'AFP une source de l'Onu jointe au téléphone depuis Madrid. Selon l'agence espagnole Europa Press, MM. Zapatero et Moratinos devraient presser le négociateur iranien de répondre à l'offre de coopération renforcée et de réouverture de négociations des "Six" grandes puissances en échange de la suspension par l'Iran de son programme d'enrichissement d'uranium. Après son refus de suspendre ces activités au 31 août comme l'avait exigé le Conseil de sécurité de l'Onu, l'Iran est théoriquement passible de sanctions. M. Larijani devait rencontrer mercredi à Vienne le chef de la diplomatie européenne Javier Solana, mais cette rencontre a été "reportée" au dernier moment, avait indiqué plus tôt l'ambassadeur iranien auprès de l'Agence internationale de l'énergie atomique (AIEA), Ali-Asghar Soltanieh. "Nous n'aurons pas de réunion à Vienne aujourd'hui, mais dans quelques jours", avait déclaré M. Soltanieh, en invoquant des raisons pratiques pour ce report. Le ministère allemand des Affaires étrangères a confirmé mercredi la tenue d'une réunion de hauts fonctionnaires des "Six" (Allemagne, France, Grande-Bretagne, Russie, Etats-Unis et Chine) jeudi à Berlin sur le nucléaire iranien. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060906.0647.LDC2007T07::2	 Iranian nuclear negotiator set for talks in Spain Chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani is due to visit Spain on Thursday for talks with Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, an official said. He is also expected to briefly meet Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an official in the Spanish presidency said. "Spain hopes to facilitate the dialogue" between Iran and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana over the international community's standoff with Iran concerning its disputed nuclear programme, the official said. The United States and others accuse Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons with sensitive uranium enrichment work Tehran says is for peaceful energy purposes only. Spanish news agency Europa Press reported that Moratinos is expected to press Larijani to respond positively to an offer of economic incentives from world powers in exchange for Tehran's suspension of uranium enrichment. Iran refused to suspend enrichment before a August 31 deadline, citing its right to develop nuclear energy, and is now facing possible UN sanctions. Larijani was expected to meet Solana on Wednesday to discuss the impasse but the meeting was delayed at the last minute and a new date has not been set. His visit to Madrid coincides with one from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is also due to meet Zapatero and Moratinos on Thursday for talks including Iran and the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The presidency official said the Iranian negotiator was not expected to meet Annan during his time in the Spanish capital. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant in talks in Tehran with Annan at the weekend. Ahmadinejad told Annan he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear program but would not accept a suspension of enrichment before talks. The European Union said at a foreign ministers meeting in Finland Saturday that it would give Iran extra time to show it was serious about negotiating but warned the Western bloc expected a clear response. A meeting between Solana and Larijani would be a key step in getting talks started. pal/sgi/smc/ag Iran-nucléaire-politique-Espagne-Onu-UE BON POUR TOUS/ Le négociateur iranien Ali Larijani s'entretiendra jeudi avec M. Moratinos MADRID, 6 sept 2006 (AFP) - Le chef des négociateurs nucléaires iraniens, Ali Larijani, s'entretiendra jeudi à Madrid avec le ministre espagnol des Affaires étrangères, Miguel Angel Moratinos, a indiqué une source de la présidence du gouvernement espagnol. "L'Espagne souhaite faciliter le dialogue" entre le négociateur iranien et le chef de la diplomatie européenne, l'Espagnol Javier Solana, a indiqué dans la soirée cette source à l'AFP, pour expliquer cette visite. Le négociateur iranien sera également brièvement reçu au siège de l'exécutif espagnol par le chef du gouvernement, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Sa visite dans la capitale espagnole coïncidera avec celle du secrétaire général des Nations unies, Kofi Annan, de retour d'une tournée au Moyen-Orient. Mais "il n'est pas prévu" que les deux hommes se rencontrent, a assuré à l'AFP une source de l'Onu jointe au téléphone depuis Madrid. Selon l'agence espagnole Europa Press, MM. Zapatero et Moratinos devraient presser le négociateur iranien de répondre à l'offre de coopération renforcée et de réouverture de négociations des "Six" grandes puissances en échange de la suspension par l'Iran de son programme d'enrichissement d'uranium. Après son refus de suspendre ces activités au 31 août comme l'avait exigé le Conseil de sécurité de l'Onu, l'Iran est théoriquement passible de sanctions. M. Larijani devait rencontrer mercredi à Vienne le chef de la diplomatie européenne Javier Solana, mais cette rencontre a été "reportée" au dernier moment, avait indiqué plus tôt l'ambassadeur iranien auprès de l'Agence internationale de l'énergie atomique (AIEA), Ali-Asghar Soltanieh. "Nous n'aurons pas de réunion à Vienne aujourd'hui, mais dans quelques jours", avait déclaré M. Soltanieh, en invoquant des raisons pratiques pour ce report. Le ministère allemand des Affaires étrangères a confirmé mercredi la tenue d'une réunion de hauts fonctionnaires des "Six" (Allemagne, France, Grande-Bretagne, Russie, Etats-Unis et Chine) jeudi à Berlin sur le nucléaire iranien. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060906.0647.LDC2007T07::3	 Iranian nuclear negotiator set for talks in Spain Chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani is due to visit Spain on Thursday for talks with Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, an official said. He is also expected to briefly meet Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an official in the Spanish presidency said. "Spain hopes to facilitate the dialogue" between Iran and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana over the international community's standoff with Iran concerning its disputed nuclear programme, the official said. The United States and others accuse Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons with sensitive uranium enrichment work Tehran says is for peaceful energy purposes only. Spanish news agency Europa Press reported that Moratinos is expected to press Larijani to respond positively to an offer of economic incentives from world powers in exchange for Tehran's suspension of uranium enrichment. Iran refused to suspend enrichment before a August 31 deadline, citing its right to develop nuclear energy, and is now facing possible UN sanctions. Larijani was expected to meet Solana on Wednesday to discuss the impasse but the meeting was delayed at the last minute and a new date has not been set. His visit to Madrid coincides with one from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is also due to meet Zapatero and Moratinos on Thursday for talks including Iran and the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The presidency official said the Iranian negotiator was not expected to meet Annan during his time in the Spanish capital. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant in talks in Tehran with Annan at the weekend. Ahmadinejad told Annan he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear program but would not accept a suspension of enrichment before talks. The European Union said at a foreign ministers meeting in Finland Saturday that it would give Iran extra time to show it was serious about negotiating but warned the Western bloc expected a clear response. A meeting between Solana and Larijani would be a key step in getting talks started. pal/sgi/smc/ag Iran-nucléaire-politique-Espagne-Onu-UE BON POUR TOUS/ Le négociateur iranien Ali Larijani s'entretiendra jeudi avec M. Moratinos MADRID, 6 sept 2006 (AFP) - Le chef des négociateurs nucléaires iraniens, Ali Larijani, s'entretiendra jeudi à Madrid avec le ministre espagnol des Affaires étrangères, Miguel Angel Moratinos, a indiqué une source de la présidence du gouvernement espagnol. "L'Espagne souhaite faciliter le dialogue" entre le négociateur iranien et le chef de la diplomatie européenne, l'Espagnol Javier Solana, a indiqué dans la soirée cette source à l'AFP, pour expliquer cette visite. Le négociateur iranien sera également brièvement reçu au siège de l'exécutif espagnol par le chef du gouvernement, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Sa visite dans la capitale espagnole coïncidera avec celle du secrétaire général des Nations unies, Kofi Annan, de retour d'une tournée au Moyen-Orient. Mais "il n'est pas prévu" que les deux hommes se rencontrent, a assuré à l'AFP une source de l'Onu jointe au téléphone depuis Madrid. Selon l'agence espagnole Europa Press, MM. Zapatero et Moratinos devraient presser le négociateur iranien de répondre à l'offre de coopération renforcée et de réouverture de négociations des "Six" grandes puissances en échange de la suspension par l'Iran de son programme d'enrichissement d'uranium. Après son refus de suspendre ces activités au 31 août comme l'avait exigé le Conseil de sécurité de l'Onu, l'Iran est théoriquement passible de sanctions. M. Larijani devait rencontrer mercredi à Vienne le chef de la diplomatie européenne Javier Solana, mais cette rencontre a été "reportée" au dernier moment, avait indiqué plus tôt l'ambassadeur iranien auprès de l'Agence internationale de l'énergie atomique (AIEA), Ali-Asghar Soltanieh. "Nous n'aurons pas de réunion à Vienne aujourd'hui, mais dans quelques jours", avait déclaré M. Soltanieh, en invoquant des raisons pratiques pour ce report. Le ministère allemand des Affaires étrangères a confirmé mercredi la tenue d'une réunion de hauts fonctionnaires des "Six" (Allemagne, France, Grande-Bretagne, Russie, Etats-Unis et Chine) jeudi à Berlin sur le nucléaire iranien. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::1	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::2	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::3	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::4	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::5	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::6	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20060907.0454.LDC2007T07::7	 Madrid urges Iranian nuclear negotiator to be 'flexible' Spain's foreign minister urged Iran on Thursday to show flexibility in the crisis over its atomic programme, as he met Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a Spanish diplomatic source told AFP. Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos held a one-hour meeting with Larijani in Madrid "to ask the Iranians to be flexible and be open to negotiations." Moratinos' comments came as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he expected to meet with Larijani on Saturday to discuss the nuclear crisis. "I have said it will be in two days," Solana told reporters during a trip to Denmark. For his part, Larijani told Iranian state television after his talks in Madrid that he would meet Solana in the "next few days". "In the next few days I will meet with Mr Solana to discuss the ambiguities between the two sides," he said, referring to an offer of a package of incentives from the innternational community in return for a pledge from Teheran to halt its uranium enrichment activities. It was not clear on Thursday where the meeting between the two men might take place however. A Spanish news agency quoted Larijani as saying the talks would be held "somewhere in Europe," and Iranian radio said they would happen in Vienna. Larijani had been expected to meet Solana in Vienna on Wednesday but the meeting was "delayed for several days", according to Ali-Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The 25-nation EU still hopes that it will be possible to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, and is eager to try and convince Tehran to accept the international community's offer. But Tehran has already ignored an August 31 deadline from the UN to stop producing enriched uranium -- which can be used both as nuclear fuel and as material for atomic bombs -- insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear power programme. Following Thursday's meeting, Larijani said in a statement that Tehran was still willing to negotiate with Western powers, who fear that Iran's civilian nuclear programme may be a screen for developing atomic weapons. "(He) underlined Iran's desire and determination to conduct serious and constructive negotiations with the Five plus One group on all bilateral problems, including the nuclear question," Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, of which Larijani is secretary, said in a statement. "(Larijani also) said he hoped the forthcoming talks with Mr Solana would be fruitful," it added. The Five plus One group refers to the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. These six powers were meeting in Berlin on Thursday to work out a new strategy for tackling the crisis. Iran's rebuttal of the UN's demand that it halt uranium enrichment could, in theory, lead to sanctions against Tehran. In comments to Iranian state television before travelling to Madrid, Larijani reiterated Tehran's position. "Talk of punitive measures against Iran has no legal basis and is counter to international rules and those of the IAEA," he declared. Larijani's unexpected trip to Madrid, where he also briefly met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, coincided with a visit to the Spanish capital by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Both men were staying at the Ritz hotel but UN and Spanish sources said they were not expected to meet. Annan told reporters in Madrid that the UN wanted Tehran to provide guarantees that its nuclear programme was genuinely peaceful. In talks with the secretary general at the weekend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had said he was prepared to negotiate on Iran's nuclear programme but would not agree to suspend uranium enrichment first. Both Annan and Larijani also discussed the latest crisis in the Middle East in their separate taks with Spanish leaders. "(Larijani) welcomed the constructive and positive role Europe and Spain have played in Lebanon and Palestine and said Iran was ready to help them in this area," the Iranian security council statement said. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070103.0244.LDC2009T13::1	 Iran to launch production of industrial nuclear fuel by Farhad Pouladi President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday vowed Iran will step up its atomic programme despite UN sanctions, predicting Tehran would soon "push the button" to produce nuclear fuel for industrial uses. "Iran has the fuel cycle and very soon we will push the button on nuclear fuel production for industrial uses," said Ahmadinejad in a speech in Ghotvand, in western Khuzestan province, according to the IRNA news agency. "The Iranian people have taken their decision and will in no way pay attention to empty cries of the materialists and the bullying of the decadent powers." Iran has already announced it has enriched uranium to levels of around five percent. Producing nuclear fuel that could theoretically be used in a power station would be another important step in mastering the nuclear fuel cycle. Ahmadinejad's latest comments come in defiance of a UN Security Council resolution at the end of last year which imposed sanctions against Tehran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment. Western powers want Iran to suspend enrichment, a process that they fear could be used to make nuclear weapons. Iran insists its atomic programme is entirely peaceful and it has every right to the full nuclear fuel cycle. Iranian officials have already predicted Iran would be able to make a major announcement on its nuclear programme during the 28th anniversary celebrations of the Islamic revolution in February. "The Iranian people will not retreat one iota from their rights and the revolutionary celebration will be a celebration that proves Iran's nuclear rights," Ahmadinejad said. "The Iranian people are insisting on their position and want nothing more than their rights. The bullying powers should know that whatever fuss they make they have to surrender to the Iranian people's will." He did not go into details on the scale of the fuel production, but producing nuclear fuel for an atomic power station would involve the continuous running of centrifuges to produce enriched uranium of high quality and quantity. Iran has also said it wants to install 3,000 uranium enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plant in Natanz, central Iran, by March but it is unclear which stage these plans have reached. In October, Iran only had two cascades of 164 centrifuges in Natanz declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) so the plan to install 3,000 centrifuges would take its enrichment to a new level. Russia is building Iran's first nuclear power station in the southern city of Bushehr, a much delayed project which is due to be opened in September 2007. Moscow plans on delivering fuel for the plant in March. However, Iran has also insisted it has every right to produce its own nuclear fuel on Iranian soil in defiance of international calls for the work to be carried outside the Islamic republic. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070103.0244.LDC2009T13::2	 Iran to launch production of industrial nuclear fuel by Farhad Pouladi President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday vowed Iran will step up its atomic programme despite UN sanctions, predicting Tehran would soon "push the button" to produce nuclear fuel for industrial uses. "Iran has the fuel cycle and very soon we will push the button on nuclear fuel production for industrial uses," said Ahmadinejad in a speech in Ghotvand, in western Khuzestan province, according to the IRNA news agency. "The Iranian people have taken their decision and will in no way pay attention to empty cries of the materialists and the bullying of the decadent powers." Iran has already announced it has enriched uranium to levels of around five percent. Producing nuclear fuel that could theoretically be used in a power station would be another important step in mastering the nuclear fuel cycle. Ahmadinejad's latest comments come in defiance of a UN Security Council resolution at the end of last year which imposed sanctions against Tehran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment. Western powers want Iran to suspend enrichment, a process that they fear could be used to make nuclear weapons. Iran insists its atomic programme is entirely peaceful and it has every right to the full nuclear fuel cycle. Iranian officials have already predicted Iran would be able to make a major announcement on its nuclear programme during the 28th anniversary celebrations of the Islamic revolution in February. "The Iranian people will not retreat one iota from their rights and the revolutionary celebration will be a celebration that proves Iran's nuclear rights," Ahmadinejad said. "The Iranian people are insisting on their position and want nothing more than their rights. The bullying powers should know that whatever fuss they make they have to surrender to the Iranian people's will." He did not go into details on the scale of the fuel production, but producing nuclear fuel for an atomic power station would involve the continuous running of centrifuges to produce enriched uranium of high quality and quantity. Iran has also said it wants to install 3,000 uranium enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plant in Natanz, central Iran, by March but it is unclear which stage these plans have reached. In October, Iran only had two cascades of 164 centrifuges in Natanz declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) so the plan to install 3,000 centrifuges would take its enrichment to a new level. Russia is building Iran's first nuclear power station in the southern city of Bushehr, a much delayed project which is due to be opened in September 2007. Moscow plans on delivering fuel for the plant in March. However, Iran has also insisted it has every right to produce its own nuclear fuel on Iranian soil in defiance of international calls for the work to be carried outside the Islamic republic. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070103.0489.LDC2009T13::1	 Iran women chip away at male political supremacy by Hiedeh Farmani Banned from becoming president and with just a dozen MPs, women have started making inroads in the male-dominated world of Iranian politics by boosting their numbers on local councils. Former high school teacher Fatemeh Ashdari, 42, was one of dozens of women who made a strong showing in December's municipal elections by winning a seat on the city council in the city of Qazvin northwest of Tehran. "Somebody has to take the first steps to pave the way for the next generation," the energetic, chardor-clad Ashdari, a conservative, told AFP. "Women cannot just have the decorative jobs of an advisor or a consultant. Men have to allow us to make our mistakes and learn," she said. Ashdari is one of four women who will sit in the new nine-member council in Qazvin after the December 15 elections, where women represented just one-sixth of the 180 candidates in the city. While Iranian women have yet to make a major breakthrough on a national stage, their success in the municipal polls was startling -- out of 264 seats available on councils in provincial capitals, 44 went to women. And in a number of cities and towns, it was female candidates who polled the most votes, most notably in the cities of Shiraz and Hamedan where two women who are still in their 20s pocketed the highest number of votes. Ashdari said she won her second term on Qazvin city council with "the least publicity as people were happy with my work in the council and got me in again simply by the word of mouth." She attributed her success to "being there for people and following up persistently on their demands" after resolving property disputes, expanding green spaces and promoting cultural centers for women." "I miss out on a lot of family life but it is a very rewarding job," said Ashdari, who is juggling motherhood and chairing two charities and council membership. Qazvin resident and civil servant Mohammad Taheri, 31, voted for Ashdari as he said he was "fed up with male candidates with big titles who do not deliver on their promises". "Women did not let us down in the two previous councils", he said. "And they run households so efficiently, the city is just like a big house." Fakhrosadat Mohtashamipour, a former deputy interior minister for women's affairs, said it was no surprise that Iranian women, who now outnumber men at universities, had done so well in elections. "Despite their small role in politics there are large numbers of educated women who are doing all kinds of jobs. There is no surprise they fared well in municipal polls," he said. "Women are generally more caring and in the council there is room for attention to people's individual needs." Ashdari spends hours in her office listening to people's complaints about their problems, some of which are not relevant to her municipal duties such as needing an urgent kidney transplant or a legal dispute over an inheritance. The ambitious councillor's next target is the parliament and she deplores the fact that there are so few female lawmakers in the body -- just 12 out of 290. Mohtashamipour believes Iranian society is prepared to accept more women in key decision-making roles but partly blames the major political parties for not doing enough to attract and involve woman members. "In legislative elections, people mainly vote for party candidates," she said, adding her reformist Participation Front party had initially decided to nominate five women in the municipal polls for Tehran, but had to reduce it to three in a coalition with other groups. "The reformist parties in particular have to invest in women and explore their potential," she said. Mohtashamipour is also an advocate of affirmative action and positive discrimination to allocate a certain quota for female members in parliament. "It is true that women have to be empowered first, but if there is no will to use their expertise, they will only be disappointed and alienated." Since the Islamic revolution, no woman has served as a minister in an Iranian cabinet. Reformist president Mohammad Khatami, who swept to power with the help of female votes, started a new trend by naming two women to serve as vice presidents for the environment and women's affairs. Hardline successor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has kept up his predecessor's tradition by filling the same portfolios with women, but all ministries are still headed by men. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070103.0489.LDC2009T13::2	 Iran women chip away at male political supremacy by Hiedeh Farmani Banned from becoming president and with just a dozen MPs, women have started making inroads in the male-dominated world of Iranian politics by boosting their numbers on local councils. Former high school teacher Fatemeh Ashdari, 42, was one of dozens of women who made a strong showing in December's municipal elections by winning a seat on the city council in the city of Qazvin northwest of Tehran. "Somebody has to take the first steps to pave the way for the next generation," the energetic, chardor-clad Ashdari, a conservative, told AFP. "Women cannot just have the decorative jobs of an advisor or a consultant. Men have to allow us to make our mistakes and learn," she said. Ashdari is one of four women who will sit in the new nine-member council in Qazvin after the December 15 elections, where women represented just one-sixth of the 180 candidates in the city. While Iranian women have yet to make a major breakthrough on a national stage, their success in the municipal polls was startling -- out of 264 seats available on councils in provincial capitals, 44 went to women. And in a number of cities and towns, it was female candidates who polled the most votes, most notably in the cities of Shiraz and Hamedan where two women who are still in their 20s pocketed the highest number of votes. Ashdari said she won her second term on Qazvin city council with "the least publicity as people were happy with my work in the council and got me in again simply by the word of mouth." She attributed her success to "being there for people and following up persistently on their demands" after resolving property disputes, expanding green spaces and promoting cultural centers for women." "I miss out on a lot of family life but it is a very rewarding job," said Ashdari, who is juggling motherhood and chairing two charities and council membership. Qazvin resident and civil servant Mohammad Taheri, 31, voted for Ashdari as he said he was "fed up with male candidates with big titles who do not deliver on their promises". "Women did not let us down in the two previous councils", he said. "And they run households so efficiently, the city is just like a big house." Fakhrosadat Mohtashamipour, a former deputy interior minister for women's affairs, said it was no surprise that Iranian women, who now outnumber men at universities, had done so well in elections. "Despite their small role in politics there are large numbers of educated women who are doing all kinds of jobs. There is no surprise they fared well in municipal polls," he said. "Women are generally more caring and in the council there is room for attention to people's individual needs." Ashdari spends hours in her office listening to people's complaints about their problems, some of which are not relevant to her municipal duties such as needing an urgent kidney transplant or a legal dispute over an inheritance. The ambitious councillor's next target is the parliament and she deplores the fact that there are so few female lawmakers in the body -- just 12 out of 290. Mohtashamipour believes Iranian society is prepared to accept more women in key decision-making roles but partly blames the major political parties for not doing enough to attract and involve woman members. "In legislative elections, people mainly vote for party candidates," she said, adding her reformist Participation Front party had initially decided to nominate five women in the municipal polls for Tehran, but had to reduce it to three in a coalition with other groups. "The reformist parties in particular have to invest in women and explore their potential," she said. Mohtashamipour is also an advocate of affirmative action and positive discrimination to allocate a certain quota for female members in parliament. "It is true that women have to be empowered first, but if there is no will to use their expertise, they will only be disappointed and alienated." Since the Islamic revolution, no woman has served as a minister in an Iranian cabinet. Reformist president Mohammad Khatami, who swept to power with the help of female votes, started a new trend by naming two women to serve as vice presidents for the environment and women's affairs. Hardline successor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has kept up his predecessor's tradition by filling the same portfolios with women, but all ministries are still headed by men. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0043.LDC2009T13::1	 Iran hangs three criminals Iran has hanged two murderers and a rapist in Evin, Tehran's main prison, a press report said on Thursday. Nazir Ozbak, an Afghan, was executed for murdering three women in Tehran and discarding their bodies in the sewage of a building, Ayandeh No newspaper reported. Another murderer, identified only by his first name Qader, was hanged for killing a man to whom he owed 2,160 dollars in a deserted area on the outskirts of Tehran, the report said. A third man, identified only by his first name Rasoul, was hanged for forcefully kidnapping a married woman and raping her in northern Iran about two years ago, the report said. The hangings were all carried out on Wednesday. They bring to at least four the number of executions in Iran so far this year after a drug trafficker was hanged in a prison in the central city of Isfahan earlier in the week. Last year at least 154 people were executed in Iran according, to an AFP tally based on press and witness reports. Amnesty International says there were 94 executions in Iran in 2005. Capital offences in the Islamic republic include murder, rape, armed robbery, apostasy, blasphemy, serious drug trafficking, repeated sodomy, adultery or prostitution, treason and espionage. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0043.LDC2009T13::2	 Iran hangs three criminals Iran has hanged two murderers and a rapist in Evin, Tehran's main prison, a press report said on Thursday. Nazir Ozbak, an Afghan, was executed for murdering three women in Tehran and discarding their bodies in the sewage of a building, Ayandeh No newspaper reported. Another murderer, identified only by his first name Qader, was hanged for killing a man to whom he owed 2,160 dollars in a deserted area on the outskirts of Tehran, the report said. A third man, identified only by his first name Rasoul, was hanged for forcefully kidnapping a married woman and raping her in northern Iran about two years ago, the report said. The hangings were all carried out on Wednesday. They bring to at least four the number of executions in Iran so far this year after a drug trafficker was hanged in a prison in the central city of Isfahan earlier in the week. Last year at least 154 people were executed in Iran according, to an AFP tally based on press and witness reports. Amnesty International says there were 94 executions in Iran in 2005. Capital offences in the Islamic republic include murder, rape, armed robbery, apostasy, blasphemy, serious drug trafficking, repeated sodomy, adultery or prostitution, treason and espionage. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070104.0043.LDC2009T13::3	 Iran hangs three criminals Iran has hanged two murderers and a rapist in Evin, Tehran's main prison, a press report said on Thursday. Nazir Ozbak, an Afghan, was executed for murdering three women in Tehran and discarding their bodies in the sewage of a building, Ayandeh No newspaper reported. Another murderer, identified only by his first name Qader, was hanged for killing a man to whom he owed 2,160 dollars in a deserted area on the outskirts of Tehran, the report said. A third man, identified only by his first name Rasoul, was hanged for forcefully kidnapping a married woman and raping her in northern Iran about two years ago, the report said. The hangings were all carried out on Wednesday. They bring to at least four the number of executions in Iran so far this year after a drug trafficker was hanged in a prison in the central city of Isfahan earlier in the week. Last year at least 154 people were executed in Iran according, to an AFP tally based on press and witness reports. Amnesty International says there were 94 executions in Iran in 2005. Capital offences in the Islamic republic include murder, rape, armed robbery, apostasy, blasphemy, serious drug trafficking, repeated sodomy, adultery or prostitution, treason and espionage. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941019.0289.LDC2007T07::1	 Iraqi opposition leaders to meet in Kurdistan Iraqi opposition leaders will meet soon in the Kurdish-controlled city of Arbil, northern Iraq, to patch up their differences, one of them said here Wednesday. Massud Barzani, leader of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (DPK), told the official Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA that he had discussed the meeting with the head of the Tehran-based Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SAIRI), Ayatollah Mohammad Bagher Hakim. They said they planned to "improve relations" between their movements and "step up the struggle" against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Barzani, ending a ten-day visit to Tehran, said the Iranian authorities had "agreed to continue their assistance to the people of Iraqi Kurdistan." Barzani's group seized control of northern Iraq along with another Kurdish movement, Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in an uprising launched after Iraq's defeat in the January-February 1991 Gulf war. Iraqi secular and Iranian-backed Shiite Moslem groups differ with the Kurdish groups on the sort of regime they want to replace Saddam's, and have boycotted the opposition meetings over the past two years. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941019.0289.LDC2007T07::2	 Iraqi opposition leaders to meet in Kurdistan Iraqi opposition leaders will meet soon in the Kurdish-controlled city of Arbil, northern Iraq, to patch up their differences, one of them said here Wednesday. Massud Barzani, leader of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (DPK), told the official Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA that he had discussed the meeting with the head of the Tehran-based Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SAIRI), Ayatollah Mohammad Bagher Hakim. They said they planned to "improve relations" between their movements and "step up the struggle" against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Barzani, ending a ten-day visit to Tehran, said the Iranian authorities had "agreed to continue their assistance to the people of Iraqi Kurdistan." Barzani's group seized control of northern Iraq along with another Kurdish movement, Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in an uprising launched after Iraq's defeat in the January-February 1991 Gulf war. Iraqi secular and Iranian-backed Shiite Moslem groups differ with the Kurdish groups on the sort of regime they want to replace Saddam's, and have boycotted the opposition meetings over the past two years. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::1	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::2	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::3	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::4	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::5	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
Tehran::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_19941101.0161.LDC2007T07::6	 Tension high ahead of Iranian murder trial by Dominique Vernier Three Iranians accused of killing their country's ex-premier Shahpur Bakhtiar on the orders of Iran's secret services go on trial Wednesday in a case which could severely test Tehran's relations with France and with the West. Maximum security measures are being enforced at the Paris Assize Court and across the French capital ahead of the start of the trial over the murder of Bakhtiar and his chief of staff in their house in a Paris suburb in 1991. Tehran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing of Bakhtiar, Iran's last prime minister before the 1979 Islamic revolution, who had sought asylum in France and become an opposition leader. Bakhtiar and his chief of staff, Sorush Katibeth, were found dead on August 8, 1991 in their villa in Suresnes, in the west of the French capital, apparently strangled. The three men in court this week are among nine in all who have been charged in connection with the killings. The six others are still on the run, and will be tried in absentia at the trial, which is set to last four weeks. The principal suspect is Ali Rad Vakili, 35, who will appear in court Wednesday morning alongside Massoud Hendi, 47, and Zeynal Abedine Sarhadi, 28, charged as accomplices. Over the next month or so, some 90 witnesses will be called to give evidence before a bench comprising seven judges. Security has been tightened around the court building, while shops, train stations and tourist sites are to be subject to strict security measures during the trial. The three suspects have been accused in particular by French anti- terrorist judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, in charge of the case, of having links with the Iranian secret service -- a charge consistently denied by Tehran. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed confidence last month that the "judgement would be in Iran's favor" if the proceedings were unbiased and not politicized. But a suspicion that Iranian secret services were involved has already caused the two countries to stop exchanging visits at the highest levels. Observers agree that Tehran's implication in the killings at the trial would strike a severe blow to Iran-France relations, which have normalized -- albeit at a minimal level -- since the assassination of Bakhtiar. The details of the killing are unclear -- he had been dead for 48 hours when his body was found. But he would be a natural target for Iranian agents wanting to silence him. Bakhtiar survived a first assassination attempt in 1980, shortly after the shah's ouster, when a gunman attacked his home in the western Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Iran has a particular desire to maintain France as an economic partner in Europe, although the country's financial crisis has led to a significant drop in trade. France remains a haven for exiled opposition leaders, including former senior government figures under the ousted shah. A number of them are under 24-hour police guard. Key opposition figures living in France include former president Abolhassan Banisadr, who lives in Versailles, and former education minister Manoucher Gandji, who lives in Boulogne-Billancourt west of Paris, The Iranian opposition alleges that agents working for the Tehran regime have carried out some 65 killings since the fundamentalist regime came to power. France is not the only country which has strained relations with Tehran. Other members of the European Union have also refrained from exchanging visits with the Islamic republic as several other European countries have also been the scene of attacks against Iranian opposition leaders. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071120.0467.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Nigeria to use Malaga base for Africa Nations Cup Nigeria's Super Eagles will begin final preparations for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on January 4 in Malaga, Spain, coach Berti Vogts has said. "We will begin final training for the Nations Cup on January 4 in Malaga. Emphasis will be on strategies and team tactics," said Vogts. "We picked Malaga because it is sunny all year round and that is what we will have in Ghana." Nigeria will Tuesday continue their build-up to Ghana 2008 when they take on Switzerland in Berne. On Saturday they lost by a goal to Australia in London. The Eagles will play two friendlies against Egypt and Sudan while in Spain. They will tackle Egypt on January 8 and four days later test their readiness for the competition against Sudan. Nigeria, who are drawn in a tough first round group that also includes Ivory Coast, Mali and Benin, trained in Malaga prior to the 2000 Nations Cup which the country jointly hosted with Ghana. Vogts said he will announce his final 23-man squad for next year's Nations Cup by the second week of December and was confident of a Nigerian victory at the tournament. "I will announce my squad for the final preparations in December," he said. "I'm happy we have been making steady progress since I took over the team in March. We have kept showing improvements from match to match and I'm sure we will be ready before the Nations Cup." The former Scotland boss added: "We need good preparation and some luck because I believe we are capable of beating any team in the world. I need the best Nigerian players in Ghana and if we can avoid injuries and with a bit of luck, we can win the cup." The Eagles have won the tournament twice in 1980 and 1994 and placed third in the last three editions. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071120.0467.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Nigeria to use Malaga base for Africa Nations Cup Nigeria's Super Eagles will begin final preparations for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on January 4 in Malaga, Spain, coach Berti Vogts has said. "We will begin final training for the Nations Cup on January 4 in Malaga. Emphasis will be on strategies and team tactics," said Vogts. "We picked Malaga because it is sunny all year round and that is what we will have in Ghana." Nigeria will Tuesday continue their build-up to Ghana 2008 when they take on Switzerland in Berne. On Saturday they lost by a goal to Australia in London. The Eagles will play two friendlies against Egypt and Sudan while in Spain. They will tackle Egypt on January 8 and four days later test their readiness for the competition against Sudan. Nigeria, who are drawn in a tough first round group that also includes Ivory Coast, Mali and Benin, trained in Malaga prior to the 2000 Nations Cup which the country jointly hosted with Ghana. Vogts said he will announce his final 23-man squad for next year's Nations Cup by the second week of December and was confident of a Nigerian victory at the tournament. "I will announce my squad for the final preparations in December," he said. "I'm happy we have been making steady progress since I took over the team in March. We have kept showing improvements from match to match and I'm sure we will be ready before the Nations Cup." The former Scotland boss added: "We need good preparation and some luck because I believe we are capable of beating any team in the world. I need the best Nigerian players in Ghana and if we can avoid injuries and with a bit of luck, we can win the cup." The Eagles have won the tournament twice in 1980 and 1994 and placed third in the last three editions. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071024.0117.LDC2009T13::1	 Nigeria coach Vogts promises Nations' Cup trophy ABUJA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) Berti Vogts, Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach, has promised to win the African Nations' Cup trophy next year. The Eagles are placed the 23rd on FIFA ranking, leading the African teams. They were drawn alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Benin Republic and would start their campaign on Jan. 21, in Sekondi, Ghana. "I like to promise you that we will come back from Ghana with the cup," Vogts said on a courtesy visit to Abdulrahaman Gimba, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Tuesday in Abuja. Vogts said, "What we need is good preparation and good players. I know with these, there is nothing stopping us from achieving our dream." "I promise to assemble best Nigerian players for the event." He invited Gimba to the Eagles camp to help boost the morale of the players during the tournament. "I like to invite you to our camp in Ghana to stay briefly with the players to say good luck and boost their morale," Vogts said. Vogts acknowledged that winning the cup might be tough going by the antecedents of the teams in the Eagles' group. "It is not going to be easy because we are in a tough group, but being one of the best team and a favorite as well as our name as African giant would see us through," he said. Vogts said he was in constant touch with the clubs in Europe to ensure early release of the players he called to the camp for preparations. "I want the best players for the team so I keep in touch with teams managers abroad to ensure that my players would be released on time for the camp," he said. The Eagles camp will open in Malaga, Spain on Jan. 3. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071024.0117.LDC2009T13::2	 Nigeria coach Vogts promises Nations' Cup trophy ABUJA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) Berti Vogts, Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach, has promised to win the African Nations' Cup trophy next year. The Eagles are placed the 23rd on FIFA ranking, leading the African teams. They were drawn alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Benin Republic and would start their campaign on Jan. 21, in Sekondi, Ghana. "I like to promise you that we will come back from Ghana with the cup," Vogts said on a courtesy visit to Abdulrahaman Gimba, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Tuesday in Abuja. Vogts said, "What we need is good preparation and good players. I know with these, there is nothing stopping us from achieving our dream." "I promise to assemble best Nigerian players for the event." He invited Gimba to the Eagles camp to help boost the morale of the players during the tournament. "I like to invite you to our camp in Ghana to stay briefly with the players to say good luck and boost their morale," Vogts said. Vogts acknowledged that winning the cup might be tough going by the antecedents of the teams in the Eagles' group. "It is not going to be easy because we are in a tough group, but being one of the best team and a favorite as well as our name as African giant would see us through," he said. Vogts said he was in constant touch with the clubs in Europe to ensure early release of the players he called to the camp for preparations. "I want the best players for the team so I keep in touch with teams managers abroad to ensure that my players would be released on time for the camp," he said. The Eagles camp will open in Malaga, Spain on Jan. 3. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071217.0027.LDC2009T13::1	 Nigeria, South Africa to kick-start World Cup race LAOGS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) Nigeria and South Africa were drawn to clash at the 2010 World Cup qualifying race in the fixtures released by FIFA, local media reported Monday. The Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana were presented the same opportunity at the USA 1994 World Cup qualifiers when they met in the opening game of their group in 1993. The Eagles won 4-0 at the National Stadium in Lagos. Again, the Bafana Bafana will tackle the Eagles at the National Stadium in Abuja on June 1, 2008, in a Group Four opening match. According to the fixtures, Nigeria's next opponent is Sierra Leone on June 7 in Freetown where the Eagles lost 1-0 to the Leone Stars in a crucial Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup qualifier in April 2001. The defeat cost Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere his job. On June 15, 2008, the Eagles will be in Malabo to take on Equatorial Guinea, and a week later host the Guineans in a return leg at the National Stadium, Abuja. The Eagles face the Bafana Bafana in South Africa on Sept. 6, 2008 before hosting Sierra Leone in Abuja on Oct. 11. 
The_Eagles::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20071217.0027.LDC2009T13::2	 Nigeria, South Africa to kick-start World Cup race LAOGS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) Nigeria and South Africa were drawn to clash at the 2010 World Cup qualifying race in the fixtures released by FIFA, local media reported Monday. The Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana were presented the same opportunity at the USA 1994 World Cup qualifiers when they met in the opening game of their group in 1993. The Eagles won 4-0 at the National Stadium in Lagos. Again, the Bafana Bafana will tackle the Eagles at the National Stadium in Abuja on June 1, 2008, in a Group Four opening match. According to the fixtures, Nigeria's next opponent is Sierra Leone on June 7 in Freetown where the Eagles lost 1-0 to the Leone Stars in a crucial Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup qualifier in April 2001. The defeat cost Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere his job. On June 15, 2008, the Eagles will be in Malabo to take on Equatorial Guinea, and a week later host the Guineans in a return leg at the National Stadium, Abuja. The Eagles face the Bafana Bafana in South Africa on Sept. 6, 2008 before hosting Sierra Leone in Abuja on Oct. 11. 
The_Lions::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080410.0286.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyU: Ten-match Lions schedule in SAfrica unveiled The British and Irish Lions are to play 10 matches on their tour of South Africa next year, including three Tests against the world champion Springboks, organisers said on Thursday.The Tests against the Boks will take place on June 20 in Durban, June 27 in Pretoria and July 4 in Johannesburg. No Test has been scheduled for Cape Town, the headquarters of SA Rugby. "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the World Champions on their own turf," Lions chairman Andy Irvine told reporters at the announcement of the schedule in Cape Town. "The tour itself promises to be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion but I am certain that the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well." Jonathan Stones, managing director of SA Rugby, predicted the tour would be a box-office smash on a par with South Africa's hosting of the 1995 rugby World Cup. "The Lions tour will be a massive sporting event, on par with the rugby World Cup, and is expected to be a huge success. We are putting in place an exciting programme and look forward to hosting this unique team. "It is anticipated that South Africa will reap significant economic benefits from this tour." His view was backed up Paul Vaughan, managing director of England Rugby Travel (ERT) and business operations director at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), who is expecting record numbers of travelling fans for a Lions tour. More than 10,000 supporters have already registered their interest in going on tour with ERT and Vaughan said, in a statement: "The British and Irish Lions tours are very special occasions that happen once every four years. "They are truly unique sporting experiences which is why so many supporters want to be part of them. "The tour of South Africa combines some fascinating rugby encounters in the early stages with three immense Test matches against the Rugby World Cup winners. Mix this up with the chance to enjoy and explore South Africa and you can see why so many fans want to go." The Lions will play matches in seven cities over a period of six weeks, commencing with a game against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30. The tour schedule includes six weekend fixtures and four midweek matches. Apart from the three Test matches, there is also a fixture against the Emerging Springboks on June 23. The Lions have toured South Africa on 12 previous occasions, with the first tour to this country taking place in 1891. The last Lions tour, in 2005, ended in an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand and widespread criticism of coach Clive Woodward's decision to opt for an unusually large squad of 44 players for an 11-match campaign. Schedule May 30: Highveld XV, Rustenburg June 3 Golden Lions, Johannesburg June 6 Cheetahs, Bloemfontein June 10: Sharks, Durban June 13: Western Province, Cape Town June 16/17: Coastal XV, Port Elizabeth June 20: First Test Durban June 23: Emerging Boks, Cape Town June 27: Second Test, Pretoria July 4: Third Test, Johannesburg 
The_Lions::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080410.0286.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyU: Ten-match Lions schedule in SAfrica unveiled The British and Irish Lions are to play 10 matches on their tour of South Africa next year, including three Tests against the world champion Springboks, organisers said on Thursday.The Tests against the Boks will take place on June 20 in Durban, June 27 in Pretoria and July 4 in Johannesburg. No Test has been scheduled for Cape Town, the headquarters of SA Rugby. "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the World Champions on their own turf," Lions chairman Andy Irvine told reporters at the announcement of the schedule in Cape Town. "The tour itself promises to be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion but I am certain that the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well." Jonathan Stones, managing director of SA Rugby, predicted the tour would be a box-office smash on a par with South Africa's hosting of the 1995 rugby World Cup. "The Lions tour will be a massive sporting event, on par with the rugby World Cup, and is expected to be a huge success. We are putting in place an exciting programme and look forward to hosting this unique team. "It is anticipated that South Africa will reap significant economic benefits from this tour." His view was backed up Paul Vaughan, managing director of England Rugby Travel (ERT) and business operations director at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), who is expecting record numbers of travelling fans for a Lions tour. More than 10,000 supporters have already registered their interest in going on tour with ERT and Vaughan said, in a statement: "The British and Irish Lions tours are very special occasions that happen once every four years. "They are truly unique sporting experiences which is why so many supporters want to be part of them. "The tour of South Africa combines some fascinating rugby encounters in the early stages with three immense Test matches against the Rugby World Cup winners. Mix this up with the chance to enjoy and explore South Africa and you can see why so many fans want to go." The Lions will play matches in seven cities over a period of six weeks, commencing with a game against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30. The tour schedule includes six weekend fixtures and four midweek matches. Apart from the three Test matches, there is also a fixture against the Emerging Springboks on June 23. The Lions have toured South Africa on 12 previous occasions, with the first tour to this country taking place in 1891. The last Lions tour, in 2005, ended in an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand and widespread criticism of coach Clive Woodward's decision to opt for an unusually large squad of 44 players for an 11-match campaign. Schedule May 30: Highveld XV, Rustenburg June 3 Golden Lions, Johannesburg June 6 Cheetahs, Bloemfontein June 10: Sharks, Durban June 13: Western Province, Cape Town June 16/17: Coastal XV, Port Elizabeth June 20: First Test Durban June 23: Emerging Boks, Cape Town June 27: Second Test, Pretoria July 4: Third Test, Johannesburg 
The_Lions::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080410.0286.LDC2009T13::3	 RugbyU: Ten-match Lions schedule in SAfrica unveiled The British and Irish Lions are to play 10 matches on their tour of South Africa next year, including three Tests against the world champion Springboks, organisers said on Thursday.The Tests against the Boks will take place on June 20 in Durban, June 27 in Pretoria and July 4 in Johannesburg. No Test has been scheduled for Cape Town, the headquarters of SA Rugby. "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the World Champions on their own turf," Lions chairman Andy Irvine told reporters at the announcement of the schedule in Cape Town. "The tour itself promises to be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion but I am certain that the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well." Jonathan Stones, managing director of SA Rugby, predicted the tour would be a box-office smash on a par with South Africa's hosting of the 1995 rugby World Cup. "The Lions tour will be a massive sporting event, on par with the rugby World Cup, and is expected to be a huge success. We are putting in place an exciting programme and look forward to hosting this unique team. "It is anticipated that South Africa will reap significant economic benefits from this tour." His view was backed up Paul Vaughan, managing director of England Rugby Travel (ERT) and business operations director at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), who is expecting record numbers of travelling fans for a Lions tour. More than 10,000 supporters have already registered their interest in going on tour with ERT and Vaughan said, in a statement: "The British and Irish Lions tours are very special occasions that happen once every four years. "They are truly unique sporting experiences which is why so many supporters want to be part of them. "The tour of South Africa combines some fascinating rugby encounters in the early stages with three immense Test matches against the Rugby World Cup winners. Mix this up with the chance to enjoy and explore South Africa and you can see why so many fans want to go." The Lions will play matches in seven cities over a period of six weeks, commencing with a game against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30. The tour schedule includes six weekend fixtures and four midweek matches. Apart from the three Test matches, there is also a fixture against the Emerging Springboks on June 23. The Lions have toured South Africa on 12 previous occasions, with the first tour to this country taking place in 1891. The last Lions tour, in 2005, ended in an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand and widespread criticism of coach Clive Woodward's decision to opt for an unusually large squad of 44 players for an 11-match campaign. Schedule May 30: Highveld XV, Rustenburg June 3 Golden Lions, Johannesburg June 6 Cheetahs, Bloemfontein June 10: Sharks, Durban June 13: Western Province, Cape Town June 16/17: Coastal XV, Port Elizabeth June 20: First Test Durban June 23: Emerging Boks, Cape Town June 27: Second Test, Pretoria July 4: Third Test, Johannesburg 
The_Lions::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080514.0460.LDC2009T13::1	 RugbyU: McGeechan returns to the Lions den Ian McGeechan was on Wednesday unveiled as manager for the British and Lions 2009 tour to South Africa. It will be the fourth time the 61-year-old Scot has led the Lions and it was under his stewardship that they scored a famous series victory over the Springboks in 1997. McGeechan, currently director of rugby at English giants Wasps, was involved with the 1974 and 1977 tours as a player, then in 2005 as assistant coach and 1987, 1993 and 1997 as head coach. South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White had expressed an interest in the job but the momentum behind McGeechan's appointment soon took over. Lions chairman Andy Irvine said: "A Lions tour is very special - even in the modern game they're as popular as ever. "Some years ago there was doubt they would even continue but I'm delighted to say they're as popular as ever," the former Scotland and Lions full-back added. "Many players have said playing for the Lions is the highlight of their career. And we expect 50,000 fans to travel South Africa. "The 2005 tour was very disappointing as we lost the Test series 3-0 so it's vital we have the best leadership for to achieve success in South Africa. "Once Gerald Davies was appointed tour manager all our attentions focused on who would be the best coach. From day one McGeechan was in our thoughts. "We wanted someone with a special bond with the Lions. We looked elsewhere as well but time and again we kept going back to Ian. "He's the most successful coach in Lions history." Former Scotland international Alan Tait, a member of the victorious 1997 Lions squad in South Africa coached by McGeechan, told Sky Sports: "The Lions just goes with his name. The enthusiasm is still going strong. "He's a pretty shrewd judge when it comes to picking players." Wales coach Warren Gatland and his longstanding assistant Shaun Edwards are favourites to join the Lions' coaching team and McGeechan revealed he will be assembling his back room staff as soon as possible. He said: "Gerald and I will spend some time together and talk things through. "I hope that over the next two months the management structure will be in place. From now we'll be working very hard in that respect." Wales hero Davies, widely regarded as one of the best wings in rugby union history, was a key member of the first, and so far only, Lions squad to win a Test series in New Zealand back in 1971. The Lions have 10 matches scheduled in South Africa, including Tests against the Springboks in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg between June 20 and July 4. Other fixtures include appointments with the Emerging Springboks, Western Province and the Sharks and the tour opens on May 30 against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg. 
The_Lions::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080514.0460.LDC2009T13::2	 RugbyU: McGeechan returns to the Lions den Ian McGeechan was on Wednesday unveiled as manager for the British and Lions 2009 tour to South Africa. It will be the fourth time the 61-year-old Scot has led the Lions and it was under his stewardship that they scored a famous series victory over the Springboks in 1997. McGeechan, currently director of rugby at English giants Wasps, was involved with the 1974 and 1977 tours as a player, then in 2005 as assistant coach and 1987, 1993 and 1997 as head coach. South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White had expressed an interest in the job but the momentum behind McGeechan's appointment soon took over. Lions chairman Andy Irvine said: "A Lions tour is very special - even in the modern game they're as popular as ever. "Some years ago there was doubt they would even continue but I'm delighted to say they're as popular as ever," the former Scotland and Lions full-back added. "Many players have said playing for the Lions is the highlight of their career. And we expect 50,000 fans to travel South Africa. "The 2005 tour was very disappointing as we lost the Test series 3-0 so it's vital we have the best leadership for to achieve success in South Africa. "Once Gerald Davies was appointed tour manager all our attentions focused on who would be the best coach. From day one McGeechan was in our thoughts. "We wanted someone with a special bond with the Lions. We looked elsewhere as well but time and again we kept going back to Ian. "He's the most successful coach in Lions history." Former Scotland international Alan Tait, a member of the victorious 1997 Lions squad in South Africa coached by McGeechan, told Sky Sports: "The Lions just goes with his name. The enthusiasm is still going strong. "He's a pretty shrewd judge when it comes to picking players." Wales coach Warren Gatland and his longstanding assistant Shaun Edwards are favourites to join the Lions' coaching team and McGeechan revealed he will be assembling his back room staff as soon as possible. He said: "Gerald and I will spend some time together and talk things through. "I hope that over the next two months the management structure will be in place. From now we'll be working very hard in that respect." Wales hero Davies, widely regarded as one of the best wings in rugby union history, was a key member of the first, and so far only, Lions squad to win a Test series in New Zealand back in 1971. The Lions have 10 matches scheduled in South Africa, including Tests against the Springboks in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg between June 20 and July 4. Other fixtures include appointments with the Emerging Springboks, Western Province and the Sharks and the tour opens on May 30 against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0761.LDC2009T13::1	 Tennis: Chang in talks to coach Chinese Olympic hope Former Grand Slam champion Michael Chang is being lined up to coach one of China's top women's tennis hopes for the 2008 Olympic Games, state media reported Tuesday. Chinese-American Chang, a tennis icon in Asia who won the French Open as a 17 -year-old, is already working with 21-year-old Peng Shuai, one of the women players China is grooming for Olympic glory, the China Daily said. Last year Chinese officials rebuffed Chang when he offered to help prepare their women for the Olympics. He spent five weeks in Beijing trying to arrange a meeting with Sun Jinfang, the head of the tennis federation, but failed. They eventually met during the Shanghai Masters Cup in November but nothing was agreed. However Chang, a Protestant pastor who runs his own charity, persevered and is currently in talks with sports authorities from Tianjin, Peng's hometown near Beijing, the newspaper quoted a top tennis federation official as saying. "It's still the early stages, but everything is possible between Chang and Tianjin (officials)," said Gao Shenyang, vice director of China's Tennis Administration Center, which runs the sport. Ranked 40th in the world, Peng is China's number three player, behind Li Na, 17th, and Zheng Jie, 32nd. In her breakthrough season in 2005 Peng rose to 31st in the world, then reached the third round of Wimbledon last year, her best Grand Slam finish. Gao said that Tianjin tennis authorities contacted Chang in January and officials from the port city were in the United States last week for further talks. Chang worked with Peng at last week's Pacific Life Open tournament in Indian Wells, California. "We have kept in touch with Chang in recent months and I think his arrival will be good for us," Gao was quoted as saying. Chang, 34, was the youngest French Open champion in history in 1989 and remained one of the world's top players throughout the next decade. He retired from professional tennis in 2002. Women's tennis has taken off in China in recent years. Zheng and Yan Zi won the country's first ever Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0761.LDC2009T13::2	 Tennis: Chang in talks to coach Chinese Olympic hope Former Grand Slam champion Michael Chang is being lined up to coach one of China's top women's tennis hopes for the 2008 Olympic Games, state media reported Tuesday. Chinese-American Chang, a tennis icon in Asia who won the French Open as a 17 -year-old, is already working with 21-year-old Peng Shuai, one of the women players China is grooming for Olympic glory, the China Daily said. Last year Chinese officials rebuffed Chang when he offered to help prepare their women for the Olympics. He spent five weeks in Beijing trying to arrange a meeting with Sun Jinfang, the head of the tennis federation, but failed. They eventually met during the Shanghai Masters Cup in November but nothing was agreed. However Chang, a Protestant pastor who runs his own charity, persevered and is currently in talks with sports authorities from Tianjin, Peng's hometown near Beijing, the newspaper quoted a top tennis federation official as saying. "It's still the early stages, but everything is possible between Chang and Tianjin (officials)," said Gao Shenyang, vice director of China's Tennis Administration Center, which runs the sport. Ranked 40th in the world, Peng is China's number three player, behind Li Na, 17th, and Zheng Jie, 32nd. In her breakthrough season in 2005 Peng rose to 31st in the world, then reached the third round of Wimbledon last year, her best Grand Slam finish. Gao said that Tianjin tennis authorities contacted Chang in January and officials from the port city were in the United States last week for further talks. Chang worked with Peng at last week's Pacific Life Open tournament in Indian Wells, California. "We have kept in touch with Chang in recent months and I think his arrival will be good for us," Gao was quoted as saying. Chang, 34, was the youngest French Open champion in history in 1989 and remained one of the world's top players throughout the next decade. He retired from professional tennis in 2002. Women's tennis has taken off in China in recent years. Zheng and Yan Zi won the country's first ever Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070319.0761.LDC2009T13::3	 Tennis: Chang in talks to coach Chinese Olympic hope Former Grand Slam champion Michael Chang is being lined up to coach one of China's top women's tennis hopes for the 2008 Olympic Games, state media reported Tuesday. Chinese-American Chang, a tennis icon in Asia who won the French Open as a 17 -year-old, is already working with 21-year-old Peng Shuai, one of the women players China is grooming for Olympic glory, the China Daily said. Last year Chinese officials rebuffed Chang when he offered to help prepare their women for the Olympics. He spent five weeks in Beijing trying to arrange a meeting with Sun Jinfang, the head of the tennis federation, but failed. They eventually met during the Shanghai Masters Cup in November but nothing was agreed. However Chang, a Protestant pastor who runs his own charity, persevered and is currently in talks with sports authorities from Tianjin, Peng's hometown near Beijing, the newspaper quoted a top tennis federation official as saying. "It's still the early stages, but everything is possible between Chang and Tianjin (officials)," said Gao Shenyang, vice director of China's Tennis Administration Center, which runs the sport. Ranked 40th in the world, Peng is China's number three player, behind Li Na, 17th, and Zheng Jie, 32nd. In her breakthrough season in 2005 Peng rose to 31st in the world, then reached the third round of Wimbledon last year, her best Grand Slam finish. Gao said that Tianjin tennis authorities contacted Chang in January and officials from the port city were in the United States last week for further talks. Chang worked with Peng at last week's Pacific Life Open tournament in Indian Wells, California. "We have kept in touch with Chang in recent months and I think his arrival will be good for us," Gao was quoted as saying. Chang, 34, was the youngest French Open champion in history in 1989 and remained one of the world's top players throughout the next decade. He retired from professional tennis in 2002. Women's tennis has taken off in China in recent years. Zheng and Yan Zi won the country's first ever Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::1	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::2	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::3	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::4	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::5	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071220.0403.LDC2009T13::6	 Corrupt prosecutor in China sentenced to death: official media The former top prosecutor of a major Chinese city has been sentenced to death for corruption, state press reported Thursday, in yet another high-profile graft scandal to hit the ruling Communist Party. Li Baojin, 65, who was a deputy police chief before becoming top prosecutor in the northern city of Tianjin, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency and the Legal Daily said. Li was convicted by a court in neighbouring Hebei province of accepting bribes worth 5.6 million yuan (760,000 dollars) and misappropriating 14 million yuan in public funds from 1996 to 2006, when he served successively in the top posts. "Li Baojin illegally accepted huge amounts of bribes," the Legal Daily said, citing the court verdict. "As accepting bribes results in serious harm to state assets and as the circumstances were extremely serious, capital punishment is appropriate for the nature of this crime." However the two-year reprieve means that Li will likely serve a life sentence, based on previous examples in China's justice system. Tianjin is a major coastal city of around 9.3 million people about 100 kilometres (63 miles) southeast of Beijing. Li had also been head of the Communist Party's politics and law committee in Tianjin. His sentencing comes after his former boss, Song Pingshun, committed suicide in June this year, reportedly after central government investigators launched a probe into numerous officials in Tianjin's judicial departments. Song was the head of a top Tianjin political advisory body when he committed suicide and had formerly served as Tianjin's vice mayor after a career as a leading police and judicial official. President Hu Jintao has described corruption as one of the major threats to the legitimacy of the Communist Party and there have been repeated crackdowns, but graft continues be a major problem nationwide. In one of the other recent high-profile scandals, the former party chief of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sacked last year for graft and is currently awaiting trial. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070820.0380.LDC2009T13::1	 Hong Kong shares surge 5.9 percent on China move Hong Kong share prices soared 5.9 percent Monday, alongside a massive regional rebound, enjoying the market's single biggest one-day points gain since 1998, dealers said. They said the boost also came after China said it would allow individual investors to buy shares on the city's market for the first time. The Hang Seng Index closed up 1,208.50 points at 21,595.63, off a low of 20,901.64 and a high of 21,608.34. Turnover was 105.33 billion Hong Kong dollars (13.48 billion US). The mainland's forex regulator announced Monday it would allow individuals to directly invest on stock markets outside the mainland, with a trial to be launched for the buying of Hong Kong shares. China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) announced that it has set up a pilot programme in the northern city Tianjin, with local residents allowed to invest only in securities traded in Hong Kong in the initial stage, in the latest move to encourage capital outflows. The news boosted H-shares and added to an already positive sentiment in the market after the US Federal Reserve soothed credit worries by cutting its key discount rate by 50 basis points on Friday. "News of the Chinese government's decision to allow retail investors in the mainland to invest in Hong Kong on a trial basis provided the main impetus for the rally," said Eugene Law, head of research at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "H-shares were the major beneficiaries of the market's rebound because everyone expects mainland retail investors to give top priority to buying H-shares more than other counters. This is because of the big price differential between A-shares and H-shares," he said. Law added that H-shares are trading at average price-to-earnings (PE) multiple of 20 to 30 times, a lot cheaper compared to Shanghai-listed A-shares some of which are at 60 times PE. "I expect the strong interest in H-shares to be sustained ... as investors speculate on a host of issues, such as how much money will actually be invested in the Hong Kong market under this trial scheme and whether the test will cover investors in other mainland cities," he said. Law, however, said that while the benchmark index staged a strong rebound on the China news, the local market's performance in the short term will still depend mainly on Wall Street and other overseas markets. "There are some rumours that a major subprime mortgage lender may go bust soon and this could create fresh volatility and selling pressures on Wall Street and on the local market," he said. HSBC led blue chip gains after confirming that its unit is in talks for possible acquisition of a majority stake in Korea Exchange Bank, South Korea's sixth largest bank by assets, from US private equity fund Lone Star. China Mobile closed up 6.85 dollars at 87.85 and HSBC was up 4.10 dollars at 139.90. Law noted that while interest in China stocks is likely be sustained in the short term, he does not expect China's trial retail investment scheme to be implemented anytime soon. "I foresee a number of political obstacles to the early implementation of this scheme. Why was Tianjin selected for this pilot retail investment programme instead of Shenzhen which is just next door to Hong Kong or even Shanghai?" he wondered. "And in the event that Bank of China is selected, for instance, as some sort of a super settlement house for all the transactions that will be made by mainland retail investors, will other mainland banks with operations here complain?" He said he believes that Chinese authorities will have to settle a host of issues before it can proceed with the pilot scheme. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070820.0380.LDC2009T13::2	 Hong Kong shares surge 5.9 percent on China move Hong Kong share prices soared 5.9 percent Monday, alongside a massive regional rebound, enjoying the market's single biggest one-day points gain since 1998, dealers said. They said the boost also came after China said it would allow individual investors to buy shares on the city's market for the first time. The Hang Seng Index closed up 1,208.50 points at 21,595.63, off a low of 20,901.64 and a high of 21,608.34. Turnover was 105.33 billion Hong Kong dollars (13.48 billion US). The mainland's forex regulator announced Monday it would allow individuals to directly invest on stock markets outside the mainland, with a trial to be launched for the buying of Hong Kong shares. China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) announced that it has set up a pilot programme in the northern city Tianjin, with local residents allowed to invest only in securities traded in Hong Kong in the initial stage, in the latest move to encourage capital outflows. The news boosted H-shares and added to an already positive sentiment in the market after the US Federal Reserve soothed credit worries by cutting its key discount rate by 50 basis points on Friday. "News of the Chinese government's decision to allow retail investors in the mainland to invest in Hong Kong on a trial basis provided the main impetus for the rally," said Eugene Law, head of research at Celestial Asia Securities Holdings. "H-shares were the major beneficiaries of the market's rebound because everyone expects mainland retail investors to give top priority to buying H-shares more than other counters. This is because of the big price differential between A-shares and H-shares," he said. Law added that H-shares are trading at average price-to-earnings (PE) multiple of 20 to 30 times, a lot cheaper compared to Shanghai-listed A-shares some of which are at 60 times PE. "I expect the strong interest in H-shares to be sustained ... as investors speculate on a host of issues, such as how much money will actually be invested in the Hong Kong market under this trial scheme and whether the test will cover investors in other mainland cities," he said. Law, however, said that while the benchmark index staged a strong rebound on the China news, the local market's performance in the short term will still depend mainly on Wall Street and other overseas markets. "There are some rumours that a major subprime mortgage lender may go bust soon and this could create fresh volatility and selling pressures on Wall Street and on the local market," he said. HSBC led blue chip gains after confirming that its unit is in talks for possible acquisition of a majority stake in Korea Exchange Bank, South Korea's sixth largest bank by assets, from US private equity fund Lone Star. China Mobile closed up 6.85 dollars at 87.85 and HSBC was up 4.10 dollars at 139.90. Law noted that while interest in China stocks is likely be sustained in the short term, he does not expect China's trial retail investment scheme to be implemented anytime soon. "I foresee a number of political obstacles to the early implementation of this scheme. Why was Tianjin selected for this pilot retail investment programme instead of Shenzhen which is just next door to Hong Kong or even Shanghai?" he wondered. "And in the event that Bank of China is selected, for instance, as some sort of a super settlement house for all the transactions that will be made by mainland retail investors, will other mainland banks with operations here complain?" He said he believes that Chinese authorities will have to settle a host of issues before it can proceed with the pilot scheme. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070823.0313.LDC2009T13::1	 Bank of China holds 9.65 bln dlrs in subprime securities Bank of China, the nation's second-largest bank, said Thursday it holds 9.65 billion dollars of securities backed by US subprime mortgages, concern over which has sparked world market volatility. However it said that the securities, which are rated A or higher, had not experienced any default to date in repayments of either the principal or the interest. In a statement released to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the bank said it has made impairment charges of 1.15 billion dollars against specific subprime loans. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the nation's top lender, said earlier it held subprime-related mortgage-backed securities amounting to 1.23 billion dollars, or 4.32 percent of the bank's total foreign currency fixed income investments. But ICBC president Yang Kaisheng said he was not worried by US subprime troubles, as mortgage-backed securities were a tiny percentage of its assets. BOC reported on Thursday that its first-half net profit rose 51.7 percent to 29.54 billion yuan (3.9 billion US), driven by speedy development of its various business lines, growth in interest and non-interest income, and effective cost controls. Fears have emerged recently of a global credit crunch linked to US subprime mortgages, which involve loans to high-risk customers. A crunch would make it harder and more expensive for businesses and consumers to get loans and cash. Fitch Ratings said Wednesday most Asian banks have a low direct exposure to US subprime-backed securities as they amount to just a few percent of the investing bank's equity capital. Meanwhile Bank of China president Li Lihui said the lender will start accepting applications for the opening of accounts to trade Hong Kong stocks through its Tianjin branch next week, the first time individuals have been allowed to trade foreign stocks. He added other cities are expected to follow in offering similar services to individual customers, although no details were given. The operational details will be announced next week. Bank of China was selected as the nation's first bank to offer customers the chance to trade Hong Kong stocks. The move has given Hong Kong stocks a huge boost in the past week. The purchases must be made through the bank's Tianjin's Binhai New Area branch though they are not limited to residents of Tianjin. Institutions had previously been allowed to trade Hong Kong stocks but the move was the first time that individuals formally gained direct access to the market. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070823.0313.LDC2009T13::2	 Bank of China holds 9.65 bln dlrs in subprime securities Bank of China, the nation's second-largest bank, said Thursday it holds 9.65 billion dollars of securities backed by US subprime mortgages, concern over which has sparked world market volatility. However it said that the securities, which are rated A or higher, had not experienced any default to date in repayments of either the principal or the interest. In a statement released to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the bank said it has made impairment charges of 1.15 billion dollars against specific subprime loans. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the nation's top lender, said earlier it held subprime-related mortgage-backed securities amounting to 1.23 billion dollars, or 4.32 percent of the bank's total foreign currency fixed income investments. But ICBC president Yang Kaisheng said he was not worried by US subprime troubles, as mortgage-backed securities were a tiny percentage of its assets. BOC reported on Thursday that its first-half net profit rose 51.7 percent to 29.54 billion yuan (3.9 billion US), driven by speedy development of its various business lines, growth in interest and non-interest income, and effective cost controls. Fears have emerged recently of a global credit crunch linked to US subprime mortgages, which involve loans to high-risk customers. A crunch would make it harder and more expensive for businesses and consumers to get loans and cash. Fitch Ratings said Wednesday most Asian banks have a low direct exposure to US subprime-backed securities as they amount to just a few percent of the investing bank's equity capital. Meanwhile Bank of China president Li Lihui said the lender will start accepting applications for the opening of accounts to trade Hong Kong stocks through its Tianjin branch next week, the first time individuals have been allowed to trade foreign stocks. He added other cities are expected to follow in offering similar services to individual customers, although no details were given. The operational details will be announced next week. Bank of China was selected as the nation's first bank to offer customers the chance to trade Hong Kong stocks. The move has given Hong Kong stocks a huge boost in the past week. The purchases must be made through the bank's Tianjin's Binhai New Area branch though they are not limited to residents of Tianjin. Institutions had previously been allowed to trade Hong Kong stocks but the move was the first time that individuals formally gained direct access to the market. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070823.0313.LDC2009T13::3	 Bank of China holds 9.65 bln dlrs in subprime securities Bank of China, the nation's second-largest bank, said Thursday it holds 9.65 billion dollars of securities backed by US subprime mortgages, concern over which has sparked world market volatility. However it said that the securities, which are rated A or higher, had not experienced any default to date in repayments of either the principal or the interest. In a statement released to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the bank said it has made impairment charges of 1.15 billion dollars against specific subprime loans. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the nation's top lender, said earlier it held subprime-related mortgage-backed securities amounting to 1.23 billion dollars, or 4.32 percent of the bank's total foreign currency fixed income investments. But ICBC president Yang Kaisheng said he was not worried by US subprime troubles, as mortgage-backed securities were a tiny percentage of its assets. BOC reported on Thursday that its first-half net profit rose 51.7 percent to 29.54 billion yuan (3.9 billion US), driven by speedy development of its various business lines, growth in interest and non-interest income, and effective cost controls. Fears have emerged recently of a global credit crunch linked to US subprime mortgages, which involve loans to high-risk customers. A crunch would make it harder and more expensive for businesses and consumers to get loans and cash. Fitch Ratings said Wednesday most Asian banks have a low direct exposure to US subprime-backed securities as they amount to just a few percent of the investing bank's equity capital. Meanwhile Bank of China president Li Lihui said the lender will start accepting applications for the opening of accounts to trade Hong Kong stocks through its Tianjin branch next week, the first time individuals have been allowed to trade foreign stocks. He added other cities are expected to follow in offering similar services to individual customers, although no details were given. The operational details will be announced next week. Bank of China was selected as the nation's first bank to offer customers the chance to trade Hong Kong stocks. The move has given Hong Kong stocks a huge boost in the past week. The purchases must be made through the bank's Tianjin's Binhai New Area branch though they are not limited to residents of Tianjin. Institutions had previously been allowed to trade Hong Kong stocks but the move was the first time that individuals formally gained direct access to the market. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080422.0612.LDC2009T13::1	 Ikea to open new store in northern China: report Swedish furniture giant Ikea plans to invest 60 million dollars to set up a new outlet in northern China to cash in on the fast growing Asian market, state media reported Tuesday.The company has inked a primary deal with local authorities of coastal Tianjin city and the construction of the new store is likely to start this summer, China Daily reported, citing Ian Duffy, president of Ikea Asia-Pacific. "Tianjin is, without any doubt, one of the most progressive and rapidly growing cities in China now," Duffy was quoted as saying, adding that the city will offer a golden business opportunity for Ikea. Ikea opened its first Chinese store in Shanghai, the country's financial hub, in 2003 and currently runs five stores across mainland China, including one in the capital Beijing. The company plans to open new stores in Nanjing in southern China and Dalian in northern China this year and continue to open at least one or two stores each year in the country, the newspaper said. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080422.0612.LDC2009T13::2	 Ikea to open new store in northern China: report Swedish furniture giant Ikea plans to invest 60 million dollars to set up a new outlet in northern China to cash in on the fast growing Asian market, state media reported Tuesday.The company has inked a primary deal with local authorities of coastal Tianjin city and the construction of the new store is likely to start this summer, China Daily reported, citing Ian Duffy, president of Ikea Asia-Pacific. "Tianjin is, without any doubt, one of the most progressive and rapidly growing cities in China now," Duffy was quoted as saying, adding that the city will offer a golden business opportunity for Ikea. Ikea opened its first Chinese store in Shanghai, the country's financial hub, in 2003 and currently runs five stores across mainland China, including one in the capital Beijing. The company plans to open new stores in Nanjing in southern China and Dalian in northern China this year and continue to open at least one or two stores each year in the country, the newspaper said. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070918.0234.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: North Korea scrape into quarters alongside US The United States rolled into the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday to remain on track for a third title as Asia's top team North Korea lost but still scraped through for the first time ever. The Americans beat African champions Nigeria 1-0 as Typhoon Wipha bore down on Shanghai, bringing heavy rain, with Lori Chalupny's first minute goal proving decisive. It means the world number ones topped Group B with seven points and now play a rapidly-improving England in the quarter-final in Tianjin on Saturday. The Koreans take on defending champions Germany in Wuhan, also on Saturday, despite being beaten 2-1 by Sweden in Tianjin. They go through on goal difference after both teams ended their group matches with four points, meaning Sweden, runner-up in 2003, failed to make the last eight for the first time in the tournament's 16-year history. The other quarter-final line-ups will be decided on Wednesday and Thursday. Chalupny's goal after 55 seconds was enough to ensure not just qualification for the United States but a 50th successive undefeated match dating back to a defeat by Norway in 2004. US coach Greg Ryan said that after emerging undefeated from the so-called "group of death" he was confident his team could win the World Cup. "I do believe that this team has the ability to advance to the final and win this World Cup," said Ryan, adding that he expected a tough match against England. "They have come a very long way and it isn't surprising that England are in the second round." The pre-tournament favourites, who have won the trophy twice before, stunned Nigeria when striker Abby Wambach back-headed a throw-in into the path of Chalupny, who chested the ball down and fired on goal. Nigeria's goalkeeper Precious Dede was well-positioned to collect the shot but the ball took a wicked deflection from a defender and ended up in the back of the net. The US had most of the action in front of goal and it seemed just a matter of time before the attacking trio of Chalupny, veteran Kristine Lilly, and the ever-dangerous Wambach would increase the lead. But the water-logged pitch made the going heavy for both teams and chances were few and far between. North Korea warned before their match that they had yet to hit peak form but the desperate Swedes, who knew they needed to win by three clear goals, were the better side. Charlotta Schelin gave them belief by opening the scoring in the fourth minute but a 22nd minute equalisier by Ri Un Suk crushed any hopes they had. Sweden opened with an intensity missing from their earlier games, repeatedly attacking the North Korean goal and applying ferocious tackles and were rewarded when Schelin rose above the defence to head home a cross. But North Korea hit back, with Ri beating her defender to launch a bullet from her right foot that curled into the far corner of the net, past diving goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. Despite the blow, the Swedes came out firing in the second half and Schelin pounced on a through ball in the 54th minute to charge through two defenders and fire past advancing goalkeeper Jon Myong Hui. Both sides continued to mount attacks, but frustration grew in the Swedish camp as they were unable to find a way through the Korean tiring defence. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070918.0234.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: North Korea scrape into quarters alongside US The United States rolled into the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday to remain on track for a third title as Asia's top team North Korea lost but still scraped through for the first time ever. The Americans beat African champions Nigeria 1-0 as Typhoon Wipha bore down on Shanghai, bringing heavy rain, with Lori Chalupny's first minute goal proving decisive. It means the world number ones topped Group B with seven points and now play a rapidly-improving England in the quarter-final in Tianjin on Saturday. The Koreans take on defending champions Germany in Wuhan, also on Saturday, despite being beaten 2-1 by Sweden in Tianjin. They go through on goal difference after both teams ended their group matches with four points, meaning Sweden, runner-up in 2003, failed to make the last eight for the first time in the tournament's 16-year history. The other quarter-final line-ups will be decided on Wednesday and Thursday. Chalupny's goal after 55 seconds was enough to ensure not just qualification for the United States but a 50th successive undefeated match dating back to a defeat by Norway in 2004. US coach Greg Ryan said that after emerging undefeated from the so-called "group of death" he was confident his team could win the World Cup. "I do believe that this team has the ability to advance to the final and win this World Cup," said Ryan, adding that he expected a tough match against England. "They have come a very long way and it isn't surprising that England are in the second round." The pre-tournament favourites, who have won the trophy twice before, stunned Nigeria when striker Abby Wambach back-headed a throw-in into the path of Chalupny, who chested the ball down and fired on goal. Nigeria's goalkeeper Precious Dede was well-positioned to collect the shot but the ball took a wicked deflection from a defender and ended up in the back of the net. The US had most of the action in front of goal and it seemed just a matter of time before the attacking trio of Chalupny, veteran Kristine Lilly, and the ever-dangerous Wambach would increase the lead. But the water-logged pitch made the going heavy for both teams and chances were few and far between. North Korea warned before their match that they had yet to hit peak form but the desperate Swedes, who knew they needed to win by three clear goals, were the better side. Charlotta Schelin gave them belief by opening the scoring in the fourth minute but a 22nd minute equalisier by Ri Un Suk crushed any hopes they had. Sweden opened with an intensity missing from their earlier games, repeatedly attacking the North Korean goal and applying ferocious tackles and were rewarded when Schelin rose above the defence to head home a cross. But North Korea hit back, with Ri beating her defender to launch a bullet from her right foot that curled into the far corner of the net, past diving goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. Despite the blow, the Swedes came out firing in the second half and Schelin pounced on a through ball in the 54th minute to charge through two defenders and fire past advancing goalkeeper Jon Myong Hui. Both sides continued to mount attacks, but frustration grew in the Swedish camp as they were unable to find a way through the Korean tiring defence. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070225.0015.LDC2009T13::1	 Fog slows China's post-holiday travel stampede Heavy fog closed expressways serving major northern Chinese cities including Beijing on Sunday, putting a crimp in the travel rush following the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, state media said. Authorities closed expressways linking Beijing with the nearby city of Tianjin and adjacent Hebei province, between Beijing and northern China, and between Tianjin and Shanghai, Xinhua news agency reported. Other highways also were affected, slowing intercity passenger buses transporting tens of millions of holidaymakers back to the cities where they work after a week spent with families. According to the government, about 50 million people a day have been crowding onto trains, buses and airplanes since Friday in a travel rush expected to continue through Tuesday. The Communications Ministry said Sunday that about 232 million passenger trips have been taken on China's roads and waterways between February 18, when the holiday officially began, and Saturday. Tens of millions more have taken to the nation's rail networks and, increasingly, airports. Aviation authorities said Saturday an estimated 3.71 million passengers flew during the holiday, an increase of 21 percent year on year, as more affluent Chinese sought a quicker route for the traditional trip home. More than 2 billion passenger trips are expected to be taken during the 40-day travel season that began on February 3. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070225.0015.LDC2009T13::2	 Fog slows China's post-holiday travel stampede Heavy fog closed expressways serving major northern Chinese cities including Beijing on Sunday, putting a crimp in the travel rush following the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, state media said. Authorities closed expressways linking Beijing with the nearby city of Tianjin and adjacent Hebei province, between Beijing and northern China, and between Tianjin and Shanghai, Xinhua news agency reported. Other highways also were affected, slowing intercity passenger buses transporting tens of millions of holidaymakers back to the cities where they work after a week spent with families. According to the government, about 50 million people a day have been crowding onto trains, buses and airplanes since Friday in a travel rush expected to continue through Tuesday. The Communications Ministry said Sunday that about 232 million passenger trips have been taken on China's roads and waterways between February 18, when the holiday officially began, and Saturday. Tens of millions more have taken to the nation's rail networks and, increasingly, airports. Aviation authorities said Saturday an estimated 3.71 million passengers flew during the holiday, an increase of 21 percent year on year, as more affluent Chinese sought a quicker route for the traditional trip home. More than 2 billion passenger trips are expected to be taken during the 40-day travel season that began on February 3. 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070920.0376.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Women's World Cup quarter-final line-up Quarter-final line-ups at the women's World Cup: To be played September 22 At Wuhan Germany v North Korea At Tianjin United States v England To be played September 23 At Wuhan Norway v China At Tianjin Brazil v Australia 
Tianjin::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070920.0376.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Women's World Cup quarter-final line-up Quarter-final line-ups at the women's World Cup: To be played September 22 At Wuhan Germany v North Korea At Tianjin United States v England To be played September 23 At Wuhan Norway v China At Tianjin Brazil v Australia 
Tripoli,_Lebanon::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070531.0129.LDC2009T13::1	 bc-lebanon-nations-post UNITED NATIONS A sharply divided U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to establish an international criminal tribunal to prosecute the masterminds of the February 2005 suicide-bomb assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others. The vote will lead to the creation of the first U.N.-backed criminal tribunal in the Middle East, raising expectations that Hariri's killers will be held accountable. But that has stoked fears among Lebanese authorities and some council members that supporters of Syria -- which has been linked to the assassination -- will plunge Lebanon's fledgling democracy into a bloody new round of internal strife. Fearing unrest, authorities imposed a partial curfew in Beirut, leaving the streets deserted. Lebanese placed lit candles on boulevards and balconies to celebrate the outcome, and sent congratulatory text messages countrywide. Lebanon's political leaders are deeply split over the ongoing pursuit of justice by a U.N. commission that has implicated senior pro-Syrian military officers in Lebanon, as well as Syrian officials close to President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora urged the council to establish the court, while Lebanon's pro-Syrian opposition leaders opposed the initiative and in March blocked parliamentary approval for such a court. The U.N. resolution,which will take effect on June 10,was adopted by a vote of 10 to 0 in the 15-nation council. China, Indonesia, Qatar, Russia and South Africa abstained from the vote, saying that it bypassed the Lebanese parliament's constitutional role in approving international agreements. The Security Council ``cannot be seen to be taking sides in internal Lebanese politics,'' Dumisani Kumalo, South Africa's U.N. ambassador, told the council. He said there is a danger that the council's ``imposition'' of the court on Lebanon's divided political leadership will undercut ``the political stability of an already fragile Lebanese state.'' Despite their reservations, China and Russia stopped short of voting against the resolution, indicating that they support its aim of holdingHariri's killers accountable. But they said that all key Lebanese political forces should agree on such a momentous decision. ``We believe the perpetrators of that crime must be prosecuted,'' said Vitaly Churkin, Russia's U.N. ambassador. But he said the U.S.-backed resolution contains considerable legal shortcomings and encroaches ``on the sovereignty of Lebanon.'' A senior Lebanese envoy praised the council's action, saying it represents a victory for the nation's quest for justice. ``This is the path of the salvation of Lebanon,'' Culture Minister Tarek Mitri told the council, adding that the tribunal will deter further ``terrorist activities.'' The United States also hailed the decision. ``People who have committed political assassination need to be brought to justice,'' said Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. ``They cannot have impunity.'' Khalilzad acknowledged that the council's action might trigger a violent reaction, but he said that ``many of us believe that the risks of not moving forward are greater.'' Hariri's assassination transformed Lebanon and its relations with Syria. Many Lebanese suspected Syrian involvement from the outset, and massive protests soon compelled Syria to end its 30-year military presence in Lebanon. Syria has denied involvement in violence in Lebanon, but it has signaled that it is not prepared to cooperate with the new U.N.-backed court. Hariri's son Saad marked the vote by visiting his father's grave in downtown Beirut. ``We're asking for justice, not for revenge,'' Saad Hariri, now the leader of his father's political movement, said in a televised speech, his eyes red and his voice trembling. Saniora said the vote should not be taken as a challenge to Syria. ``We are asking for justice, and nothing more,'' he said. Wednesday's vote is likely to receive an angry reaction from an array of pro-Syrian forces, including Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and the powerful Hezbollah militia, that maintain that the United Nations and Saniora's government lacks legitimacy to approve the court. Lebanon and the United Nations agreed last November on a statute for a ``mixed'' court stationed outside of Lebanon and staffed by international and Lebanese prosecutors and judges. The court would be financed by a combination of Lebanese and international funds, though the United Nations and Lebanon have not yet agreed on a location for the trial. Most of Lebanon's legislators are prepared to approve the statute, but the country's pro-Syrian parliamentary speaker, Nabih Berri, has refused to convene a session of parliament to allow a vote. In an effort to break the impasse, Saniora issued a direct appeal to the Security Council to establish the court, accusing Berri of thwarting the will of the Lebanese parliament. The new tribunal is modeled on U.N. criminal courts established to try war criminals in Cambodia and Sierra Leone. But it will function according to Lebanese criminal law, and it will not be able to try suspects for crimes against humanity or other international war crimes. The court will also have jurisdiction over at least 14 other political attacks against anti-Syrian journalists, scholars and politicians since October 2004. Serge Brammertz, a U.N. investigator, maintains that many of those attacks may be part of a broader political conspiracy linked to Hariri's death. Syria's critics have expressed hopes that the tribunal would lead to the downfall of Assad. But observers across the political spectrum say that bombings and other violence will increase in Lebanon as the tribunal goes forward. ``Security in Lebanon will be in danger,'' warned Imad Faizi Sheubi, an analyst with the Center of Data and Strategic Studies in Damascus, which is seen as reflecting the Syrian government's position. In Tripoli, Lebanon, a Sunni cleric put it more bluntly. ``I believe (Syria has) the ability not only to stop the tribunal, but to destroy all of Lebanon,'' Sheik Bilal Baroudi said. -0- Knickmeyer reported from Tripoli, Lebanon. Special correspondent Alia Ibrahim in Beirut contributed to this report. 
Tripoli,_Lebanon::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070531.0129.LDC2009T13::2	 bc-lebanon-nations-post UNITED NATIONS A sharply divided U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to establish an international criminal tribunal to prosecute the masterminds of the February 2005 suicide-bomb assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others. The vote will lead to the creation of the first U.N.-backed criminal tribunal in the Middle East, raising expectations that Hariri's killers will be held accountable. But that has stoked fears among Lebanese authorities and some council members that supporters of Syria -- which has been linked to the assassination -- will plunge Lebanon's fledgling democracy into a bloody new round of internal strife. Fearing unrest, authorities imposed a partial curfew in Beirut, leaving the streets deserted. Lebanese placed lit candles on boulevards and balconies to celebrate the outcome, and sent congratulatory text messages countrywide. Lebanon's political leaders are deeply split over the ongoing pursuit of justice by a U.N. commission that has implicated senior pro-Syrian military officers in Lebanon, as well as Syrian officials close to President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora urged the council to establish the court, while Lebanon's pro-Syrian opposition leaders opposed the initiative and in March blocked parliamentary approval for such a court. The U.N. resolution,which will take effect on June 10,was adopted by a vote of 10 to 0 in the 15-nation council. China, Indonesia, Qatar, Russia and South Africa abstained from the vote, saying that it bypassed the Lebanese parliament's constitutional role in approving international agreements. The Security Council ``cannot be seen to be taking sides in internal Lebanese politics,'' Dumisani Kumalo, South Africa's U.N. ambassador, told the council. He said there is a danger that the council's ``imposition'' of the court on Lebanon's divided political leadership will undercut ``the political stability of an already fragile Lebanese state.'' Despite their reservations, China and Russia stopped short of voting against the resolution, indicating that they support its aim of holdingHariri's killers accountable. But they said that all key Lebanese political forces should agree on such a momentous decision. ``We believe the perpetrators of that crime must be prosecuted,'' said Vitaly Churkin, Russia's U.N. ambassador. But he said the U.S.-backed resolution contains considerable legal shortcomings and encroaches ``on the sovereignty of Lebanon.'' A senior Lebanese envoy praised the council's action, saying it represents a victory for the nation's quest for justice. ``This is the path of the salvation of Lebanon,'' Culture Minister Tarek Mitri told the council, adding that the tribunal will deter further ``terrorist activities.'' The United States also hailed the decision. ``People who have committed political assassination need to be brought to justice,'' said Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. ``They cannot have impunity.'' Khalilzad acknowledged that the council's action might trigger a violent reaction, but he said that ``many of us believe that the risks of not moving forward are greater.'' Hariri's assassination transformed Lebanon and its relations with Syria. Many Lebanese suspected Syrian involvement from the outset, and massive protests soon compelled Syria to end its 30-year military presence in Lebanon. Syria has denied involvement in violence in Lebanon, but it has signaled that it is not prepared to cooperate with the new U.N.-backed court. Hariri's son Saad marked the vote by visiting his father's grave in downtown Beirut. ``We're asking for justice, not for revenge,'' Saad Hariri, now the leader of his father's political movement, said in a televised speech, his eyes red and his voice trembling. Saniora said the vote should not be taken as a challenge to Syria. ``We are asking for justice, and nothing more,'' he said. Wednesday's vote is likely to receive an angry reaction from an array of pro-Syrian forces, including Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and the powerful Hezbollah militia, that maintain that the United Nations and Saniora's government lacks legitimacy to approve the court. Lebanon and the United Nations agreed last November on a statute for a ``mixed'' court stationed outside of Lebanon and staffed by international and Lebanese prosecutors and judges. The court would be financed by a combination of Lebanese and international funds, though the United Nations and Lebanon have not yet agreed on a location for the trial. Most of Lebanon's legislators are prepared to approve the statute, but the country's pro-Syrian parliamentary speaker, Nabih Berri, has refused to convene a session of parliament to allow a vote. In an effort to break the impasse, Saniora issued a direct appeal to the Security Council to establish the court, accusing Berri of thwarting the will of the Lebanese parliament. The new tribunal is modeled on U.N. criminal courts established to try war criminals in Cambodia and Sierra Leone. But it will function according to Lebanese criminal law, and it will not be able to try suspects for crimes against humanity or other international war crimes. The court will also have jurisdiction over at least 14 other political attacks against anti-Syrian journalists, scholars and politicians since October 2004. Serge Brammertz, a U.N. investigator, maintains that many of those attacks may be part of a broader political conspiracy linked to Hariri's death. Syria's critics have expressed hopes that the tribunal would lead to the downfall of Assad. But observers across the political spectrum say that bombings and other violence will increase in Lebanon as the tribunal goes forward. ``Security in Lebanon will be in danger,'' warned Imad Faizi Sheubi, an analyst with the Center of Data and Strategic Studies in Damascus, which is seen as reflecting the Syrian government's position. In Tripoli, Lebanon, a Sunni cleric put it more bluntly. ``I believe (Syria has) the ability not only to stop the tribunal, but to destroy all of Lebanon,'' Sheik Bilal Baroudi said. -0- Knickmeyer reported from Tripoli, Lebanon. Special correspondent Alia Ibrahim in Beirut contributed to this report. 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19960206.0362.LDC2007T07::1	 CANADA STOCKS RISE AS BASE METALS RALLY OFFSETS CONSUMER SHARES Toronto, Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) Canadian stocks rose to a fifth record in as many sessions as higher base-metals shares offset a drop in consumer products and gold stocks. Northern Telecom Ltd., up 2 1/4 at 64 3/4, Canadian Pacific Ltd., up 3/4 at 27 1/8, and Alcan Aluminium Ltd., up 3/4 at 44, led Canada's benchmark Toronto Stock Exchange 300 Index higher. ``Copper prices have been firming up and the nickel price has firmed up a bit, making stocks like Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. look pretty good,'' said Richard Long, equity manager and senior vice president at Black Investment Management Ltd. in Toronto. The TSE 300 Index rose 16.18 points to 5049.50. On the broader TSE, a total of 104.2 million shares traded, compared with the three-month daily average of 64.9 million. A total of 434 stocks rose, 429 fell and 330 were unchanged. ``Look for the TSE to head back to its (Friday intra-day) high of 5049,'' said MMS International Inc. in a recent report. ``A break above 5049 would be another bullish factor to add to the list, but a move up to the next target 5091/5100 will take time,'' MMS said. Lower interest rates are also lifting the metals subindex, up 7 percent since the beginning of the year, analysts said. Canada's bank rate has declined to 5.39 percent from 8.23 percent, a year ago. Lower interest rates boost stock prices by increasing demand for construction materials, such as metals, and reducing borrowing costs. Lower rates also make competing investments such as bonds and guaranteed-investment certificates less attractive. Northern Telecom, Bombardier Lead Eight of the TSE 300's 14 industry groups rose. Advancing groups were led by a 1.88 percent rise in metals and minerals stocks, a 1.73 percent rise in conglomerates issues and a 0.92 percent rise in industrial issues. Gains in the industrial products subgroup were ``company specific'' rather than a part of a general advance, said Black Investment's Long. Northern Telecom's stock rose after it said yesterday it would buy US$200 million worth of equipment from Qualcomm Inc. The purchase is part of Northern Telecom's US$1 billion contract with Sprint Telecommunications Venture, an affiliate of Sprint Corp. Northern Telecom also said today it sold its cable group to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Cable Design Technologies Corp. for US$90 million. Bombardier's stock rose after it said it is talking with Fokker NV, an insolvent Dutch aircraft maker, about a possible rescue plan. The company also said it will try to increase its business in China by opening an office in Beijing with Switzerland's Global Aviation Group, and offering an executive air charter with China Southern Airlines Ltd. Also, Cognos' stock rose 2 1/2 to 60 1/2. The company today said it signed an agreement with International Business Machines Corp. to make Cognos's Impromptu data accessing system compatible with IBM's Database 2 information storage system. Declining stocks were lead by consumer products issues, down 0.95 percent, transportation and environment stocks, down 0.89 percent, and real estate shares, down 0.81 percent. Consumer products were led lower by Seagram Co. which fell 1/2 to 48 5/8, and Biochem Pharma Inc., down 2 1/2 at 57 1/2. Biochem Pharma's shares fell after it said it filed a prospectus in Canada and a registration statement in the U.S. for an offering of 3 million common shares. Also today, Quebec's pension investment agency, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, said it sold 500,000 Biochem Pharma shares between Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, reducing its stake to 6.94 percent of the pharmaceutical company's total shares outstanding. Gold stocks fell, as the price of bullion for April delivery fell US$1.30 to US$414.60. Some analysts said demand from India and the Middle East is slipping as futures hover at five-year highs. ``If anything, producers need to sell less to keep prices up,'' said Andy Smith, a gold analyst with the Union Bank of Switzerland. Gold decliners were lead by Cambior Inc., down 3/4 at 20 5/8, and Placer Dome Inc., down 1/8 at 41 1/4. Cambior Inc., based in Val d'Or, Quebec, said today it's selling 8 million common shares at C$20.875 (US$15.2) each. The sale will generate proceeds of C$167 million and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29. Active Stocks Today's most active stocks included TVX Gold Inc., unchanged at 14 7/8 on, 3.33 million shares traded; Bombardier's Class B shares, up 1/8 at 20 1/4 on 1.86 million shares traded; and Barrick Gold Corp., up 1/8 at 44 1/4, on 1.8 million shares traded. In other stock activity, Canadian Pacific's shares closed up 3/4 at 27 1/8. The company yesterday said fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations rose almost 13 percent to C$145.3 million (US$105.8 million), or C$0.42 a share, from C$129 million, or C$0.38, a year earlier. The company said the increase was a result of gains at its rail, mining and hotel units. Fonorola Inc. shares closed up 1/8 at 8 7/8. The long distance reseller said it had a net loss in 1995 of C$7.2 million, or C$0.74 a share, down from C$7.9 million, or C$0.91 cents, a year earlier. Thomson Corp. shares closed down 1/8 at 20 1/4. The company is expected to buy Knight-Ridder Inc.'s Financial unit for as much as US$500 million, Investor's Business Daily reported, citing industry observers and analysts. 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19960206.0362.LDC2007T07::2	 CANADA STOCKS RISE AS BASE METALS RALLY OFFSETS CONSUMER SHARES Toronto, Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) Canadian stocks rose to a fifth record in as many sessions as higher base-metals shares offset a drop in consumer products and gold stocks. Northern Telecom Ltd., up 2 1/4 at 64 3/4, Canadian Pacific Ltd., up 3/4 at 27 1/8, and Alcan Aluminium Ltd., up 3/4 at 44, led Canada's benchmark Toronto Stock Exchange 300 Index higher. ``Copper prices have been firming up and the nickel price has firmed up a bit, making stocks like Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. look pretty good,'' said Richard Long, equity manager and senior vice president at Black Investment Management Ltd. in Toronto. The TSE 300 Index rose 16.18 points to 5049.50. On the broader TSE, a total of 104.2 million shares traded, compared with the three-month daily average of 64.9 million. A total of 434 stocks rose, 429 fell and 330 were unchanged. ``Look for the TSE to head back to its (Friday intra-day) high of 5049,'' said MMS International Inc. in a recent report. ``A break above 5049 would be another bullish factor to add to the list, but a move up to the next target 5091/5100 will take time,'' MMS said. Lower interest rates are also lifting the metals subindex, up 7 percent since the beginning of the year, analysts said. Canada's bank rate has declined to 5.39 percent from 8.23 percent, a year ago. Lower interest rates boost stock prices by increasing demand for construction materials, such as metals, and reducing borrowing costs. Lower rates also make competing investments such as bonds and guaranteed-investment certificates less attractive. Northern Telecom, Bombardier Lead Eight of the TSE 300's 14 industry groups rose. Advancing groups were led by a 1.88 percent rise in metals and minerals stocks, a 1.73 percent rise in conglomerates issues and a 0.92 percent rise in industrial issues. Gains in the industrial products subgroup were ``company specific'' rather than a part of a general advance, said Black Investment's Long. Northern Telecom's stock rose after it said yesterday it would buy US$200 million worth of equipment from Qualcomm Inc. The purchase is part of Northern Telecom's US$1 billion contract with Sprint Telecommunications Venture, an affiliate of Sprint Corp. Northern Telecom also said today it sold its cable group to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Cable Design Technologies Corp. for US$90 million. Bombardier's stock rose after it said it is talking with Fokker NV, an insolvent Dutch aircraft maker, about a possible rescue plan. The company also said it will try to increase its business in China by opening an office in Beijing with Switzerland's Global Aviation Group, and offering an executive air charter with China Southern Airlines Ltd. Also, Cognos' stock rose 2 1/2 to 60 1/2. The company today said it signed an agreement with International Business Machines Corp. to make Cognos's Impromptu data accessing system compatible with IBM's Database 2 information storage system. Declining stocks were lead by consumer products issues, down 0.95 percent, transportation and environment stocks, down 0.89 percent, and real estate shares, down 0.81 percent. Consumer products were led lower by Seagram Co. which fell 1/2 to 48 5/8, and Biochem Pharma Inc., down 2 1/2 at 57 1/2. Biochem Pharma's shares fell after it said it filed a prospectus in Canada and a registration statement in the U.S. for an offering of 3 million common shares. Also today, Quebec's pension investment agency, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, said it sold 500,000 Biochem Pharma shares between Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, reducing its stake to 6.94 percent of the pharmaceutical company's total shares outstanding. Gold stocks fell, as the price of bullion for April delivery fell US$1.30 to US$414.60. Some analysts said demand from India and the Middle East is slipping as futures hover at five-year highs. ``If anything, producers need to sell less to keep prices up,'' said Andy Smith, a gold analyst with the Union Bank of Switzerland. Gold decliners were lead by Cambior Inc., down 3/4 at 20 5/8, and Placer Dome Inc., down 1/8 at 41 1/4. Cambior Inc., based in Val d'Or, Quebec, said today it's selling 8 million common shares at C$20.875 (US$15.2) each. The sale will generate proceeds of C$167 million and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29. Active Stocks Today's most active stocks included TVX Gold Inc., unchanged at 14 7/8 on, 3.33 million shares traded; Bombardier's Class B shares, up 1/8 at 20 1/4 on 1.86 million shares traded; and Barrick Gold Corp., up 1/8 at 44 1/4, on 1.8 million shares traded. In other stock activity, Canadian Pacific's shares closed up 3/4 at 27 1/8. The company yesterday said fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations rose almost 13 percent to C$145.3 million (US$105.8 million), or C$0.42 a share, from C$129 million, or C$0.38, a year earlier. The company said the increase was a result of gains at its rail, mining and hotel units. Fonorola Inc. shares closed up 1/8 at 8 7/8. The long distance reseller said it had a net loss in 1995 of C$7.2 million, or C$0.74 a share, down from C$7.9 million, or C$0.91 cents, a year earlier. Thomson Corp. shares closed down 1/8 at 20 1/4. The company is expected to buy Knight-Ridder Inc.'s Financial unit for as much as US$500 million, Investor's Business Daily reported, citing industry observers and analysts. 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19960206.0362.LDC2007T07::3	 CANADA STOCKS RISE AS BASE METALS RALLY OFFSETS CONSUMER SHARES Toronto, Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) Canadian stocks rose to a fifth record in as many sessions as higher base-metals shares offset a drop in consumer products and gold stocks. Northern Telecom Ltd., up 2 1/4 at 64 3/4, Canadian Pacific Ltd., up 3/4 at 27 1/8, and Alcan Aluminium Ltd., up 3/4 at 44, led Canada's benchmark Toronto Stock Exchange 300 Index higher. ``Copper prices have been firming up and the nickel price has firmed up a bit, making stocks like Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. look pretty good,'' said Richard Long, equity manager and senior vice president at Black Investment Management Ltd. in Toronto. The TSE 300 Index rose 16.18 points to 5049.50. On the broader TSE, a total of 104.2 million shares traded, compared with the three-month daily average of 64.9 million. A total of 434 stocks rose, 429 fell and 330 were unchanged. ``Look for the TSE to head back to its (Friday intra-day) high of 5049,'' said MMS International Inc. in a recent report. ``A break above 5049 would be another bullish factor to add to the list, but a move up to the next target 5091/5100 will take time,'' MMS said. Lower interest rates are also lifting the metals subindex, up 7 percent since the beginning of the year, analysts said. Canada's bank rate has declined to 5.39 percent from 8.23 percent, a year ago. Lower interest rates boost stock prices by increasing demand for construction materials, such as metals, and reducing borrowing costs. Lower rates also make competing investments such as bonds and guaranteed-investment certificates less attractive. Northern Telecom, Bombardier Lead Eight of the TSE 300's 14 industry groups rose. Advancing groups were led by a 1.88 percent rise in metals and minerals stocks, a 1.73 percent rise in conglomerates issues and a 0.92 percent rise in industrial issues. Gains in the industrial products subgroup were ``company specific'' rather than a part of a general advance, said Black Investment's Long. Northern Telecom's stock rose after it said yesterday it would buy US$200 million worth of equipment from Qualcomm Inc. The purchase is part of Northern Telecom's US$1 billion contract with Sprint Telecommunications Venture, an affiliate of Sprint Corp. Northern Telecom also said today it sold its cable group to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Cable Design Technologies Corp. for US$90 million. Bombardier's stock rose after it said it is talking with Fokker NV, an insolvent Dutch aircraft maker, about a possible rescue plan. The company also said it will try to increase its business in China by opening an office in Beijing with Switzerland's Global Aviation Group, and offering an executive air charter with China Southern Airlines Ltd. Also, Cognos' stock rose 2 1/2 to 60 1/2. The company today said it signed an agreement with International Business Machines Corp. to make Cognos's Impromptu data accessing system compatible with IBM's Database 2 information storage system. Declining stocks were lead by consumer products issues, down 0.95 percent, transportation and environment stocks, down 0.89 percent, and real estate shares, down 0.81 percent. Consumer products were led lower by Seagram Co. which fell 1/2 to 48 5/8, and Biochem Pharma Inc., down 2 1/2 at 57 1/2. Biochem Pharma's shares fell after it said it filed a prospectus in Canada and a registration statement in the U.S. for an offering of 3 million common shares. Also today, Quebec's pension investment agency, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, said it sold 500,000 Biochem Pharma shares between Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, reducing its stake to 6.94 percent of the pharmaceutical company's total shares outstanding. Gold stocks fell, as the price of bullion for April delivery fell US$1.30 to US$414.60. Some analysts said demand from India and the Middle East is slipping as futures hover at five-year highs. ``If anything, producers need to sell less to keep prices up,'' said Andy Smith, a gold analyst with the Union Bank of Switzerland. Gold decliners were lead by Cambior Inc., down 3/4 at 20 5/8, and Placer Dome Inc., down 1/8 at 41 1/4. Cambior Inc., based in Val d'Or, Quebec, said today it's selling 8 million common shares at C$20.875 (US$15.2) each. The sale will generate proceeds of C$167 million and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29. Active Stocks Today's most active stocks included TVX Gold Inc., unchanged at 14 7/8 on, 3.33 million shares traded; Bombardier's Class B shares, up 1/8 at 20 1/4 on 1.86 million shares traded; and Barrick Gold Corp., up 1/8 at 44 1/4, on 1.8 million shares traded. In other stock activity, Canadian Pacific's shares closed up 3/4 at 27 1/8. The company yesterday said fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations rose almost 13 percent to C$145.3 million (US$105.8 million), or C$0.42 a share, from C$129 million, or C$0.38, a year earlier. The company said the increase was a result of gains at its rail, mining and hotel units. Fonorola Inc. shares closed up 1/8 at 8 7/8. The long distance reseller said it had a net loss in 1995 of C$7.2 million, or C$0.74 a share, down from C$7.9 million, or C$0.91 cents, a year earlier. Thomson Corp. shares closed down 1/8 at 20 1/4. The company is expected to buy Knight-Ridder Inc.'s Financial unit for as much as US$500 million, Investor's Business Daily reported, citing industry observers and analysts. 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_19960206.0362.LDC2007T07::4	 CANADA STOCKS RISE AS BASE METALS RALLY OFFSETS CONSUMER SHARES Toronto, Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) Canadian stocks rose to a fifth record in as many sessions as higher base-metals shares offset a drop in consumer products and gold stocks. Northern Telecom Ltd., up 2 1/4 at 64 3/4, Canadian Pacific Ltd., up 3/4 at 27 1/8, and Alcan Aluminium Ltd., up 3/4 at 44, led Canada's benchmark Toronto Stock Exchange 300 Index higher. ``Copper prices have been firming up and the nickel price has firmed up a bit, making stocks like Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. look pretty good,'' said Richard Long, equity manager and senior vice president at Black Investment Management Ltd. in Toronto. The TSE 300 Index rose 16.18 points to 5049.50. On the broader TSE, a total of 104.2 million shares traded, compared with the three-month daily average of 64.9 million. A total of 434 stocks rose, 429 fell and 330 were unchanged. ``Look for the TSE to head back to its (Friday intra-day) high of 5049,'' said MMS International Inc. in a recent report. ``A break above 5049 would be another bullish factor to add to the list, but a move up to the next target 5091/5100 will take time,'' MMS said. Lower interest rates are also lifting the metals subindex, up 7 percent since the beginning of the year, analysts said. Canada's bank rate has declined to 5.39 percent from 8.23 percent, a year ago. Lower interest rates boost stock prices by increasing demand for construction materials, such as metals, and reducing borrowing costs. Lower rates also make competing investments such as bonds and guaranteed-investment certificates less attractive. Northern Telecom, Bombardier Lead Eight of the TSE 300's 14 industry groups rose. Advancing groups were led by a 1.88 percent rise in metals and minerals stocks, a 1.73 percent rise in conglomerates issues and a 0.92 percent rise in industrial issues. Gains in the industrial products subgroup were ``company specific'' rather than a part of a general advance, said Black Investment's Long. Northern Telecom's stock rose after it said yesterday it would buy US$200 million worth of equipment from Qualcomm Inc. The purchase is part of Northern Telecom's US$1 billion contract with Sprint Telecommunications Venture, an affiliate of Sprint Corp. Northern Telecom also said today it sold its cable group to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Cable Design Technologies Corp. for US$90 million. Bombardier's stock rose after it said it is talking with Fokker NV, an insolvent Dutch aircraft maker, about a possible rescue plan. The company also said it will try to increase its business in China by opening an office in Beijing with Switzerland's Global Aviation Group, and offering an executive air charter with China Southern Airlines Ltd. Also, Cognos' stock rose 2 1/2 to 60 1/2. The company today said it signed an agreement with International Business Machines Corp. to make Cognos's Impromptu data accessing system compatible with IBM's Database 2 information storage system. Declining stocks were lead by consumer products issues, down 0.95 percent, transportation and environment stocks, down 0.89 percent, and real estate shares, down 0.81 percent. Consumer products were led lower by Seagram Co. which fell 1/2 to 48 5/8, and Biochem Pharma Inc., down 2 1/2 at 57 1/2. Biochem Pharma's shares fell after it said it filed a prospectus in Canada and a registration statement in the U.S. for an offering of 3 million common shares. Also today, Quebec's pension investment agency, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, said it sold 500,000 Biochem Pharma shares between Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, reducing its stake to 6.94 percent of the pharmaceutical company's total shares outstanding. Gold stocks fell, as the price of bullion for April delivery fell US$1.30 to US$414.60. Some analysts said demand from India and the Middle East is slipping as futures hover at five-year highs. ``If anything, producers need to sell less to keep prices up,'' said Andy Smith, a gold analyst with the Union Bank of Switzerland. Gold decliners were lead by Cambior Inc., down 3/4 at 20 5/8, and Placer Dome Inc., down 1/8 at 41 1/4. Cambior Inc., based in Val d'Or, Quebec, said today it's selling 8 million common shares at C$20.875 (US$15.2) each. The sale will generate proceeds of C$167 million and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29. Active Stocks Today's most active stocks included TVX Gold Inc., unchanged at 14 7/8 on, 3.33 million shares traded; Bombardier's Class B shares, up 1/8 at 20 1/4 on 1.86 million shares traded; and Barrick Gold Corp., up 1/8 at 44 1/4, on 1.8 million shares traded. In other stock activity, Canadian Pacific's shares closed up 3/4 at 27 1/8. The company yesterday said fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations rose almost 13 percent to C$145.3 million (US$105.8 million), or C$0.42 a share, from C$129 million, or C$0.38, a year earlier. The company said the increase was a result of gains at its rail, mining and hotel units. Fonorola Inc. shares closed up 1/8 at 8 7/8. The long distance reseller said it had a net loss in 1995 of C$7.2 million, or C$0.74 a share, down from C$7.9 million, or C$0.91 cents, a year earlier. Thomson Corp. shares closed down 1/8 at 20 1/4. The company is expected to buy Knight-Ridder Inc.'s Financial unit for as much as US$500 million, Investor's Business Daily reported, citing industry observers and analysts. 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::1	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::2	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::3	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::4	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::5	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::6	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::7	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::8	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::9	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::10	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::11	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::12	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
TSE::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070816.0143.LDC2009T13::13	 COMPETITION FOR TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE OTTAWA Canada does not look like an obvious place to start another stock exchange. Foreign takeovers, like last year's acquisition of the giant nickel mining company Inco, and private equity moves on other companies, notably Bell Canada, have stripped the Toronto Stock Exchange of many large listings. Several observers now suggest that London has grabbed Toronto's long-standing position as the mining industry's financial center. And a recent change in Canadian tax law eliminated restrictions that required individuals and funds to put most of their retirement investments into Canadian companies. But for the first time in the 145 years since its founding, the Toronto exchange, known as the TSE, is about to face direct competition in its home market. Pure Trading, which is based in Toronto, plans to start an alternative market late next week, the first of several new competitors. A second large exchange is being planned by an alliance of Canada's large banks, which dominate the brokerage business, with some institutional investors and a broker. Even before the competition begins, it has raised questions about the ability of Canada's relatively small financial sector to support the exchanges, and about the future of the TSE. "The Toronto Stock Exchange is no longer the equivalent of the New York Stock Exchange. You only have to look at the composition of the exchange to see that we're now lacking a whole range of types of companies," said Laurence Booth, a professor of finance at the University of Toronto. "Toronto is a stock exchange that has to work out its own series of directions and a strategy." Although the close-knit nature of the Canadian financial sector played a role, innovation at the TSE has mainly kept competition at a distance. In 1997, it became one of the first major national exchanges to switch completely to electronic trading. Richard Nesbitt, the chief executive of the TSE's parent, the TSX Group, said the move came about largely because the exchange could not afford to maintain both floor and electronic trading. Whatever the reason, the move eliminated an opening for competitors to start exchanges. Like many exchanges until recently, the TSE had been owned by a partnership of the country's brokerages. Those partners have been accused of neglecting the operation. In 1999 and 2000, in infamous incidents, high trading volumes overwhelmed the exchange's computers and froze all trading. In 2001, the brokers that owned the exchange bought a small market that traded mostly junior mining and energy stocks, and then the brokers decided to cash out. The exchange went public in 2002, and most of the old owners sold their holdings. Along with that change came regulatory changes to separate market regulation from the exchange and to open Canada's markets to competition. Few took the bait. Until now, the TSE's competition remained indirect for the most part. Canadian companies have a long tradition of offering secondary listings elsewhere, mostly in the United States. The maker of BlackBerry, Research in Motion, is also listed on Nasdaq. Shares in Barrick Gold can be found on the New York Stock Exchange. Domestic competition for the TSE came mostly in niche products like junior stock listings. One leader in that field, the Canadian Trading and Quotation System, which calls itself CNQ, is behind Pure Trading. Although the TSE was seen as progressive for its electronic platform, Ian Bandeen, the chief executive of Pure Trading and CNQ, said the exchange had gradually created an opening for competitors by letting its trading system become dated. "I can't see David taking on Goliath on price alone," Bandeen said. "But most Canadians hadn't realized how much trading was being performed on U.S. markets because of what people thought was suboptimal performance by the TSE." Bandeen speculates that after the shutdowns, the TSE revamped its system to emphasize reliability over speed. But delays created problems for traders who used software to execute their deals at the same time on multiple markets. Bandeen is not reluctant to make lower prices part of his pitch. He estimates that brokers spend about $120 million a year on fees at the Toronto exchange. The lower costs associated with being a start-up, he said, could allow him to "gladly do everything they're doing much faster and much better for $15 million, and my shareholders would think they've died and gone to heaven." The TSX Group is not ignoring any of this. This week, it announced that it would reduce its fees, some by 40 percent. By the end of the year, it will start a trading platform that Nesbitt predicts will eliminate the technical concerns that Pure Trading sees as its opening. Nesbitt rejects suggestions that his exchange is withering. To make up for the loss of some Canadian giants, the TSE has been chasing foreign companies. By his count, the main Toronto exchange and its junior counterpart have recently acquired 125 listings from the United States, 35 from China and 20 from Australia. Although Nesbitt said he welcomed competition, he added that he was a little surprised by the system proposed by the banks, which is being called Alpha. "They used to run the exchanges, and they were not comfortable in investing in the necessary technology," he said of the banks. By contrast, Nesbitt said, the TSX Group budgets about $55 million Canadian a year for annual upgrades. Michael Sheridan, the president and chief executive of Norstar Securities in Toronto, is among the few in Canada's financial community who will publicly discuss the new exchange. Although his firm plans to use Pure Trading, Sheridan is not eager for its arrival. "It's not really a voluntary thing," he said of the decision. "The regulators have said that you have to get the best price for a client. If it's an alternative system, you have to use it. It's a small market in Canada, so this makes everyone's life very difficult." Sheridan expects Alpha to succeed in part because many large trades currently done on the TSE are arranged in advance by the big banks and institutional investors. When the banks' system is running, many of those deals will be executed without the TSE middleman. But the success of Pure Trading and other, broad alternative markets may hinge on luring a substantial volume of trades. "It's going to be difficult for someone to compete in such a small market with the TSX, which has such a hold on the market and which spends a lot on technology," Sheridan said. "They may just spend the others out of existence." 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080522.0081.LDC2009T13::1	 STUDYABROAD-GA25-COX PREPARE FOR STICKER SHOCK IF YOU PLAN TO STUDY ABROAD For Sunday, May 25. Moving in the international and lifestyle categories. Separate versions for Fla., Ga., Ohio and Texas. Chart material follows story text below. Cox News Service LONDON - As college students in the United States pack up and head to Europe this summer to attend academic programs, a weak dollar and the high price of oil are making it tougher. About 225,000 U.S. students will study abroad in 2008 in what many hope will be a life-altering experience to broaden horizons and develop independence. With the greenback down by more than 20 percent against the euro and about 6 percent against the British pound in the last two years, many colleges have had to raise the costs of study-abroad programs. Others are encouraging students to try less expensive destinations such as Latin America or Asia rather than traditional but more costly European destinations such as France, Spain, England and Ireland. At the University of Georgia, enrollment for programs abroad remains strong, said Kasee Laster, director of study abroad programs. But she said a weakening dollar has taken a toll. "Some UGA programs, particularly those operating in Western Europe, have had to make adjustments in their budgets and of course some have seen a higher increase in the program fee this year than has been common in the past," she said. "Part of the increased costs are related to exchange rates, definitely, but almost as significant for some of our programs that move through multiple locations has been the increased cost of ground transportation such as coach rental due to petrol prices," she said. Some 2,069 UGA students earned academic credit abroad during the last school year, or triple the number of a decade ago. Laster said that Italy has long been the most popular destination, followed by Britain. "But our fastest-growing region for the past two to three years has definitely been Asia, followed by the Middle East," she said. At Georgia Tech, Amy Henry, the school's director of education abroad, said the weak dollar is making it increasingly difficult to run study-abroad programs. "We've had to do things like reduce the benefits provided to the faculty or reduce group excursions or meals," she said. "We've raised program fees some but only by a few hundred dollars and even then we are still being squeezed." So far, Henry said rising costs haven't affected enrollment numbers. "I think students look at this as being such an expensive thing anyway so a few hundred dollars won't stop most students from participating," she said. "If the dollar continues to be this weak, though, we'll have to see what happens." She said the school's biggest destinations continue to be France, England, Spain, and China. Besides the cost of the programs, even daily expenses are likely to give students sticker shock. "There's no doubt that if a student studies in the UK or any of the European countries using the euro, the day-to-day expenses are expensive," said Lee Frankel, director of Academic Studies Abroad, a private company based in Boston that arranges study- abroad programs around the world. "However, most students realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so they are willing to make the sacrifice." International Studies Abroad, a study-abroad provider based in Austin Texas, said it was forced to raise prices on about two- thirds of its euro-based programs by about $400 each in October to keep pace with the weakening dollar. According to ISA, students must shell out $14,900 for a semester in Rome next fall, which includes tuition, room, and board, while a semester in Costa Rica runs at less than $8,000. Students who have participated in study-abroad programs have learned the art of pinching pennies. Kim Ybarra, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Dayton, spent three "great" weeks in Italy last summer. "It was the first time I'd gone to Europe and I found it to be very expensive," she said. "It was always hard to do the math and to really realize that three euros is not the same as $3 but that it's $5. "I found myself running short of money before the end of the trip," she said. Despite the weaker dollar and post-9/11 security concerns, the number of U.S. students participating in study-abroad programs has increased dramatically in recent years. A record 223,000 U.S. students studied abroad during the 2005-06 academic year, up 8.5 percent from the year before, according to the most recent data available from the Institute of International Education, a New York-based nonprofit organization that administers study-abroad programs. Experts say the surge is partly due to a spike in interest in foreign countries following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and also because universities are placing an increased emphasis on international studies. Expenses are cheaper in places like Asia, Africa, and Latin America and often their currencies haven't battered the dollar as much as the euro and the pound. Studies show that enrollment in programs in alternative destinations outside Europe has been particularly healthy over the last few years where the dollar isn't as weak. "For instance, we are encouraging students who want to improve their Spanish to look at our Argentina and Chile programs where the dollar is strong," Frankel said. "In Buenos Aires our students can live in a world-class city yet still get a fantastic meal for under $10." The number of students studying abroad in Europe increased by only 4.8 percent between the 2004-05 and 2005-06 academic years, while those going to the Middle East jumped by 31 percent, Asia by 26 percent, and Africa by 20 percent, according to a report by the Institute of International Education. Besides costs, another huge factor behind the shift away from traditional locations such as England is the rise in English- language programs now available in places like China, Japan and France. "In the past there was a huge preference for Britain and Ireland and Australia but today that's changing because so many programs in other countries are offered in English today," said Allan Goodman, president of the Institute of International Education. "Years ago one almost had to be fluent in French in order to do a semester in France but that's no longer the case." In the end, Frankel argued that for many students it's still actually cheaper to study abroad for a semester than it is to attend their home institution. "For instance, if a student attends a private college or university in the United States they likely pay between $15,000 and $22,000 per semester," he said. "The clear majority of our programs are well below $15,000 so it's a good deal." TOP 10 STUDY-ABROAD UNIVERSITIES (. of students abroad) 1. NYU - 2,809 2. Michigan State - 2,558 3. University of Texas at Austin - 2,244 4. Penn State - 2,168 5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 1,988 6. University of Minnesota - 1,981 7. UCLA - 1,966 8. University of Florida - 1,926 9. University of Georgia - 1,916 10. Ohio State - 1,858 TOP 10 DESTINATIONS 1. Britain 2. Italy 3. Spain 4. France 5. Australia 6. Mexico 7. China 8. Germany 9. Costa Rica 10. Ireland Nearly 60% of all U.S. students abroad study in Europe. Latin America hosted 15%, Asia 9%, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands) hosted 6%, and Africa 4%. Only 1% studied in the Middle East. Source: Institute of International Education report for 2005-06 academic year Shelley Emling's e-mail address is semlingcoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080522.0081.LDC2009T13::2	 STUDYABROAD-GA25-COX PREPARE FOR STICKER SHOCK IF YOU PLAN TO STUDY ABROAD For Sunday, May 25. Moving in the international and lifestyle categories. Separate versions for Fla., Ga., Ohio and Texas. Chart material follows story text below. Cox News Service LONDON - As college students in the United States pack up and head to Europe this summer to attend academic programs, a weak dollar and the high price of oil are making it tougher. About 225,000 U.S. students will study abroad in 2008 in what many hope will be a life-altering experience to broaden horizons and develop independence. With the greenback down by more than 20 percent against the euro and about 6 percent against the British pound in the last two years, many colleges have had to raise the costs of study-abroad programs. Others are encouraging students to try less expensive destinations such as Latin America or Asia rather than traditional but more costly European destinations such as France, Spain, England and Ireland. At the University of Georgia, enrollment for programs abroad remains strong, said Kasee Laster, director of study abroad programs. But she said a weakening dollar has taken a toll. "Some UGA programs, particularly those operating in Western Europe, have had to make adjustments in their budgets and of course some have seen a higher increase in the program fee this year than has been common in the past," she said. "Part of the increased costs are related to exchange rates, definitely, but almost as significant for some of our programs that move through multiple locations has been the increased cost of ground transportation such as coach rental due to petrol prices," she said. Some 2,069 UGA students earned academic credit abroad during the last school year, or triple the number of a decade ago. Laster said that Italy has long been the most popular destination, followed by Britain. "But our fastest-growing region for the past two to three years has definitely been Asia, followed by the Middle East," she said. At Georgia Tech, Amy Henry, the school's director of education abroad, said the weak dollar is making it increasingly difficult to run study-abroad programs. "We've had to do things like reduce the benefits provided to the faculty or reduce group excursions or meals," she said. "We've raised program fees some but only by a few hundred dollars and even then we are still being squeezed." So far, Henry said rising costs haven't affected enrollment numbers. "I think students look at this as being such an expensive thing anyway so a few hundred dollars won't stop most students from participating," she said. "If the dollar continues to be this weak, though, we'll have to see what happens." She said the school's biggest destinations continue to be France, England, Spain, and China. Besides the cost of the programs, even daily expenses are likely to give students sticker shock. "There's no doubt that if a student studies in the UK or any of the European countries using the euro, the day-to-day expenses are expensive," said Lee Frankel, director of Academic Studies Abroad, a private company based in Boston that arranges study- abroad programs around the world. "However, most students realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so they are willing to make the sacrifice." International Studies Abroad, a study-abroad provider based in Austin Texas, said it was forced to raise prices on about two- thirds of its euro-based programs by about $400 each in October to keep pace with the weakening dollar. According to ISA, students must shell out $14,900 for a semester in Rome next fall, which includes tuition, room, and board, while a semester in Costa Rica runs at less than $8,000. Students who have participated in study-abroad programs have learned the art of pinching pennies. Kim Ybarra, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Dayton, spent three "great" weeks in Italy last summer. "It was the first time I'd gone to Europe and I found it to be very expensive," she said. "It was always hard to do the math and to really realize that three euros is not the same as $3 but that it's $5. "I found myself running short of money before the end of the trip," she said. Despite the weaker dollar and post-9/11 security concerns, the number of U.S. students participating in study-abroad programs has increased dramatically in recent years. A record 223,000 U.S. students studied abroad during the 2005-06 academic year, up 8.5 percent from the year before, according to the most recent data available from the Institute of International Education, a New York-based nonprofit organization that administers study-abroad programs. Experts say the surge is partly due to a spike in interest in foreign countries following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and also because universities are placing an increased emphasis on international studies. Expenses are cheaper in places like Asia, Africa, and Latin America and often their currencies haven't battered the dollar as much as the euro and the pound. Studies show that enrollment in programs in alternative destinations outside Europe has been particularly healthy over the last few years where the dollar isn't as weak. "For instance, we are encouraging students who want to improve their Spanish to look at our Argentina and Chile programs where the dollar is strong," Frankel said. "In Buenos Aires our students can live in a world-class city yet still get a fantastic meal for under $10." The number of students studying abroad in Europe increased by only 4.8 percent between the 2004-05 and 2005-06 academic years, while those going to the Middle East jumped by 31 percent, Asia by 26 percent, and Africa by 20 percent, according to a report by the Institute of International Education. Besides costs, another huge factor behind the shift away from traditional locations such as England is the rise in English- language programs now available in places like China, Japan and France. "In the past there was a huge preference for Britain and Ireland and Australia but today that's changing because so many programs in other countries are offered in English today," said Allan Goodman, president of the Institute of International Education. "Years ago one almost had to be fluent in French in order to do a semester in France but that's no longer the case." In the end, Frankel argued that for many students it's still actually cheaper to study abroad for a semester than it is to attend their home institution. "For instance, if a student attends a private college or university in the United States they likely pay between $15,000 and $22,000 per semester," he said. "The clear majority of our programs are well below $15,000 so it's a good deal." TOP 10 STUDY-ABROAD UNIVERSITIES (. of students abroad) 1. NYU - 2,809 2. Michigan State - 2,558 3. University of Texas at Austin - 2,244 4. Penn State - 2,168 5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 1,988 6. University of Minnesota - 1,981 7. UCLA - 1,966 8. University of Florida - 1,926 9. University of Georgia - 1,916 10. Ohio State - 1,858 TOP 10 DESTINATIONS 1. Britain 2. Italy 3. Spain 4. France 5. Australia 6. Mexico 7. China 8. Germany 9. Costa Rica 10. Ireland Nearly 60% of all U.S. students abroad study in Europe. Latin America hosted 15%, Asia 9%, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands) hosted 6%, and Africa 4%. Only 1% studied in the Middle East. Source: Institute of International Education report for 2005-06 academic year Shelley Emling's e-mail address is semlingcoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::1	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::2	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::3	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::4	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::5	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::6	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::7	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::8	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::9	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::10	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::11	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::12	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::13	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::14	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::15	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::16	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::17	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070711.0163.LDC2009T13::18	 GEORGIA ON SHORT LIST FOR DISEASE FACILITY Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The University of Georgia is one of five national finalists chosen by the Department of Homeland Security for a $500 million biodefense facility dedicated to combating contagious human and animal diseases. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, part of the national strategy to combat terrorism, is intended to counter threats to the nation's food supply and limit the chances of animal diseases spreading to humans. Vaccine development will also be a key focus. Georgia faces competition from sites in Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi. The state of Georgia has proposed investing up to $150 million to land the project, including $10 million to attract researchers to the university system and $120 million in new UGA facilities. "Just being on the short list is a very big win for Georgia," said Mike Cassidy, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, which supported UGA's bid. "We're thrilled." Although the design for a Georgia facility hasn't been finalized, the complex would house the most secure type of laboratory for the handling of infectious diseases and toxic compounds, known as a BSL-4, or biosafety level 4. Only a handful of BSL-4 labs exist around the country; one has been built at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and there is another at Georgia State University. The Department of Homeland Security will subject the five finalists to more thorough scrutiny before making a final determination in the fall of 2008. Georgia's competitors all boast strong support from state colleges and universities. North Carolina's site borders Research Triangle Park near North Carolina State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The Texas site is in San Antonio near the University of Texas Health Science Center. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., made the cut, as did Flora Industrial Park near Jackson, Miss. The facility would employ up to 300 researchers and support staff, according to the security agency. President Bush has already committed $23 million to the project out of a total budget of $500 million. The new center would replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state, which first began animal disease research in 1951. Homeland Security officials selected a 66-acre site on the UGA campus, the smaller of two that UGA had proposed as suitable for the research center. Located near the UGA livestock arena, the site is farther from residential neighborhoods and has less exposure to surrounding flood plains, according to David Lee, UGA's vice president for research. Homeland Security officials told UGA that the site's relative isolation made it preferable, said Lee, who received a call from the agency Wednesday morning. As part of the next round of site evaluation, homeland security officials said they will look closely at the level of community support for the center, Lee said. "They want to be sure they are not going to invest in a community that doesn't want them," Lee said. He added that local support for other research initiatives at UGA is "one of our strengths." UGA is hoping to leverage a number of assets to land the facility. The university has a highly regarded veterinary college, which recently added an animal research center rated at BSL-3a, a level below BSL-4. Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transferred from animals to humans, have been a major research focus at the college, Lee said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also maintains a poultry research laboratory at UGA, which is already researching the highly infectious avian influenza and claims one of the world's top experts on the disease, David Swayne. Georgia officials are also touting UGA's proximity to the CDC and Emory University, both of which are major players in infectious disease research. The CDC has a division devoted to zoonotic diseases, and recently completed 160,000 square feet of new lab space. When Homeland Security first sought proposals in 2006, Georgia created the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security, which includes representatives of UGA, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with other agriculture and business interests. Georgia's congressional delegation is promoting UGA in Washington. Perdue, a graduate of the veterinary school and trained veterinarian, is also pushing hard to land the facility. In April, Perdue led Homeland Security officials on their initial tour of the UGA sites, joking that he was the only public official who could both define and spell zoonotic, according to Cassidy. Perdue pledged Wednesday to keep the pressure on. The package of incentives offered to secure the center include the $15.3 million value of donating land for the building, $4.5 million in site improvements and $120 million for constructing two new buildings on the UGA campus. UGA is proposing a $50 million bioscience building that would house infectious disease faculty working collaboratively with the agro defense center. The university is also planning to replace the veterinary hospital at a cost of $70 million. Both buildings are part of UGA's master development plan, according to UGA. In return, the university projects a 20-year economic impact of $3.5 billion to $6 billion. More significantly, the university believes the center would serve to attract other biotechnology businesses to the Ga. 316 corridor. "We think this could be a very important catalyst," said Lee. So far, the Department of Homeland Security has identified eight specific diseases that the research center would study, including two strains of swine fever, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease. Nearly all are diseases that can spread quickly among animals, with varying degrees of risk to humans. Japanese encephalitis, on the list, is a potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitoes. BSL-4 laboratories are equipped to handle the most deadly airborne bacteria, including anthrax. Ken Foskett writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: kfoskett @ ajc.com 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::1	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::2	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::3	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::4	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::5	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::6	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::7	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::8	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::9	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::10	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070830.0197.LDC2009T13::11	 PROFESSOR ACCUSED OF GIVING STUDENTS ANSWERS TO PHARMACY EXAM Cox News Service ATLANTA -- Hundreds of recent pharmacy schools graduates nationwide are putting their careers on hold because of allegations that a University of Georgia professor shared questions with students for their board's licensing exam. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy suspended indefinitely the licensing exam, which must be passed before pharmacy graduates can become practicing professionals. Earlier this month, the organization filed a lawsuit accusing Flynn Warren Jr., a popular and recently retired UGA pharmacy school professor, of copying exam questions and distributing them in his course materials for students who were about to take the exam. The decision to suspend the exam has had devastating consequences for some graduates. Lori Riney, who graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy last May and is now an intern at a CVS pharmacy, called the situation "a terrible mess." Riney, newly pregnant, said postponing the exam could cost her maternity leave because she won't be licensed for long enough for her benefits to kick in. Riney is $120,000 in debt with student loans and said she is furious. "This is just unacceptable," she said. In the federal lawsuit, the pharmacy association is seeking damages from Warren, UGA and the Board of Regents. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Marshals seized materials and computers from the College of Pharmacy and Warren's home. The materials were seized in connection to an investigation into Warren's use of questions on the exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, also known as NAPLEX. In an Aug. 24 statement posted on the NABP Web site, the agency's executive director Carmen A. Catizone said the tests were suspended "to ensure that the integrity of the examinations is maintained," and ensure that only sound exams are provided to state boards of pharmacy. He also said no decision had been reached about when the tests would reinstated. Students who had been scheduled to take the test were to take rescheduled exams "later in 2007," he said in the statement, first reported by the independent UGA student newspaper, The Red and Black. Students in Georgia also are suspended from taking the Georgia Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, another test they need to practice. This is not the first time the pharmacy association has investigated Warren. In the summer of 1994, the lawsuit said, the association was told that Warren had asked students to remember questions from the exam so he could put them in his course materials. This led to a settlement agreement reached in 1995 in which Warren and UGA agreed to stop copying the association's materials and questions, the lawsuit said. Thinking the matter was resolved at that time, the association stopped monitoring Warren, the lawsuit said. But on July 17, Southwestern Oklahoma State University professor Walter Steven Pray e-mailed the pharmacy association's executive secretary and told him Warren was again giving out exam questions to students in his review courses, the lawsuit said. Pray also learned from a former student that Samford University had recently hired Warren to visit and help prepare students there for the exam, the lawsuit said. Pray was forwarded an e-mail that Warren had sent to a Samford student on June 20 with the heading, "New NAPLEX Questions for the 2007 Exam," the lawsuit said. The e-mail included an attachment that listed hundreds of exam questions, "apparently sent to Warren by recent attendees," according to the suit. When Pray received this information, he then contacted the pharmacy association. On July 31, Kerri Hochgesang, one of the association's attorneys, traveled to Athens and paid $100 to UGA for Warren's course materials. She then picked up course documents and two CD-ROM disks at the College of Pharmacy. Many of the materials included exam questions, the lawsuit said. The association compared a portion of Warren's course materials with its exam questions and found "at least 150 questions are verbatim, nearly verbatim or substantially similar," the suit said. There are 185 questions on the exam and 150 are used to calculate the test score. Each exam question that was compromised, the lawsuit said, must be discarded. The association estimated that the cost of replacing a single item on the exam would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Day, the associate dean of University of California School of Pharmacy, said the association has a responsibility to be up- front with affected students. "They have an obligation to those who are suspended out there in space," he said. "There is a responsibility of transparency." Neither UGA or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy would comment about the case. Warren did not return phone calls Thursday. Some pharmacy students, who have banned together on the Student Doctor Network, an online forum for students in the health care field, have talked about filing a class action lawsuit. Some UGA pharmacy students Thursday defended their program and Warren on the student newspaper Web site "Why is it that Professor Warren is being treated this way?," wrote Alex Ward, who said he is a third year pharmacy student. "Is it because he is an individual offering this course service, and not an organization such as KAPLAN or ASHP?" UGA graduates about 125 pharmacy majors a year and has a 99 percent pass rate on the exam - higher than the national average, according to UGA spokesman Tom Jackson. Jackson said the university did not track the number of graduates who had taken Warren's review class, offered through the Continuing Education & Outreach. Students from other pharmacy schools could also sign up for the class. According to a UGA Web site, Warren's August class was canceled. Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit but said, "There is no basis to question the high quality of education of the College of Pharmacy, and the lawsuit provides no basis to question the competency of any licensed pharmacist who graduated from the UGA program." Amit Gajira, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, said he just wants the issue resolved quickly. Gajira says he faces losing a $15,000 signing bonus if he can't take his exam soon. "This has thrown a curve ball at a lot of people," he said. Bill Rankin and Andrea Jones write for The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. Staff writer Rebecca McCarthy contributed to this report. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::1	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::2	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::3	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::4	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::5	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::6	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::7	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::8	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
UGA::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080403.0039.LDC2009T13::9	 UGA PARTNERS WITH TOP CHINESE UNIVERSITY Cox News Service BEIJING - The University of Georgia and China's premier institute for science and technology agreed to increase cooperative research and student exchanges on Thursday, the latest in a string of initiatives by Georgia schools to grow ties with China. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in his first visit to China, presided over a signing ceremony sealing the partnership between UGA and Tsinghua University, a school of 27,000 students in northern Beijing. The ceremony - which included UGA Provost Arnett Mace and Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe -was a key event in Perdue's China tour this week and highlighted state efforts to increase links with China, the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This partnership with China's most prestigious university builds on Georgia's many educational ties with China, and opens new frontiers for Georgia students," Perdue said. "By creating international educational opportunities for our students we are preparing them to enter the global economy and to contribute to Georgia's outstanding intellectual capital." Georgia schools have responded to rising demand for Chinese language and culture classes by signing dozens of similar initiatives. UGA currently has about 11 cooperation agreements with Chinese universities, including a program with Tsinghua's law school to offer summer classes and a relationship with Chinese government institutes to provide mid-career training classes to Chinese officials, Mace said. More than 120 UGA students are studying in China and interest in China "is increasing almost exponentially across the University of Georgia," Mace said. The partnership signed on Thursday at Tsinghua, a sprawling campus founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1911, will lead to concrete programs for UGA within a year, he said. Georgia Tech collaborates with two Chinese universities. A program founded in 2004 with Shanghai Jiaotong University allows students to receive master's degrees from both institutions. The school is working with the Emory University School of Medicine to build a doctoral program in biomedicine with Beijing University. "International is the defining piece for where Georgia Tech is in its life cycle," said Steven McLaughlin, a vice provost at the school who is traveling with the Georgia delegation. "China is an extremely important component of our international strategy." Smaller universities in Georgia are also building ties with China. Kennesaw State University announced last week that it will open a Confucius Institute - a nonprofit program supported by China's government - this year to promote Chinese language and culture at the university and its surrounding community. Coan Middle School opened Atlanta's first Confucius Institute last month. Mercer University began offering executive MBA courses focused on doing business in China in 2006 and has a growing number of Chinese students studying English, said Richard Swindle, the school's senior vice president. Georgia Tech Vice Provost McLaughlin said that companies "demand that our students be globally engaged and globally competent." The university aims to have half of all graduates "have some sort of real international experience" through study abroad programs or international internships, he said. On Wednesday, Perdue opened an economic development office in Beijing that will work to boost trade between Georgia and China, currently the state's third-largest export market. The state has also supported broader academic links with China. Roughly 30 public secondary schools offer Chinese language classes, a number that is "growing every year," said Al Hodge, vice chairman of Georgia's Board of Education. The Imagine Wesley International Academy charter school in South Atlanta requires that all kindergarten through 8th-grade students receive daily Chinese lessons. School administrators eventually hope to create an emersion program where many classes will be taught in Chinese, said Hodge, who traveled to Beijing with a state delegation. The state supports some China-related university programs indirectly through financial support to state universities, though Perdue called the relationship "more complementary than coordinated." "Institutions in Georgia have sort of led the way for our state government in many parts," Perdue said. "Just like the Coca-Cola Co. and its reputation, I think all of these things help pave the way for the state to come with an economic development office." The new state trade development office in Beijing, which operates with an annual budget of $250,000, will work to attract Chinese investment to Georgia, increase Georgia exports to China and promote Georgia as a destination for Chinese tourists. State funding for a decade-old program to train mid-level Chinese officials at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government offers particularly clear long-term benefits for the state because it "provides us with connections" to China's rising leaders, UGA Provost Mace said. Building a strong relationship between UGA, Georgia and China may deliver greater rewards. "Given the stage that China is in, collaboration is absolutely essential not only to the economic vitality of the state of Georgia but also to building cultural understanding," Mace said. Craig Simons' e-mail address is csimonscoxnews.com. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0026.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup third-round qualifying fixtures on Saturday and Sunday: Group 1 Sunday At Antananarivo Madagascar v Ivory Coast Bye: Gabon Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 5 0 3 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Results Gabon 4 Madagascar 0 --- Ivory Coast 5 Gabon 0 Group 2 Saturday At Gaborone Botswana v Burundi Sunday At Cairo Egypt v Mauritania Standings Egypt 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 Mauritania 2 1 0 1 5 3 3 Burundi 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Botswana 2 0 1 1 0 4 1 Results Egypt 4 Burundi 1 Mauritania 4 Botswana 0 --- Botswana 0 Egypt 0 Burundi 3 Mauritania 1 Group 3 Saturday At Abeokuta, Nigeria Nigeria v Uganda Sunday At Maseru Lesotho v Niger Standings Nigeria 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Uganda 2 1 1 0 3 0 4 Niger 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Lesotho 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 Results Nigeria 2 Niger 0 Uganda 3 Lesotho 0 --- Lesotho 0 Nigeria 1 Niger 0 Uganda 0 Group 4 Saturday At Victoria Seychelles v Tunisia Sunday At Curepipe, Mauritius Mauritius v Sudan Standings Tunisia 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Sudan 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 Seychelles 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Mauritius 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Results Mauritius 0 Tunisia 0 Sudan 3 Seychelles 0 --- Tunisia 1 Sudan 0 Seychelles 2 Mauritius 1 Group 5 Sunday At Malabo Equatorial Guinea v Rwanda At Yaounde Cameroon v Liberia Standings Cameroon 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 Liberia 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Rwanda 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 Results Rwanda 0 Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 Liberia 1 --- Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 0 Liberia 3 Rwanda 2 Group 6 Sunday At Luanda Angola v Eritrea At Nairobi Kenya v Swaziland Standings Angola 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Eritrea 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Swaziland 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Kenya 2 0 0 2 2 5 0 Results Swaziland 0 Angola 2 Kenya 1 Eritrea 2 --- Eritrea 0 Swaziland 0 Angola 3 Kenya 1 Group 7 Saturday At Dakar Senegal v Tanzania Sunday At Ouagadougou Burkina Faso v Mozambique Standings Tanzania 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Senegal 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Burkina Faso 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Tanzania 2 Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 2 Mozambique 0 --- Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 0 Mozambique 0 Tanzania 0 Group 8 Saturday At Algiers Algeria v Cape Verde Islands At Banjul Gambia v Guinea Standings Algeria 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Gambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Cape Verde 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Guinea 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Gambia 2 Cape Verde 0 Guinea 0 Algeria 0 --- Algeria 1 Gambia 0 Cape Verde 1 Guinea 0 Group 9 Sunday At Lome Togo v Sierra Leone At Bamako Mali v Benin Standings Mali 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Benin 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Togo 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Sierra Leone 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Sierra Leone 0 Mali 0 Togo 2 Benin 1 --- Benin 2 Sierra Leone 0 Mali 1 Togo 0 Group 10 Sunday At Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo v Ethiopia At Tripoli Libya v Namibia Standings DR Congo 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Namibia 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 Ethiopia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Libya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Ethiopia 1 Libya 0 DR Congo 3 Namibia 2 --- Namibia 1 Ethiopia 0 Libya 1 DR Congo 1 Group 11 Saturday At N'Djamena Chad v South Africa Sunday At Brazzaville Congo v Zambia Standings Congo 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 South Africa 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Zambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Chad 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Results Chad 0 Zambia 2 South Africa 0 Congo 0 --- Congo 3 Chad 1 Zambia 0 South Africa 1 Group 12 Sunday At Harare Zimbabwe v Morocco Bye: Malawi Standings Morocco 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Results Morocco 2 Malawi 0 --- Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 0 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0026.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup third-round qualifying fixtures on Saturday and Sunday: Group 1 Sunday At Antananarivo Madagascar v Ivory Coast Bye: Gabon Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 5 0 3 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Results Gabon 4 Madagascar 0 --- Ivory Coast 5 Gabon 0 Group 2 Saturday At Gaborone Botswana v Burundi Sunday At Cairo Egypt v Mauritania Standings Egypt 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 Mauritania 2 1 0 1 5 3 3 Burundi 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Botswana 2 0 1 1 0 4 1 Results Egypt 4 Burundi 1 Mauritania 4 Botswana 0 --- Botswana 0 Egypt 0 Burundi 3 Mauritania 1 Group 3 Saturday At Abeokuta, Nigeria Nigeria v Uganda Sunday At Maseru Lesotho v Niger Standings Nigeria 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Uganda 2 1 1 0 3 0 4 Niger 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Lesotho 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 Results Nigeria 2 Niger 0 Uganda 3 Lesotho 0 --- Lesotho 0 Nigeria 1 Niger 0 Uganda 0 Group 4 Saturday At Victoria Seychelles v Tunisia Sunday At Curepipe, Mauritius Mauritius v Sudan Standings Tunisia 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Sudan 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 Seychelles 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Mauritius 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Results Mauritius 0 Tunisia 0 Sudan 3 Seychelles 0 --- Tunisia 1 Sudan 0 Seychelles 2 Mauritius 1 Group 5 Sunday At Malabo Equatorial Guinea v Rwanda At Yaounde Cameroon v Liberia Standings Cameroon 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 Liberia 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Rwanda 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 Results Rwanda 0 Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 Liberia 1 --- Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 0 Liberia 3 Rwanda 2 Group 6 Sunday At Luanda Angola v Eritrea At Nairobi Kenya v Swaziland Standings Angola 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Eritrea 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Swaziland 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Kenya 2 0 0 2 2 5 0 Results Swaziland 0 Angola 2 Kenya 1 Eritrea 2 --- Eritrea 0 Swaziland 0 Angola 3 Kenya 1 Group 7 Saturday At Dakar Senegal v Tanzania Sunday At Ouagadougou Burkina Faso v Mozambique Standings Tanzania 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Senegal 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Burkina Faso 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Tanzania 2 Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 2 Mozambique 0 --- Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 0 Mozambique 0 Tanzania 0 Group 8 Saturday At Algiers Algeria v Cape Verde Islands At Banjul Gambia v Guinea Standings Algeria 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Gambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Cape Verde 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Guinea 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Gambia 2 Cape Verde 0 Guinea 0 Algeria 0 --- Algeria 1 Gambia 0 Cape Verde 1 Guinea 0 Group 9 Sunday At Lome Togo v Sierra Leone At Bamako Mali v Benin Standings Mali 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Benin 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Togo 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Sierra Leone 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Sierra Leone 0 Mali 0 Togo 2 Benin 1 --- Benin 2 Sierra Leone 0 Mali 1 Togo 0 Group 10 Sunday At Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo v Ethiopia At Tripoli Libya v Namibia Standings DR Congo 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Namibia 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 Ethiopia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Libya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Ethiopia 1 Libya 0 DR Congo 3 Namibia 2 --- Namibia 1 Ethiopia 0 Libya 1 DR Congo 1 Group 11 Saturday At N'Djamena Chad v South Africa Sunday At Brazzaville Congo v Zambia Standings Congo 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 South Africa 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Zambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Chad 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Results Chad 0 Zambia 2 South Africa 0 Congo 0 --- Congo 3 Chad 1 Zambia 0 South Africa 1 Group 12 Sunday At Harare Zimbabwe v Morocco Bye: Malawi Standings Morocco 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Results Morocco 2 Malawi 0 --- Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 0 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0026.LDC2009T13::3	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup third-round qualifying fixtures on Saturday and Sunday: Group 1 Sunday At Antananarivo Madagascar v Ivory Coast Bye: Gabon Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 5 0 3 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Results Gabon 4 Madagascar 0 --- Ivory Coast 5 Gabon 0 Group 2 Saturday At Gaborone Botswana v Burundi Sunday At Cairo Egypt v Mauritania Standings Egypt 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 Mauritania 2 1 0 1 5 3 3 Burundi 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Botswana 2 0 1 1 0 4 1 Results Egypt 4 Burundi 1 Mauritania 4 Botswana 0 --- Botswana 0 Egypt 0 Burundi 3 Mauritania 1 Group 3 Saturday At Abeokuta, Nigeria Nigeria v Uganda Sunday At Maseru Lesotho v Niger Standings Nigeria 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Uganda 2 1 1 0 3 0 4 Niger 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Lesotho 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 Results Nigeria 2 Niger 0 Uganda 3 Lesotho 0 --- Lesotho 0 Nigeria 1 Niger 0 Uganda 0 Group 4 Saturday At Victoria Seychelles v Tunisia Sunday At Curepipe, Mauritius Mauritius v Sudan Standings Tunisia 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Sudan 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 Seychelles 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Mauritius 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Results Mauritius 0 Tunisia 0 Sudan 3 Seychelles 0 --- Tunisia 1 Sudan 0 Seychelles 2 Mauritius 1 Group 5 Sunday At Malabo Equatorial Guinea v Rwanda At Yaounde Cameroon v Liberia Standings Cameroon 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 Liberia 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Rwanda 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 Results Rwanda 0 Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 Liberia 1 --- Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 0 Liberia 3 Rwanda 2 Group 6 Sunday At Luanda Angola v Eritrea At Nairobi Kenya v Swaziland Standings Angola 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Eritrea 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Swaziland 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Kenya 2 0 0 2 2 5 0 Results Swaziland 0 Angola 2 Kenya 1 Eritrea 2 --- Eritrea 0 Swaziland 0 Angola 3 Kenya 1 Group 7 Saturday At Dakar Senegal v Tanzania Sunday At Ouagadougou Burkina Faso v Mozambique Standings Tanzania 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Senegal 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Burkina Faso 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Tanzania 2 Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 2 Mozambique 0 --- Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 0 Mozambique 0 Tanzania 0 Group 8 Saturday At Algiers Algeria v Cape Verde Islands At Banjul Gambia v Guinea Standings Algeria 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Gambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Cape Verde 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Guinea 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Gambia 2 Cape Verde 0 Guinea 0 Algeria 0 --- Algeria 1 Gambia 0 Cape Verde 1 Guinea 0 Group 9 Sunday At Lome Togo v Sierra Leone At Bamako Mali v Benin Standings Mali 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Benin 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Togo 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Sierra Leone 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Sierra Leone 0 Mali 0 Togo 2 Benin 1 --- Benin 2 Sierra Leone 0 Mali 1 Togo 0 Group 10 Sunday At Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo v Ethiopia At Tripoli Libya v Namibia Standings DR Congo 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Namibia 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 Ethiopia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Libya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Ethiopia 1 Libya 0 DR Congo 3 Namibia 2 --- Namibia 1 Ethiopia 0 Libya 1 DR Congo 1 Group 11 Saturday At N'Djamena Chad v South Africa Sunday At Brazzaville Congo v Zambia Standings Congo 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 South Africa 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Zambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Chad 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Results Chad 0 Zambia 2 South Africa 0 Congo 0 --- Congo 3 Chad 1 Zambia 0 South Africa 1 Group 12 Sunday At Harare Zimbabwe v Morocco Bye: Malawi Standings Morocco 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Results Morocco 2 Malawi 0 --- Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 0 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0026.LDC2009T13::4	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup third-round qualifying fixtures on Saturday and Sunday: Group 1 Sunday At Antananarivo Madagascar v Ivory Coast Bye: Gabon Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 5 0 3 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Results Gabon 4 Madagascar 0 --- Ivory Coast 5 Gabon 0 Group 2 Saturday At Gaborone Botswana v Burundi Sunday At Cairo Egypt v Mauritania Standings Egypt 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 Mauritania 2 1 0 1 5 3 3 Burundi 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Botswana 2 0 1 1 0 4 1 Results Egypt 4 Burundi 1 Mauritania 4 Botswana 0 --- Botswana 0 Egypt 0 Burundi 3 Mauritania 1 Group 3 Saturday At Abeokuta, Nigeria Nigeria v Uganda Sunday At Maseru Lesotho v Niger Standings Nigeria 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Uganda 2 1 1 0 3 0 4 Niger 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Lesotho 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 Results Nigeria 2 Niger 0 Uganda 3 Lesotho 0 --- Lesotho 0 Nigeria 1 Niger 0 Uganda 0 Group 4 Saturday At Victoria Seychelles v Tunisia Sunday At Curepipe, Mauritius Mauritius v Sudan Standings Tunisia 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Sudan 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 Seychelles 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Mauritius 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Results Mauritius 0 Tunisia 0 Sudan 3 Seychelles 0 --- Tunisia 1 Sudan 0 Seychelles 2 Mauritius 1 Group 5 Sunday At Malabo Equatorial Guinea v Rwanda At Yaounde Cameroon v Liberia Standings Cameroon 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 Liberia 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 1 0 1 2 4 3 Rwanda 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 Results Rwanda 0 Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 2 Liberia 1 --- Cameroon 3 Equatorial Guinea 0 Liberia 3 Rwanda 2 Group 6 Sunday At Luanda Angola v Eritrea At Nairobi Kenya v Swaziland Standings Angola 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Eritrea 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Swaziland 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Kenya 2 0 0 2 2 5 0 Results Swaziland 0 Angola 2 Kenya 1 Eritrea 2 --- Eritrea 0 Swaziland 0 Angola 3 Kenya 1 Group 7 Saturday At Dakar Senegal v Tanzania Sunday At Ouagadougou Burkina Faso v Mozambique Standings Tanzania 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Senegal 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Burkina Faso 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Tanzania 2 Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 2 Mozambique 0 --- Burkina Faso 1 Senegal 0 Mozambique 0 Tanzania 0 Group 8 Saturday At Algiers Algeria v Cape Verde Islands At Banjul Gambia v Guinea Standings Algeria 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Gambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Cape Verde 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Guinea 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Gambia 2 Cape Verde 0 Guinea 0 Algeria 0 --- Algeria 1 Gambia 0 Cape Verde 1 Guinea 0 Group 9 Sunday At Lome Togo v Sierra Leone At Bamako Mali v Benin Standings Mali 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Benin 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 Togo 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Sierra Leone 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Results Sierra Leone 0 Mali 0 Togo 2 Benin 1 --- Benin 2 Sierra Leone 0 Mali 1 Togo 0 Group 10 Sunday At Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo v Ethiopia At Tripoli Libya v Namibia Standings DR Congo 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Namibia 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 Ethiopia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Libya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Results Ethiopia 1 Libya 0 DR Congo 3 Namibia 2 --- Namibia 1 Ethiopia 0 Libya 1 DR Congo 1 Group 11 Saturday At N'Djamena Chad v South Africa Sunday At Brazzaville Congo v Zambia Standings Congo 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 South Africa 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Zambia 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 Chad 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Results Chad 0 Zambia 2 South Africa 0 Congo 0 --- Congo 3 Chad 1 Zambia 0 South Africa 1 Group 12 Sunday At Harare Zimbabwe v Morocco Bye: Malawi Standings Morocco 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Results Morocco 2 Malawi 0 --- Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 0 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0027.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Africa debuts for coaches Parreira and Vogts by Andrew Thompson Coaches Carlos Alberto Parreira of Brazil and Berti Vogts of Germany ruled the international football roost a decade ago. Brazil lifted the 1994 World Cup in the United States under the guidance of Parreira and Vogts guided Germany to European championship success in England two years later. Those victories were achieved before capacity crowds at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and Wembley Stadium in London, a far cry from the venues where the two coaches make competitive debuts in Africa on Saturday. Parreira has signed a four-year deal with 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa worth 250,000 dollars a month and his first challenge is an African Nations Cup Group 11 qualifier at lowly Chad. A World Cup winner as a player, 65,000-dollars-a-month Vogts is slightly more fortunate because new employers Nigeria enjoy home advantage over Uganda in a top-of-the-table Group 3 clash in the south-west town of Abeokuta. South Africa were held goalless at home by Congo before winning in Zambia for the first time, a result that leaves Bafana Bafana (The Boys) level with the Congolese 'Red Devils' on four points. With Congo expected to defeat Zambia in Brazzaville, South Africa need the three points on offer in N'Djamena as only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2008 tournament in Ghana. While Parreira dreams of making South Africa the Brazil of Africa, he knows attractive football is out of the question on an N'Djamena pitch described as a "dusty crater" in the middle of the central African city. "We need to play effective football to get three points. We need discipline, attitude and commitment. If we play to 75 percent of our potential, I believe things will come out well," predicted Parreira. Chad, who lie 28 places below 1996 Nations Cup holders South Africa in the continental rankings, have been busy with three wins in four outings helping the hosts finish third this month in the Central Africa championship. Nigeria share with Cameroon and Angola the only 100 percent records among the 46 countries chasing 15 tickets to Accra and should prove too strong for Uganda, who are second on four points. "Germans are known to be interested only in results but with the huge number of talented Nigerian footballers it is equally important for me that they also put up a good performance," demanded Vogts. He has already experienced the frustration of being an international coach with injury ruling out goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and recalled Newcastle defender Celestine Babayaro. Cameroon, ranked first in Africa, have placed local Jules Nyongha in temporary charge after Dutch coach Arie Haan quit and are favoured to beat modest Group 5 rivals Liberia in Yaounde. Inspired by striker Flavio Amado from African club champions Al- Ahly of Egypt, Angola should maintain their perfect Group 6 record at home to pool surprise packets Eritrea. Seeking a place among the finalists for the first time since 1980, leaders Tanzania face their biggest Group 7 test away to Senegal, a nation that has failed to build on its heroic 2002 World Cup performances. Injury-ravaged Group 1 leaders Ivory Coast meet Madagascar in Antananarivo while defending champions and Group 2 pacesetters Egypt entertain Mauritania in Cairo minus hurt striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam. Birmingham City defender Radhi Jaidi has come out of retirement to help Group 4 table-toppers Tunisia in the Seychelles and Algeria will expect to consolidate their Group 8 leadership at home to the Cape Verde Islands. Former Nigeria star Stephen Keshi begins a second spell in charge of Group 9 contenders Togo when Sierra Leone visit Lome and Group 10 leaders Democratic Republic of Congo host poor travellers Ethiopia. There are only three teams in Group 12 and a Zimbabwe side led by Portsmouth striker Benjamin 'Benjani' Mwaruwari must overcome leaders Morocco in Harare to atone for a surprise loss in Malawi last October. A further two qualifying rounds are scheduled for June and one for September after which the 12 group winners and the best three runners-up among the 10 four-team pools advance to the biennial championship. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070323.0027.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Africa debuts for coaches Parreira and Vogts by Andrew Thompson Coaches Carlos Alberto Parreira of Brazil and Berti Vogts of Germany ruled the international football roost a decade ago. Brazil lifted the 1994 World Cup in the United States under the guidance of Parreira and Vogts guided Germany to European championship success in England two years later. Those victories were achieved before capacity crowds at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and Wembley Stadium in London, a far cry from the venues where the two coaches make competitive debuts in Africa on Saturday. Parreira has signed a four-year deal with 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa worth 250,000 dollars a month and his first challenge is an African Nations Cup Group 11 qualifier at lowly Chad. A World Cup winner as a player, 65,000-dollars-a-month Vogts is slightly more fortunate because new employers Nigeria enjoy home advantage over Uganda in a top-of-the-table Group 3 clash in the south-west town of Abeokuta. South Africa were held goalless at home by Congo before winning in Zambia for the first time, a result that leaves Bafana Bafana (The Boys) level with the Congolese 'Red Devils' on four points. With Congo expected to defeat Zambia in Brazzaville, South Africa need the three points on offer in N'Djamena as only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2008 tournament in Ghana. While Parreira dreams of making South Africa the Brazil of Africa, he knows attractive football is out of the question on an N'Djamena pitch described as a "dusty crater" in the middle of the central African city. "We need to play effective football to get three points. We need discipline, attitude and commitment. If we play to 75 percent of our potential, I believe things will come out well," predicted Parreira. Chad, who lie 28 places below 1996 Nations Cup holders South Africa in the continental rankings, have been busy with three wins in four outings helping the hosts finish third this month in the Central Africa championship. Nigeria share with Cameroon and Angola the only 100 percent records among the 46 countries chasing 15 tickets to Accra and should prove too strong for Uganda, who are second on four points. "Germans are known to be interested only in results but with the huge number of talented Nigerian footballers it is equally important for me that they also put up a good performance," demanded Vogts. He has already experienced the frustration of being an international coach with injury ruling out goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and recalled Newcastle defender Celestine Babayaro. Cameroon, ranked first in Africa, have placed local Jules Nyongha in temporary charge after Dutch coach Arie Haan quit and are favoured to beat modest Group 5 rivals Liberia in Yaounde. Inspired by striker Flavio Amado from African club champions Al- Ahly of Egypt, Angola should maintain their perfect Group 6 record at home to pool surprise packets Eritrea. Seeking a place among the finalists for the first time since 1980, leaders Tanzania face their biggest Group 7 test away to Senegal, a nation that has failed to build on its heroic 2002 World Cup performances. Injury-ravaged Group 1 leaders Ivory Coast meet Madagascar in Antananarivo while defending champions and Group 2 pacesetters Egypt entertain Mauritania in Cairo minus hurt striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam. Birmingham City defender Radhi Jaidi has come out of retirement to help Group 4 table-toppers Tunisia in the Seychelles and Algeria will expect to consolidate their Group 8 leadership at home to the Cape Verde Islands. Former Nigeria star Stephen Keshi begins a second spell in charge of Group 9 contenders Togo when Sierra Leone visit Lome and Group 10 leaders Democratic Republic of Congo host poor travellers Ethiopia. There are only three teams in Group 12 and a Zimbabwe side led by Portsmouth striker Benjamin 'Benjani' Mwaruwari must overcome leaders Morocco in Harare to atone for a surprise loss in Malawi last October. A further two qualifying rounds are scheduled for June and one for September after which the 12 group winners and the best three runners-up among the 10 four-team pools advance to the biennial championship. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070531.0042.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup fourth round qualifying fixtures this weekend: Group 1 At Bouake Ivory Coast v Madagascar Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 2 2 0 0 8 0 6 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 2 0 0 2 0 7 0 Note: Djibouti withdrew without explanation before qualifiers began Group 2 At Kigali, Rwanda Burundi v Botswana Note: The only international-standard stadium in Burundi is unavailable At Nouakchott Mauritania v Egypt Standings Egypt 3 2 1 0 7 1 7 Botswana 3 1 1 1 1 4 4 Mauritania 3 1 0 2 5 6 3 Burundi 3 1 0 2 4 6 3 Group 3 At Kampala Uganda v Nigeria At Niamey Niger v Lesotho Standings Nigeria 3 3 0 0 4 0 9 Uganda 3 1 1 1 3 1 4 Lesotho 3 1 0 2 3 5 3 Niger 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 Group 4 At Omdurman Sudan v Mauritius At Tunis Tunisia v Seychelles Standings Tunisia 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Sudan 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Seychelles 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Mauritius 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 Group 5 At Kigali Rwanda v Equatorial Guinea At Monrovia Liberia v Cameroon Standings Cameroon 3 3 0 0 9 1 9 Equatorial Guinea 3 2 0 1 5 5 6 Liberia 3 1 0 2 5 7 3 Rwanda 3 0 0 3 3 9 0 Group 6 At Asmara Eritrea v Angola At Ezulwini Valley Swaziland v Kenya Standings Angola 3 3 0 0 11 2 9 Eritrea 3 1 1 1 3 7 4 Kenya 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 Swaziland 3 0 1 2 0 4 1 Group 7 At Mwanza Tanzania v Senegal At Maputo Mozambique v Burkina Faso Standings Senegal 3 2 0 1 6 1 6 Burkina Faso 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Tanzania 3 1 1 1 2 5 4 Mozambique 3 0 2 1 1 3 1 Group 8 At Conakry Guinea v Gambia At Praia Cape Verde Islands v Algeria Standings Algeria 3 2 1 0 3 0 7 Guinea 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 Gambia 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 Cape Verde 3 1 0 2 1 4 3 Group 9 At Cotonou Benin v Mali At Freetown Sierra Leone v Togo Standings Togo 3 2 0 1 5 3 6 Mali 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Benin 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 Sierra Leone 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 Group 10 At Addis Ababa Ethiopia v Democratic Republic of Congo At Windhoek Namibia v Libya Standings DR Congo 3 2 1 0 5 2 7 Libya 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 Namibia 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 Ethiopia 3 1 0 2 1 3 3 Group 11 At Durban South Africa v Chad At Chililabombwe Zambia v Congo Standings South Africa 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Congo 3 1 2 0 3 1 5 Zambia 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 Chad 3 0 0 3 1 8 0 Group 12 At Casablanca Morocco v Zimbabwe Standings Morocco 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070531.0042.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: African Nations Cup fixtures African Nations Cup fourth round qualifying fixtures this weekend: Group 1 At Bouake Ivory Coast v Madagascar Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points) Ivory Coast 2 2 0 0 8 0 6 Gabon 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Madagascar 2 0 0 2 0 7 0 Note: Djibouti withdrew without explanation before qualifiers began Group 2 At Kigali, Rwanda Burundi v Botswana Note: The only international-standard stadium in Burundi is unavailable At Nouakchott Mauritania v Egypt Standings Egypt 3 2 1 0 7 1 7 Botswana 3 1 1 1 1 4 4 Mauritania 3 1 0 2 5 6 3 Burundi 3 1 0 2 4 6 3 Group 3 At Kampala Uganda v Nigeria At Niamey Niger v Lesotho Standings Nigeria 3 3 0 0 4 0 9 Uganda 3 1 1 1 3 1 4 Lesotho 3 1 0 2 3 5 3 Niger 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 Group 4 At Omdurman Sudan v Mauritius At Tunis Tunisia v Seychelles Standings Tunisia 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Sudan 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Seychelles 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Mauritius 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 Group 5 At Kigali Rwanda v Equatorial Guinea At Monrovia Liberia v Cameroon Standings Cameroon 3 3 0 0 9 1 9 Equatorial Guinea 3 2 0 1 5 5 6 Liberia 3 1 0 2 5 7 3 Rwanda 3 0 0 3 3 9 0 Group 6 At Asmara Eritrea v Angola At Ezulwini Valley Swaziland v Kenya Standings Angola 3 3 0 0 11 2 9 Eritrea 3 1 1 1 3 7 4 Kenya 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 Swaziland 3 0 1 2 0 4 1 Group 7 At Mwanza Tanzania v Senegal At Maputo Mozambique v Burkina Faso Standings Senegal 3 2 0 1 6 1 6 Burkina Faso 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Tanzania 3 1 1 1 2 5 4 Mozambique 3 0 2 1 1 3 1 Group 8 At Conakry Guinea v Gambia At Praia Cape Verde Islands v Algeria Standings Algeria 3 2 1 0 3 0 7 Guinea 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 Gambia 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 Cape Verde 3 1 0 2 1 4 3 Group 9 At Cotonou Benin v Mali At Freetown Sierra Leone v Togo Standings Togo 3 2 0 1 5 3 6 Mali 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Benin 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 Sierra Leone 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 Group 10 At Addis Ababa Ethiopia v Democratic Republic of Congo At Windhoek Namibia v Libya Standings DR Congo 3 2 1 0 5 2 7 Libya 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 Namibia 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 Ethiopia 3 1 0 2 1 3 3 Group 11 At Durban South Africa v Chad At Chililabombwe Zambia v Congo Standings South Africa 3 2 1 0 4 0 7 Congo 3 1 2 0 3 1 5 Zambia 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 Chad 3 0 0 3 1 8 0 Group 12 At Casablanca Morocco v Zimbabwe Standings Morocco 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 Zimbabwe 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Note: The 12 group winners and the best three runners-up from the four-team pools secure places at the finals from January 20 to February 10 2008. Hosts Ghana qualify automatically 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070602.0289.LDC2009T13::1	 Football: Angola and Nigeria come unstuck in Nations Cup by Andrew Thompson Angola and Nigeria had hopes of becoming the first qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup dashed on Saturday. A second-half goal rescued an away point for Group 6 pacesetters Angola in a 1-1 draw against Eritrea, but the Black Antelopes needed three points to have a chance of building an unassailable lead. And revitalised Uganda converted two second-half penalties at home to come from behind and defeat Group 3 leaders Nigeria 2-1 in a thriller that throws the mini-league wide open with two rounds left. South Africa consolidated their leadership of Group 11 by crushing visiting Chad 4-0 for a record win and Zambia are now the closest challengers after a 3-0 home triumph over Congo. Senegal took a significant point in the struggle for Group 7 supremacy by forcing a 1-1 draw in Tanzania while Namibia stayed in the hunt for Group 10 honours with a 1-0 home win over Libya. Equatorial Guinea dreams of a first appearance at the biennial showpiece of African football received a jolt when losing 2-0 away to bottom-of-the-table Rwanda in a Group 5 encounter. Given little chance after a six-goal mauling in Angola last March, Eritrea shook the 2006 World Cup qualifiers by taking an early first half lead through Elias Abubaker. Substitute Norberto 'Maurito' Mulenessa spared Angolan blushes with an equaliser on a notoriously hard, bumpy Asmara pitch where powerhouses like Cameroon and Nigeria have failed to win. A Nigerian team packed with Europe-based professionals put a midweek pay dispute behind them to take a 25th-minute lead through France-based striker John Utaka in Kampala. David Obua, whose father Dennis played for the Ugandan Cranes in the 1974 and 1976 Nations Cup tournaments, levelled from a 52nd- minute spot kick and Ibrahim Ssekajja was equally accurate from another penalty 13 minutes later. Sibusiso Zuma scored twice and Siyabonga Nomvete once in their native Durban as South Africa won by four goals for the first time since returning to international football in 1992 after decades of apartheid-induced isolation. Jacob Mulenga scored the first goal and created the third for Songwe Chalwe after Ngo conceded an own goal as Zambia won unexpectedly easily against Congo in the northern town of Chililabombwe. Late inclusion Demba Ba equalised for Senegal midway thorugh the second half in the lakeside town of Mwanza after Aruna Moshi had put Tanzania ahead after 20 minutes. Namibia climbed two places to second thanks to an eighth-minute winner from Collin Benjamin while Libya cursed their luck after hitting the post twice and crossbar once. Haruna Niyonzima was the two-goal hero in Kigali, scoring his brace within six minutes during the second half as Rwanda ended a three-match losing run under German coach Michael Ness. Cape Verde Islands host Algeria in Praia, Morocco entertain Zimbabwe in Casablanca and Tunisia play Seychelles in Tunis later Saturday with a further 11 fixtures scheduled for Sunday. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070602.0289.LDC2009T13::2	 Football: Angola and Nigeria come unstuck in Nations Cup by Andrew Thompson Angola and Nigeria had hopes of becoming the first qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup dashed on Saturday. A second-half goal rescued an away point for Group 6 pacesetters Angola in a 1-1 draw against Eritrea, but the Black Antelopes needed three points to have a chance of building an unassailable lead. And revitalised Uganda converted two second-half penalties at home to come from behind and defeat Group 3 leaders Nigeria 2-1 in a thriller that throws the mini-league wide open with two rounds left. South Africa consolidated their leadership of Group 11 by crushing visiting Chad 4-0 for a record win and Zambia are now the closest challengers after a 3-0 home triumph over Congo. Senegal took a significant point in the struggle for Group 7 supremacy by forcing a 1-1 draw in Tanzania while Namibia stayed in the hunt for Group 10 honours with a 1-0 home win over Libya. Equatorial Guinea dreams of a first appearance at the biennial showpiece of African football received a jolt when losing 2-0 away to bottom-of-the-table Rwanda in a Group 5 encounter. Given little chance after a six-goal mauling in Angola last March, Eritrea shook the 2006 World Cup qualifiers by taking an early first half lead through Elias Abubaker. Substitute Norberto 'Maurito' Mulenessa spared Angolan blushes with an equaliser on a notoriously hard, bumpy Asmara pitch where powerhouses like Cameroon and Nigeria have failed to win. A Nigerian team packed with Europe-based professionals put a midweek pay dispute behind them to take a 25th-minute lead through France-based striker John Utaka in Kampala. David Obua, whose father Dennis played for the Ugandan Cranes in the 1974 and 1976 Nations Cup tournaments, levelled from a 52nd- minute spot kick and Ibrahim Ssekajja was equally accurate from another penalty 13 minutes later. Sibusiso Zuma scored twice and Siyabonga Nomvete once in their native Durban as South Africa won by four goals for the first time since returning to international football in 1992 after decades of apartheid-induced isolation. Jacob Mulenga scored the first goal and created the third for Songwe Chalwe after Ngo conceded an own goal as Zambia won unexpectedly easily against Congo in the northern town of Chililabombwe. Late inclusion Demba Ba equalised for Senegal midway thorugh the second half in the lakeside town of Mwanza after Aruna Moshi had put Tanzania ahead after 20 minutes. Namibia climbed two places to second thanks to an eighth-minute winner from Collin Benjamin while Libya cursed their luck after hitting the post twice and crossbar once. Haruna Niyonzima was the two-goal hero in Kigali, scoring his brace within six minutes during the second half as Rwanda ended a three-match losing run under German coach Michael Ness. Cape Verde Islands host Algeria in Praia, Morocco entertain Zimbabwe in Casablanca and Tunisia play Seychelles in Tunis later Saturday with a further 11 fixtures scheduled for Sunday. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070109.0175.LDC2009T13::1	 Sudan leaders swap blame over fragile peace deal Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and his southern deputy Salva Kiir on Tuesday traded accusations over failure to implement a north-south landmark peace agreement on the second anniversary of its signing. As humanitarian groups warned that the deal to end one of Africa's bloodiest and most intricate civil conflict might unravel, the two leaders exposed the widening rift over the implementation of the accord. In a televised speech at Juba, the capital of south Sudan, Kiir blamed the ruling National Congress Party for delays in the implementation of some clauses of the agreement signed on January 9, 2005. "Why does the National Congress continue to support armed groups to this day," asked the First Vice President, referring to the militias still operating in the south despite provisions in the agreement calling for their dissolution. "The continued military support from the Sudanese armed forces to the various armed groups in southern Sudan, including the Uganda rebels, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is still alarming," said Kiir, accusing Khartoum of violating the peace deal. The southern Sudan region is currently mediating talks between the Ugandan government and the LRA aimed at ending about two decades of fighting, whose effects are being felt in southern Sudan Kiir also raised concerns over the disputed oil-rich Abyei zone, the demarcation of borders between north and south, and the sharing of oil-resources, all of which are sticking points in the implementation of the deal. A visibly angry Beshir hit back, blaming delays on the south's semi-autonomous government which he criticised for failing to get involved in the commissions set up to oversee implementation. "We have waited for the representatives of the south for six months and have spent 60 million dollars so they can participate in the mechanisms for implementation," said Beshir. Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju warned that ever-escalating animosity between the south and north could derail the agreement. Animosity "could undermine every gain that you have achieved so far," said Tuju, who represented the regional, seven-nation Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the peace deal. Humanitarian groups have warned that the raging conflict in Sudan's western region of Darfur had deflected attention from southern Sudan, which is also trying to reconstructs its infrastructure. "With everyone concetrating on Darfur, the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) seems to be drifting off the international community's radar," warned Patty Swahn, the regional director for the International Rescue Committee. "The slow process of implementing the agreement is extremely worrying. If there isn't active support for the peace process, there is a real risk of renewed fighting," she warned. "The international community needs to understand how fragile the situation is and to engage actively in supporting the process and holding the parties to account," added Gary McGurk, the deputy country director for CARE South Sudan. Khartoum and the former rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army signed the agreement in January 2005, bringing an end to more than two decades of civil war that claimed at least 1.5 million people and displaced around four million others. The deal gives the south the right to vote whether they would secede or be part of Sudan by 2011. But in Darfur, nearly four years of fighting between rebels from minority tribes and Khartoum, backed by a proxy militia called Janjaweed, has claimed at least 200,000 people and displaced two million others. In July, the UN called on Beshir to accept the deployment of 20,000 UN peacekeepers to halt the violence in Darfur that has sparked what aid groups have described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Beshir steadfastly rejected any large-scale UN troop deployment there, but later endorsed a three-phase plan for the deployment of a "hybrid" AU-UN peacekeeping force. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070109.0175.LDC2009T13::2	 Sudan leaders swap blame over fragile peace deal Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and his southern deputy Salva Kiir on Tuesday traded accusations over failure to implement a north-south landmark peace agreement on the second anniversary of its signing. As humanitarian groups warned that the deal to end one of Africa's bloodiest and most intricate civil conflict might unravel, the two leaders exposed the widening rift over the implementation of the accord. In a televised speech at Juba, the capital of south Sudan, Kiir blamed the ruling National Congress Party for delays in the implementation of some clauses of the agreement signed on January 9, 2005. "Why does the National Congress continue to support armed groups to this day," asked the First Vice President, referring to the militias still operating in the south despite provisions in the agreement calling for their dissolution. "The continued military support from the Sudanese armed forces to the various armed groups in southern Sudan, including the Uganda rebels, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is still alarming," said Kiir, accusing Khartoum of violating the peace deal. The southern Sudan region is currently mediating talks between the Ugandan government and the LRA aimed at ending about two decades of fighting, whose effects are being felt in southern Sudan Kiir also raised concerns over the disputed oil-rich Abyei zone, the demarcation of borders between north and south, and the sharing of oil-resources, all of which are sticking points in the implementation of the deal. A visibly angry Beshir hit back, blaming delays on the south's semi-autonomous government which he criticised for failing to get involved in the commissions set up to oversee implementation. "We have waited for the representatives of the south for six months and have spent 60 million dollars so they can participate in the mechanisms for implementation," said Beshir. Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju warned that ever-escalating animosity between the south and north could derail the agreement. Animosity "could undermine every gain that you have achieved so far," said Tuju, who represented the regional, seven-nation Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the peace deal. Humanitarian groups have warned that the raging conflict in Sudan's western region of Darfur had deflected attention from southern Sudan, which is also trying to reconstructs its infrastructure. "With everyone concetrating on Darfur, the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) seems to be drifting off the international community's radar," warned Patty Swahn, the regional director for the International Rescue Committee. "The slow process of implementing the agreement is extremely worrying. If there isn't active support for the peace process, there is a real risk of renewed fighting," she warned. "The international community needs to understand how fragile the situation is and to engage actively in supporting the process and holding the parties to account," added Gary McGurk, the deputy country director for CARE South Sudan. Khartoum and the former rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army signed the agreement in January 2005, bringing an end to more than two decades of civil war that claimed at least 1.5 million people and displaced around four million others. The deal gives the south the right to vote whether they would secede or be part of Sudan by 2011. But in Darfur, nearly four years of fighting between rebels from minority tribes and Khartoum, backed by a proxy militia called Janjaweed, has claimed at least 200,000 people and displaced two million others. In July, the UN called on Beshir to accept the deployment of 20,000 UN peacekeepers to halt the violence in Darfur that has sparked what aid groups have described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Beshir steadfastly rejected any large-scale UN troop deployment there, but later endorsed a three-phase plan for the deployment of a "hybrid" AU-UN peacekeeping force. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070202.0028.LDC2009T13::1	 AIDS-ravaged Swaziland gears up for circumcision fever by Fran Blandy Male nurse Moshoeshoe Makhubu has helped in many circumcisions but is visibly nervous as he prepares to undergo the snip himself, a procedure he grudgingly admits may boost chances of remaining HIV-free. In Swaziland, staying clear of the virus is hard as close to 40 percent of adults are living with HIV and AIDS, the highest infection rate anywhere in the world according to UNICEF. Trials in Kenya and Uganda have shown that circumcision, while not providing complete protection for the man, dramatically reduced the number of new infections. Thirty-year-old Makhubu, who works at the government hospital in the Swazi capital Mbabane, says he is aware he should "still use other preventative measures" if he wants to remain healthy. Swaziland's only expert in the field, urologist Adam Groenevald of Holland, says the Kenyan and Ugandan trials -- which showed 53 percent and 48 percent reductions in new infections respectively --- have got Swazis thinking. "There are voices against it, but the momentum of the whole thing cannot be stopped," he says. Many nurses are bringing in their husbands and sons for the snip as circumcision fever begins to sweep the country. Swaziland's health ministry is eager to roll out a mass programme but is awaiting advice first from the World Health Organisation. "If there was a vaccine with 65 percent efficacy, the whole world would have jumped on it, but an operation on the penis will not be that popular," Groenevald fears. His office, a room in an abandoned ward, bears mute testimony to the crippling shortage of nurses and doctors that will make the fulfilment of such a programme in Swaziland even more difficult. Only 100 or so doctors serve the population of more than one million in this southeast African mountain kingdom where two- thirds of people live in poverty. "We have to make the medical establishment and policymakers ready for the go ahead," says Groenevald. "If we are not ready and the go ahead comes there will be chaos. A number of unqualified people will start offering circumcisions and we need to avoid that at all costs." To try and satisfy soaring demand for operations, doctors are being trained and are asked to help out on special "circumcision days" when the procedure is offered free of charge. These occasions typically see about 40 men operated upon, but up to 100 others are routinely turned away because there are not enough professional medical staff to carry out the circumcisions. Groenevald highlights the need for more doctors, saying if 200,000 men wanted to get circumcised -- a figure he deemed conservative -- it will require 40,000 operations to be performed annually for the next five years. Faith Dlamini from the state-run National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS says the government would first focus on circumcising the 15 to 30 age group as it ran the highest risk of infection. According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) website, HIV prevalence among 20 to 30-year-olds is already nearing 50 percent, higher than the national adult average. Apart from the sheer logistical problem of finding the doctors, mass circumcision faces deeper-rooted and more cultural barriers in Swaziland. Swazi boys are not circumcised traditionally as is the case in other parts of southern Africa. A 19th-century king banned the procedure, arguing that the lengthy healing process interfered with boys' war-readiness. Thoko Tsabedze, an HIV-positive mother from Macatjeni district southeast of the capital, explains a common problem. "It is difficult even when you try to talk to your son about circumcision. He says, 'How am I going to take a bath publicly with my friends, I will be ridiculed'." Vusi Dlamini from the Family Life Association of Swaziland, the country's leading non-governmental organisation tackling HIV/AIDS, believes this thinking can be overcome as people are very interested in circumcision and few view it as "un-Swazi." The most popular theory behind circumcision's protective effect is that the foreskin has a very thin epithelium, or lining, and easily suffers minor abrasions during intercourse. These microscopic cuts make it easier for the AIDS virus to enter the man's bloodstream. Until now, the only prevention strategies have depended on condoms and sexual abstinence, both of which are of only limited effect. Campaigners caution that circumcision -- while low-cost, one-off and effective -- is no silver bullet and will not provide complete protection. "We want people to be aware it is not the answer, but an intervention within a package," says Faith Dlamini. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070202.0028.LDC2009T13::2	 AIDS-ravaged Swaziland gears up for circumcision fever by Fran Blandy Male nurse Moshoeshoe Makhubu has helped in many circumcisions but is visibly nervous as he prepares to undergo the snip himself, a procedure he grudgingly admits may boost chances of remaining HIV-free. In Swaziland, staying clear of the virus is hard as close to 40 percent of adults are living with HIV and AIDS, the highest infection rate anywhere in the world according to UNICEF. Trials in Kenya and Uganda have shown that circumcision, while not providing complete protection for the man, dramatically reduced the number of new infections. Thirty-year-old Makhubu, who works at the government hospital in the Swazi capital Mbabane, says he is aware he should "still use other preventative measures" if he wants to remain healthy. Swaziland's only expert in the field, urologist Adam Groenevald of Holland, says the Kenyan and Ugandan trials -- which showed 53 percent and 48 percent reductions in new infections respectively --- have got Swazis thinking. "There are voices against it, but the momentum of the whole thing cannot be stopped," he says. Many nurses are bringing in their husbands and sons for the snip as circumcision fever begins to sweep the country. Swaziland's health ministry is eager to roll out a mass programme but is awaiting advice first from the World Health Organisation. "If there was a vaccine with 65 percent efficacy, the whole world would have jumped on it, but an operation on the penis will not be that popular," Groenevald fears. His office, a room in an abandoned ward, bears mute testimony to the crippling shortage of nurses and doctors that will make the fulfilment of such a programme in Swaziland even more difficult. Only 100 or so doctors serve the population of more than one million in this southeast African mountain kingdom where two- thirds of people live in poverty. "We have to make the medical establishment and policymakers ready for the go ahead," says Groenevald. "If we are not ready and the go ahead comes there will be chaos. A number of unqualified people will start offering circumcisions and we need to avoid that at all costs." To try and satisfy soaring demand for operations, doctors are being trained and are asked to help out on special "circumcision days" when the procedure is offered free of charge. These occasions typically see about 40 men operated upon, but up to 100 others are routinely turned away because there are not enough professional medical staff to carry out the circumcisions. Groenevald highlights the need for more doctors, saying if 200,000 men wanted to get circumcised -- a figure he deemed conservative -- it will require 40,000 operations to be performed annually for the next five years. Faith Dlamini from the state-run National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS says the government would first focus on circumcising the 15 to 30 age group as it ran the highest risk of infection. According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) website, HIV prevalence among 20 to 30-year-olds is already nearing 50 percent, higher than the national adult average. Apart from the sheer logistical problem of finding the doctors, mass circumcision faces deeper-rooted and more cultural barriers in Swaziland. Swazi boys are not circumcised traditionally as is the case in other parts of southern Africa. A 19th-century king banned the procedure, arguing that the lengthy healing process interfered with boys' war-readiness. Thoko Tsabedze, an HIV-positive mother from Macatjeni district southeast of the capital, explains a common problem. "It is difficult even when you try to talk to your son about circumcision. He says, 'How am I going to take a bath publicly with my friends, I will be ridiculed'." Vusi Dlamini from the Family Life Association of Swaziland, the country's leading non-governmental organisation tackling HIV/AIDS, believes this thinking can be overcome as people are very interested in circumcision and few view it as "un-Swazi." The most popular theory behind circumcision's protective effect is that the foreskin has a very thin epithelium, or lining, and easily suffers minor abrasions during intercourse. These microscopic cuts make it easier for the AIDS virus to enter the man's bloodstream. Until now, the only prevention strategies have depended on condoms and sexual abstinence, both of which are of only limited effect. Campaigners caution that circumcision -- while low-cost, one-off and effective -- is no silver bullet and will not provide complete protection. "We want people to be aware it is not the answer, but an intervention within a package," says Faith Dlamini. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070213.0451.LDC2009T13::1	 Ugandan parliament approve deployment of Somali force The Ugandan parliament on Tuesday approved plans to deploy troops to an African peacekeeping force for Somalia, where an insurgency has escalated in recent weeks, officials said. The government motion was unanimously endorsed by 155 members who were present in the national assembly in the capital Kampala. Some 75 opposition and independent lawmakers, some of whom have expressed concern over the deployment, were absent from the 332-seat Ugandan legislature. Last month, a 212-member caucus of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party endorsed the move, making mandatory parliamentary approval a certainty. Army spokesman Captain Paddy Ankunda said the Ugandan People's Defence Forces was fully prepared to send the troops, but had been delayed by the late approval. "By early next week, the first contigent would have started deploying to Somalia," Ankunda told AFP, but did not give the exact date. Uganda has offered to contribute two batallion of 1,500 troops to the proposed 8,000-strong peacekeeping force whose deployment has been repeatedly delayed amid insecurity and logistical concerns for nearly two years. The African Union has managed to raise half of the required troops numbers. It has been hamstrung by bickering within the east African bloc that is supposed to run the force as well as funding and manpower woes and opposition from Islamists who controlled much of southern Somalia until last month. Somalia has been without a functioning central authority since the 1991 ouster of strongman Mohamed Siad Barre plunged the country into anarchy. The Somali government, formed two years ago in Kenya, has been riddled with infighting and unable to assert control amid the threat posed by the Islamists who controlled Mogadishu from June until late December when Ethiopian and Somali forces expelled them. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070213.0451.LDC2009T13::2	 Ugandan parliament approve deployment of Somali force The Ugandan parliament on Tuesday approved plans to deploy troops to an African peacekeeping force for Somalia, where an insurgency has escalated in recent weeks, officials said. The government motion was unanimously endorsed by 155 members who were present in the national assembly in the capital Kampala. Some 75 opposition and independent lawmakers, some of whom have expressed concern over the deployment, were absent from the 332-seat Ugandan legislature. Last month, a 212-member caucus of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party endorsed the move, making mandatory parliamentary approval a certainty. Army spokesman Captain Paddy Ankunda said the Ugandan People's Defence Forces was fully prepared to send the troops, but had been delayed by the late approval. "By early next week, the first contigent would have started deploying to Somalia," Ankunda told AFP, but did not give the exact date. Uganda has offered to contribute two batallion of 1,500 troops to the proposed 8,000-strong peacekeeping force whose deployment has been repeatedly delayed amid insecurity and logistical concerns for nearly two years. The African Union has managed to raise half of the required troops numbers. It has been hamstrung by bickering within the east African bloc that is supposed to run the force as well as funding and manpower woes and opposition from Islamists who controlled much of southern Somalia until last month. Somalia has been without a functioning central authority since the 1991 ouster of strongman Mohamed Siad Barre plunged the country into anarchy. The Somali government, formed two years ago in Kenya, has been riddled with infighting and unable to assert control amid the threat posed by the Islamists who controlled Mogadishu from June until late December when Ethiopian and Somali forces expelled them. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070213.0451.LDC2009T13::3	 Ugandan parliament approve deployment of Somali force The Ugandan parliament on Tuesday approved plans to deploy troops to an African peacekeeping force for Somalia, where an insurgency has escalated in recent weeks, officials said. The government motion was unanimously endorsed by 155 members who were present in the national assembly in the capital Kampala. Some 75 opposition and independent lawmakers, some of whom have expressed concern over the deployment, were absent from the 332-seat Ugandan legislature. Last month, a 212-member caucus of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party endorsed the move, making mandatory parliamentary approval a certainty. Army spokesman Captain Paddy Ankunda said the Ugandan People's Defence Forces was fully prepared to send the troops, but had been delayed by the late approval. "By early next week, the first contigent would have started deploying to Somalia," Ankunda told AFP, but did not give the exact date. Uganda has offered to contribute two batallion of 1,500 troops to the proposed 8,000-strong peacekeeping force whose deployment has been repeatedly delayed amid insecurity and logistical concerns for nearly two years. The African Union has managed to raise half of the required troops numbers. It has been hamstrung by bickering within the east African bloc that is supposed to run the force as well as funding and manpower woes and opposition from Islamists who controlled much of southern Somalia until last month. Somalia has been without a functioning central authority since the 1991 ouster of strongman Mohamed Siad Barre plunged the country into anarchy. The Somali government, formed two years ago in Kenya, has been riddled with infighting and unable to assert control amid the threat posed by the Islamists who controlled Mogadishu from June until late December when Ethiopian and Somali forces expelled them. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070213.0451.LDC2009T13::4	 Ugandan parliament approve deployment of Somali force The Ugandan parliament on Tuesday approved plans to deploy troops to an African peacekeeping force for Somalia, where an insurgency has escalated in recent weeks, officials said. The government motion was unanimously endorsed by 155 members who were present in the national assembly in the capital Kampala. Some 75 opposition and independent lawmakers, some of whom have expressed concern over the deployment, were absent from the 332-seat Ugandan legislature. Last month, a 212-member caucus of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party endorsed the move, making mandatory parliamentary approval a certainty. Army spokesman Captain Paddy Ankunda said the Ugandan People's Defence Forces was fully prepared to send the troops, but had been delayed by the late approval. "By early next week, the first contigent would have started deploying to Somalia," Ankunda told AFP, but did not give the exact date. Uganda has offered to contribute two batallion of 1,500 troops to the proposed 8,000-strong peacekeeping force whose deployment has been repeatedly delayed amid insecurity and logistical concerns for nearly two years. The African Union has managed to raise half of the required troops numbers. It has been hamstrung by bickering within the east African bloc that is supposed to run the force as well as funding and manpower woes and opposition from Islamists who controlled much of southern Somalia until last month. Somalia has been without a functioning central authority since the 1991 ouster of strongman Mohamed Siad Barre plunged the country into anarchy. The Somali government, formed two years ago in Kenya, has been riddled with infighting and unable to assert control amid the threat posed by the Islamists who controlled Mogadishu from June until late December when Ethiopian and Somali forces expelled them. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070213.0451.LDC2009T13::5	 Ugandan parliament approve deployment of Somali force The Ugandan parliament on Tuesday approved plans to deploy troops to an African peacekeeping force for Somalia, where an insurgency has escalated in recent weeks, officials said. The government motion was unanimously endorsed by 155 members who were present in the national assembly in the capital Kampala. Some 75 opposition and independent lawmakers, some of whom have expressed concern over the deployment, were absent from the 332-seat Ugandan legislature. Last month, a 212-member caucus of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party endorsed the move, making mandatory parliamentary approval a certainty. Army spokesman Captain Paddy Ankunda said the Ugandan People's Defence Forces was fully prepared to send the troops, but had been delayed by the late approval. "By early next week, the first contigent would have started deploying to Somalia," Ankunda told AFP, but did not give the exact date. Uganda has offered to contribute two batallion of 1,500 troops to the proposed 8,000-strong peacekeeping force whose deployment has been repeatedly delayed amid insecurity and logistical concerns for nearly two years. The African Union has managed to raise half of the required troops numbers. It has been hamstrung by bickering within the east African bloc that is supposed to run the force as well as funding and manpower woes and opposition from Islamists who controlled much of southern Somalia until last month. Somalia has been without a functioning central authority since the 1991 ouster of strongman Mohamed Siad Barre plunged the country into anarchy. The Somali government, formed two years ago in Kenya, has been riddled with infighting and unable to assert control amid the threat posed by the Islamists who controlled Mogadishu from June until late December when Ethiopian and Somali forces expelled them. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0096.LDC2009T13::1	 AIDS-ravaged Malawi debates male circumcision AIDS-ravaged Malawi launched a two-day national debate on Wednesday on whether to adopt male circumcision in a bid to reduce the levels of HIV infection in the southeast African country. International health experts, donors, representatives from UNAIDS and local traditional healers will all attend the conference in Blantyre in the wake of trials showing male circumcision more than halves the risk of infection. "We want candid and frank discussions to chart the way forward," Bizwick Mwale, executive director of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), told AFP. "We want to consult as much as possible before any decision is made whether Malawi should embrace male circumcision." Trials recently conducted in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa found that men who were uncircumcised were twice as likely to contract the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with circumcised counterparts. The data were so dramatic that the trials in Kenya and Uganda were halted ahead of schedule, for it would have been ethically wrong to continue them. Mwale said that the meeting would "basically analyse all data available supporting male circumcision". "We also want to hear from UNAIDS for their perspective on this issue," the NAC chief added. The conference is expected to hammer out recommendations to guide policy makers to decide whether to adopt male circumcision in HIV prevention. Mwale said only about two percent of the population, mainly Muslims living along the vast Lake Malawi shore, has been circumcised on religious grounds. Around 14 percent of Malawi's 12 million-strong population is infected with HIV, according to official figures. There are about 78,000 AIDS-related deaths and 100,000 new infections every year. The pandemic has cut life expectancy in Malawi to 36. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070228.0096.LDC2009T13::2	 AIDS-ravaged Malawi debates male circumcision AIDS-ravaged Malawi launched a two-day national debate on Wednesday on whether to adopt male circumcision in a bid to reduce the levels of HIV infection in the southeast African country. International health experts, donors, representatives from UNAIDS and local traditional healers will all attend the conference in Blantyre in the wake of trials showing male circumcision more than halves the risk of infection. "We want candid and frank discussions to chart the way forward," Bizwick Mwale, executive director of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), told AFP. "We want to consult as much as possible before any decision is made whether Malawi should embrace male circumcision." Trials recently conducted in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa found that men who were uncircumcised were twice as likely to contract the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with circumcised counterparts. The data were so dramatic that the trials in Kenya and Uganda were halted ahead of schedule, for it would have been ethically wrong to continue them. Mwale said that the meeting would "basically analyse all data available supporting male circumcision". "We also want to hear from UNAIDS for their perspective on this issue," the NAC chief added. The conference is expected to hammer out recommendations to guide policy makers to decide whether to adopt male circumcision in HIV prevention. Mwale said only about two percent of the population, mainly Muslims living along the vast Lake Malawi shore, has been circumcised on religious grounds. Around 14 percent of Malawi's 12 million-strong population is infected with HIV, according to official figures. There are about 78,000 AIDS-related deaths and 100,000 new infections every year. The pandemic has cut life expectancy in Malawi to 36. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070312.0180.LDC2009T13::1	 Uganda to habituate two rare gorilla groups to boost tourism The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced plans to habituate two more mountain gorilla family groups in Bwindi National Park to keep up with a growing demand from tourists to the east African nation. "With the number of foreign tourists steadily increasing, the present demand is greater than supply," the authority's spokeswomen Lillian Nsubuga told AFP Monday. "The habituation process will be organized and conducted by our staff at UWA, and will take between one and two years," she added. Four types of wild gorilla families have already been settled in Bwindi park, she said, adding that the new groups -- the Ruhiija and Rushaga -- are to be habituated this year. Mountain gorillas are naturally fearful of humans resulting in a lengthy habituation process for them to become accustomed to the presence of visitors. Tracking the gorillas is a major source of income for tourism authorities with visitors paying 375 dollars for the chance to spend one hour in the presence of a family group. Bwindi, or the Impenetrable Forest, in southwest Uganda is home to the majority of the country's rare and endangered mountain gorilla population. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070312.0180.LDC2009T13::2	 Uganda to habituate two rare gorilla groups to boost tourism The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced plans to habituate two more mountain gorilla family groups in Bwindi National Park to keep up with a growing demand from tourists to the east African nation. "With the number of foreign tourists steadily increasing, the present demand is greater than supply," the authority's spokeswomen Lillian Nsubuga told AFP Monday. "The habituation process will be organized and conducted by our staff at UWA, and will take between one and two years," she added. Four types of wild gorilla families have already been settled in Bwindi park, she said, adding that the new groups -- the Ruhiija and Rushaga -- are to be habituated this year. Mountain gorillas are naturally fearful of humans resulting in a lengthy habituation process for them to become accustomed to the presence of visitors. Tracking the gorillas is a major source of income for tourism authorities with visitors paying 375 dollars for the chance to spend one hour in the presence of a family group. Bwindi, or the Impenetrable Forest, in southwest Uganda is home to the majority of the country's rare and endangered mountain gorilla population. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070312.0180.LDC2009T13::3	 Uganda to habituate two rare gorilla groups to boost tourism The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced plans to habituate two more mountain gorilla family groups in Bwindi National Park to keep up with a growing demand from tourists to the east African nation. "With the number of foreign tourists steadily increasing, the present demand is greater than supply," the authority's spokeswomen Lillian Nsubuga told AFP Monday. "The habituation process will be organized and conducted by our staff at UWA, and will take between one and two years," she added. Four types of wild gorilla families have already been settled in Bwindi park, she said, adding that the new groups -- the Ruhiija and Rushaga -- are to be habituated this year. Mountain gorillas are naturally fearful of humans resulting in a lengthy habituation process for them to become accustomed to the presence of visitors. Tracking the gorillas is a major source of income for tourism authorities with visitors paying 375 dollars for the chance to spend one hour in the presence of a family group. Bwindi, or the Impenetrable Forest, in southwest Uganda is home to the majority of the country's rare and endangered mountain gorilla population. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0305.LDC2009T13::1	 East Africa's endangered gorillas make a steady comeback: WWF Highly-endangered mountain gorillas in the Eastern Africa region have shown a steady resurgence in the past decade due to conservation efforts, a wildlife group said Friday. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said currently there are 340 gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenentrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Although the figure represents a 12 percent growth in the past decade the WWF said "it is indicative of a healthy and well protected population." Marc Languy of WWF's Eastern Africa regional programme said: "This is indeed great news for the survival of the mountain gorilla. "However, with only about 720 individual mountain gorillas surviving in the wild, more efforts are still needed to ensure these beautiful animals do not become extinct." Habitat encroachment and hunting in the eastern and northern Bwindi Impenetrable National park as well as civil wars in the region have been threatening the survival of the gorillas, the group said. The primates are also found in the mountain ranges spanning Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and are a source of high revenue from tourism. However, early this year, rebels in the eastern DRC killed two solitary silverback gorillas, sparking fears among conservationists that the incidents could be a disaster for the species. 
Uganda::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070420.0305.LDC2009T13::2	 East Africa's endangered gorillas make a steady comeback: WWF Highly-endangered mountain gorillas in the Eastern Africa region have shown a steady resurgence in the past decade due to conservation efforts, a wildlife group said Friday. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said currently there are 340 gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenentrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Although the figure represents a 12 percent growth in the past decade the WWF said "it is indicative of a healthy and well protected population." Marc Languy of WWF's Eastern Africa regional programme said: "This is indeed great news for the survival of the mountain gorilla. "However, with only about 720 individual mountain gorillas surviving in the wild, more efforts are still needed to ensure these beautiful animals do not become extinct." Habitat encroachment and hunting in the eastern and northern Bwindi Impenetrable National park as well as civil wars in the region have been threatening the survival of the gorillas, the group said. The primates are also found in the mountain ranges spanning Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and are a source of high revenue from tourism. However, early this year, rebels in the eastern DRC killed two solitary silverback gorillas, sparking fears among conservationists that the incidents could be a disaster for the species. 
University_of_Tehran::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070617.0071.LDC2009T13::1	 Rare academic outreach falls victim to poisoned U.S./Iran relations TEHRAN, Iran 2007-06-17 00:32:13 UTC The American Studies program at the University of Tehran is a bold experiment in a nation locked in bitter confrontation with the United States -- at a school where chants of "Death to America!" still punctuate Friday prayers. The two-year-old master's degree program tries to teach American government, culture and society to some of Iran's top students, with minimum political judgment. It even planned to send some of its first graduates to the U.S. this summer for nine months of thesis research and teaching Persian to American students. But the trip -- a rare academic outreach -- has been called off amid accusations of espionage, the latest victim of the increasingly poisoned relationship between the U.S. and Iran. The controversy grew hot enough that Iran's Foreign Ministry weighed in, with spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini charging at a news conference that "Americans, under cover of academic cooperation, are pursuing their own goals" -- an apparent reference to regime change. "I'm really sorry that this trip is canceled," one of the students said on condition of anonymity because he feared the reaction from hard-liners. "This was really an opportunity that I could learn a lot and bring it back to Iran." The overseas study plan began to fall apart when its sponsor -- a U.S. nonprofit organization partially funded by the State Department -- told three students that no American university had accepted them, said English professor Mohammad Marandi, the Virginia-born co-founder of what he described as the Islamic republic's first and only American Studies program. Marandi described the three as highly qualified and said many believed they were rebuffed because they are vocal critics of American foreign policy. The trip's sponsor, the New York-based Institute of International Education, refused to comment on any aspect of the Iranian students' trip, e-mailing a generic statement on the program and not responding to further questions. Other institute officials also did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Meanwhile, the three students' supporters became irate, suggesting the overseas trip was part of a broader U.S. attempt to undermine the Iranian system. A conservative Iranian political Web site accused the U.S of "intending to use university students as its political tools." Tehran University officials charged that the program had become politicized and said that none of the 23 accepted students -- from the American Studies and foreign language program -- could go, Marandi said. The rejected students "want to understand America, and they perhaps would like a platform there to criticize the American government," he said. "If the Americans really want to improve relations between the two sides, they have to be more open." Negotiations are continuing, Marandi said, but the trip is extremely unlikely to be revived. "It's off," he said. Espionage accusations are part of an increasingly common refrain -- that the Bush administration is using academics to undermine the Islamic system by spreading secular, liberal values. Four Iranian-Americans -- three academics and a journalist -- have been arrested on charges they were part of a U.S. plot to foment a "velvet revolution" against the Iranian system. Despite the soured politics, the program had appeared to be thriving. The Institute for North American and European Studies was founded by Saied Ameli, a communications professor who lived in California as a teenager and studied mechanical engineering at the University of Sacramento. He returned to Iran after the overthrow of the U.S.-backed shah, became a highly respected cleric and earned a Ph.D. in sociology. Other classes are taught by a former Iranian ambassador to Canada, and by Marandi, a U.S. citizen who moved back to post- revolution Iran with his parents and volunteered at age 16 to fight in the Iran-Iraq war. The institute is tucked behind a high wall at the end of a blind alley away from Tehran University's main campus. Inside the single-classroom building, students calmly debate topics ranging from housing starts and interest rates to the effect of the Sept. 11 attacks on U.S. foreign policy. Many students say their ultimate goal is to ease relations and promote knowledge of the United States. Others said they were studying the enemy to better understand it. Attitudes toward the U.S. range from acknowledgment of its cultural impact on Iranian society to denunciation of its support for Israel. At one lecture, according to the program's Web site, guest professor Dr. Amir Hossein Ferdows described Jews as "a real danger to the world" who "killed Christ" -- a view that Marandi says does not reflect the institute's teaching. "America is a major issue in Iran for everybody," student Mahshid Mayar said. "People know about it, they are living it, because it is influencing their lives, influencing their future." -------- On the Net: Institute for North American and European Studies University of Tehran: http://inaes.ut.ac.ir/Home/index.php Institute of International Education: http://www.iie.org/ 
University_of_Tehran::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070617.0071.LDC2009T13::2	 Rare academic outreach falls victim to poisoned U.S./Iran relations TEHRAN, Iran 2007-06-17 00:32:13 UTC The American Studies program at the University of Tehran is a bold experiment in a nation locked in bitter confrontation with the United States -- at a school where chants of "Death to America!" still punctuate Friday prayers. The two-year-old master's degree program tries to teach American government, culture and society to some of Iran's top students, with minimum political judgment. It even planned to send some of its first graduates to the U.S. this summer for nine months of thesis research and teaching Persian to American students. But the trip -- a rare academic outreach -- has been called off amid accusations of espionage, the latest victim of the increasingly poisoned relationship between the U.S. and Iran. The controversy grew hot enough that Iran's Foreign Ministry weighed in, with spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini charging at a news conference that "Americans, under cover of academic cooperation, are pursuing their own goals" -- an apparent reference to regime change. "I'm really sorry that this trip is canceled," one of the students said on condition of anonymity because he feared the reaction from hard-liners. "This was really an opportunity that I could learn a lot and bring it back to Iran." The overseas study plan began to fall apart when its sponsor -- a U.S. nonprofit organization partially funded by the State Department -- told three students that no American university had accepted them, said English professor Mohammad Marandi, the Virginia-born co-founder of what he described as the Islamic republic's first and only American Studies program. Marandi described the three as highly qualified and said many believed they were rebuffed because they are vocal critics of American foreign policy. The trip's sponsor, the New York-based Institute of International Education, refused to comment on any aspect of the Iranian students' trip, e-mailing a generic statement on the program and not responding to further questions. Other institute officials also did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Meanwhile, the three students' supporters became irate, suggesting the overseas trip was part of a broader U.S. attempt to undermine the Iranian system. A conservative Iranian political Web site accused the U.S of "intending to use university students as its political tools." Tehran University officials charged that the program had become politicized and said that none of the 23 accepted students -- from the American Studies and foreign language program -- could go, Marandi said. The rejected students "want to understand America, and they perhaps would like a platform there to criticize the American government," he said. "If the Americans really want to improve relations between the two sides, they have to be more open." Negotiations are continuing, Marandi said, but the trip is extremely unlikely to be revived. "It's off," he said. Espionage accusations are part of an increasingly common refrain -- that the Bush administration is using academics to undermine the Islamic system by spreading secular, liberal values. Four Iranian-Americans -- three academics and a journalist -- have been arrested on charges they were part of a U.S. plot to foment a "velvet revolution" against the Iranian system. Despite the soured politics, the program had appeared to be thriving. The Institute for North American and European Studies was founded by Saied Ameli, a communications professor who lived in California as a teenager and studied mechanical engineering at the University of Sacramento. He returned to Iran after the overthrow of the U.S.-backed shah, became a highly respected cleric and earned a Ph.D. in sociology. Other classes are taught by a former Iranian ambassador to Canada, and by Marandi, a U.S. citizen who moved back to post- revolution Iran with his parents and volunteered at age 16 to fight in the Iran-Iraq war. The institute is tucked behind a high wall at the end of a blind alley away from Tehran University's main campus. Inside the single-classroom building, students calmly debate topics ranging from housing starts and interest rates to the effect of the Sept. 11 attacks on U.S. foreign policy. Many students say their ultimate goal is to ease relations and promote knowledge of the United States. Others said they were studying the enemy to better understand it. Attitudes toward the U.S. range from acknowledgment of its cultural impact on Iranian society to denunciation of its support for Israel. At one lecture, according to the program's Web site, guest professor Dr. Amir Hossein Ferdows described Jews as "a real danger to the world" who "killed Christ" -- a view that Marandi says does not reflect the institute's teaching. "America is a major issue in Iran for everybody," student Mahshid Mayar said. "People know about it, they are living it, because it is influencing their lives, influencing their future." -------- On the Net: Institute for North American and European Studies University of Tehran: http://inaes.ut.ac.ir/Home/index.php Institute of International Education: http://www.iie.org/ 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070529.0219.LDC2009T13::1	 F Cox News Service KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- I'm OK. It's just a stinger. No big deal. I blacked out, but I'm awake now. I'm OK. Not freaking. Why's my dad on the field? Why are they bringing out the straight board stretcher? I'm wondering now, but I'M NOT FREAKING OUT. I felt an electrical shock go through my body. Now it's just in my right arm. That's good. It's just a stinger. I'm OK. It's Sept. 9. 2006. Welcome inside Inquoris "Inky" Johnson's head. Today would be the day his football career almost certainly would end. Worse, it'd be the day he almost died. The day had started like every Saturday game day did for the Tennessee cornerback and former star at Atlanta's Crim High School. "Lord," he prayed, "help both teams in this game to stay injury- free, let it be a game that glorifies you. Let the best team win and let your will be done, Lord. Amen." Some three hours later, Tennessee was about to go to 2-0. Johnson, a junior from Atlanta, had started the last half of the 2005 season. "But this was to be my year," he said. Air Force had been a tougher opponent that night than anyone in Knoxville ever imagined. Fisher DeBerry's teams always give the perennial powers good games. But not like this, not in the midst of 105,000 orange-wearing fans. "The game was pretty much over, I thought, finally," Johnson said. "They threw a pass and I went to tackle this dude. I lowered my shoulder, kept my head up. But he kind of scrunched at the last minute and his helmet hit me between my helmet and shoulder pads." Johnson was knocked unconscious from the hit with Air Force's Justin Handley. Dire diagnosis I can move my legs. That's good. I'm OK. I'm OK. Johnson was strapped to the stretcher, carted off the field and taken to the UT Medical Center's emergency room. That's what they always do. Just gonna run some tests, make sure my arm's not broken. I can't really move it. Maybe it is broken. I hope it's not. I want to play next week. As the Vols were pulling out a 31-30 win at Neyland Stadium, more of Johnson's family arrived at the hospital. The first doctor to examine him, the one who ordered the MRI, came to Johnson first. "He said, 'Good news. The arm's not broken,"' Johnson recalled. "I'm like, 'Thank you, God."' The next word out of the doctor's mouth - "But ..." - said way too much. But? But what? My arm's not broken. It was a stinger. Maybe a bad sprain. But it's not broken. That's good. Maybe I'll miss next week, but maybe not. These guys don't know how hard I've worked. But there's a problem with an artery and there's some nerve damage, the doctor explained. Surgery is necessary. Immediately. "It was life-threatening," Tennessee athletic trainer John Dean recalled this past week. "The artery had ruptured and there was an aneurysm, like a water balloon." Dr. David Cassada took a vein from Johnson's leg and placed it in the player's chest, so the blood supply would return. While doing the emergency surgery, doctors saw how much damage had been done to the right brachial plexus, a collection of nerve fibers that run from the spine through the neck and into the arm. Doctors would do what they could at UT Medical Center, performing surgery to repair the blood vessels. Eventually, they'd send Johnson to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for more tests and later, more surgery, this time a nerve transplant. "This one was harder," Johnson said. Chaplain lends support God, you're in control. I was brought up by my mom and dad and grandmother not to question you, that you don't make any mistakes. You work things out for good. I'm not going to ask why. James Mitchell, the Volunteers' chaplain, had been discipling Johnson for months before the hit. He'd later accompany his friend to Minnesota and be by his side during the hard times. And he'd be amazed at what he saw. "It's been a blessing to disciple him," Mitchell said. "God brought us together because he knew what was going to happen and God knew this relationship would be needed. For an athlete to be told, 'You can't play again' - that's all you've done all your life - you're going to get down sometimes. How long are you going to stay down? Why do bad things happen to good people? That's the million-dollar question. They just do. "But Inky's attitude was the difference maker. He wasn't going to stay down." Johnson's coach, Phillip Fulmer, could do little for his cornerback except pray and hope for the best. While trying to find ways to help from a distance, he found himself being the one inspired by Johnson. "Inky Johnson has been a great inspiration to players and coaches alike," Fulmer said. "He has not lost his love for life, his team or his university. He has the best attitude and outlook and has continued to be a spiritual as well as physical leader. I love and respect Inky as a man and as a leader on our team." Johnson has spent most of this winter and spring rehabilitating his right arm and shoulder. Things are progressing nicely now. He still wears his arm in a soft cast most of the day. Actually, it's more of an odd-looking brace, one that lets you know right away that something is not right with the arm. This past week, Johnson was watching as his teammates came and went from workouts, always in bunches. A few weeks ago, he was watching spring practice. Watching football is something that's hard for him, but something he's having to learn how to do. As for the rehab itself, the exercises aren't particularly rigorous - not for an athlete like Johnson, who starred in four sports at Crim and thrives on working hard, getting stronger and getting better. In fact, they've been too easy at times, too slow to bring about results. "At first, it was frustrating," he said. "I'd come in here and do the exercises and I wasn't getting any stronger. I was like, 'What's the point?"' That's about as low as Johnson got. It was around that time that he thought about quitting school and coming back home to Atlanta. Those thoughts didn't last long, though. "When they first told me how bad it was, it crossed my mind," Johnson said. Football hopes held fast No. I told my grandmother and mother and family that I was going to graduate - and that's just what I'm going to do. Everyone else thinks my football career is over. I don't. Regardless, I'm going to graduate. I'd probably sit around get an attitude at home anyway and wouldn't want to come back then. No. I'm staying. When Johnson's father, Robert Benton, hears talk like that, his chest expands a size or two. He always has been proud of his "superstar athlete." But seeing his son deal with adversity the way he has, that's been the thing that's made him the proudest. "I stayed with him a month after the injury and never saw his spirits drop," Benton said. And that thing about not playing football again? That might be true. Doctors and trainers, the ones who should know, say he won't. Medically, Benton didn't see how his son would ever play again either. Yet he knows about Johnson's faith, so he isn't ruling out God doing a miracle. Johnson, a political science major, is now on a medical scholarship, which he'll stay on until he graduates, Benton said. (Or until he plays again, Johnson would be quick to say, in which case he'd be back on football scholarship). Johnson is about the only one who hasn't come to that place where he's willing to say the football chapter of his life is over. Instead, he breaks into a big smile - like he knows something the rest of the world doesn't yet. "I'm just not ready to say that it's over," he said. Part of it is his faith, that if God wants him to play football again, he will. Part of it might be just wishful thinking. But what's wrong with having good thoughts? God has plans for me. Doctors tell me one thing, but God might say something else. I've got a supportive family. But I know it's not in God's will for everyone to play football. We'll see. Bill Sanders writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders @ ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070529.0219.LDC2009T13::2	 F Cox News Service KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- I'm OK. It's just a stinger. No big deal. I blacked out, but I'm awake now. I'm OK. Not freaking. Why's my dad on the field? Why are they bringing out the straight board stretcher? I'm wondering now, but I'M NOT FREAKING OUT. I felt an electrical shock go through my body. Now it's just in my right arm. That's good. It's just a stinger. I'm OK. It's Sept. 9. 2006. Welcome inside Inquoris "Inky" Johnson's head. Today would be the day his football career almost certainly would end. Worse, it'd be the day he almost died. The day had started like every Saturday game day did for the Tennessee cornerback and former star at Atlanta's Crim High School. "Lord," he prayed, "help both teams in this game to stay injury- free, let it be a game that glorifies you. Let the best team win and let your will be done, Lord. Amen." Some three hours later, Tennessee was about to go to 2-0. Johnson, a junior from Atlanta, had started the last half of the 2005 season. "But this was to be my year," he said. Air Force had been a tougher opponent that night than anyone in Knoxville ever imagined. Fisher DeBerry's teams always give the perennial powers good games. But not like this, not in the midst of 105,000 orange-wearing fans. "The game was pretty much over, I thought, finally," Johnson said. "They threw a pass and I went to tackle this dude. I lowered my shoulder, kept my head up. But he kind of scrunched at the last minute and his helmet hit me between my helmet and shoulder pads." Johnson was knocked unconscious from the hit with Air Force's Justin Handley. Dire diagnosis I can move my legs. That's good. I'm OK. I'm OK. Johnson was strapped to the stretcher, carted off the field and taken to the UT Medical Center's emergency room. That's what they always do. Just gonna run some tests, make sure my arm's not broken. I can't really move it. Maybe it is broken. I hope it's not. I want to play next week. As the Vols were pulling out a 31-30 win at Neyland Stadium, more of Johnson's family arrived at the hospital. The first doctor to examine him, the one who ordered the MRI, came to Johnson first. "He said, 'Good news. The arm's not broken,"' Johnson recalled. "I'm like, 'Thank you, God."' The next word out of the doctor's mouth - "But ..." - said way too much. But? But what? My arm's not broken. It was a stinger. Maybe a bad sprain. But it's not broken. That's good. Maybe I'll miss next week, but maybe not. These guys don't know how hard I've worked. But there's a problem with an artery and there's some nerve damage, the doctor explained. Surgery is necessary. Immediately. "It was life-threatening," Tennessee athletic trainer John Dean recalled this past week. "The artery had ruptured and there was an aneurysm, like a water balloon." Dr. David Cassada took a vein from Johnson's leg and placed it in the player's chest, so the blood supply would return. While doing the emergency surgery, doctors saw how much damage had been done to the right brachial plexus, a collection of nerve fibers that run from the spine through the neck and into the arm. Doctors would do what they could at UT Medical Center, performing surgery to repair the blood vessels. Eventually, they'd send Johnson to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for more tests and later, more surgery, this time a nerve transplant. "This one was harder," Johnson said. Chaplain lends support God, you're in control. I was brought up by my mom and dad and grandmother not to question you, that you don't make any mistakes. You work things out for good. I'm not going to ask why. James Mitchell, the Volunteers' chaplain, had been discipling Johnson for months before the hit. He'd later accompany his friend to Minnesota and be by his side during the hard times. And he'd be amazed at what he saw. "It's been a blessing to disciple him," Mitchell said. "God brought us together because he knew what was going to happen and God knew this relationship would be needed. For an athlete to be told, 'You can't play again' - that's all you've done all your life - you're going to get down sometimes. How long are you going to stay down? Why do bad things happen to good people? That's the million-dollar question. They just do. "But Inky's attitude was the difference maker. He wasn't going to stay down." Johnson's coach, Phillip Fulmer, could do little for his cornerback except pray and hope for the best. While trying to find ways to help from a distance, he found himself being the one inspired by Johnson. "Inky Johnson has been a great inspiration to players and coaches alike," Fulmer said. "He has not lost his love for life, his team or his university. He has the best attitude and outlook and has continued to be a spiritual as well as physical leader. I love and respect Inky as a man and as a leader on our team." Johnson has spent most of this winter and spring rehabilitating his right arm and shoulder. Things are progressing nicely now. He still wears his arm in a soft cast most of the day. Actually, it's more of an odd-looking brace, one that lets you know right away that something is not right with the arm. This past week, Johnson was watching as his teammates came and went from workouts, always in bunches. A few weeks ago, he was watching spring practice. Watching football is something that's hard for him, but something he's having to learn how to do. As for the rehab itself, the exercises aren't particularly rigorous - not for an athlete like Johnson, who starred in four sports at Crim and thrives on working hard, getting stronger and getting better. In fact, they've been too easy at times, too slow to bring about results. "At first, it was frustrating," he said. "I'd come in here and do the exercises and I wasn't getting any stronger. I was like, 'What's the point?"' That's about as low as Johnson got. It was around that time that he thought about quitting school and coming back home to Atlanta. Those thoughts didn't last long, though. "When they first told me how bad it was, it crossed my mind," Johnson said. Football hopes held fast No. I told my grandmother and mother and family that I was going to graduate - and that's just what I'm going to do. Everyone else thinks my football career is over. I don't. Regardless, I'm going to graduate. I'd probably sit around get an attitude at home anyway and wouldn't want to come back then. No. I'm staying. When Johnson's father, Robert Benton, hears talk like that, his chest expands a size or two. He always has been proud of his "superstar athlete." But seeing his son deal with adversity the way he has, that's been the thing that's made him the proudest. "I stayed with him a month after the injury and never saw his spirits drop," Benton said. And that thing about not playing football again? That might be true. Doctors and trainers, the ones who should know, say he won't. Medically, Benton didn't see how his son would ever play again either. Yet he knows about Johnson's faith, so he isn't ruling out God doing a miracle. Johnson, a political science major, is now on a medical scholarship, which he'll stay on until he graduates, Benton said. (Or until he plays again, Johnson would be quick to say, in which case he'd be back on football scholarship). Johnson is about the only one who hasn't come to that place where he's willing to say the football chapter of his life is over. Instead, he breaks into a big smile - like he knows something the rest of the world doesn't yet. "I'm just not ready to say that it's over," he said. Part of it is his faith, that if God wants him to play football again, he will. Part of it might be just wishful thinking. But what's wrong with having good thoughts? God has plans for me. Doctors tell me one thing, but God might say something else. I've got a supportive family. But I know it's not in God's will for everyone to play football. We'll see. Bill Sanders writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders @ ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070529.0219.LDC2009T13::3	 F Cox News Service KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- I'm OK. It's just a stinger. No big deal. I blacked out, but I'm awake now. I'm OK. Not freaking. Why's my dad on the field? Why are they bringing out the straight board stretcher? I'm wondering now, but I'M NOT FREAKING OUT. I felt an electrical shock go through my body. Now it's just in my right arm. That's good. It's just a stinger. I'm OK. It's Sept. 9. 2006. Welcome inside Inquoris "Inky" Johnson's head. Today would be the day his football career almost certainly would end. Worse, it'd be the day he almost died. The day had started like every Saturday game day did for the Tennessee cornerback and former star at Atlanta's Crim High School. "Lord," he prayed, "help both teams in this game to stay injury- free, let it be a game that glorifies you. Let the best team win and let your will be done, Lord. Amen." Some three hours later, Tennessee was about to go to 2-0. Johnson, a junior from Atlanta, had started the last half of the 2005 season. "But this was to be my year," he said. Air Force had been a tougher opponent that night than anyone in Knoxville ever imagined. Fisher DeBerry's teams always give the perennial powers good games. But not like this, not in the midst of 105,000 orange-wearing fans. "The game was pretty much over, I thought, finally," Johnson said. "They threw a pass and I went to tackle this dude. I lowered my shoulder, kept my head up. But he kind of scrunched at the last minute and his helmet hit me between my helmet and shoulder pads." Johnson was knocked unconscious from the hit with Air Force's Justin Handley. Dire diagnosis I can move my legs. That's good. I'm OK. I'm OK. Johnson was strapped to the stretcher, carted off the field and taken to the UT Medical Center's emergency room. That's what they always do. Just gonna run some tests, make sure my arm's not broken. I can't really move it. Maybe it is broken. I hope it's not. I want to play next week. As the Vols were pulling out a 31-30 win at Neyland Stadium, more of Johnson's family arrived at the hospital. The first doctor to examine him, the one who ordered the MRI, came to Johnson first. "He said, 'Good news. The arm's not broken,"' Johnson recalled. "I'm like, 'Thank you, God."' The next word out of the doctor's mouth - "But ..." - said way too much. But? But what? My arm's not broken. It was a stinger. Maybe a bad sprain. But it's not broken. That's good. Maybe I'll miss next week, but maybe not. These guys don't know how hard I've worked. But there's a problem with an artery and there's some nerve damage, the doctor explained. Surgery is necessary. Immediately. "It was life-threatening," Tennessee athletic trainer John Dean recalled this past week. "The artery had ruptured and there was an aneurysm, like a water balloon." Dr. David Cassada took a vein from Johnson's leg and placed it in the player's chest, so the blood supply would return. While doing the emergency surgery, doctors saw how much damage had been done to the right brachial plexus, a collection of nerve fibers that run from the spine through the neck and into the arm. Doctors would do what they could at UT Medical Center, performing surgery to repair the blood vessels. Eventually, they'd send Johnson to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for more tests and later, more surgery, this time a nerve transplant. "This one was harder," Johnson said. Chaplain lends support God, you're in control. I was brought up by my mom and dad and grandmother not to question you, that you don't make any mistakes. You work things out for good. I'm not going to ask why. James Mitchell, the Volunteers' chaplain, had been discipling Johnson for months before the hit. He'd later accompany his friend to Minnesota and be by his side during the hard times. And he'd be amazed at what he saw. "It's been a blessing to disciple him," Mitchell said. "God brought us together because he knew what was going to happen and God knew this relationship would be needed. For an athlete to be told, 'You can't play again' - that's all you've done all your life - you're going to get down sometimes. How long are you going to stay down? Why do bad things happen to good people? That's the million-dollar question. They just do. "But Inky's attitude was the difference maker. He wasn't going to stay down." Johnson's coach, Phillip Fulmer, could do little for his cornerback except pray and hope for the best. While trying to find ways to help from a distance, he found himself being the one inspired by Johnson. "Inky Johnson has been a great inspiration to players and coaches alike," Fulmer said. "He has not lost his love for life, his team or his university. He has the best attitude and outlook and has continued to be a spiritual as well as physical leader. I love and respect Inky as a man and as a leader on our team." Johnson has spent most of this winter and spring rehabilitating his right arm and shoulder. Things are progressing nicely now. He still wears his arm in a soft cast most of the day. Actually, it's more of an odd-looking brace, one that lets you know right away that something is not right with the arm. This past week, Johnson was watching as his teammates came and went from workouts, always in bunches. A few weeks ago, he was watching spring practice. Watching football is something that's hard for him, but something he's having to learn how to do. As for the rehab itself, the exercises aren't particularly rigorous - not for an athlete like Johnson, who starred in four sports at Crim and thrives on working hard, getting stronger and getting better. In fact, they've been too easy at times, too slow to bring about results. "At first, it was frustrating," he said. "I'd come in here and do the exercises and I wasn't getting any stronger. I was like, 'What's the point?"' That's about as low as Johnson got. It was around that time that he thought about quitting school and coming back home to Atlanta. Those thoughts didn't last long, though. "When they first told me how bad it was, it crossed my mind," Johnson said. Football hopes held fast No. I told my grandmother and mother and family that I was going to graduate - and that's just what I'm going to do. Everyone else thinks my football career is over. I don't. Regardless, I'm going to graduate. I'd probably sit around get an attitude at home anyway and wouldn't want to come back then. No. I'm staying. When Johnson's father, Robert Benton, hears talk like that, his chest expands a size or two. He always has been proud of his "superstar athlete." But seeing his son deal with adversity the way he has, that's been the thing that's made him the proudest. "I stayed with him a month after the injury and never saw his spirits drop," Benton said. And that thing about not playing football again? That might be true. Doctors and trainers, the ones who should know, say he won't. Medically, Benton didn't see how his son would ever play again either. Yet he knows about Johnson's faith, so he isn't ruling out God doing a miracle. Johnson, a political science major, is now on a medical scholarship, which he'll stay on until he graduates, Benton said. (Or until he plays again, Johnson would be quick to say, in which case he'd be back on football scholarship). Johnson is about the only one who hasn't come to that place where he's willing to say the football chapter of his life is over. Instead, he breaks into a big smile - like he knows something the rest of the world doesn't yet. "I'm just not ready to say that it's over," he said. Part of it is his faith, that if God wants him to play football again, he will. Part of it might be just wishful thinking. But what's wrong with having good thoughts? God has plans for me. Doctors tell me one thing, but God might say something else. I've got a supportive family. But I know it's not in God's will for everyone to play football. We'll see. Bill Sanders writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: bsanders @ ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070910.0040.LDC2009T13::1	 F GAINESVILLE \u2014 Florida\u2019s SEC opener against Tennessee could be marred by injuries to several key players. Senior receiver Andre Caldwell has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, kick returner/running back Brandon James has a sprained ankle and reserve safety Bryan Thomas also has a sprained MCL. Coach Urban Meyer said Sunday that he did not know the extent of the injuries or whether the players would play Saturday. \u201CI don\u2019t have a final word, but obviously there\u2019s some concern there,\u201D Meyer said. Running back Jarred Fayson (left knee injury) is expected to play, Meyer said, but receiver Percy Harvin has tendinitis in his knee after battling Achilles\u2019 problems throughout the preseason. STRUGGLING DEFENSES: There has been a lot of talk about Florida\u2019s young, struggling secondary, but Tennessee isn\u2019t any better. Florida is 62nd nationally in pass defense, the Vols are No. 89. So with the Gators ranked No. 22 nationally in passing offense (280.5 yards per game) and the Vols No. 25 (273.5), it\u2019s safe to assume Saturday\u2019s game could turn into an offensive shootout. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow leads the SEC and is second nationally in pass efficiency (228.2) and leads the league in total offense (333.5 yards). Keeping Tebow in check will be a focus of the Vols\u2019 preparations. \u201CWe played better in the second half,\u201D Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer said Sunday of the Vols\u2019 win over Southern Mississippi. \u201CIn the first half, we gave up too many yards on plays that we could have done something about \u2014 busted plays and assignment issues that we must correct as we go into this game with Florida.\u201D POLL DROP: The Gators fell one spot in the AP poll to No. 5. GAINES OUT: Tennessee cornerback Antonio Gaines is expected to miss the game. Fulmer said because of federal privacy laws, he wouldn\u2019t release the nature of Gaines\u2019 injury, but described it as \u201Csignificant.\u201D DID YOU KNOW? Since UF\u2019s 33-20 win over Tennessee in 1997, no quarterback has won his first career start against UT in the past decade. Since that game, Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak lost in their first career start against Tennessee. Danny Wuerffel (1993) and Doug Johnson (1997) are the only two to win in their first career start against the Vols since 1990. Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070910.0040.LDC2009T13::2	 F GAINESVILLE \u2014 Florida\u2019s SEC opener against Tennessee could be marred by injuries to several key players. Senior receiver Andre Caldwell has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, kick returner/running back Brandon James has a sprained ankle and reserve safety Bryan Thomas also has a sprained MCL. Coach Urban Meyer said Sunday that he did not know the extent of the injuries or whether the players would play Saturday. \u201CI don\u2019t have a final word, but obviously there\u2019s some concern there,\u201D Meyer said. Running back Jarred Fayson (left knee injury) is expected to play, Meyer said, but receiver Percy Harvin has tendinitis in his knee after battling Achilles\u2019 problems throughout the preseason. STRUGGLING DEFENSES: There has been a lot of talk about Florida\u2019s young, struggling secondary, but Tennessee isn\u2019t any better. Florida is 62nd nationally in pass defense, the Vols are No. 89. So with the Gators ranked No. 22 nationally in passing offense (280.5 yards per game) and the Vols No. 25 (273.5), it\u2019s safe to assume Saturday\u2019s game could turn into an offensive shootout. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow leads the SEC and is second nationally in pass efficiency (228.2) and leads the league in total offense (333.5 yards). Keeping Tebow in check will be a focus of the Vols\u2019 preparations. \u201CWe played better in the second half,\u201D Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer said Sunday of the Vols\u2019 win over Southern Mississippi. \u201CIn the first half, we gave up too many yards on plays that we could have done something about \u2014 busted plays and assignment issues that we must correct as we go into this game with Florida.\u201D POLL DROP: The Gators fell one spot in the AP poll to No. 5. GAINES OUT: Tennessee cornerback Antonio Gaines is expected to miss the game. Fulmer said because of federal privacy laws, he wouldn\u2019t release the nature of Gaines\u2019 injury, but described it as \u201Csignificant.\u201D DID YOU KNOW? Since UF\u2019s 33-20 win over Tennessee in 1997, no quarterback has won his first career start against UT in the past decade. Since that game, Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak lost in their first career start against Tennessee. Danny Wuerffel (1993) and Doug Johnson (1997) are the only two to win in their first career start against the Vols since 1990. Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070910.0288.LDC2009T13::1	 F by ANTONYA ENGLISH GAINESVILLE \u2014 Andre Caldwell came back for his senior year to prove he\u2019s still a great receiver after recovering from a devastating injury two years ago. Now he\u2019s recovering again. The redshirt senior from Tampa will miss Saturday\u2019s game against Tennessee with a sprained medial collateral ligament in a knee. \u201CBubba\u2019s not going to play Saturday, and that\u2019s a blow,\u201D UF coach Urban Meyer said. \u201CThat\u2019s a frontal shot right there. He\u2019s a very invested player, as invested as there is that I\u2019ve ever been around. He\u2019s a guy that took it real hard when Dr. Pete (Indelicato) said you can\u2019t play this week.\u201D Caldwell suffered a season-ending broken leg against Tennessee two years ago. Meyer said his status after this week is uncertain. \u201CI\u2019ll just say he can\u2019t play this week,\u201D he said. \u201CI\u2019m a positive thinker, and he heals real fast, and he\u2019s a very positive person.\u201D Caldwell\u2019s teammates expressed concern Monday but said they are determined to step up in his absence. \u201CHe\u2019s going to bounce back. He\u2019s been through a worse injury than this,\u201D receiver Louis Murphy said. \u201CI told him we\u2019re going to hold it down until you get back. He is our leader, and him going down hurts us. But we\u2019ll hold it down until he gets back.\u201D \u201CI feel bad for him, but I know he\u2019s going to come back strong and tear it up when he gets back,\u201D receiver Riley Cooper said. Former Zephyrhills standout Bryan Thomas will miss the game with an MCL injury. Meyer said Thomas had been making big strides at safety and on special teams. Running back/returner Brandon James\u2019 sprained ankle will not keep him from playing. TEBOW AND TENNESSEE: In Tim Tebow\u2019s mind, Tennessee is Florida\u2019s greatest rival, though he\u2019s not trying to diminish Georgia or Florida State. It\u2019s just he grew up enthralled by the Danny Wuerffel-Peyton Manning showdowns during UF-UT games in the 1990s. Which may explain why he\u2019s a Gator and not a Vol. Tebow took a visit to Knoxville during the Tennessee-Florida game his junior year in high school \u2014 the year UT won 30-28 on a field goal with six seconds remaining. \u201CI knew that I didn\u2019t want to go there after that,\u201D Tebow said. \u201CI tried to go in and have an open mind, but I knew after I left that wasn\u2019t the right place for me. \u2026 I just didn\u2019t get a feel for it, and the coaches I didn\u2019t get a feel for them.\u201D PROTECT THIS HOUSE: Florida enters the game on nine-game winning streak and has won seven consecutive over rivals Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State. Meyer is 2-0 against the Vols and looking to become the UF coach to start 3-0 against the Vols. The players said Meyer doesn\u2019t dwell on the issue, but he does remind them about protecting home turf. Florida has won 17 straight at Florida Field. \u201CHe never really talks about it until we run out on game day,\u201D tight end Cornelius Ingram said. \u201CWe know we have to protect our home, so that\u2019s what we do. We\u2019re just trying to keep it up. Whenever we play at home, you want to make sure you win it.\u201D HE\u2019S NO TEBOW, BUT \u2026: Offensive lineman Carlton Medder has spent time out with Tebow and equates it to \u201Changing out with a star.\u201D But Medder defended the notion that offensive lineman live in anonymity with this story Monday. \u201CI was walking in the mall just a couple of weeks ago, and I heard my name,\u201D he said. \u201CI didn\u2019t know where it came from, but it was a fan who knew my name.\u201D Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t the type of co-eds Tebow attracts. \u201CIt was a guy, though,\u201D Medder said. \u201CIt was a man and his son. But it\u2019s all good, just to know I had been recognized. That\u2019s good.\u201D Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070910.0288.LDC2009T13::2	 F by ANTONYA ENGLISH GAINESVILLE \u2014 Andre Caldwell came back for his senior year to prove he\u2019s still a great receiver after recovering from a devastating injury two years ago. Now he\u2019s recovering again. The redshirt senior from Tampa will miss Saturday\u2019s game against Tennessee with a sprained medial collateral ligament in a knee. \u201CBubba\u2019s not going to play Saturday, and that\u2019s a blow,\u201D UF coach Urban Meyer said. \u201CThat\u2019s a frontal shot right there. He\u2019s a very invested player, as invested as there is that I\u2019ve ever been around. He\u2019s a guy that took it real hard when Dr. Pete (Indelicato) said you can\u2019t play this week.\u201D Caldwell suffered a season-ending broken leg against Tennessee two years ago. Meyer said his status after this week is uncertain. \u201CI\u2019ll just say he can\u2019t play this week,\u201D he said. \u201CI\u2019m a positive thinker, and he heals real fast, and he\u2019s a very positive person.\u201D Caldwell\u2019s teammates expressed concern Monday but said they are determined to step up in his absence. \u201CHe\u2019s going to bounce back. He\u2019s been through a worse injury than this,\u201D receiver Louis Murphy said. \u201CI told him we\u2019re going to hold it down until you get back. He is our leader, and him going down hurts us. But we\u2019ll hold it down until he gets back.\u201D \u201CI feel bad for him, but I know he\u2019s going to come back strong and tear it up when he gets back,\u201D receiver Riley Cooper said. Former Zephyrhills standout Bryan Thomas will miss the game with an MCL injury. Meyer said Thomas had been making big strides at safety and on special teams. Running back/returner Brandon James\u2019 sprained ankle will not keep him from playing. TEBOW AND TENNESSEE: In Tim Tebow\u2019s mind, Tennessee is Florida\u2019s greatest rival, though he\u2019s not trying to diminish Georgia or Florida State. It\u2019s just he grew up enthralled by the Danny Wuerffel-Peyton Manning showdowns during UF-UT games in the 1990s. Which may explain why he\u2019s a Gator and not a Vol. Tebow took a visit to Knoxville during the Tennessee-Florida game his junior year in high school \u2014 the year UT won 30-28 on a field goal with six seconds remaining. \u201CI knew that I didn\u2019t want to go there after that,\u201D Tebow said. \u201CI tried to go in and have an open mind, but I knew after I left that wasn\u2019t the right place for me. \u2026 I just didn\u2019t get a feel for it, and the coaches I didn\u2019t get a feel for them.\u201D PROTECT THIS HOUSE: Florida enters the game on nine-game winning streak and has won seven consecutive over rivals Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State. Meyer is 2-0 against the Vols and looking to become the UF coach to start 3-0 against the Vols. The players said Meyer doesn\u2019t dwell on the issue, but he does remind them about protecting home turf. Florida has won 17 straight at Florida Field. \u201CHe never really talks about it until we run out on game day,\u201D tight end Cornelius Ingram said. \u201CWe know we have to protect our home, so that\u2019s what we do. We\u2019re just trying to keep it up. Whenever we play at home, you want to make sure you win it.\u201D HE\u2019S NO TEBOW, BUT \u2026: Offensive lineman Carlton Medder has spent time out with Tebow and equates it to \u201Changing out with a star.\u201D But Medder defended the notion that offensive lineman live in anonymity with this story Monday. \u201CI was walking in the mall just a couple of weeks ago, and I heard my name,\u201D he said. \u201CI didn\u2019t know where it came from, but it was a fan who knew my name.\u201D Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t the type of co-eds Tebow attracts. \u201CIt was a guy, though,\u201D Medder said. \u201CIt was a man and his son. But it\u2019s all good, just to know I had been recognized. That\u2019s good.\u201D Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070910.0288.LDC2009T13::3	 F by ANTONYA ENGLISH GAINESVILLE \u2014 Andre Caldwell came back for his senior year to prove he\u2019s still a great receiver after recovering from a devastating injury two years ago. Now he\u2019s recovering again. The redshirt senior from Tampa will miss Saturday\u2019s game against Tennessee with a sprained medial collateral ligament in a knee. \u201CBubba\u2019s not going to play Saturday, and that\u2019s a blow,\u201D UF coach Urban Meyer said. \u201CThat\u2019s a frontal shot right there. He\u2019s a very invested player, as invested as there is that I\u2019ve ever been around. He\u2019s a guy that took it real hard when Dr. Pete (Indelicato) said you can\u2019t play this week.\u201D Caldwell suffered a season-ending broken leg against Tennessee two years ago. Meyer said his status after this week is uncertain. \u201CI\u2019ll just say he can\u2019t play this week,\u201D he said. \u201CI\u2019m a positive thinker, and he heals real fast, and he\u2019s a very positive person.\u201D Caldwell\u2019s teammates expressed concern Monday but said they are determined to step up in his absence. \u201CHe\u2019s going to bounce back. He\u2019s been through a worse injury than this,\u201D receiver Louis Murphy said. \u201CI told him we\u2019re going to hold it down until you get back. He is our leader, and him going down hurts us. But we\u2019ll hold it down until he gets back.\u201D \u201CI feel bad for him, but I know he\u2019s going to come back strong and tear it up when he gets back,\u201D receiver Riley Cooper said. Former Zephyrhills standout Bryan Thomas will miss the game with an MCL injury. Meyer said Thomas had been making big strides at safety and on special teams. Running back/returner Brandon James\u2019 sprained ankle will not keep him from playing. TEBOW AND TENNESSEE: In Tim Tebow\u2019s mind, Tennessee is Florida\u2019s greatest rival, though he\u2019s not trying to diminish Georgia or Florida State. It\u2019s just he grew up enthralled by the Danny Wuerffel-Peyton Manning showdowns during UF-UT games in the 1990s. Which may explain why he\u2019s a Gator and not a Vol. Tebow took a visit to Knoxville during the Tennessee-Florida game his junior year in high school \u2014 the year UT won 30-28 on a field goal with six seconds remaining. \u201CI knew that I didn\u2019t want to go there after that,\u201D Tebow said. \u201CI tried to go in and have an open mind, but I knew after I left that wasn\u2019t the right place for me. \u2026 I just didn\u2019t get a feel for it, and the coaches I didn\u2019t get a feel for them.\u201D PROTECT THIS HOUSE: Florida enters the game on nine-game winning streak and has won seven consecutive over rivals Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State. Meyer is 2-0 against the Vols and looking to become the UF coach to start 3-0 against the Vols. The players said Meyer doesn\u2019t dwell on the issue, but he does remind them about protecting home turf. Florida has won 17 straight at Florida Field. \u201CHe never really talks about it until we run out on game day,\u201D tight end Cornelius Ingram said. \u201CWe know we have to protect our home, so that\u2019s what we do. We\u2019re just trying to keep it up. Whenever we play at home, you want to make sure you win it.\u201D HE\u2019S NO TEBOW, BUT \u2026: Offensive lineman Carlton Medder has spent time out with Tebow and equates it to \u201Changing out with a star.\u201D But Medder defended the notion that offensive lineman live in anonymity with this story Monday. \u201CI was walking in the mall just a couple of weeks ago, and I heard my name,\u201D he said. \u201CI didn\u2019t know where it came from, but it was a fan who knew my name.\u201D Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t the type of co-eds Tebow attracts. \u201CIt was a guy, though,\u201D Medder said. \u201CIt was a man and his son. But it\u2019s all good, just to know I had been recognized. That\u2019s good.\u201D Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0116.LDC2009T13::1	 EMBARGOED FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007 RUSSELL LEE AND ART OF A GENTLE HEART Cox News Service LUFKIN, Texas -- In the mid-1930s, the country was in the grips of a Depression triggered by the 1929 stock market crash and exacerbated by what became known as the Dust Bowl, which sent thousands of families into poverty - and their breadwinners on a vast migration in search of work. ?In 1935 a group of photographers fanned out across America to document the results of the New Deal programs that the Roosevelt administration instituted to bring America back from this abyss. The result - more than 160,000 black-and-white photographs and 1,600 color photos - launched the documentary photography movement in this country. Some of the photographers involved in that project - Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Gordon Parks and Carl Mydans, to name a few - became famous for their work, both for what became known as the Farm Security Administration, and after that effort ended in 1943. ?The result is a national treasure - literally. The Library of Congress owns the negatives, and anyone can purchase a print from the library's Web site. (http://memory.loc.gov) ?One of the FSA photographers was a fellow named Russell Lee, who after his work there photographed all over the world for government agencies and corporations. He became the University of Texas' first photography instructor in 1965 when he was in his early 60s. ?The University of Texas Press recently published a coffee-table book of photographs by Lee, one of my favorite photographers. In conjunction, the Center for American History at UT has an exhibition of Lee photographs at the Flatbed Press Gallery on East Martin Luther King Boulevard. Devotees of documentary photography ought to buy the book and see the exhibit, which continues through May 31 and is free. ?I was lucky enough to meet Russell Lee when interviewing for a teaching assistantship in photojournalism at UT where I was pursuing a master's degree. The head of the program was J.B. Colson, who was viewing my portfolio with some skepticism. Lee, who had retired several years earlier, popped his head in to say hello. Colson introduced us; I was in awe to actually meet an FSA photographer. Lee glanced at a few of my photos, said something like "Good stuff," and left. ?I was on cloud nine at the time, and Colson offered me an assistantship - likely unrelated events. A quarter-century later, in reading the introduction to this latest book of Lee's photographs, I discovered Lee was - as noted photography critic John Szarkowski wrote in the foreword - "a man who had never seen a photograph he didn't like." ?By all accounts, Lee was an unfailingly generous and kind man. ?There's a Russell Lee photograph hanging in my living room, a 16-by-20 print of a courtroom scene from San Augustine, one of a series that he took in that small town in the late 1930s, while working for FSA. The courtroom is packed solely with white men. The windows are wide open, and several men are rocked back in chairs that apparently were brought in and set in front of the regular benches. One fellow in front has a hand cupped to his ear. I never tire of looking at the photograph. ?I found it when I ran the Rambler weekly newspaper there in the early 1980s, shoved away in a closet - shortly after leaving graduate school to re-enter the real world. I don't think it's an original, because the gray tones are a bit muddy, as if someone copied the photo (this is way before Photoshop and scanning) and reprinted it. I'm confident Russell Lee, or anyone he hired, could produce a better print than this. But it's still one of the first things I'd grab if my house were on fire. ?What fascinates me about the photo - other than who shot it - is that by the time I arrived in San Augustine nearly a half-century after this photo was taken, the male offspring of a number of folks in the photo were now the same age as their fathers. And the likenesses were uncanny. I spent an hour once with legendary Sheriff Nathan Tindall while he pointed out the now-dead fathers of boys-grown-middle-aged, and I saw the resemblances in the pointed chins, cowlicks, bushy eyebrows or other features. ?Colson, who is a professor emeritus at UT, wrote the introduction to the book, and it's a lovely account of a man who, as he put it, "was well prepared for a career in photography." ?The photographs speak for themselves. Lee photographed with empathy for his subjects. As the exhibit is fittingly named, his work truly was "Art of the generous heart." ?Erratum: In a recent column about trains, I misplaced the track in West Texas and misnamed the line that runs through it. The Texas Eagle runs through Paisano Pass, near Marfa. Apologies for the error. Gary Borders is publisher of The Lufkin Daily News. E-mail: gborders AT coxnews.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0116.LDC2009T13::2	 EMBARGOED FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007 RUSSELL LEE AND ART OF A GENTLE HEART Cox News Service LUFKIN, Texas -- In the mid-1930s, the country was in the grips of a Depression triggered by the 1929 stock market crash and exacerbated by what became known as the Dust Bowl, which sent thousands of families into poverty - and their breadwinners on a vast migration in search of work. ?In 1935 a group of photographers fanned out across America to document the results of the New Deal programs that the Roosevelt administration instituted to bring America back from this abyss. The result - more than 160,000 black-and-white photographs and 1,600 color photos - launched the documentary photography movement in this country. Some of the photographers involved in that project - Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Gordon Parks and Carl Mydans, to name a few - became famous for their work, both for what became known as the Farm Security Administration, and after that effort ended in 1943. ?The result is a national treasure - literally. The Library of Congress owns the negatives, and anyone can purchase a print from the library's Web site. (http://memory.loc.gov) ?One of the FSA photographers was a fellow named Russell Lee, who after his work there photographed all over the world for government agencies and corporations. He became the University of Texas' first photography instructor in 1965 when he was in his early 60s. ?The University of Texas Press recently published a coffee-table book of photographs by Lee, one of my favorite photographers. In conjunction, the Center for American History at UT has an exhibition of Lee photographs at the Flatbed Press Gallery on East Martin Luther King Boulevard. Devotees of documentary photography ought to buy the book and see the exhibit, which continues through May 31 and is free. ?I was lucky enough to meet Russell Lee when interviewing for a teaching assistantship in photojournalism at UT where I was pursuing a master's degree. The head of the program was J.B. Colson, who was viewing my portfolio with some skepticism. Lee, who had retired several years earlier, popped his head in to say hello. Colson introduced us; I was in awe to actually meet an FSA photographer. Lee glanced at a few of my photos, said something like "Good stuff," and left. ?I was on cloud nine at the time, and Colson offered me an assistantship - likely unrelated events. A quarter-century later, in reading the introduction to this latest book of Lee's photographs, I discovered Lee was - as noted photography critic John Szarkowski wrote in the foreword - "a man who had never seen a photograph he didn't like." ?By all accounts, Lee was an unfailingly generous and kind man. ?There's a Russell Lee photograph hanging in my living room, a 16-by-20 print of a courtroom scene from San Augustine, one of a series that he took in that small town in the late 1930s, while working for FSA. The courtroom is packed solely with white men. The windows are wide open, and several men are rocked back in chairs that apparently were brought in and set in front of the regular benches. One fellow in front has a hand cupped to his ear. I never tire of looking at the photograph. ?I found it when I ran the Rambler weekly newspaper there in the early 1980s, shoved away in a closet - shortly after leaving graduate school to re-enter the real world. I don't think it's an original, because the gray tones are a bit muddy, as if someone copied the photo (this is way before Photoshop and scanning) and reprinted it. I'm confident Russell Lee, or anyone he hired, could produce a better print than this. But it's still one of the first things I'd grab if my house were on fire. ?What fascinates me about the photo - other than who shot it - is that by the time I arrived in San Augustine nearly a half-century after this photo was taken, the male offspring of a number of folks in the photo were now the same age as their fathers. And the likenesses were uncanny. I spent an hour once with legendary Sheriff Nathan Tindall while he pointed out the now-dead fathers of boys-grown-middle-aged, and I saw the resemblances in the pointed chins, cowlicks, bushy eyebrows or other features. ?Colson, who is a professor emeritus at UT, wrote the introduction to the book, and it's a lovely account of a man who, as he put it, "was well prepared for a career in photography." ?The photographs speak for themselves. Lee photographed with empathy for his subjects. As the exhibit is fittingly named, his work truly was "Art of the generous heart." ?Erratum: In a recent column about trains, I misplaced the track in West Texas and misnamed the line that runs through it. The Texas Eagle runs through Paisano Pass, near Marfa. Apologies for the error. Gary Borders is publisher of The Lufkin Daily News. E-mail: gborders AT coxnews.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070411.0116.LDC2009T13::3	 EMBARGOED FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007 RUSSELL LEE AND ART OF A GENTLE HEART Cox News Service LUFKIN, Texas -- In the mid-1930s, the country was in the grips of a Depression triggered by the 1929 stock market crash and exacerbated by what became known as the Dust Bowl, which sent thousands of families into poverty - and their breadwinners on a vast migration in search of work. ?In 1935 a group of photographers fanned out across America to document the results of the New Deal programs that the Roosevelt administration instituted to bring America back from this abyss. The result - more than 160,000 black-and-white photographs and 1,600 color photos - launched the documentary photography movement in this country. Some of the photographers involved in that project - Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Gordon Parks and Carl Mydans, to name a few - became famous for their work, both for what became known as the Farm Security Administration, and after that effort ended in 1943. ?The result is a national treasure - literally. The Library of Congress owns the negatives, and anyone can purchase a print from the library's Web site. (http://memory.loc.gov) ?One of the FSA photographers was a fellow named Russell Lee, who after his work there photographed all over the world for government agencies and corporations. He became the University of Texas' first photography instructor in 1965 when he was in his early 60s. ?The University of Texas Press recently published a coffee-table book of photographs by Lee, one of my favorite photographers. In conjunction, the Center for American History at UT has an exhibition of Lee photographs at the Flatbed Press Gallery on East Martin Luther King Boulevard. Devotees of documentary photography ought to buy the book and see the exhibit, which continues through May 31 and is free. ?I was lucky enough to meet Russell Lee when interviewing for a teaching assistantship in photojournalism at UT where I was pursuing a master's degree. The head of the program was J.B. Colson, who was viewing my portfolio with some skepticism. Lee, who had retired several years earlier, popped his head in to say hello. Colson introduced us; I was in awe to actually meet an FSA photographer. Lee glanced at a few of my photos, said something like "Good stuff," and left. ?I was on cloud nine at the time, and Colson offered me an assistantship - likely unrelated events. A quarter-century later, in reading the introduction to this latest book of Lee's photographs, I discovered Lee was - as noted photography critic John Szarkowski wrote in the foreword - "a man who had never seen a photograph he didn't like." ?By all accounts, Lee was an unfailingly generous and kind man. ?There's a Russell Lee photograph hanging in my living room, a 16-by-20 print of a courtroom scene from San Augustine, one of a series that he took in that small town in the late 1930s, while working for FSA. The courtroom is packed solely with white men. The windows are wide open, and several men are rocked back in chairs that apparently were brought in and set in front of the regular benches. One fellow in front has a hand cupped to his ear. I never tire of looking at the photograph. ?I found it when I ran the Rambler weekly newspaper there in the early 1980s, shoved away in a closet - shortly after leaving graduate school to re-enter the real world. I don't think it's an original, because the gray tones are a bit muddy, as if someone copied the photo (this is way before Photoshop and scanning) and reprinted it. I'm confident Russell Lee, or anyone he hired, could produce a better print than this. But it's still one of the first things I'd grab if my house were on fire. ?What fascinates me about the photo - other than who shot it - is that by the time I arrived in San Augustine nearly a half-century after this photo was taken, the male offspring of a number of folks in the photo were now the same age as their fathers. And the likenesses were uncanny. I spent an hour once with legendary Sheriff Nathan Tindall while he pointed out the now-dead fathers of boys-grown-middle-aged, and I saw the resemblances in the pointed chins, cowlicks, bushy eyebrows or other features. ?Colson, who is a professor emeritus at UT, wrote the introduction to the book, and it's a lovely account of a man who, as he put it, "was well prepared for a career in photography." ?The photographs speak for themselves. Lee photographed with empathy for his subjects. As the exhibit is fittingly named, his work truly was "Art of the generous heart." ?Erratum: In a recent column about trains, I misplaced the track in West Texas and misnamed the line that runs through it. The Texas Eagle runs through Paisano Pass, near Marfa. Apologies for the error. Gary Borders is publisher of The Lufkin Daily News. E-mail: gborders AT coxnews.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070912.0145.LDC2009T13::1	 KEYS FOR FLORIDA-TENNESSEE GAME Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The winner of Saturday's Florida-Tennessee showdown will join South Carolina at the top of the Southeastern Conference's East standings. As always, it's a game that could go a long way in determining who plays for the SEC title Dec. 1 in Atlanta. In the 15 seasons since the SEC went to divisional play, the UF- UT winner has played in the conference championship game 10 times. Only twice has the loser been able to reach the SEC championship. "It's always a big ball game. It has been since the start of divisional play," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said. Here are three keys for each team going into Saturday's CBS- televised game in Gainesville. FLORIDA 1. Tebow must change history Since 1990, only two Florida quarterbacks (Danny Wuerffel in 1993, Doug Johnson in '97) have won their first career starts against UT. The four since - Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak - all came up empty in their first dates with the Vols. Saturday is Tim Tebow's turn. The sophomore comes in with the second-highest passer rating in Division I-A (228.2 in two games). "I'm really excited about it," Tebow said. "It's my first big start, my first conference game. Having some experience by playing in last year's game gives me some confidence going into it." 2. Stop the run Urban Meyer's Gators held Tennessee to 66 yards rushing in last year's 21-20 win in Knoxville. The year before that, Tennessee finished with minus-11 yards rushing in a 16-7 loss. Nothing changes Saturday ... except for the fact that nine starters are gone from Florida's 2006 defense. And with tailback LaMarcus Coker returning to the Vols lineup, that task will be more difficult. Said Meyer: "What concerns us is that they come up with that big offensive line and try and push you around." 3. Find some healthy receivers The Gators will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (strained knee ligament). "That is a blow," Meyer said. "But he is our captain and he will be there with us at the hotel. His job is to make sure that the other guys go." Making matters worse, star sophomore Percy Harvin is battling tendinitis. Fortunately for Florida, wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. Florida has three receivers who have caught more than 100 yards' worth of balls in a game this season. Only three other teams can make that claim: Hawaii, Louisville and Washington State. TENNESSEE 1. Don't abandon the run In 15 of the past 17 games between Florida and Tennessee, the team that has rushed for the most yards has won. The bad news for UT: In its last two games with Florida, the Vols have mustered just 55 yards rushing. The good news: Junior Arian Foster has gotten off to a good start (107 yards a night) and Coker, suspended for the Cal loss, got back into action last week against Southern Miss. Sometimes, Tennessee loses patience when the running game isn't working early. The Vols have to stick with the run, even when it's getting stuffed, and believe that Florida's defense will tire as the game wears on. "I don't think that last year we called [the run] nearly enough in the ballgame, even though at the end of the third quarter we were leading 17-7," Fulmer said. Because Tennessee couldn't run the ball and eat up the clock, it lost by one. "We've got to find our balance on offense," Fulmer said. 2. Secondary a primary concern UT's secondary took a huge hit Saturday when senior cornerback Antonio Gaines was lost for the season with a knee injury. That means freshman Eric Berry, who'd been moved to safety to improve Tennessee's tackling, has to go back to cornerback. Senior Jarrod Parrish has to go back to safety. Berry and Parrish are now being backed up by freshmen Art Evans and Dennis Rogan. That leaves senior free safety Jonathon Hefney (38 career starts) as the only defensive back with significant playing time. In Tebow, UT's secondary will face a quarterback who has completed 73.8 percent of his passes. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw," Fulmer said. 3. Ainge must deliver If Erik Ainge wants to leave Tennessee with some kind of legacy, Saturday would be a good time to start. The Vols' senior quarterback is still looking for that signature win. He'll get a chance to make plays in the passing game with Florida so focused on stopping the run. "He's got that look in his eye," Hefney said. "He knows a lot of it is on him this year, but that's the way he wants it." Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tbarnhart AT ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070912.0145.LDC2009T13::2	 KEYS FOR FLORIDA-TENNESSEE GAME Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The winner of Saturday's Florida-Tennessee showdown will join South Carolina at the top of the Southeastern Conference's East standings. As always, it's a game that could go a long way in determining who plays for the SEC title Dec. 1 in Atlanta. In the 15 seasons since the SEC went to divisional play, the UF- UT winner has played in the conference championship game 10 times. Only twice has the loser been able to reach the SEC championship. "It's always a big ball game. It has been since the start of divisional play," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said. Here are three keys for each team going into Saturday's CBS- televised game in Gainesville. FLORIDA 1. Tebow must change history Since 1990, only two Florida quarterbacks (Danny Wuerffel in 1993, Doug Johnson in '97) have won their first career starts against UT. The four since - Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak - all came up empty in their first dates with the Vols. Saturday is Tim Tebow's turn. The sophomore comes in with the second-highest passer rating in Division I-A (228.2 in two games). "I'm really excited about it," Tebow said. "It's my first big start, my first conference game. Having some experience by playing in last year's game gives me some confidence going into it." 2. Stop the run Urban Meyer's Gators held Tennessee to 66 yards rushing in last year's 21-20 win in Knoxville. The year before that, Tennessee finished with minus-11 yards rushing in a 16-7 loss. Nothing changes Saturday ... except for the fact that nine starters are gone from Florida's 2006 defense. And with tailback LaMarcus Coker returning to the Vols lineup, that task will be more difficult. Said Meyer: "What concerns us is that they come up with that big offensive line and try and push you around." 3. Find some healthy receivers The Gators will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (strained knee ligament). "That is a blow," Meyer said. "But he is our captain and he will be there with us at the hotel. His job is to make sure that the other guys go." Making matters worse, star sophomore Percy Harvin is battling tendinitis. Fortunately for Florida, wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. Florida has three receivers who have caught more than 100 yards' worth of balls in a game this season. Only three other teams can make that claim: Hawaii, Louisville and Washington State. TENNESSEE 1. Don't abandon the run In 15 of the past 17 games between Florida and Tennessee, the team that has rushed for the most yards has won. The bad news for UT: In its last two games with Florida, the Vols have mustered just 55 yards rushing. The good news: Junior Arian Foster has gotten off to a good start (107 yards a night) and Coker, suspended for the Cal loss, got back into action last week against Southern Miss. Sometimes, Tennessee loses patience when the running game isn't working early. The Vols have to stick with the run, even when it's getting stuffed, and believe that Florida's defense will tire as the game wears on. "I don't think that last year we called [the run] nearly enough in the ballgame, even though at the end of the third quarter we were leading 17-7," Fulmer said. Because Tennessee couldn't run the ball and eat up the clock, it lost by one. "We've got to find our balance on offense," Fulmer said. 2. Secondary a primary concern UT's secondary took a huge hit Saturday when senior cornerback Antonio Gaines was lost for the season with a knee injury. That means freshman Eric Berry, who'd been moved to safety to improve Tennessee's tackling, has to go back to cornerback. Senior Jarrod Parrish has to go back to safety. Berry and Parrish are now being backed up by freshmen Art Evans and Dennis Rogan. That leaves senior free safety Jonathon Hefney (38 career starts) as the only defensive back with significant playing time. In Tebow, UT's secondary will face a quarterback who has completed 73.8 percent of his passes. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw," Fulmer said. 3. Ainge must deliver If Erik Ainge wants to leave Tennessee with some kind of legacy, Saturday would be a good time to start. The Vols' senior quarterback is still looking for that signature win. He'll get a chance to make plays in the passing game with Florida so focused on stopping the run. "He's got that look in his eye," Hefney said. "He knows a lot of it is on him this year, but that's the way he wants it." Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tbarnhart AT ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070912.0145.LDC2009T13::3	 KEYS FOR FLORIDA-TENNESSEE GAME Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The winner of Saturday's Florida-Tennessee showdown will join South Carolina at the top of the Southeastern Conference's East standings. As always, it's a game that could go a long way in determining who plays for the SEC title Dec. 1 in Atlanta. In the 15 seasons since the SEC went to divisional play, the UF- UT winner has played in the conference championship game 10 times. Only twice has the loser been able to reach the SEC championship. "It's always a big ball game. It has been since the start of divisional play," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said. Here are three keys for each team going into Saturday's CBS- televised game in Gainesville. FLORIDA 1. Tebow must change history Since 1990, only two Florida quarterbacks (Danny Wuerffel in 1993, Doug Johnson in '97) have won their first career starts against UT. The four since - Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak - all came up empty in their first dates with the Vols. Saturday is Tim Tebow's turn. The sophomore comes in with the second-highest passer rating in Division I-A (228.2 in two games). "I'm really excited about it," Tebow said. "It's my first big start, my first conference game. Having some experience by playing in last year's game gives me some confidence going into it." 2. Stop the run Urban Meyer's Gators held Tennessee to 66 yards rushing in last year's 21-20 win in Knoxville. The year before that, Tennessee finished with minus-11 yards rushing in a 16-7 loss. Nothing changes Saturday ... except for the fact that nine starters are gone from Florida's 2006 defense. And with tailback LaMarcus Coker returning to the Vols lineup, that task will be more difficult. Said Meyer: "What concerns us is that they come up with that big offensive line and try and push you around." 3. Find some healthy receivers The Gators will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (strained knee ligament). "That is a blow," Meyer said. "But he is our captain and he will be there with us at the hotel. His job is to make sure that the other guys go." Making matters worse, star sophomore Percy Harvin is battling tendinitis. Fortunately for Florida, wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. Florida has three receivers who have caught more than 100 yards' worth of balls in a game this season. Only three other teams can make that claim: Hawaii, Louisville and Washington State. TENNESSEE 1. Don't abandon the run In 15 of the past 17 games between Florida and Tennessee, the team that has rushed for the most yards has won. The bad news for UT: In its last two games with Florida, the Vols have mustered just 55 yards rushing. The good news: Junior Arian Foster has gotten off to a good start (107 yards a night) and Coker, suspended for the Cal loss, got back into action last week against Southern Miss. Sometimes, Tennessee loses patience when the running game isn't working early. The Vols have to stick with the run, even when it's getting stuffed, and believe that Florida's defense will tire as the game wears on. "I don't think that last year we called [the run] nearly enough in the ballgame, even though at the end of the third quarter we were leading 17-7," Fulmer said. Because Tennessee couldn't run the ball and eat up the clock, it lost by one. "We've got to find our balance on offense," Fulmer said. 2. Secondary a primary concern UT's secondary took a huge hit Saturday when senior cornerback Antonio Gaines was lost for the season with a knee injury. That means freshman Eric Berry, who'd been moved to safety to improve Tennessee's tackling, has to go back to cornerback. Senior Jarrod Parrish has to go back to safety. Berry and Parrish are now being backed up by freshmen Art Evans and Dennis Rogan. That leaves senior free safety Jonathon Hefney (38 career starts) as the only defensive back with significant playing time. In Tebow, UT's secondary will face a quarterback who has completed 73.8 percent of his passes. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw," Fulmer said. 3. Ainge must deliver If Erik Ainge wants to leave Tennessee with some kind of legacy, Saturday would be a good time to start. The Vols' senior quarterback is still looking for that signature win. He'll get a chance to make plays in the passing game with Florida so focused on stopping the run. "He's got that look in his eye," Hefney said. "He knows a lot of it is on him this year, but that's the way he wants it." Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tbarnhart AT ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070912.0145.LDC2009T13::4	 KEYS FOR FLORIDA-TENNESSEE GAME Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The winner of Saturday's Florida-Tennessee showdown will join South Carolina at the top of the Southeastern Conference's East standings. As always, it's a game that could go a long way in determining who plays for the SEC title Dec. 1 in Atlanta. In the 15 seasons since the SEC went to divisional play, the UF- UT winner has played in the conference championship game 10 times. Only twice has the loser been able to reach the SEC championship. "It's always a big ball game. It has been since the start of divisional play," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said. Here are three keys for each team going into Saturday's CBS- televised game in Gainesville. FLORIDA 1. Tebow must change history Since 1990, only two Florida quarterbacks (Danny Wuerffel in 1993, Doug Johnson in '97) have won their first career starts against UT. The four since - Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak - all came up empty in their first dates with the Vols. Saturday is Tim Tebow's turn. The sophomore comes in with the second-highest passer rating in Division I-A (228.2 in two games). "I'm really excited about it," Tebow said. "It's my first big start, my first conference game. Having some experience by playing in last year's game gives me some confidence going into it." 2. Stop the run Urban Meyer's Gators held Tennessee to 66 yards rushing in last year's 21-20 win in Knoxville. The year before that, Tennessee finished with minus-11 yards rushing in a 16-7 loss. Nothing changes Saturday ... except for the fact that nine starters are gone from Florida's 2006 defense. And with tailback LaMarcus Coker returning to the Vols lineup, that task will be more difficult. Said Meyer: "What concerns us is that they come up with that big offensive line and try and push you around." 3. Find some healthy receivers The Gators will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (strained knee ligament). "That is a blow," Meyer said. "But he is our captain and he will be there with us at the hotel. His job is to make sure that the other guys go." Making matters worse, star sophomore Percy Harvin is battling tendinitis. Fortunately for Florida, wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. Florida has three receivers who have caught more than 100 yards' worth of balls in a game this season. Only three other teams can make that claim: Hawaii, Louisville and Washington State. TENNESSEE 1. Don't abandon the run In 15 of the past 17 games between Florida and Tennessee, the team that has rushed for the most yards has won. The bad news for UT: In its last two games with Florida, the Vols have mustered just 55 yards rushing. The good news: Junior Arian Foster has gotten off to a good start (107 yards a night) and Coker, suspended for the Cal loss, got back into action last week against Southern Miss. Sometimes, Tennessee loses patience when the running game isn't working early. The Vols have to stick with the run, even when it's getting stuffed, and believe that Florida's defense will tire as the game wears on. "I don't think that last year we called [the run] nearly enough in the ballgame, even though at the end of the third quarter we were leading 17-7," Fulmer said. Because Tennessee couldn't run the ball and eat up the clock, it lost by one. "We've got to find our balance on offense," Fulmer said. 2. Secondary a primary concern UT's secondary took a huge hit Saturday when senior cornerback Antonio Gaines was lost for the season with a knee injury. That means freshman Eric Berry, who'd been moved to safety to improve Tennessee's tackling, has to go back to cornerback. Senior Jarrod Parrish has to go back to safety. Berry and Parrish are now being backed up by freshmen Art Evans and Dennis Rogan. That leaves senior free safety Jonathon Hefney (38 career starts) as the only defensive back with significant playing time. In Tebow, UT's secondary will face a quarterback who has completed 73.8 percent of his passes. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw," Fulmer said. 3. Ainge must deliver If Erik Ainge wants to leave Tennessee with some kind of legacy, Saturday would be a good time to start. The Vols' senior quarterback is still looking for that signature win. He'll get a chance to make plays in the passing game with Florida so focused on stopping the run. "He's got that look in his eye," Hefney said. "He knows a lot of it is on him this year, but that's the way he wants it." Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tbarnhart AT ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070912.0145.LDC2009T13::5	 KEYS FOR FLORIDA-TENNESSEE GAME Cox News Service ATLANTA -- The winner of Saturday's Florida-Tennessee showdown will join South Carolina at the top of the Southeastern Conference's East standings. As always, it's a game that could go a long way in determining who plays for the SEC title Dec. 1 in Atlanta. In the 15 seasons since the SEC went to divisional play, the UF- UT winner has played in the conference championship game 10 times. Only twice has the loser been able to reach the SEC championship. "It's always a big ball game. It has been since the start of divisional play," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said. Here are three keys for each team going into Saturday's CBS- televised game in Gainesville. FLORIDA 1. Tebow must change history Since 1990, only two Florida quarterbacks (Danny Wuerffel in 1993, Doug Johnson in '97) have won their first career starts against UT. The four since - Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin and Chris Leak - all came up empty in their first dates with the Vols. Saturday is Tim Tebow's turn. The sophomore comes in with the second-highest passer rating in Division I-A (228.2 in two games). "I'm really excited about it," Tebow said. "It's my first big start, my first conference game. Having some experience by playing in last year's game gives me some confidence going into it." 2. Stop the run Urban Meyer's Gators held Tennessee to 66 yards rushing in last year's 21-20 win in Knoxville. The year before that, Tennessee finished with minus-11 yards rushing in a 16-7 loss. Nothing changes Saturday ... except for the fact that nine starters are gone from Florida's 2006 defense. And with tailback LaMarcus Coker returning to the Vols lineup, that task will be more difficult. Said Meyer: "What concerns us is that they come up with that big offensive line and try and push you around." 3. Find some healthy receivers The Gators will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (strained knee ligament). "That is a blow," Meyer said. "But he is our captain and he will be there with us at the hotel. His job is to make sure that the other guys go." Making matters worse, star sophomore Percy Harvin is battling tendinitis. Fortunately for Florida, wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. Florida has three receivers who have caught more than 100 yards' worth of balls in a game this season. Only three other teams can make that claim: Hawaii, Louisville and Washington State. TENNESSEE 1. Don't abandon the run In 15 of the past 17 games between Florida and Tennessee, the team that has rushed for the most yards has won. The bad news for UT: In its last two games with Florida, the Vols have mustered just 55 yards rushing. The good news: Junior Arian Foster has gotten off to a good start (107 yards a night) and Coker, suspended for the Cal loss, got back into action last week against Southern Miss. Sometimes, Tennessee loses patience when the running game isn't working early. The Vols have to stick with the run, even when it's getting stuffed, and believe that Florida's defense will tire as the game wears on. "I don't think that last year we called [the run] nearly enough in the ballgame, even though at the end of the third quarter we were leading 17-7," Fulmer said. Because Tennessee couldn't run the ball and eat up the clock, it lost by one. "We've got to find our balance on offense," Fulmer said. 2. Secondary a primary concern UT's secondary took a huge hit Saturday when senior cornerback Antonio Gaines was lost for the season with a knee injury. That means freshman Eric Berry, who'd been moved to safety to improve Tennessee's tackling, has to go back to cornerback. Senior Jarrod Parrish has to go back to safety. Berry and Parrish are now being backed up by freshmen Art Evans and Dennis Rogan. That leaves senior free safety Jonathon Hefney (38 career starts) as the only defensive back with significant playing time. In Tebow, UT's secondary will face a quarterback who has completed 73.8 percent of his passes. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw," Fulmer said. 3. Ainge must deliver If Erik Ainge wants to leave Tennessee with some kind of legacy, Saturday would be a good time to start. The Vols' senior quarterback is still looking for that signature win. He'll get a chance to make plays in the passing game with Florida so focused on stopping the run. "He's got that look in his eye," Hefney said. "He knows a lot of it is on him this year, but that's the way he wants it." Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tbarnhart AT ajc.com 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070917.0026.LDC2009T13::1	 BY ANTONYA ENGLISH GAINESVILLE Upon further review, maybe Florida's defense isn't so bad after all. At least that's coach Urban Meyer's assessment after Saturday's 59-20 win over Tennessee -- the most-lopsided loss for UT in the Phillip Fulmer era. The Vols came in with an offense that had produced a 100-yard rusher the previous week, a big line and a plan to run. But the Gators, three games into trying to replace nine starters from last season, held them to 37 yards, catching Meyer by surprise and earning his praise. "I was watching how our defense could hang in there and they were doing a fantastic job," Meyer said Sunday morning. "I'll be honest, I was a little ... I don't want to say shocked, but I was awful impressed with the way they played against the run." Meyer said safety Major Wright will likely supplant Kyle Jackson as a starting safety, and praised defensive tackles Javier Estopinan and Clint McMillan for the way they closed the middle against the run. INJURY UPDATE: Freshman safety Jerimy Finch, who broke his right leg in the fourth quarter, had surgery Sunday morning. "He has some ligament issue. ... It's a broken bone in his lower leg," Meyer said, "so he'll be out for the season." Senior receiver Andre Caldwell will miss his second straight game this weekend with a sprained right MCL. The status of freshman offensive tackle Maurkice Pouncey (sprained right ankle) and sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson (bruised right knee), both starters, is uncertain. MISSISSIPPI ON THEIR MINDS: Amid their elation over Saturday's victory, the Gators must refocus and prepare for Mississippi. Florida hasn't won in the Magnolia state since 1994. "I'm aware of that (history), Charlie Strong has talked to me quite often about that," Meyer said of his assistant head coach who coached Ole Miss receivers in 1990. "He does have some experience with it. That's an 11:30 a.m. (CDT) kickoff against a very talented team. We will discuss that in great detail." RUNNING IT UP?: Florida outscored the Vols 24-10 in the fourth quarter, and some UT players told several media outlets they believed UF was trying to run up the score. But Fulmer wasn't upset: "That's football. It's our job to stop them." Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070917.0026.LDC2009T13::2	 BY ANTONYA ENGLISH GAINESVILLE Upon further review, maybe Florida's defense isn't so bad after all. At least that's coach Urban Meyer's assessment after Saturday's 59-20 win over Tennessee -- the most-lopsided loss for UT in the Phillip Fulmer era. The Vols came in with an offense that had produced a 100-yard rusher the previous week, a big line and a plan to run. But the Gators, three games into trying to replace nine starters from last season, held them to 37 yards, catching Meyer by surprise and earning his praise. "I was watching how our defense could hang in there and they were doing a fantastic job," Meyer said Sunday morning. "I'll be honest, I was a little ... I don't want to say shocked, but I was awful impressed with the way they played against the run." Meyer said safety Major Wright will likely supplant Kyle Jackson as a starting safety, and praised defensive tackles Javier Estopinan and Clint McMillan for the way they closed the middle against the run. INJURY UPDATE: Freshman safety Jerimy Finch, who broke his right leg in the fourth quarter, had surgery Sunday morning. "He has some ligament issue. ... It's a broken bone in his lower leg," Meyer said, "so he'll be out for the season." Senior receiver Andre Caldwell will miss his second straight game this weekend with a sprained right MCL. The status of freshman offensive tackle Maurkice Pouncey (sprained right ankle) and sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson (bruised right knee), both starters, is uncertain. MISSISSIPPI ON THEIR MINDS: Amid their elation over Saturday's victory, the Gators must refocus and prepare for Mississippi. Florida hasn't won in the Magnolia state since 1994. "I'm aware of that (history), Charlie Strong has talked to me quite often about that," Meyer said of his assistant head coach who coached Ole Miss receivers in 1990. "He does have some experience with it. That's an 11:30 a.m. (CDT) kickoff against a very talented team. We will discuss that in great detail." RUNNING IT UP?: Florida outscored the Vols 24-10 in the fourth quarter, and some UT players told several media outlets they believed UF was trying to run up the score. But Fulmer wasn't upset: "That's football. It's our job to stop them." Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0497.LDC2009T13::1	 Alpine Skiing: Miller, Mancuso lead US squad at Alpine ski worlds Defending downhill and super G world champion Bode Miller, a four-time World Cup winner this season, and treble World Cup winner Julia Mancuso lead US skiers at the Alpine World Championship. A 17-member US team, nine men and eight women, that includes 14 Olympians will compete from Saturday through February 18 at Are, Sweden. The US lineup also features Lindsey Kildow and Steven Nyman, World Cup winners this season, and 2006 Olympic combined champion Ted Ligety. Miller won world gold in the downhill and super G in 2005 at Bormio, Italy. In 2003, he was giant slalom and combined gold medalist and super G silver medalist. Men Jimmy Cochran, 25, Keene, NH (2006 Olympics) Tim Jitloff, 22, Reno, NV T.J. Lanning, 22, Park City, UT Ted Ligety, 22, Park City, UT (2006 Olympics) Scott Macartney, 29, Redmond, WA (2002, '06 Olympics) Bode Miller, 29, Bretton Woods, NH (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Steven Nyman, 24, Provo, UT (2006 Olympics) Tom Rothrock, 28, Cashmere, WA, (2002 Olympics) Marco Sullivan, 26, Squaw Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Women Kirsten Clark, 29, Raymond, Maine (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Stacey Cook, 22, Mammoth Mountain, CA (2006 Olympics) Jessica Kelley, 24, Starksboro, VT Lindsey Kildow, 22, Vail, CO (2002, '06 Olympics) Libby Ludlow, 25, Bellevue, WA (2006 Olympics) Julia Mancuso, 22, Olympic Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Kaylin Richardson, 22, Edina, MN (2006 Olympics) Resi Stiegler, 21, Jackson Hole, WY (2006 Olympics) 
UT::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0497.LDC2009T13::2	 Alpine Skiing: Miller, Mancuso lead US squad at Alpine ski worlds Defending downhill and super G world champion Bode Miller, a four-time World Cup winner this season, and treble World Cup winner Julia Mancuso lead US skiers at the Alpine World Championship. A 17-member US team, nine men and eight women, that includes 14 Olympians will compete from Saturday through February 18 at Are, Sweden. The US lineup also features Lindsey Kildow and Steven Nyman, World Cup winners this season, and 2006 Olympic combined champion Ted Ligety. Miller won world gold in the downhill and super G in 2005 at Bormio, Italy. In 2003, he was giant slalom and combined gold medalist and super G silver medalist. Men Jimmy Cochran, 25, Keene, NH (2006 Olympics) Tim Jitloff, 22, Reno, NV T.J. Lanning, 22, Park City, UT Ted Ligety, 22, Park City, UT (2006 Olympics) Scott Macartney, 29, Redmond, WA (2002, '06 Olympics) Bode Miller, 29, Bretton Woods, NH (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Steven Nyman, 24, Provo, UT (2006 Olympics) Tom Rothrock, 28, Cashmere, WA, (2002 Olympics) Marco Sullivan, 26, Squaw Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Women Kirsten Clark, 29, Raymond, Maine (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Stacey Cook, 22, Mammoth Mountain, CA (2006 Olympics) Jessica Kelley, 24, Starksboro, VT Lindsey Kildow, 22, Vail, CO (2002, '06 Olympics) Libby Ludlow, 25, Bellevue, WA (2006 Olympics) Julia Mancuso, 22, Olympic Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Kaylin Richardson, 22, Edina, MN (2006 Olympics) Resi Stiegler, 21, Jackson Hole, WY (2006 Olympics) 
UT::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20070129.0497.LDC2009T13::3	 Alpine Skiing: Miller, Mancuso lead US squad at Alpine ski worlds Defending downhill and super G world champion Bode Miller, a four-time World Cup winner this season, and treble World Cup winner Julia Mancuso lead US skiers at the Alpine World Championship. A 17-member US team, nine men and eight women, that includes 14 Olympians will compete from Saturday through February 18 at Are, Sweden. The US lineup also features Lindsey Kildow and Steven Nyman, World Cup winners this season, and 2006 Olympic combined champion Ted Ligety. Miller won world gold in the downhill and super G in 2005 at Bormio, Italy. In 2003, he was giant slalom and combined gold medalist and super G silver medalist. Men Jimmy Cochran, 25, Keene, NH (2006 Olympics) Tim Jitloff, 22, Reno, NV T.J. Lanning, 22, Park City, UT Ted Ligety, 22, Park City, UT (2006 Olympics) Scott Macartney, 29, Redmond, WA (2002, '06 Olympics) Bode Miller, 29, Bretton Woods, NH (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Steven Nyman, 24, Provo, UT (2006 Olympics) Tom Rothrock, 28, Cashmere, WA, (2002 Olympics) Marco Sullivan, 26, Squaw Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Women Kirsten Clark, 29, Raymond, Maine (1998, '02, '06 Olympics) Stacey Cook, 22, Mammoth Mountain, CA (2006 Olympics) Jessica Kelley, 24, Starksboro, VT Lindsey Kildow, 22, Vail, CO (2002, '06 Olympics) Libby Ludlow, 25, Bellevue, WA (2006 Olympics) Julia Mancuso, 22, Olympic Valley, CA (2002, '06 Olympics) Kaylin Richardson, 22, Edina, MN (2006 Olympics) Resi Stiegler, 21, Jackson Hole, WY (2006 Olympics) 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071231.0021.LDC2009T13::1	 F TAMPA Wisconsin will lean on all three of its running backs in the Outback Bowl. On Sunday, Badgers coach Bret Bielema said true freshman Zach Brown will start for the fourth consecutive game, adding that sophomore P.J. Hill would play early. "Zach will start the game for sure," Bielema said. "P.J. will be in there very quickly." Hill averaged 108 yards per game and started the first nine games. He missed two of the last three with injuries, but leads the Badgers with 1,080 yards and 14 touchdowns. Backups Brown and Lance Smith quickly proved they could step in. Brown enjoyed a breakout game Nov. 17 with 250 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-34 win against Minnesota. For his efforts he was named Big Ten player of the week. "When he went down we were a little skeptical at first, but we knew we had some young guys who would step up and they did," Wisconsin center Marcus Coleman said. "We're definitely happy with that position." SEARCH CONTINUES: Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer gave no update on his search for an offensive coordinator Sunday. The Knoxville News Sentinel, however, reported that Michigan quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler met with Fulmer in Tampa recently. The Sentinel also reported that Fulmer spoke with 49ers quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti. Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence withdrew from consideration Saturday, and Detroit receivers coach and former UT assistant Kippy Brown, according to the Los Angeles Times, is set to replace Mike Martz as Lions offensive coordinator. Fulmer is seeking a replacement for David Cutcliffe, recently hired as Duke's coach. RECEIVER ROTATION: Fulmer said the Vols' makeshift starting receiver rotation will depend on several factors, including formations and personnel groupings, but he suggested that a lot of variety could be employed in the game. Leading receiver Lucas Taylor (73 catches) is among six UT players academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl. "After a few practices, it's obviously a little different, throwing to different guys," quarterback Erik Ainge said. "But Josh Briscoe (49 catches) is able to play all the positions, and he does a really good job. Denarius Moore (10 receptions) has been playing quite a bit all season long, and I expect him to play a lot and do a lot of good things Tuesday as well." ODDS & ENDS: Wisconsin's fall semester grades are in, and Bielema was happy to report Sunday that all of his players were academically eligible. Apparently, the Vols' musical preferences stretch well beyond the chorus of Rocky Top. During pre-practice warmups Sunday at the University of Tampa, the Pepin Stadium loudspeaker blared everything from Frank Sinatra to Motley Crue to Modern English at least until Fulmer arrived. "Hey, tell 'em to turn that off," he hollered to a staffer while addressing reporters. According to defensive end Xavier Mitchell, the Vols' curfew, which gets earlier as game day nears, will be 10:30 tonight. The Outback Bowl will mark Tennessee's second morning kickoff of the season. Its Oct. 20 game at Alabama started at 11:30 a.m. CST. THEY SAID IT: "The only way I know for sure is how they practice. I watch the practice film, I watch every bit of it, and they have done a good job of practicing and preparing for this football game." Fulmer when asked how his team has handled the plethora of distractions that includes the loss of two assistants to other coaching jobs. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20071231.0021.LDC2009T13::2	 F TAMPA Wisconsin will lean on all three of its running backs in the Outback Bowl. On Sunday, Badgers coach Bret Bielema said true freshman Zach Brown will start for the fourth consecutive game, adding that sophomore P.J. Hill would play early. "Zach will start the game for sure," Bielema said. "P.J. will be in there very quickly." Hill averaged 108 yards per game and started the first nine games. He missed two of the last three with injuries, but leads the Badgers with 1,080 yards and 14 touchdowns. Backups Brown and Lance Smith quickly proved they could step in. Brown enjoyed a breakout game Nov. 17 with 250 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-34 win against Minnesota. For his efforts he was named Big Ten player of the week. "When he went down we were a little skeptical at first, but we knew we had some young guys who would step up and they did," Wisconsin center Marcus Coleman said. "We're definitely happy with that position." SEARCH CONTINUES: Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer gave no update on his search for an offensive coordinator Sunday. The Knoxville News Sentinel, however, reported that Michigan quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler met with Fulmer in Tampa recently. The Sentinel also reported that Fulmer spoke with 49ers quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti. Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence withdrew from consideration Saturday, and Detroit receivers coach and former UT assistant Kippy Brown, according to the Los Angeles Times, is set to replace Mike Martz as Lions offensive coordinator. Fulmer is seeking a replacement for David Cutcliffe, recently hired as Duke's coach. RECEIVER ROTATION: Fulmer said the Vols' makeshift starting receiver rotation will depend on several factors, including formations and personnel groupings, but he suggested that a lot of variety could be employed in the game. Leading receiver Lucas Taylor (73 catches) is among six UT players academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl. "After a few practices, it's obviously a little different, throwing to different guys," quarterback Erik Ainge said. "But Josh Briscoe (49 catches) is able to play all the positions, and he does a really good job. Denarius Moore (10 receptions) has been playing quite a bit all season long, and I expect him to play a lot and do a lot of good things Tuesday as well." ODDS & ENDS: Wisconsin's fall semester grades are in, and Bielema was happy to report Sunday that all of his players were academically eligible. Apparently, the Vols' musical preferences stretch well beyond the chorus of Rocky Top. During pre-practice warmups Sunday at the University of Tampa, the Pepin Stadium loudspeaker blared everything from Frank Sinatra to Motley Crue to Modern English at least until Fulmer arrived. "Hey, tell 'em to turn that off," he hollered to a staffer while addressing reporters. According to defensive end Xavier Mitchell, the Vols' curfew, which gets earlier as game day nears, will be 10:30 tonight. The Outback Bowl will mark Tennessee's second morning kickoff of the season. Its Oct. 20 game at Alabama started at 11:30 a.m. CST. THEY SAID IT: "The only way I know for sure is how they practice. I watch the practice film, I watch every bit of it, and they have done a good job of practicing and preparing for this football game." Fulmer when asked how his team has handled the plethora of distractions that includes the loss of two assistants to other coaching jobs. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081009.0076.LDC2009T13::1	 PAGE1-CONSIDER-NYT Here are the stories New York Times editors are considering for the Page 1 of Friday, Oct. 10. The N.Y. Times News Service night supervisor is Mitch Keller; phone: (888) 346-9867; e-mail: mikell@nytimes.com. INTERNATIONAL (Will move in "i" news file.) IRAQ-WALLS (Baghdad) -- Market by market, square by square, the walls are beginning to come down. The miles of hulking blast walls, ugly but effective, were installed as a central feature of the so-called surge of U.S. troops to stop neighbors from killing each other. The slow dismantling of the concrete walls is the most visible sign of a fundamental change here in the Iraqi capital. Iraqis are taking on many of the tasks the Americans once performed, raising great hopes the country will progress on its own but also deep fears of failure. By Alissa J. Rubin, Stephen Farrell and Sam Dagher. With photos. AFGHAN-MILITARY (Washington) -- With security and economic conditions in Afghanistan already in dire straits, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Thursday that the situation there will probably only worsen next year. "The trends across the board are not going in the right direction," the chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, told reporters. "And I would anticipate next year would be a tougher year." By Eric Schmitt. UKRAINE-POLITICS (Moscow) -- President Viktor A. Yushchenko of Ukraine signed an order on Thursday to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections, after efforts to resuscitate a long-ailing pro-West coalition collapsed, threatening to send the country deeper into political turmoil. The vote will be on Dec. 7, a spokeswoman for the president said. It will be the third parliamentary election since the pro-West Yushchenko came to power by defeating his Moscow-backed rival after the 2004 Orange Revolution. At the time, Yushchenko promised to wrest the former Soviet republic from its corrupt, authoritarian past, though today Ukraine remains mired in political stagnation. By Michael Schwirtz. NOBEL-LITERATURE-PRIZE (Dateline TK) -- The French writer Jean- Marie Gustave Le Clezio, whose work reflects a seemingly insatiable restlessness and sense of wonder about other places and other cultures, won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday. In its citation, the Swedish Academy praised Le Clezio, 68, as the "author of new departures, poetic adventure and sexual ecstasy, explorer of a humanity beyond and below the reigning civilization." By Sarah Lyall. POLITICS (Will move in "p" news file.) OBAMA-FUNDRAISING (Undated) -- Last December, somebody using the name Test Person, from Some Place, UT, made a series of contributions, the largest being $764, to Sen. Barack Obam's presidential campaign totaling $2,410.07. Someone else identifying himself as Jockim Alberton, from 1581 Leroy Ave. in Wilmington, Del., began giving to Obama last November, giving $10 and $25 at a time for a total of $445 through the end of February. The only problem? There is no Leroy Avenue in Wilmington. And Jockim Alberton, who listed both his employer and occupation as Fdsa Fdsa, does not appear in a search of public records. A New York Times analysis of campaign finance records this week found nearly 3,000 donations to Obama from more than a dozen people listing apparently fictitious donor information. The contributions represent a tiny fraction of the record $450 million Obama has raised. But the obviously questionable donations -- some donors simply entered gibberish for their names -- raise questions about whether the Obama campaign is adequately vetting a donor base so huge that it is unprecedented in the history of political fundraising. By Michael Luo. FINANCIAL (Will move in "f"' news file.) NATIONALIZATION-ASSESS (Undated) -- If the government takes ownership stakes in American banks, as Washington is considering, there may be only one certainty: the program will not be called nationalization. Finance experts say it would be a promising step, supplying staggered banks with sorely needed capital and helping restore confidence in financial markets. In Europe, national governments are rolling out programs to take ownership stakes in their banks. In the United States, it is the exception, but not unprecedented, for the government to own parts or all of corporations. Yet in a culture where the laissez faire capitalism is so often celebrated as the economic ideal, even if it's not practiced, nationalization is a word to avoid. "This plan makes a lot of sense, but you can't call it nationalization here," said Simon Johnson, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "In France, it is fine, but not in the United States." (News analysis.) By Steve Lohr. NORRIS-COLUMN (Undated) -- Banks are supposed to lend money, but they aren't doing very much of it these days. That is not the only cause of the global recession that is unfolding, but it is hard to see how economies can begin to recover without functioning financial systems. The American government has responded by taking over more and more of the lending itself, while using indirect means to shore up the banking system. It has not worked. It is time to try a new approach, and perhaps to abandon the announced details of the bailout plan passed by Congress with such difficulty only a week ago. The government needs to decide which banks it is sure are worth saving, and pump capital into them directly. By Floyd Norris. WALL-ST-STIMULUS (New York) -- The Federal Reserve and Congress are pushing out close to $1 trillion to repair the nation's financial system and to encourage lending. But that is not enough to revive the economy. Spending has to resume, and so far the opposite is happening. Consumers are on course to cut back their spending in the third quarter, the first quarterly decline in 17 years. Business, in response, is shrinking its outlays for equipment, supplies and manpower. To offset this shrinkage, the Democratic leadership in Congress is "seriously considering" a vast expansion of the $60 billion stimulus package that the House passed in late September, Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview. By Louis Uchitelle. COMMODITIES (Undated) -- The great commodity boom of the last seven years, which sent prices for the raw ingredients of the world economy soaring to heights not seen in 30 years, is rapidly turning into a bust. Since July, when prices for many commodities peaked amid fears of permanent shortage, metals like aluminum, copper and nickel have declined more than 30 percent. Oil has dropped by 40 percent and platinum by 50 percent. Wheat and corn, two cereals at the base of the human food chain, have dropped 40 percent. Though prices remain elevated by historical standards, they are falling rapidly as traders weigh the prospect that the global economic crisis will lead to sharp drops in demand. By Clifford Krauss. WALL-ST-MARKETS (New York) -- The late-day decline once again pushed the markets down sharply Thursday. And the reasons, by now, are a familiar litany -- concerns about the credit markets, worries about the economy as a whole and the financial sector in particular. By Graham Bowley. INSURANCE-WOES (Undated) -- Months after the big Wall Street firms first came under attack in the markets, the insurance industry is now being battered, suggesting that a similar round of consolidations and recapitalization may be necessary. By Mary Williams Walsh. BANKS-BAILOUT (Washington) -- The White House and various European leaders spent Thursday exchanging letters and phone calls to try to coordinate a worldwide rescue of the financial system, in advance of a meeting that President Bush will host this weekend that includes finance ministers from the Group of 7 countries. Some European leaders are trying to win support across Europe for a plan to pour government capital into banks. The White House confirmed Thursday that the administration is considering direct capital injections into the American system, but not details have emerged about the timing or scope of such action. By Mark Landler and Edmund L. Andrews. (Editors: Budgets and advisories are internal documents not for publication or redistribution outside of client news organizations. Unauthorized use of budgets and advisories constitutes a violation of our contract terms. All clients receive all budgets, but only full-service clients receive all stories. Please check your level of service to determine which stories you will receive.) 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081009.0076.LDC2009T13::2	 PAGE1-CONSIDER-NYT Here are the stories New York Times editors are considering for the Page 1 of Friday, Oct. 10. The N.Y. Times News Service night supervisor is Mitch Keller; phone: (888) 346-9867; e-mail: mikell@nytimes.com. INTERNATIONAL (Will move in "i" news file.) IRAQ-WALLS (Baghdad) -- Market by market, square by square, the walls are beginning to come down. The miles of hulking blast walls, ugly but effective, were installed as a central feature of the so-called surge of U.S. troops to stop neighbors from killing each other. The slow dismantling of the concrete walls is the most visible sign of a fundamental change here in the Iraqi capital. Iraqis are taking on many of the tasks the Americans once performed, raising great hopes the country will progress on its own but also deep fears of failure. By Alissa J. Rubin, Stephen Farrell and Sam Dagher. With photos. AFGHAN-MILITARY (Washington) -- With security and economic conditions in Afghanistan already in dire straits, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Thursday that the situation there will probably only worsen next year. "The trends across the board are not going in the right direction," the chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, told reporters. "And I would anticipate next year would be a tougher year." By Eric Schmitt. UKRAINE-POLITICS (Moscow) -- President Viktor A. Yushchenko of Ukraine signed an order on Thursday to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections, after efforts to resuscitate a long-ailing pro-West coalition collapsed, threatening to send the country deeper into political turmoil. The vote will be on Dec. 7, a spokeswoman for the president said. It will be the third parliamentary election since the pro-West Yushchenko came to power by defeating his Moscow-backed rival after the 2004 Orange Revolution. At the time, Yushchenko promised to wrest the former Soviet republic from its corrupt, authoritarian past, though today Ukraine remains mired in political stagnation. By Michael Schwirtz. NOBEL-LITERATURE-PRIZE (Dateline TK) -- The French writer Jean- Marie Gustave Le Clezio, whose work reflects a seemingly insatiable restlessness and sense of wonder about other places and other cultures, won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday. In its citation, the Swedish Academy praised Le Clezio, 68, as the "author of new departures, poetic adventure and sexual ecstasy, explorer of a humanity beyond and below the reigning civilization." By Sarah Lyall. POLITICS (Will move in "p" news file.) OBAMA-FUNDRAISING (Undated) -- Last December, somebody using the name Test Person, from Some Place, UT, made a series of contributions, the largest being $764, to Sen. Barack Obam's presidential campaign totaling $2,410.07. Someone else identifying himself as Jockim Alberton, from 1581 Leroy Ave. in Wilmington, Del., began giving to Obama last November, giving $10 and $25 at a time for a total of $445 through the end of February. The only problem? There is no Leroy Avenue in Wilmington. And Jockim Alberton, who listed both his employer and occupation as Fdsa Fdsa, does not appear in a search of public records. A New York Times analysis of campaign finance records this week found nearly 3,000 donations to Obama from more than a dozen people listing apparently fictitious donor information. The contributions represent a tiny fraction of the record $450 million Obama has raised. But the obviously questionable donations -- some donors simply entered gibberish for their names -- raise questions about whether the Obama campaign is adequately vetting a donor base so huge that it is unprecedented in the history of political fundraising. By Michael Luo. FINANCIAL (Will move in "f"' news file.) NATIONALIZATION-ASSESS (Undated) -- If the government takes ownership stakes in American banks, as Washington is considering, there may be only one certainty: the program will not be called nationalization. Finance experts say it would be a promising step, supplying staggered banks with sorely needed capital and helping restore confidence in financial markets. In Europe, national governments are rolling out programs to take ownership stakes in their banks. In the United States, it is the exception, but not unprecedented, for the government to own parts or all of corporations. Yet in a culture where the laissez faire capitalism is so often celebrated as the economic ideal, even if it's not practiced, nationalization is a word to avoid. "This plan makes a lot of sense, but you can't call it nationalization here," said Simon Johnson, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "In France, it is fine, but not in the United States." (News analysis.) By Steve Lohr. NORRIS-COLUMN (Undated) -- Banks are supposed to lend money, but they aren't doing very much of it these days. That is not the only cause of the global recession that is unfolding, but it is hard to see how economies can begin to recover without functioning financial systems. The American government has responded by taking over more and more of the lending itself, while using indirect means to shore up the banking system. It has not worked. It is time to try a new approach, and perhaps to abandon the announced details of the bailout plan passed by Congress with such difficulty only a week ago. The government needs to decide which banks it is sure are worth saving, and pump capital into them directly. By Floyd Norris. WALL-ST-STIMULUS (New York) -- The Federal Reserve and Congress are pushing out close to $1 trillion to repair the nation's financial system and to encourage lending. But that is not enough to revive the economy. Spending has to resume, and so far the opposite is happening. Consumers are on course to cut back their spending in the third quarter, the first quarterly decline in 17 years. Business, in response, is shrinking its outlays for equipment, supplies and manpower. To offset this shrinkage, the Democratic leadership in Congress is "seriously considering" a vast expansion of the $60 billion stimulus package that the House passed in late September, Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview. By Louis Uchitelle. COMMODITIES (Undated) -- The great commodity boom of the last seven years, which sent prices for the raw ingredients of the world economy soaring to heights not seen in 30 years, is rapidly turning into a bust. Since July, when prices for many commodities peaked amid fears of permanent shortage, metals like aluminum, copper and nickel have declined more than 30 percent. Oil has dropped by 40 percent and platinum by 50 percent. Wheat and corn, two cereals at the base of the human food chain, have dropped 40 percent. Though prices remain elevated by historical standards, they are falling rapidly as traders weigh the prospect that the global economic crisis will lead to sharp drops in demand. By Clifford Krauss. WALL-ST-MARKETS (New York) -- The late-day decline once again pushed the markets down sharply Thursday. And the reasons, by now, are a familiar litany -- concerns about the credit markets, worries about the economy as a whole and the financial sector in particular. By Graham Bowley. INSURANCE-WOES (Undated) -- Months after the big Wall Street firms first came under attack in the markets, the insurance industry is now being battered, suggesting that a similar round of consolidations and recapitalization may be necessary. By Mary Williams Walsh. BANKS-BAILOUT (Washington) -- The White House and various European leaders spent Thursday exchanging letters and phone calls to try to coordinate a worldwide rescue of the financial system, in advance of a meeting that President Bush will host this weekend that includes finance ministers from the Group of 7 countries. Some European leaders are trying to win support across Europe for a plan to pour government capital into banks. The White House confirmed Thursday that the administration is considering direct capital injections into the American system, but not details have emerged about the timing or scope of such action. By Mark Landler and Edmund L. Andrews. (Editors: Budgets and advisories are internal documents not for publication or redistribution outside of client news organizations. Unauthorized use of budgets and advisories constitutes a violation of our contract terms. All clients receive all budgets, but only full-service clients receive all stories. Please check your level of service to determine which stories you will receive.) 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::1	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::2	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::3	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::4	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::5	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070127.0051.LDC2009T13::6	 NONPROFITS GO TO CLASS Norrine Russell was a college professor with no plans to leave academia. So two years ago, when she became executive director of the Ophelia Project Tampa Bay , she had a Ph.D. in psychology but not a single business class on her resume. A pro at Freud, but not fixed assets, she thinks it's time for more formal training. "To take Ophelia to the next level," said Russell, 38. She hopes to enroll in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program, a new initiative starting this spring at the University of Tampa. And the program's founders hope to reach executives just like her. The idea for the program was sparked a couple of years ago, when leaders of local nonprofits started to worry about the impending retirement of many of their executives. They also worried about the business acumen of their up-and- coming leaders, many of them former social workers or education majors. "Generally, what you find with nonprofits," said Bill Rhey, UT's dean of graduate studies, "is terrific heart and terrific ambition to serve the community, but there's often very little (business) training." Their brainchild, the Nonprofit Management and Innovation program, is meant as a crash course in strategic thinking, marketing, management and other skills you don't pick up when you're busy finding adoptive parents for children without homes, or delivering meals to the elderly. "Everyone who is involved in nonprofits knows that they (the organizations) need to improve their business skills," said Sheff Crowder, president of the Conn Memorial Foundation and chairman of the program's founding task force. UT faculty and nonprofit professionals will co-teach the courses, which will be spread over a year and a half in four seminars of one week each. The first course starts in March. When it ends, students will have a month to develop a three-year plan for their agency. Though the program is aimed at professionals, students at UT's business school can apply for the program and earn 12 credit hours for completing it. The University of South Florida also offers a certificate program in nonprofit management, though it's housed in the public administration program, not the business school. The program can be completed in a year, mostly through evening and weekend classes. For Russell, the UT program's schedule was a major selling point. "I really would not even consider something that is an evening or weekend course," she said. Her evenings and weekends are already consumed by work-related events. Same goes for Ralph Smith, the busy executive director of Tampa's Computer Mentors Group. When Smith founded Computer Mentors in the late '90s, he knew all about computers, having spent years as a systems analyst at Citibank. And he knew all about mentoring, as he had a longtime passion for helping underprivileged youth. But writing a job description and recruiting volunteers were uncharted territory for Smith, who studied economics when he attended college in the 1970s. In 2000, he took some evening classes with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, a resource center for nonprofits that is helping the UT program get off the ground. (Until recently, the center was known as the Management Assistance Program of Tampa Bay.) He has since nursed his agency into an eight-employee operation with an annual budget of $300,000, but he thinks that more extensive business training could help him reach more kids. "You can have a vision," said Smith, 54, "but if you don't know, businesswise, how to move that vision forward, nothing's going to happen." Nonprofit numbers 2,000: Approximate number of nonprofits in Tampa Bay area with operating budgets of at least $25,000. 1,400 to 1,800: Number of new senior managers those nonprofits may need to recruit from 2007 to 2011. 55: Percent of nonprofit leaders older than 50. 61 to 78: Percent of nonprofit executives who plan to leave their jobs within five years. Sources: The Nonprofit Management and Innovation program; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; the Meyer Foundation Other favored nonprofit programs The founders of the program at UT say they were impressed by similar programs at these schools: Applications for the Nonprofit Management and Innovation certificate program are due Feb. 16. The first weeklong session will be in March. To download an application, visit grad.ut.edu and click on the link to the program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, the academic equivalent or relevant work experience. The total cost per student is about $7,000. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit the Web site, call (813) 258-7409 or e-mail utgrad.ut.edu. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081009.0154.LDC2009T13::1	 BOGUS DONORS RAISE QUESTIONS ON OBAMA FUNDRAISING KITTY BENNETT CONTRIBUTED REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON Last December, somebody using the name "Test Person," from "Some Place, UT" made a series of contributions, the largest being $764, to Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign totaling $2,410.07. Someone else identifying himself as "Jockim Alberton," from 1581 Leroy Ave. in Wilmington, Del., began giving to Obama last November, contributing $10 and $25 at a time for a total of $445 through the end of February. The only problem? There is no Leroy Avenue in Wilmington. And Jockim Alberton, who listed both his employer and occupation as "Fdsa Fdsa," does not show up in a search of public records. A New York Times analysis of campaign finance records this week found nearly 3,000 donations to Obama from more than a dozen people listing apparently fictitious donor information. The contributions represent a tiny fraction of the record $450 million Obama has raised. But the obviously questionable donations -- some donors simply entered gibberish for their names -- raise questions about whether the Obama campaign is adequately vetting its unprecedented flood of donors. It is unclear why someone making a political donation would want to enter a fake name. Some perhaps did it for privacy reasons. Another more ominous possibility, of course, is fraud, perhaps in order to donate beyond the maximum limits. There is no evidence that questionable contributions amount to anything more than a small portion of Obama's fundraising haul. The Times' analysis, conducted over just a few days and looking for obvious anomalies, like names with all consonants, identified about $40,000 in contributions from people that appeared not to exist. And these donations had not been refunded by the campaign as of its last filing with the Federal Election Commission in September. It appears that campaign finance records for Sen. John McCain contain far fewer obviously fake names, although he has also taken in about $200 million in contributions, less than half Obama's total. Although campaigns have long wrestled to some degree with questionable donations, Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics, said the record-setting number of new donors Obama has drawn, many of them online, presents obvious new challenges to a compliance system that remains stuck in the past. She pointed out, however, that it would take an extraordinary amount of coordination to pull off widespread fraud. Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, highlighted the more than 2.5 million donors it has had to wade through and said: "We have been aggressive about taking every available step to make sure our contributions are appropriate, updating our systems when necessary." But even a contributor who used the name, "Jgtj Jfggjjfgj," and listed an address of "thjtrj" in "gjtjtjtjtjtjr, AP," was able to contribute $370 in a series of $10 donations in August. A pair of donors named "Derty West" and "Derty Poiiuy," who both listed "rewq, ME" in their addresses and "Qwertyyy" or "Qwerttyyu" as either their employer or occupation, contributed a combined $1,110 in July. In some cases, campaign finance records showed some refunds from the Obama campaign, even as other contributions were accepted. Obama officials said most of their vetting occurs after the donation comes in. Officials with campaign finance watchdog groups said there is no proof yet that the problem is widespread, but they said the issue certainly warrants additional scrutiny. "I think the candidates need to be clearer about the vetting systems they're using and demonstrating they're sufficient to weed out potential fraud," said Stephen Weissman, associate director for policy at the Campaign Finance Institute. The questionable donations to the Obama campaign, most of which appear to have been given in small increments online, are bolstering the contentions of some campaign finance groups that additional disclosure requirements are needed for contributions that fall below $200. Federal candidates are not required to itemize contributions below $200 to the FEC unless the donor's cumulative total adds up to more than $200. Roughly 70 percent of the contributions to Obama below $200 are not reported, compared to more than 75 percent of McCain's. The Republican National Committee filed a complaint against the Obama campaign this week with the FEC, questioning the legitimacy of the more than $220 million in donations below $200 that Obama has received. The complaint followed an article on the conservative web site, Newsmax.com, that highlighted thousands of dollars in contributions made in increments of $25 dating back to March, from "Good Will" in Austin, Texas, whose employer was listed as "Loving" and his occupation as "You," as well as thousands in small contributions that started last November from a "Doodad Pro" in Nunda, NY with the same employer and occupation. Both Doodad Pro and Good Will, who made more than 1,000 contributions each and whose totals far exceeded the $4,600 that individuals can legally give to the primary and general election, were flagged by the FEC in standard warning letters sent to the Obama campaign by August and giving it 30 days to respond. Both campaigns have regularly received such requests regarding excess contributions. The Obama campaign refunded several thousand dollars in contributions to the pair over several months, even before the letters from the FEC, but its campaign finance filing in September showed it had failed to refund more than $10,000 in donations to each of them, although Obama officials say all of the money has now been returned. "I think what's happening is a collision between this unprecedented fundraising machine and the kind of compliance system that is usually sufficient," said Lawrence H. Norton, who left his post as general counsel to the FEC last year. "I don't imagine they're anywhere near able to keep up with it given the volume, given they want to allocate resources elsewhere." Even though "Good Will" made more than $7,000 in contributions to the Obama campaign in March and even more after that, Suzanha Burmeister, director of marketing at Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, whose address matches the one listed by the donor, said the organization was only contacted by the campaign in September. The non-profit group was not asked about fraud but instead received several letters informing the donor that his contribution limit for the primary had been exceeded and asking if he wanted to re-direct the excess to the general election. Someone from the group immediately called the Obama campaign and was told it was having "integrity issues" with regards to its online donations. "They must be really backlogged," Burmeister said. "Doodad Pro" first started making contributions last November. The contributions shot up to $11,275 in February alone, of which the campaign only refunded $2,550 initially, according to FEC records. The address listed by "Doodad Pro" leads to Lloyd & Lynn's Liquor & Wine in Nunda, a town of about 3,000 people more than an hour south of Rochester. Lynn Kirwan, one of the owners, said there used to be a consignment shop that shared their address that was called "Doodad's." Several months earlier, she said, the local police contacted the store to ask about some athletic equipment that had been ordered by a "Doodad Pro," but she said they had heard nothing from the Obama campaign. Another apparently connected donor, "Fornari Usa," listed the same "Loving" and "You" under employer and occupation and made a series of $25 donations to Obama in May, for a total of $1,050. The address traces to a women's clothing store, Fornari USA, in Milpitas, Calif. Levi Lazo, a sales associate, said she and her manager were both mystified by the donations. "None of us," she said, "have made any contributions." 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081009.0154.LDC2009T13::2	 BOGUS DONORS RAISE QUESTIONS ON OBAMA FUNDRAISING KITTY BENNETT CONTRIBUTED REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON Last December, somebody using the name "Test Person," from "Some Place, UT" made a series of contributions, the largest being $764, to Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign totaling $2,410.07. Someone else identifying himself as "Jockim Alberton," from 1581 Leroy Ave. in Wilmington, Del., began giving to Obama last November, contributing $10 and $25 at a time for a total of $445 through the end of February. The only problem? There is no Leroy Avenue in Wilmington. And Jockim Alberton, who listed both his employer and occupation as "Fdsa Fdsa," does not show up in a search of public records. A New York Times analysis of campaign finance records this week found nearly 3,000 donations to Obama from more than a dozen people listing apparently fictitious donor information. The contributions represent a tiny fraction of the record $450 million Obama has raised. But the obviously questionable donations -- some donors simply entered gibberish for their names -- raise questions about whether the Obama campaign is adequately vetting its unprecedented flood of donors. It is unclear why someone making a political donation would want to enter a fake name. Some perhaps did it for privacy reasons. Another more ominous possibility, of course, is fraud, perhaps in order to donate beyond the maximum limits. There is no evidence that questionable contributions amount to anything more than a small portion of Obama's fundraising haul. The Times' analysis, conducted over just a few days and looking for obvious anomalies, like names with all consonants, identified about $40,000 in contributions from people that appeared not to exist. And these donations had not been refunded by the campaign as of its last filing with the Federal Election Commission in September. It appears that campaign finance records for Sen. John McCain contain far fewer obviously fake names, although he has also taken in about $200 million in contributions, less than half Obama's total. Although campaigns have long wrestled to some degree with questionable donations, Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics, said the record-setting number of new donors Obama has drawn, many of them online, presents obvious new challenges to a compliance system that remains stuck in the past. She pointed out, however, that it would take an extraordinary amount of coordination to pull off widespread fraud. Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, highlighted the more than 2.5 million donors it has had to wade through and said: "We have been aggressive about taking every available step to make sure our contributions are appropriate, updating our systems when necessary." But even a contributor who used the name, "Jgtj Jfggjjfgj," and listed an address of "thjtrj" in "gjtjtjtjtjtjr, AP," was able to contribute $370 in a series of $10 donations in August. A pair of donors named "Derty West" and "Derty Poiiuy," who both listed "rewq, ME" in their addresses and "Qwertyyy" or "Qwerttyyu" as either their employer or occupation, contributed a combined $1,110 in July. In some cases, campaign finance records showed some refunds from the Obama campaign, even as other contributions were accepted. Obama officials said most of their vetting occurs after the donation comes in. Officials with campaign finance watchdog groups said there is no proof yet that the problem is widespread, but they said the issue certainly warrants additional scrutiny. "I think the candidates need to be clearer about the vetting systems they're using and demonstrating they're sufficient to weed out potential fraud," said Stephen Weissman, associate director for policy at the Campaign Finance Institute. The questionable donations to the Obama campaign, most of which appear to have been given in small increments online, are bolstering the contentions of some campaign finance groups that additional disclosure requirements are needed for contributions that fall below $200. Federal candidates are not required to itemize contributions below $200 to the FEC unless the donor's cumulative total adds up to more than $200. Roughly 70 percent of the contributions to Obama below $200 are not reported, compared to more than 75 percent of McCain's. The Republican National Committee filed a complaint against the Obama campaign this week with the FEC, questioning the legitimacy of the more than $220 million in donations below $200 that Obama has received. The complaint followed an article on the conservative web site, Newsmax.com, that highlighted thousands of dollars in contributions made in increments of $25 dating back to March, from "Good Will" in Austin, Texas, whose employer was listed as "Loving" and his occupation as "You," as well as thousands in small contributions that started last November from a "Doodad Pro" in Nunda, NY with the same employer and occupation. Both Doodad Pro and Good Will, who made more than 1,000 contributions each and whose totals far exceeded the $4,600 that individuals can legally give to the primary and general election, were flagged by the FEC in standard warning letters sent to the Obama campaign by August and giving it 30 days to respond. Both campaigns have regularly received such requests regarding excess contributions. The Obama campaign refunded several thousand dollars in contributions to the pair over several months, even before the letters from the FEC, but its campaign finance filing in September showed it had failed to refund more than $10,000 in donations to each of them, although Obama officials say all of the money has now been returned. "I think what's happening is a collision between this unprecedented fundraising machine and the kind of compliance system that is usually sufficient," said Lawrence H. Norton, who left his post as general counsel to the FEC last year. "I don't imagine they're anywhere near able to keep up with it given the volume, given they want to allocate resources elsewhere." Even though "Good Will" made more than $7,000 in contributions to the Obama campaign in March and even more after that, Suzanha Burmeister, director of marketing at Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, whose address matches the one listed by the donor, said the organization was only contacted by the campaign in September. The non-profit group was not asked about fraud but instead received several letters informing the donor that his contribution limit for the primary had been exceeded and asking if he wanted to re-direct the excess to the general election. Someone from the group immediately called the Obama campaign and was told it was having "integrity issues" with regards to its online donations. "They must be really backlogged," Burmeister said. "Doodad Pro" first started making contributions last November. The contributions shot up to $11,275 in February alone, of which the campaign only refunded $2,550 initially, according to FEC records. The address listed by "Doodad Pro" leads to Lloyd & Lynn's Liquor & Wine in Nunda, a town of about 3,000 people more than an hour south of Rochester. Lynn Kirwan, one of the owners, said there used to be a consignment shop that shared their address that was called "Doodad's." Several months earlier, she said, the local police contacted the store to ask about some athletic equipment that had been ordered by a "Doodad Pro," but she said they had heard nothing from the Obama campaign. Another apparently connected donor, "Fornari Usa," listed the same "Loving" and "You" under employer and occupation and made a series of $25 donations to Obama in May, for a total of $1,050. The address traces to a women's clothing store, Fornari USA, in Milpitas, Calif. Levi Lazo, a sales associate, said she and her manager were both mystified by the donations. "None of us," she said, "have made any contributions." 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0169.LDC2009T13::1	 COMPANIES UNPREPARED FOR WORKPLACE VIOLENCE HOUSTON We prepare for hurricanes. We prepare for floods. But workplace violence? Not really. The multiple killings at Virginia Tech this week has put a new focus on the need for companies to be ready in case someone comes to work armed and dangerous. And based on Labor Department statistics, it isn't so rare. Across the country each week, more than 10 employees are killed while at work. Workplace killings are among the fastest-growing kinds of slayings, according to Greg Bangs, a vice president for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies in Warren, N.J. It's typically a disgruntled employee who is angry at his boss or co-workers, said Bangs, product manager for a line of insurance policies that reimburse companies for ransom payments, grief counselors and compensation for losses if a business must close temporarily to deal with a tragedy. Often, the employee is also facing severe personal problems such as marital troubles, a sickness in the family or addiction to drugs and alcohol. But many companies have not done enough to prepare. Terry Hemeyer, who has taught corporate crisis management for nearly a decade at the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University, said that each year he assigns his students to contact a company and ask about its disaster preparations. Students ask whether a company knows its vulnerabilities -- everything from a flood to its product going bad to workplace violence -- and whether it has a plan in place for how to react to it. That would include a list of whom to notify, which can include the police and government regulators, and then how to put a team in place to deal with the situation. Over the past nine years of hearing his students report on what they found, Hemeyer estimates that only one out of five companies is prepared. "Workplace violence is not at the top of the list for most companies," he said. They're better prepared for natural disasters, he said, probably because they're more used to them. But there are limits to what a company can do to control what happens on its premises. "We live in a free society and people come in and out, which is difficult to control," said Joel Tietjens, whose company T-jens & T-jens in Spring provides consulting and seminars on occupational health and safety. For example, Tietjens asked, how does a company keep someone from bringing in a weapon to a department store? Customers "would almost have to go through a metal detector, and I don't think society is ready to accept that," he said. So what should companies do to spot trouble before it happens? Hemeyer recommends setting up a toll-free line that employees can use anonymously. This would allow workers to alert company officials if a co-worker is acting strange or complaining about a threatening ex-spouse. It's got to be anonymous, he said. Otherwise, employees won't report it. It's also important for a company to have a progressive discipline policy so a job termination isn't a big surprise, Bangs said. When performance problems are highlighted, then it's up to the employee to improve. It's important for a supervisor to set deadlines and meet periodically with the employee to discuss the progress, he said. A grievance resolution program that allows employees and customers discuss their problems also helps to defuse anger, Bangs said. Dealing with some of these situations can be highly emotional, he said, such as when an employee discovers his health insurance won't pay for a treatment for a sick family member. Controlling access to plants and offices is also important. When Dynegy relocated to new office space at Wells Fargo Plaza recently, it took the opportunity to tighten up security for its 400 employees who work downtown as part of its emergency planning procedures. Now, during nonbusiness hours, a key card is necessary to get onto each floor as well as in each suite of offices, said David Byford, director of corporate communications. It's also important to put out a memo every six to 12 months reminding employees that the company has a crisis plan, Hemeyer said. Otherwise, people just forget. The tragedy spurred the University of Texas at Austin to distribute step-by-step safety procedures if students, faculty and staff encounter someone who is armed or disruptive. The lengthy procedures, which were included in a campuswide memo from UT President William Powers Jr., had been in process for some time, said Robin Gerrow, director of public affairs at University of Texas in Austin. But UT quickly finished up the project and distributed the information after the violence in Virginia, she said. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0169.LDC2009T13::2	 COMPANIES UNPREPARED FOR WORKPLACE VIOLENCE HOUSTON We prepare for hurricanes. We prepare for floods. But workplace violence? Not really. The multiple killings at Virginia Tech this week has put a new focus on the need for companies to be ready in case someone comes to work armed and dangerous. And based on Labor Department statistics, it isn't so rare. Across the country each week, more than 10 employees are killed while at work. Workplace killings are among the fastest-growing kinds of slayings, according to Greg Bangs, a vice president for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies in Warren, N.J. It's typically a disgruntled employee who is angry at his boss or co-workers, said Bangs, product manager for a line of insurance policies that reimburse companies for ransom payments, grief counselors and compensation for losses if a business must close temporarily to deal with a tragedy. Often, the employee is also facing severe personal problems such as marital troubles, a sickness in the family or addiction to drugs and alcohol. But many companies have not done enough to prepare. Terry Hemeyer, who has taught corporate crisis management for nearly a decade at the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University, said that each year he assigns his students to contact a company and ask about its disaster preparations. Students ask whether a company knows its vulnerabilities -- everything from a flood to its product going bad to workplace violence -- and whether it has a plan in place for how to react to it. That would include a list of whom to notify, which can include the police and government regulators, and then how to put a team in place to deal with the situation. Over the past nine years of hearing his students report on what they found, Hemeyer estimates that only one out of five companies is prepared. "Workplace violence is not at the top of the list for most companies," he said. They're better prepared for natural disasters, he said, probably because they're more used to them. But there are limits to what a company can do to control what happens on its premises. "We live in a free society and people come in and out, which is difficult to control," said Joel Tietjens, whose company T-jens & T-jens in Spring provides consulting and seminars on occupational health and safety. For example, Tietjens asked, how does a company keep someone from bringing in a weapon to a department store? Customers "would almost have to go through a metal detector, and I don't think society is ready to accept that," he said. So what should companies do to spot trouble before it happens? Hemeyer recommends setting up a toll-free line that employees can use anonymously. This would allow workers to alert company officials if a co-worker is acting strange or complaining about a threatening ex-spouse. It's got to be anonymous, he said. Otherwise, employees won't report it. It's also important for a company to have a progressive discipline policy so a job termination isn't a big surprise, Bangs said. When performance problems are highlighted, then it's up to the employee to improve. It's important for a supervisor to set deadlines and meet periodically with the employee to discuss the progress, he said. A grievance resolution program that allows employees and customers discuss their problems also helps to defuse anger, Bangs said. Dealing with some of these situations can be highly emotional, he said, such as when an employee discovers his health insurance won't pay for a treatment for a sick family member. Controlling access to plants and offices is also important. When Dynegy relocated to new office space at Wells Fargo Plaza recently, it took the opportunity to tighten up security for its 400 employees who work downtown as part of its emergency planning procedures. Now, during nonbusiness hours, a key card is necessary to get onto each floor as well as in each suite of offices, said David Byford, director of corporate communications. It's also important to put out a memo every six to 12 months reminding employees that the company has a crisis plan, Hemeyer said. Otherwise, people just forget. The tragedy spurred the University of Texas at Austin to distribute step-by-step safety procedures if students, faculty and staff encounter someone who is armed or disruptive. The lengthy procedures, which were included in a campuswide memo from UT President William Powers Jr., had been in process for some time, said Robin Gerrow, director of public affairs at University of Texas in Austin. But UT quickly finished up the project and distributed the information after the violence in Virginia, she said. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070617.0097.LDC2009T13::1	 PICKING UP THE PIECES ST. PETERSBURG God knows what goes on in that room. And God would have to tell, because Jim McKean is not saying much at all. So the sons watch their father, this tall man with soft eyes and an easygoing manner, and they look for anything out of place. Any sign that he is suffering. And he appears, for all the world, just like one of the guys tossing around the usual barbs and jokes. At least until he disappears behind that bedroom door. "He goes into his room at night, and there's nobody next to him," Jamie McKean said. "And you just know how tough that must be." It has been just more than a month since this family of four became a heartbreak for three. Ann McKean, mother of two college baseball players, wife of a retired major-league umpire, was just 55 when liver cancer took her away on May 15. So now her sons take care of her husband. And her husband takes care of her sons. And all three try hard not to be a burden on each other. But the boys know the old man. And they know, even if he won't say it, that it pains him to climb into a familiar bed that now rests empty. "That is the hardest part," Jim McKean says quietly when the boys are gone. "I'm good in the daytime. When the lights are on and people are around. "But the nights are dark, and they're long." Once, it was just another day on the calendar. The third Sunday in June might as well have been the first Friday in May or the second Saturday in July. When you're a major-league umpire, summer days have an unavoidable sameness to them. You work on Memorial Day and Labor Day and every holiday in between, so why should Father's Day be any different? He'd probably tell you that today, too. But, in his heart, Jim McKean knows better. He knows that on this day devoted to elaborate breakfasts and cheesy greeting cards, the best gift of all is simply being eligible for the honor. My gosh, look at those boys. Jamie, the quiet one, so thoughtful and so steady. Brett, the outgoing one, so expressive and so adventurous. One looks more like his father, the other like his mother. One is taller and leaner, the other is shorter and thicker. They are 23 and 19, but have traveled nearly identical paths. Jamie won a state championship while a shortstop at Clearwater Central Catholic. Brett, a first baseman, reached the state semifinals at CCC. Jamie, now in his first year at Stetson Law School, won a Division II College World Series at the University of Tampa as a senior last year. Brett won one as a UT freshman last month. "I'm blessed to have two kids like that," Jim McKean said. "It obviously had a lot to do with their mother because their father was gone all the time." Funny how the definition of normal can change from family to family. To the McKeans, it was nothing to have Dad gone for weeks at a time, only to see him fly a red-eye home from the coast to sit dog-tired through a Little League game and then jet away again for some big-league game in some other city. To Jamie and Brett, it was not so far out of the realm of the ordinary to attend the 1995 World Series and have their father introduce them to Chipper Jones and Greg Maddux in a hotel elevator. And, really, what's so strange about Mom taking a curveball off the thigh while Jamie practiced pitching, or Dad being called in a Yankee Stadium clubhouse to break up a fight between brothers 1,000 miles away? "That's all we knew," Jamie said. "To us, it was weird seeing the other dads around all the time." You should know that marriage and parenthood came later in life for Jim McKean, 62. He had, in fact, already enjoyed an entire pro career before that. A native of Montreal, McKean played quarterback for Saskatchewan in the Canadian Football League from 1963-69, winning a Grey Cup with the Roughriders in 1966. It was in a hospital, recovering from back surgery related to football, that McKean became acquainted with an attractive young nurse named Ann. Jim would spend three years in the minors and nearly 30 more in the American League before retiring from the field in 2002 to become an umpire supervisor for Major League Baseball. The timing seemed perfect. Jim saw Jamie's CCC team win a state title, and saw Brett's entire prep career. And he and Ann were ready to spend retirement together after so much time apart. But Ann, who beat breast cancer in 2004, began feeling stomach pain in late April. They diagnosed liver cancer, and things went downhill quickly. "I got to the hospital and my dad was bawling. I had never seen that before, so I knew it was bad," Brett said. "At least we all got to spend time with her. "She told me the best words I'll ever hear. I said, 'Mom, we're going to win you a national championship.' She just laughed. She said, 'It doesn't matter if you win on the field, just win in life.' " Ann McKean died three weeks after her diagnosis and two weeks before the University of Tampa won its second straight national title. What hurts, Jim said, is knowing what is to come. Brett's graduation from UT. Jamie earning his law degree. And the grandchildren Ann couldn't wait to see. He is back at work now, evaluating and assisting major-league umpires around the country. Life gets a little easier each day, although Jim is still struck by the number of reminders of Ann that stop him cold in his tracks. "You come across a plant or a tree that Ann might have liked and then, boom, all of the sudden you're in that hole again," Jim said. "It's not easy but the only thing I can say is I'm not the only person in life who's had to deal with this. So I understand that. You just never realize how tough it is until you have to go through it yourself." And so they go through it together. Jamie has been doing the grocery shopping and trying to cook. Brett has been in charge of laundry. They are learning collectively things like paying the bills. And cleaning the house. A lifetime's worth of chores that Ann seemed to handle without hassle or complaint. A man and his boys, together still. Somehow, the idea they missed a few holidays along the way no longer seems important or relevant. From now on, every day will be a father's day. John Romano can be reached at romanosptimes.com or (727) 893-8811. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070617.0097.LDC2009T13::2	 PICKING UP THE PIECES ST. PETERSBURG God knows what goes on in that room. And God would have to tell, because Jim McKean is not saying much at all. So the sons watch their father, this tall man with soft eyes and an easygoing manner, and they look for anything out of place. Any sign that he is suffering. And he appears, for all the world, just like one of the guys tossing around the usual barbs and jokes. At least until he disappears behind that bedroom door. "He goes into his room at night, and there's nobody next to him," Jamie McKean said. "And you just know how tough that must be." It has been just more than a month since this family of four became a heartbreak for three. Ann McKean, mother of two college baseball players, wife of a retired major-league umpire, was just 55 when liver cancer took her away on May 15. So now her sons take care of her husband. And her husband takes care of her sons. And all three try hard not to be a burden on each other. But the boys know the old man. And they know, even if he won't say it, that it pains him to climb into a familiar bed that now rests empty. "That is the hardest part," Jim McKean says quietly when the boys are gone. "I'm good in the daytime. When the lights are on and people are around. "But the nights are dark, and they're long." Once, it was just another day on the calendar. The third Sunday in June might as well have been the first Friday in May or the second Saturday in July. When you're a major-league umpire, summer days have an unavoidable sameness to them. You work on Memorial Day and Labor Day and every holiday in between, so why should Father's Day be any different? He'd probably tell you that today, too. But, in his heart, Jim McKean knows better. He knows that on this day devoted to elaborate breakfasts and cheesy greeting cards, the best gift of all is simply being eligible for the honor. My gosh, look at those boys. Jamie, the quiet one, so thoughtful and so steady. Brett, the outgoing one, so expressive and so adventurous. One looks more like his father, the other like his mother. One is taller and leaner, the other is shorter and thicker. They are 23 and 19, but have traveled nearly identical paths. Jamie won a state championship while a shortstop at Clearwater Central Catholic. Brett, a first baseman, reached the state semifinals at CCC. Jamie, now in his first year at Stetson Law School, won a Division II College World Series at the University of Tampa as a senior last year. Brett won one as a UT freshman last month. "I'm blessed to have two kids like that," Jim McKean said. "It obviously had a lot to do with their mother because their father was gone all the time." Funny how the definition of normal can change from family to family. To the McKeans, it was nothing to have Dad gone for weeks at a time, only to see him fly a red-eye home from the coast to sit dog-tired through a Little League game and then jet away again for some big-league game in some other city. To Jamie and Brett, it was not so far out of the realm of the ordinary to attend the 1995 World Series and have their father introduce them to Chipper Jones and Greg Maddux in a hotel elevator. And, really, what's so strange about Mom taking a curveball off the thigh while Jamie practiced pitching, or Dad being called in a Yankee Stadium clubhouse to break up a fight between brothers 1,000 miles away? "That's all we knew," Jamie said. "To us, it was weird seeing the other dads around all the time." You should know that marriage and parenthood came later in life for Jim McKean, 62. He had, in fact, already enjoyed an entire pro career before that. A native of Montreal, McKean played quarterback for Saskatchewan in the Canadian Football League from 1963-69, winning a Grey Cup with the Roughriders in 1966. It was in a hospital, recovering from back surgery related to football, that McKean became acquainted with an attractive young nurse named Ann. Jim would spend three years in the minors and nearly 30 more in the American League before retiring from the field in 2002 to become an umpire supervisor for Major League Baseball. The timing seemed perfect. Jim saw Jamie's CCC team win a state title, and saw Brett's entire prep career. And he and Ann were ready to spend retirement together after so much time apart. But Ann, who beat breast cancer in 2004, began feeling stomach pain in late April. They diagnosed liver cancer, and things went downhill quickly. "I got to the hospital and my dad was bawling. I had never seen that before, so I knew it was bad," Brett said. "At least we all got to spend time with her. "She told me the best words I'll ever hear. I said, 'Mom, we're going to win you a national championship.' She just laughed. She said, 'It doesn't matter if you win on the field, just win in life.' " Ann McKean died three weeks after her diagnosis and two weeks before the University of Tampa won its second straight national title. What hurts, Jim said, is knowing what is to come. Brett's graduation from UT. Jamie earning his law degree. And the grandchildren Ann couldn't wait to see. He is back at work now, evaluating and assisting major-league umpires around the country. Life gets a little easier each day, although Jim is still struck by the number of reminders of Ann that stop him cold in his tracks. "You come across a plant or a tree that Ann might have liked and then, boom, all of the sudden you're in that hole again," Jim said. "It's not easy but the only thing I can say is I'm not the only person in life who's had to deal with this. So I understand that. You just never realize how tough it is until you have to go through it yourself." And so they go through it together. Jamie has been doing the grocery shopping and trying to cook. Brett has been in charge of laundry. They are learning collectively things like paying the bills. And cleaning the house. A lifetime's worth of chores that Ann seemed to handle without hassle or complaint. A man and his boys, together still. Somehow, the idea they missed a few holidays along the way no longer seems important or relevant. From now on, every day will be a father's day. John Romano can be reached at romanosptimes.com or (727) 893-8811. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::1	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::2	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::3	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::4	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::5	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::6	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070418.0198.LDC2009T13::7	 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CREATES VIDEO GAME ARCHIVE Cox News Service AUSTIN, Texas -- It's a good thing Richard Garriott is such a packrat. The legendary computer game developer has saved almost everything from his storied, three-decade career, including the original handwritten copy of the first game he ever programmed called "Akalabeth." It will now all go to the University of Texas. The Center for American History said Wednesday it plans to establish a massive video game archive at UT. Thanks to recent donations from several well-known local game industry figures, including Warren Spector and music composer George Sanger, the university will be one of the first in the nation to have an extensive catalogue of video and computer game artifacts. "This is an industry that is many, many billions of dollars in terms of economy in this country and it's a serious business that needs documenting," said Don Carleton, director of the Center for American History. Garriott's donations include early game script drafts, several large floppy disks from his first games, marketing materials that went inside the games, such as a "Kung-Fu style" headband, and the original shrink-wrap machine he used to package his early work. "The game industry is clearly now a major industry," Garriott said. "It's also a new one. We have a unique opportunity to archive the very earliest days of this industry." The center still needs to raise about $150,000 to hire an archivist before any of the items will be made available to the public. The center then wants to establish a $3 million endowment. The first donations contain a trove of memorabilia from some of the industry's most well-known developers. The items stretch from mundane memos to copies of PC gaming magazines from the early 1990s and versions of games that were never released. Composer Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," will donate almost 30 boxes with items including his first demo cassette tape from 1983, in which he pleads with game companies to hire him. Sanger has composed songs for games such as the "Wing Commander" series and "NASCAR Racing." Sanger said he threw away several items the day he met with the Center for American History. "They told me, 'You put what in what? Take it out!" Sanger said. He dug it out of the trash. Garriott, the developer of the "Ultima" series, has been particularly meticulous in saving documents and memorabilia from his development career, dating back to 1979. For every game he developed, he saved and labeled the first 10 copies. He will also be donating several now-defunct Apple II computers and framed posters from every game he helped develop. The main driver behind the archive is Spector, who received his graduate degree from UT. He sent a passionate letter to Carleton last September, pleading his case for an archive. "Academics need access to primary sources," Spector said in the letter. "UT could be the hub of a new and burgeoning field of academic study, one that's of growing importance." Stanford University has a video game archive, thanks in part to the reported donation of a deceased student's collection of 25,000 games. "It's only now that universities are beginning to pay attention in a serious way," Garriott said. Carleton said UT isn't out to become the "number one" archive for video games in the country. But it does want to be the best in Texas. With nearly 100 video game companies in Dallas and Austin, UT is in a position to be a big player in documenting this burgeoning industry's history. "I think we can be a very, very important resource for this, and we want to be a leader in everything we do," Carleton said. The Center for American History is visited by about 15,000 people a year. It is based at UT's Austin campus, and most of its collections are housed at Sid Richardson Hall. The center also operates two museums outside of Austin. But the center doesn't often get the high-profile attention of UT's Harry Ransom Center, where Robert De Niro donated his memorabilia and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein took their Watergate papers. The history center has focused on establishing archives in niche areas like Texas history, mathematics, the energy industry and the news media. The famous TV news anchor Walter Cronkite donated his documents to the Center for American History. "We want to have special areas that we can work in that haven't been completely covered by someone else," Carleton said. Lilly Rockwell writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: lrockwell AT statesman.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080310.0126.LDC2009T13::1	 ' WE ' RE PLAYING BRUCE BALL NOW ' Cox News Service KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The shift in Big Orange City has been seismic. Sunday, coach Bruce Pearl and 21,000 of his dearest friends convened in a cavern of a basketball hall for the Tennessee Vols' final regular season game. An SEC championship banner was added to the decor. Seniors were honored. Confetti rained. Nets were cut. And the concrete on a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament began curing. It's men's basketball time in Tennessee? Yes, thanks to the manic Pearl, it is now possible to gather more than two people in this town and it not turn into a non-binding referendum on Phillip Fulmer. "We're playing Bruce Ball now," exalted Daniel Ezelle, a UT sophomore, dressed in his Tom Cruise sunglasses and bright orange blazer, part of the student cheering section. "People asked me when I first got here, what is it like to be the third wheel?" said Pearl, in Year Three of his basketball revival in hard-core football country. "I said third? We're like 10th or 11th. It's not just football and women's basketball here. That's what I tapped into. I tapped into excellence across the board." They may want to lay down some of those Rubbermaid shower mats on select spots of the Georgia Dome court this week. Bruce Pearl and his dancing sweat glands are coming; and they might stay awhile at the SEC Tournament this time. The Vols haven't won more than one game in the conference tournament since 1991, and Pearl has yet to win his first. But the possibilities and expectations have exploded for this 28-3 team. Such success draws plentiful followers. Tennessee orange may actually compete with Kentucky blue as a dominant color scheme on the streets of Atlanta this weekend. And here, where history and histrionics collide, is where you'll find Pearl, the 47-year-old coach who has shown neighbors like Georgia and Alabama what is possible at the typical Southern football factory. He arrived in Knoxville a Boston-born virtual unknown, by way of Milwaukee-Wisconsin and Division II Southern Indiana. Until Tennessee turned to him in 2005, Pearl was sleeping with the fishes, professionally speaking, having broken the coaches' code of silence. As an assistant at Iowa, Pearl in 1990 had secretly taped a conversation with a recruit who said he received money and a car from Illinois. The NCAA did not act directly on that information, and to some it seemed Pearl had committed career suicide. But he's Bruce Almighty now, having strung together 74 wins in the last three seasons (so far) and taking the Vols to unprecedented heights in the polls (briefly No. 1). This solo SEC regular-season title is their first in 41 years. Massive Thompson-Boling Arena, formerly known as Pat Summit's house, is now full for men's games. There is a waiting list to get into the new luxury suites built high over the floor. "The thing I hear most around town is how cool my dad is," said Steven Pearl, Bruce's son and a freshman walk-on guard at UT. On the sidelines, Pearl's style is like performance art, a sort of over-caffeinated Kabuki Theater. He is always in motion, exhorting and perspiring at an alarming pace. "I'd say he sweats more than we do," said guard Jordan Howell. "We sub a lot. He's playing the whole game." It's uncertain whether Pearl has his suits dry-cleaned or just simply burned. "Hopefully, defensively, they play like I coach, with intensity, with passion and not ever taking a play off," Pearl said. Every emotion, he wears like a cravat. Several times this season Pearl has choked up over some segment on his coach's television show, and they've had to stop taping while he composed himself. "We did a piece on the seniors this week," said the host of the "Bruce Pearl Show," radio play-by-play man Bob Kesling. "He's watching the seniors (on videotape) talk about their experience here, going from 14-17 (in '04-'05) to winning the SEC championship, and I look over and he's crying." His gregarious style plays well with the fans he has gone out of his way to meet and with his players. Pearl advocates a full-tilt wide-open attack. Then, it's let's all go out on the boat or over to the house for a cookout and have a good time. "It's amazing. He's three different people in one person. He can be your father, your brother, and then he's your coach," said guard JaJuan Smith. On the day of one of the biggest games in Tennessee basketball history - when the Vols went to Memphis and beat the then- unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Tigers - Pearl quietly asked a couple of seniors to go on a visit with him to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. When the coach got to the bus, the whole team was waiting for him. A coach can spawn that kind of togetherness when arising at 6 in the morning to lift weights with his team, or when his practices are a creative give-and-take. Not all in his life has been a howling success. While he was building familial ties with a fan base and his players, Pearl's marriage of 25 years dissolved at the beginning of this season. How much else will change? Will the expectations that have grown with this senior-guard-led team force upon Pearl a more buttoned- down approach? Can he possibly continue his non-stop drum beating even when the building is full and the fans are happy? In 1982, Pearl was at Stanford working with North Carolina on some scheduling issues. When that was settled, he wrote coach Dean Smith a note of appreciation for how he had treated a young assistant. "He wrote me back and said, 'Bruce, when you get to be a head coach, don't let success change you. Treat people the same way always.' "If you ask people around here hopefully they would say I don't work any less, I'm not any less approachable, I don't do less in the community. I know how I got here. I'm not going to change. What you see is what you are going to continue to get." Not exactly the news the rest of the SEC wanted to hear as it gathers in Atlanta for its basketball convention. Steve Hummer writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: steve AT ajc.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080310.0126.LDC2009T13::2	 ' WE ' RE PLAYING BRUCE BALL NOW ' Cox News Service KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The shift in Big Orange City has been seismic. Sunday, coach Bruce Pearl and 21,000 of his dearest friends convened in a cavern of a basketball hall for the Tennessee Vols' final regular season game. An SEC championship banner was added to the decor. Seniors were honored. Confetti rained. Nets were cut. And the concrete on a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament began curing. It's men's basketball time in Tennessee? Yes, thanks to the manic Pearl, it is now possible to gather more than two people in this town and it not turn into a non-binding referendum on Phillip Fulmer. "We're playing Bruce Ball now," exalted Daniel Ezelle, a UT sophomore, dressed in his Tom Cruise sunglasses and bright orange blazer, part of the student cheering section. "People asked me when I first got here, what is it like to be the third wheel?" said Pearl, in Year Three of his basketball revival in hard-core football country. "I said third? We're like 10th or 11th. It's not just football and women's basketball here. That's what I tapped into. I tapped into excellence across the board." They may want to lay down some of those Rubbermaid shower mats on select spots of the Georgia Dome court this week. Bruce Pearl and his dancing sweat glands are coming; and they might stay awhile at the SEC Tournament this time. The Vols haven't won more than one game in the conference tournament since 1991, and Pearl has yet to win his first. But the possibilities and expectations have exploded for this 28-3 team. Such success draws plentiful followers. Tennessee orange may actually compete with Kentucky blue as a dominant color scheme on the streets of Atlanta this weekend. And here, where history and histrionics collide, is where you'll find Pearl, the 47-year-old coach who has shown neighbors like Georgia and Alabama what is possible at the typical Southern football factory. He arrived in Knoxville a Boston-born virtual unknown, by way of Milwaukee-Wisconsin and Division II Southern Indiana. Until Tennessee turned to him in 2005, Pearl was sleeping with the fishes, professionally speaking, having broken the coaches' code of silence. As an assistant at Iowa, Pearl in 1990 had secretly taped a conversation with a recruit who said he received money and a car from Illinois. The NCAA did not act directly on that information, and to some it seemed Pearl had committed career suicide. But he's Bruce Almighty now, having strung together 74 wins in the last three seasons (so far) and taking the Vols to unprecedented heights in the polls (briefly No. 1). This solo SEC regular-season title is their first in 41 years. Massive Thompson-Boling Arena, formerly known as Pat Summit's house, is now full for men's games. There is a waiting list to get into the new luxury suites built high over the floor. "The thing I hear most around town is how cool my dad is," said Steven Pearl, Bruce's son and a freshman walk-on guard at UT. On the sidelines, Pearl's style is like performance art, a sort of over-caffeinated Kabuki Theater. He is always in motion, exhorting and perspiring at an alarming pace. "I'd say he sweats more than we do," said guard Jordan Howell. "We sub a lot. He's playing the whole game." It's uncertain whether Pearl has his suits dry-cleaned or just simply burned. "Hopefully, defensively, they play like I coach, with intensity, with passion and not ever taking a play off," Pearl said. Every emotion, he wears like a cravat. Several times this season Pearl has choked up over some segment on his coach's television show, and they've had to stop taping while he composed himself. "We did a piece on the seniors this week," said the host of the "Bruce Pearl Show," radio play-by-play man Bob Kesling. "He's watching the seniors (on videotape) talk about their experience here, going from 14-17 (in '04-'05) to winning the SEC championship, and I look over and he's crying." His gregarious style plays well with the fans he has gone out of his way to meet and with his players. Pearl advocates a full-tilt wide-open attack. Then, it's let's all go out on the boat or over to the house for a cookout and have a good time. "It's amazing. He's three different people in one person. He can be your father, your brother, and then he's your coach," said guard JaJuan Smith. On the day of one of the biggest games in Tennessee basketball history - when the Vols went to Memphis and beat the then- unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Tigers - Pearl quietly asked a couple of seniors to go on a visit with him to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. When the coach got to the bus, the whole team was waiting for him. A coach can spawn that kind of togetherness when arising at 6 in the morning to lift weights with his team, or when his practices are a creative give-and-take. Not all in his life has been a howling success. While he was building familial ties with a fan base and his players, Pearl's marriage of 25 years dissolved at the beginning of this season. How much else will change? Will the expectations that have grown with this senior-guard-led team force upon Pearl a more buttoned- down approach? Can he possibly continue his non-stop drum beating even when the building is full and the fans are happy? In 1982, Pearl was at Stanford working with North Carolina on some scheduling issues. When that was settled, he wrote coach Dean Smith a note of appreciation for how he had treated a young assistant. "He wrote me back and said, 'Bruce, when you get to be a head coach, don't let success change you. Treat people the same way always.' "If you ask people around here hopefully they would say I don't work any less, I'm not any less approachable, I don't do less in the community. I know how I got here. I'm not going to change. What you see is what you are going to continue to get." Not exactly the news the rest of the SEC wanted to hear as it gathers in Atlanta for its basketball convention. Steve Hummer writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: steve AT ajc.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080825.0926.LDC2009T13::1	 Trial on for professor accused of passing secrets KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 2008-08-25 22:26:56 UTC A retired University of Tennessee engineering professor went on trial Monday, accused of passing secrets from his work on a U.S. Air Force contract to two foreign graduate students, one from China and the other from Iran. J. Reece Roth, a 71-year-old expert in plasma physics, faces 18 counts of conspiracy, fraud and violating the Arms Export Control Act. He could receive up to 160 years in prison and more than $1.5 million in fines if convicted. The law bars exchange of sensitive, though in this case not "classified," information to foreign nationals without permission. A Knoxville company and a former protege of Roth have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Roth maintains he is innocent. His lawyer, Thomas Dundon, told a federal jury in opening statements that it would be up to them to decide if the professor broke the law, saying the case against his client is not "black and white." Roth "decided to operate under his own rules," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Mackie told the jury. It was "not that he should have known (the rules), he did know," Mackie said. Yet Roth showed "a clear and willful disregard" for them. Roth came under investigation in 2006 after University of Tennessee export-control officials discovered his use of foreign nationals in his UT lab on the Air Force work. Government agents searched his office and seized his laptop computer when he returned from a trip to China that year. Roth, who according to his lawyer received no money from the Air Force contracts, surrendered voluntarily after his indictment in May. The charges involve work performed from 2004 to 2006 on two Air Force contracts by Roth, UT graduates students Xin Dai of China and Sirous Nourgostar of Iran and the university spinoff company, Atmospheric Glow Technologies Inc. The Air Force wanted to develop a lightweight flight control system for unmanned aircraft, or "drones." Atmospheric Glow Technologies, with Roth as a consultant and subcontractor, promised a control system that would use electrically charged plasma, rather than mechanical flaps, to change airflow over the wings to lift the aircraft. It was "a unique technology that has not been applied successfully to an airplane," Mackie said. The first phase was fundamental research. The second was building a flying model and specialized testing equipment. The third was a full-size drone. The project did not get beyond the second phase, and effectively ended when the U.S. flight agency refused to allow a plasma- controlled drone in the air over the United States, Dundon said. Roth claims Xin Dai's involvement was mostly in phase one and did not involve protected information. The government counters that weekly test reports on the project's progress were passed to Xin Dai with Roth's knowledge and account for most of the charges against the professor. Roth also is charged with taking some of these reports in a laptop computer to China in 2006 on a lecture trip, though Roth contends he was unaware of the contents, which were loaded into the machine by one of his American graduate students. Xin Dai received his doctorate in electrical engineering in 2006. Nourgostar is still listed by UT as a student. Neither was charged. Atmospheric Glow Technologies pleaded guilty in August to 10 counts of exporting defense-related materials, but as a bankrupt enterprise will ask for the court in sentencing for relief on any cash penalties. Roth protege Daniel Sherman also pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing. He claims he was unaware a law was broken. U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan told the jury Monday the Roth trial could run into next week. 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080825.0926.LDC2009T13::2	 Trial on for professor accused of passing secrets KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 2008-08-25 22:26:56 UTC A retired University of Tennessee engineering professor went on trial Monday, accused of passing secrets from his work on a U.S. Air Force contract to two foreign graduate students, one from China and the other from Iran. J. Reece Roth, a 71-year-old expert in plasma physics, faces 18 counts of conspiracy, fraud and violating the Arms Export Control Act. He could receive up to 160 years in prison and more than $1.5 million in fines if convicted. The law bars exchange of sensitive, though in this case not "classified," information to foreign nationals without permission. A Knoxville company and a former protege of Roth have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Roth maintains he is innocent. His lawyer, Thomas Dundon, told a federal jury in opening statements that it would be up to them to decide if the professor broke the law, saying the case against his client is not "black and white." Roth "decided to operate under his own rules," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Mackie told the jury. It was "not that he should have known (the rules), he did know," Mackie said. Yet Roth showed "a clear and willful disregard" for them. Roth came under investigation in 2006 after University of Tennessee export-control officials discovered his use of foreign nationals in his UT lab on the Air Force work. Government agents searched his office and seized his laptop computer when he returned from a trip to China that year. Roth, who according to his lawyer received no money from the Air Force contracts, surrendered voluntarily after his indictment in May. The charges involve work performed from 2004 to 2006 on two Air Force contracts by Roth, UT graduates students Xin Dai of China and Sirous Nourgostar of Iran and the university spinoff company, Atmospheric Glow Technologies Inc. The Air Force wanted to develop a lightweight flight control system for unmanned aircraft, or "drones." Atmospheric Glow Technologies, with Roth as a consultant and subcontractor, promised a control system that would use electrically charged plasma, rather than mechanical flaps, to change airflow over the wings to lift the aircraft. It was "a unique technology that has not been applied successfully to an airplane," Mackie said. The first phase was fundamental research. The second was building a flying model and specialized testing equipment. The third was a full-size drone. The project did not get beyond the second phase, and effectively ended when the U.S. flight agency refused to allow a plasma- controlled drone in the air over the United States, Dundon said. Roth claims Xin Dai's involvement was mostly in phase one and did not involve protected information. The government counters that weekly test reports on the project's progress were passed to Xin Dai with Roth's knowledge and account for most of the charges against the professor. Roth also is charged with taking some of these reports in a laptop computer to China in 2006 on a lecture trip, though Roth contends he was unaware of the contents, which were loaded into the machine by one of his American graduate students. Xin Dai received his doctorate in electrical engineering in 2006. Nourgostar is still listed by UT as a student. Neither was charged. Atmospheric Glow Technologies pleaded guilty in August to 10 counts of exporting defense-related materials, but as a bankrupt enterprise will ask for the court in sentencing for relief on any cash penalties. Roth protege Daniel Sherman also pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing. He claims he was unaware a law was broken. U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan told the jury Monday the Roth trial could run into next week. 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080825.0926.LDC2009T13::3	 Trial on for professor accused of passing secrets KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 2008-08-25 22:26:56 UTC A retired University of Tennessee engineering professor went on trial Monday, accused of passing secrets from his work on a U.S. Air Force contract to two foreign graduate students, one from China and the other from Iran. J. Reece Roth, a 71-year-old expert in plasma physics, faces 18 counts of conspiracy, fraud and violating the Arms Export Control Act. He could receive up to 160 years in prison and more than $1.5 million in fines if convicted. The law bars exchange of sensitive, though in this case not "classified," information to foreign nationals without permission. A Knoxville company and a former protege of Roth have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Roth maintains he is innocent. His lawyer, Thomas Dundon, told a federal jury in opening statements that it would be up to them to decide if the professor broke the law, saying the case against his client is not "black and white." Roth "decided to operate under his own rules," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Mackie told the jury. It was "not that he should have known (the rules), he did know," Mackie said. Yet Roth showed "a clear and willful disregard" for them. Roth came under investigation in 2006 after University of Tennessee export-control officials discovered his use of foreign nationals in his UT lab on the Air Force work. Government agents searched his office and seized his laptop computer when he returned from a trip to China that year. Roth, who according to his lawyer received no money from the Air Force contracts, surrendered voluntarily after his indictment in May. The charges involve work performed from 2004 to 2006 on two Air Force contracts by Roth, UT graduates students Xin Dai of China and Sirous Nourgostar of Iran and the university spinoff company, Atmospheric Glow Technologies Inc. The Air Force wanted to develop a lightweight flight control system for unmanned aircraft, or "drones." Atmospheric Glow Technologies, with Roth as a consultant and subcontractor, promised a control system that would use electrically charged plasma, rather than mechanical flaps, to change airflow over the wings to lift the aircraft. It was "a unique technology that has not been applied successfully to an airplane," Mackie said. The first phase was fundamental research. The second was building a flying model and specialized testing equipment. The third was a full-size drone. The project did not get beyond the second phase, and effectively ended when the U.S. flight agency refused to allow a plasma- controlled drone in the air over the United States, Dundon said. Roth claims Xin Dai's involvement was mostly in phase one and did not involve protected information. The government counters that weekly test reports on the project's progress were passed to Xin Dai with Roth's knowledge and account for most of the charges against the professor. Roth also is charged with taking some of these reports in a laptop computer to China in 2006 on a lecture trip, though Roth contends he was unaware of the contents, which were loaded into the machine by one of his American graduate students. Xin Dai received his doctorate in electrical engineering in 2006. Nourgostar is still listed by UT as a student. Neither was charged. Atmospheric Glow Technologies pleaded guilty in August to 10 counts of exporting defense-related materials, but as a bankrupt enterprise will ask for the court in sentencing for relief on any cash penalties. Roth protege Daniel Sherman also pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing. He claims he was unaware a law was broken. U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan told the jury Monday the Roth trial could run into next week. 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080825.0926.LDC2009T13::4	 Trial on for professor accused of passing secrets KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 2008-08-25 22:26:56 UTC A retired University of Tennessee engineering professor went on trial Monday, accused of passing secrets from his work on a U.S. Air Force contract to two foreign graduate students, one from China and the other from Iran. J. Reece Roth, a 71-year-old expert in plasma physics, faces 18 counts of conspiracy, fraud and violating the Arms Export Control Act. He could receive up to 160 years in prison and more than $1.5 million in fines if convicted. The law bars exchange of sensitive, though in this case not "classified," information to foreign nationals without permission. A Knoxville company and a former protege of Roth have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Roth maintains he is innocent. His lawyer, Thomas Dundon, told a federal jury in opening statements that it would be up to them to decide if the professor broke the law, saying the case against his client is not "black and white." Roth "decided to operate under his own rules," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Mackie told the jury. It was "not that he should have known (the rules), he did know," Mackie said. Yet Roth showed "a clear and willful disregard" for them. Roth came under investigation in 2006 after University of Tennessee export-control officials discovered his use of foreign nationals in his UT lab on the Air Force work. Government agents searched his office and seized his laptop computer when he returned from a trip to China that year. Roth, who according to his lawyer received no money from the Air Force contracts, surrendered voluntarily after his indictment in May. The charges involve work performed from 2004 to 2006 on two Air Force contracts by Roth, UT graduates students Xin Dai of China and Sirous Nourgostar of Iran and the university spinoff company, Atmospheric Glow Technologies Inc. The Air Force wanted to develop a lightweight flight control system for unmanned aircraft, or "drones." Atmospheric Glow Technologies, with Roth as a consultant and subcontractor, promised a control system that would use electrically charged plasma, rather than mechanical flaps, to change airflow over the wings to lift the aircraft. It was "a unique technology that has not been applied successfully to an airplane," Mackie said. The first phase was fundamental research. The second was building a flying model and specialized testing equipment. The third was a full-size drone. The project did not get beyond the second phase, and effectively ended when the U.S. flight agency refused to allow a plasma- controlled drone in the air over the United States, Dundon said. Roth claims Xin Dai's involvement was mostly in phase one and did not involve protected information. The government counters that weekly test reports on the project's progress were passed to Xin Dai with Roth's knowledge and account for most of the charges against the professor. Roth also is charged with taking some of these reports in a laptop computer to China in 2006 on a lecture trip, though Roth contends he was unaware of the contents, which were loaded into the machine by one of his American graduate students. Xin Dai received his doctorate in electrical engineering in 2006. Nourgostar is still listed by UT as a student. Neither was charged. Atmospheric Glow Technologies pleaded guilty in August to 10 counts of exporting defense-related materials, but as a bankrupt enterprise will ask for the court in sentencing for relief on any cash penalties. Roth protege Daniel Sherman also pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing. He claims he was unaware a law was broken. U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan told the jury Monday the Roth trial could run into next week. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080718.0109.LDC2009T13::1	 (ART: 2 PHOTOS OF " CRAFTS " ARE AVAILABLE TO NYTIMES CLIENTS.) At Flugtag, you'll believe a pig and other things can fly Pigs, dutchmen and more will fly or at least try to during Saturday's Red Bull Flugtag competition in downtown Tampa. About 36 teams, each consisting of four pushers and one pilot, will launch human-powered aircraft from a 30-foot-tall ramp set up along the Tampa Convention Center waterfront. Each team will perform a skit before launching their handmade contraption into the air, or sea, as it may be. A panel of five, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Chris Hovan, will judge teams based on distance traveled, creativity of the craft and showmanship on stage. The winning team will receive a pilot's training course, the second-place team will get skydiving lessons and third place will learn to paraglide. All teams will take home a trophy. Red Bull began Flugtag (German for "flying day") in 1991. Since then, the energy drink company has sponsored more than 40 competitions worldwide showcasing everything from flying pigs to a popemobile. The record for the farthest flight 195 feet was set in Austria in 2000. The U.S. record, set last year in Nashville, is 155 feet. This marks the first Flugtag in the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of the teams. Booty Snatchin' Pirates You'd think a group of brainy engineers would have the edge in an aeronautics competition. Greg Roth, the team captain, would like to think so, but isn't taking bets. His team of civil engineers specializes in construction work sites, not flying machines. Still, they are eager to test Petey the Projectile Pirate Parrot on Flugtag day. The team chose a pirate theme in honor of their adopted city. Transplants from Michigan and Ohio, the guys will toss beads and shake their booties before launching their wooden pirate ship and glider. Team Tampa Baywatch Keith Humphrey refuses to rely on luck and a good breeze to keep his craft in flight. To prepare for Flugtag, he took four days of glider training, watched hours of video and even flew in an ultralight. His secret weapon? Mr. X, a glider expert in Central Florida who competed at a Flugtag event in Australia. "We're not in it to crash and burn," he said. "We're in it to win." Most of the team met as lifeguards at Adventure Island in the late '80s and are big fans of Baywatch. Humphrey, 38, volunteered to pilot because most of the guys are married and have more to lose, he joked. 91st Air Refueling Squadron (with photo) Andy Reichard (not pictured) and his Flugtag bunch, including Nickolas Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, aren't strangers to difficult and seemingly dangerous aviation endeavors. As members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, they make a living refueling planes in the air. Reichard saw the Flugtag advertisement on ESPN and thought it would be fun to get a military squadron involved. Next week, Reichard, 27, leaves for Iraq. The team's plane looks like a red gas tank with wings because "that's kind of what we are," Reichard said. "We're like a flying gas tank." The team selected Harkness, the smallest and, therefore, most aerodynamic member to man the controls. "He's the guy who goes skydiving," Reichard said. "He doesn't mind being pushed off in a rickety aircraft." Tampa Bay Derby Darlins (with photo) Brooke Haller, center, isn't afraid to get bumped, bruised or even broken. As a member of the Tampa Bay's all-female roller derby team, she's used to it. The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins, with Haller, Ryan Smith, top, Kelli Ryman (a.k.a. Mae Lest) and Maria Smith (a.k.a. Drew BuryEm'all) won't bring their skates to Flugtag, but they plan to "fight like girls" during the skit. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt," said Haller, 26, who goes by Spank Sinatra in the rink. "So what if I break something? I'm just worried about the crowd not liking us or doing a bad job on the skit." UT Spartans Flying Minarets University of Tampa senior Kyle Wright figures he has walked by the minarets thousands of times during his college career. So it was only appropriate that he and his teammates dedicate their Flugtag machine to Tampa's iconic rooftop emblems. Wright and his team of UT students and alums will dress up as Spartans, the school mascot, and do their skit based on the movie 300. Wright, 22, has high hopes for the event, but not their contraption, which was funded by UT's student government. "We've almost given up on making it fly," said Wright, an international business and political science major. "We just want to make a great minaret." IF YOU GO Red Bull Flugtag Tampa's Red Bull Flugtag is Saturday behind the Tampa Convention Center. Gates open at 11 a.m. Flights run from 1 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an awards show and jump by the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team. Admission is free. Viewing, parking information Viewing is from the Convention Center, Jackson's Bistro and along Bayshore Boulevard and the Platt Street and Harbour Island Boulevard bridges. Parking is available in downtown lots, or ride the streetcar in from Ybor City. The event will air live on Catch 47 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more, visit redbullflugtagusa.com. GEN YAMAGUCHI Times photo Nick Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, right, of 91st ARS group tried to put the final touches on their contraption, 'The Flying Gas Can' at a friend's garage. LUIS SANTANA ..tbt photo The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins Ryan Smith (top) Kelli Ryman aka Mae Lest, Brooke Haller aka Spank Sinatra and Maria Smith aka Drew Buryem' all pose for a team photo ... minus one. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080718.0109.LDC2009T13::2	 (ART: 2 PHOTOS OF " CRAFTS " ARE AVAILABLE TO NYTIMES CLIENTS.) At Flugtag, you'll believe a pig and other things can fly Pigs, dutchmen and more will fly or at least try to during Saturday's Red Bull Flugtag competition in downtown Tampa. About 36 teams, each consisting of four pushers and one pilot, will launch human-powered aircraft from a 30-foot-tall ramp set up along the Tampa Convention Center waterfront. Each team will perform a skit before launching their handmade contraption into the air, or sea, as it may be. A panel of five, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Chris Hovan, will judge teams based on distance traveled, creativity of the craft and showmanship on stage. The winning team will receive a pilot's training course, the second-place team will get skydiving lessons and third place will learn to paraglide. All teams will take home a trophy. Red Bull began Flugtag (German for "flying day") in 1991. Since then, the energy drink company has sponsored more than 40 competitions worldwide showcasing everything from flying pigs to a popemobile. The record for the farthest flight 195 feet was set in Austria in 2000. The U.S. record, set last year in Nashville, is 155 feet. This marks the first Flugtag in the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of the teams. Booty Snatchin' Pirates You'd think a group of brainy engineers would have the edge in an aeronautics competition. Greg Roth, the team captain, would like to think so, but isn't taking bets. His team of civil engineers specializes in construction work sites, not flying machines. Still, they are eager to test Petey the Projectile Pirate Parrot on Flugtag day. The team chose a pirate theme in honor of their adopted city. Transplants from Michigan and Ohio, the guys will toss beads and shake their booties before launching their wooden pirate ship and glider. Team Tampa Baywatch Keith Humphrey refuses to rely on luck and a good breeze to keep his craft in flight. To prepare for Flugtag, he took four days of glider training, watched hours of video and even flew in an ultralight. His secret weapon? Mr. X, a glider expert in Central Florida who competed at a Flugtag event in Australia. "We're not in it to crash and burn," he said. "We're in it to win." Most of the team met as lifeguards at Adventure Island in the late '80s and are big fans of Baywatch. Humphrey, 38, volunteered to pilot because most of the guys are married and have more to lose, he joked. 91st Air Refueling Squadron (with photo) Andy Reichard (not pictured) and his Flugtag bunch, including Nickolas Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, aren't strangers to difficult and seemingly dangerous aviation endeavors. As members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, they make a living refueling planes in the air. Reichard saw the Flugtag advertisement on ESPN and thought it would be fun to get a military squadron involved. Next week, Reichard, 27, leaves for Iraq. The team's plane looks like a red gas tank with wings because "that's kind of what we are," Reichard said. "We're like a flying gas tank." The team selected Harkness, the smallest and, therefore, most aerodynamic member to man the controls. "He's the guy who goes skydiving," Reichard said. "He doesn't mind being pushed off in a rickety aircraft." Tampa Bay Derby Darlins (with photo) Brooke Haller, center, isn't afraid to get bumped, bruised or even broken. As a member of the Tampa Bay's all-female roller derby team, she's used to it. The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins, with Haller, Ryan Smith, top, Kelli Ryman (a.k.a. Mae Lest) and Maria Smith (a.k.a. Drew BuryEm'all) won't bring their skates to Flugtag, but they plan to "fight like girls" during the skit. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt," said Haller, 26, who goes by Spank Sinatra in the rink. "So what if I break something? I'm just worried about the crowd not liking us or doing a bad job on the skit." UT Spartans Flying Minarets University of Tampa senior Kyle Wright figures he has walked by the minarets thousands of times during his college career. So it was only appropriate that he and his teammates dedicate their Flugtag machine to Tampa's iconic rooftop emblems. Wright and his team of UT students and alums will dress up as Spartans, the school mascot, and do their skit based on the movie 300. Wright, 22, has high hopes for the event, but not their contraption, which was funded by UT's student government. "We've almost given up on making it fly," said Wright, an international business and political science major. "We just want to make a great minaret." IF YOU GO Red Bull Flugtag Tampa's Red Bull Flugtag is Saturday behind the Tampa Convention Center. Gates open at 11 a.m. Flights run from 1 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an awards show and jump by the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team. Admission is free. Viewing, parking information Viewing is from the Convention Center, Jackson's Bistro and along Bayshore Boulevard and the Platt Street and Harbour Island Boulevard bridges. Parking is available in downtown lots, or ride the streetcar in from Ybor City. The event will air live on Catch 47 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more, visit redbullflugtagusa.com. GEN YAMAGUCHI Times photo Nick Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, right, of 91st ARS group tried to put the final touches on their contraption, 'The Flying Gas Can' at a friend's garage. LUIS SANTANA ..tbt photo The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins Ryan Smith (top) Kelli Ryman aka Mae Lest, Brooke Haller aka Spank Sinatra and Maria Smith aka Drew Buryem' all pose for a team photo ... minus one. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20080718.0109.LDC2009T13::3	 (ART: 2 PHOTOS OF " CRAFTS " ARE AVAILABLE TO NYTIMES CLIENTS.) At Flugtag, you'll believe a pig and other things can fly Pigs, dutchmen and more will fly or at least try to during Saturday's Red Bull Flugtag competition in downtown Tampa. About 36 teams, each consisting of four pushers and one pilot, will launch human-powered aircraft from a 30-foot-tall ramp set up along the Tampa Convention Center waterfront. Each team will perform a skit before launching their handmade contraption into the air, or sea, as it may be. A panel of five, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Chris Hovan, will judge teams based on distance traveled, creativity of the craft and showmanship on stage. The winning team will receive a pilot's training course, the second-place team will get skydiving lessons and third place will learn to paraglide. All teams will take home a trophy. Red Bull began Flugtag (German for "flying day") in 1991. Since then, the energy drink company has sponsored more than 40 competitions worldwide showcasing everything from flying pigs to a popemobile. The record for the farthest flight 195 feet was set in Austria in 2000. The U.S. record, set last year in Nashville, is 155 feet. This marks the first Flugtag in the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of the teams. Booty Snatchin' Pirates You'd think a group of brainy engineers would have the edge in an aeronautics competition. Greg Roth, the team captain, would like to think so, but isn't taking bets. His team of civil engineers specializes in construction work sites, not flying machines. Still, they are eager to test Petey the Projectile Pirate Parrot on Flugtag day. The team chose a pirate theme in honor of their adopted city. Transplants from Michigan and Ohio, the guys will toss beads and shake their booties before launching their wooden pirate ship and glider. Team Tampa Baywatch Keith Humphrey refuses to rely on luck and a good breeze to keep his craft in flight. To prepare for Flugtag, he took four days of glider training, watched hours of video and even flew in an ultralight. His secret weapon? Mr. X, a glider expert in Central Florida who competed at a Flugtag event in Australia. "We're not in it to crash and burn," he said. "We're in it to win." Most of the team met as lifeguards at Adventure Island in the late '80s and are big fans of Baywatch. Humphrey, 38, volunteered to pilot because most of the guys are married and have more to lose, he joked. 91st Air Refueling Squadron (with photo) Andy Reichard (not pictured) and his Flugtag bunch, including Nickolas Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, aren't strangers to difficult and seemingly dangerous aviation endeavors. As members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, they make a living refueling planes in the air. Reichard saw the Flugtag advertisement on ESPN and thought it would be fun to get a military squadron involved. Next week, Reichard, 27, leaves for Iraq. The team's plane looks like a red gas tank with wings because "that's kind of what we are," Reichard said. "We're like a flying gas tank." The team selected Harkness, the smallest and, therefore, most aerodynamic member to man the controls. "He's the guy who goes skydiving," Reichard said. "He doesn't mind being pushed off in a rickety aircraft." Tampa Bay Derby Darlins (with photo) Brooke Haller, center, isn't afraid to get bumped, bruised or even broken. As a member of the Tampa Bay's all-female roller derby team, she's used to it. The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins, with Haller, Ryan Smith, top, Kelli Ryman (a.k.a. Mae Lest) and Maria Smith (a.k.a. Drew BuryEm'all) won't bring their skates to Flugtag, but they plan to "fight like girls" during the skit. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt," said Haller, 26, who goes by Spank Sinatra in the rink. "So what if I break something? I'm just worried about the crowd not liking us or doing a bad job on the skit." UT Spartans Flying Minarets University of Tampa senior Kyle Wright figures he has walked by the minarets thousands of times during his college career. So it was only appropriate that he and his teammates dedicate their Flugtag machine to Tampa's iconic rooftop emblems. Wright and his team of UT students and alums will dress up as Spartans, the school mascot, and do their skit based on the movie 300. Wright, 22, has high hopes for the event, but not their contraption, which was funded by UT's student government. "We've almost given up on making it fly," said Wright, an international business and political science major. "We just want to make a great minaret." IF YOU GO Red Bull Flugtag Tampa's Red Bull Flugtag is Saturday behind the Tampa Convention Center. Gates open at 11 a.m. Flights run from 1 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an awards show and jump by the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team. Admission is free. Viewing, parking information Viewing is from the Convention Center, Jackson's Bistro and along Bayshore Boulevard and the Platt Street and Harbour Island Boulevard bridges. Parking is available in downtown lots, or ride the streetcar in from Ybor City. The event will air live on Catch 47 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more, visit redbullflugtagusa.com. GEN YAMAGUCHI Times photo Nick Harkness, left, and Omar Ellis, right, of 91st ARS group tried to put the final touches on their contraption, 'The Flying Gas Can' at a friend's garage. LUIS SANTANA ..tbt photo The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins Ryan Smith (top) Kelli Ryman aka Mae Lest, Brooke Haller aka Spank Sinatra and Maria Smith aka Drew Buryem' all pose for a team photo ... minus one. 
UT::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081016.0103.LDC2009T13::1	 Obesity caused by deficit of brain 'pleasure centers': study Obese people may have a diminished ability to experience the pleasure of eating, prompting them to overindulge to boost their satisfaction, according to a study released Thursday. The study, published this week in the journal Science, found that obese individuals may have fewer pleasure receptors in their brains, requiring them "to take in more of a rewarding substance such as food or drugs to experience the same level of pleasure as other people," said Eric Stice, a psychology researcher at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and lead author of the study. In a throwback to humankind's evolutionary past, the human brain releases the "pleasure chemical" dopamine, a reward to the body for consuming life-sustaining nutrition. But the researchers theorize that weak "reward centers" in the brain prompt obese people to eat more. "The research reveals obese people may have fewer dopamine receptors, so they overeat to compensate for this reward deficit," said Stice, who has studied eating disorders and obesity for almost two decades. Although past research has shown that biological factors play a major part in obesity, the study is one of the first to positively identify factors that increase people's weight gain risk in the future. The researchers from UT, worked alongside scientists from the Oregon Research Institute, and brain scientists from the Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut. Using a technique called functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), researchers examined the extent to which pleasure receptors in individuals were activated in response to a taste of chocolate milkshake versus a tasteless solution. The participants were next tested for the presence of a genetic variation linked to a lower number of the dopamine receptors. Researchers then tracked changes in the test participants' body mass index over a one-year period. The results, said Stice, are key for understanding weight gain, and to helping at-risk individuals. "Although people with decreased sensitivity of reward circuitry are at increased risk for unhealthy weight gain, identifying changes in behavior or pharmacological options could correct this reward deficit to prevent and treat obesity," he said. 
UT::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20081016.0103.LDC2009T13::2	 Obesity caused by deficit of brain 'pleasure centers': study Obese people may have a diminished ability to experience the pleasure of eating, prompting them to overindulge to boost their satisfaction, according to a study released Thursday. The study, published this week in the journal Science, found that obese individuals may have fewer pleasure receptors in their brains, requiring them "to take in more of a rewarding substance such as food or drugs to experience the same level of pleasure as other people," said Eric Stice, a psychology researcher at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and lead author of the study. In a throwback to humankind's evolutionary past, the human brain releases the "pleasure chemical" dopamine, a reward to the body for consuming life-sustaining nutrition. But the researchers theorize that weak "reward centers" in the brain prompt obese people to eat more. "The research reveals obese people may have fewer dopamine receptors, so they overeat to compensate for this reward deficit," said Stice, who has studied eating disorders and obesity for almost two decades. Although past research has shown that biological factors play a major part in obesity, the study is one of the first to positively identify factors that increase people's weight gain risk in the future. The researchers from UT, worked alongside scientists from the Oregon Research Institute, and brain scientists from the Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut. Using a technique called functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), researchers examined the extent to which pleasure receptors in individuals were activated in response to a taste of chocolate milkshake versus a tasteless solution. The participants were next tested for the presence of a genetic variation linked to a lower number of the dopamine receptors. Researchers then tracked changes in the test participants' body mass index over a one-year period. The results, said Stice, are key for understanding weight gain, and to helping at-risk individuals. "Although people with decreased sensitivity of reward circuitry are at increased risk for unhealthy weight gain, identifying changes in behavior or pharmacological options could correct this reward deficit to prevent and treat obesity," he said. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070101.0143.LDC2009T13::1	 TAKE IT AWAY, PENN STATE BY JOEY KNIGHT TAMPA In terms of dropped-ball dramatics, the garish, illuminated one that descended at midnight on Times Square had nothing on the one mishandled twice in Tennessee's backfield Monday afternoon. Subtract two costly Volunteers fumbles, and the 21st Outback Bowl was a statistical stalemate, rife with precipitation and play reviews in the officials' booth. But that pair of turnovers, both charged to sophomore tailback Arian Foster, led directly to 10 Penn State points and a 10-point Nittany Lions upset played under an overcast sky and one Paterno- graced skybox. "It comes down to a few plays always in any game," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said after his team's 20-10 loss in front of 65,601 at Raymond James Stadium. "And there were a few plays in the game that made a huge difference." Paterno didn't need a field-level vantage point to draw the same conclusion. Leery of losing his footing in the slick field conditions, the Lions' 80-year-old coach observed his team surgically mended knee and all from a skybox for the second consecutive game. "The Tennessee kid's fumble really changed the whole thing around," he said. That fumble on first down at the Nittany Lions 12-yard line with 10:01 left gave unranked Penn State (9-4) a lead and momentum that would prove insurmountable. Wrapped up from behind by linebacker Dan Connor on an off-tackle run, Foster lost the ball and cornerback Tony Davis found it, scooping it up in mid-stride and dashing 88 yards for a 17-10 lead. "It could have been prevented if I was a little more aware of my surroundings," said Foster, who also fumbled on a second-quarter reverse play that led to a Lions field goal. "It is here and done. You just have to move on." Davis' return complemented a game MVP effort by Lions senior tailback Tony Hunt (31 carries, 158 yards), potential breakthrough performance by oft-maligned quarterback Anthony Morelli (14-for-25, 197 yards, one TD), and a defense that held UT to 83 rushing yards and created some dreadful down-and- distance situations for the Vols all afternoon. "I thought Anthony was a real big-time quarterback today," said Paterno, whose club was turnover-free for the first time all season. "He had great touch on the ball, he ran the football team, he had a lot of poise. I just thought he grew up today in a lot of different ways." Hunt, meantime, flourished behind an offensive line that exploited a defense ranked 71st nationally against the run. "I didn't really think they were that physical of a team," said Hunt, who finished as Penn State's No. 2 all-time rusher with 3,320 yards. "They really boasted and bragged about their speed, and I think we brought something to the table that they really couldn't handle." On Penn State's final scoring drive, Hunt amassed 45 yards on seven consecutive run plays to eventually set up Kevin Kelly's 22-yard field goal with 3:29 to play. Before the kick, Paterno said he contemplated going for a TD on fourth and goal from the 1. "But cooler heads, smarter guys prevailed," he said. So did the team that made the fewest mistakes. Remove them from the equation, and the Vols and Lions might still be playing. Statistically, Penn State finished with only slight edges in first downs (19-17), total yardage (380-350) and penalties (six to UT's seven). "I think we were our own worst enemies today at times," Fulmer said. Joey Knight can be reached at (813) 226-3350 or jknightsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070101.0143.LDC2009T13::2	 TAKE IT AWAY, PENN STATE BY JOEY KNIGHT TAMPA In terms of dropped-ball dramatics, the garish, illuminated one that descended at midnight on Times Square had nothing on the one mishandled twice in Tennessee's backfield Monday afternoon. Subtract two costly Volunteers fumbles, and the 21st Outback Bowl was a statistical stalemate, rife with precipitation and play reviews in the officials' booth. But that pair of turnovers, both charged to sophomore tailback Arian Foster, led directly to 10 Penn State points and a 10-point Nittany Lions upset played under an overcast sky and one Paterno- graced skybox. "It comes down to a few plays always in any game," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said after his team's 20-10 loss in front of 65,601 at Raymond James Stadium. "And there were a few plays in the game that made a huge difference." Paterno didn't need a field-level vantage point to draw the same conclusion. Leery of losing his footing in the slick field conditions, the Lions' 80-year-old coach observed his team surgically mended knee and all from a skybox for the second consecutive game. "The Tennessee kid's fumble really changed the whole thing around," he said. That fumble on first down at the Nittany Lions 12-yard line with 10:01 left gave unranked Penn State (9-4) a lead and momentum that would prove insurmountable. Wrapped up from behind by linebacker Dan Connor on an off-tackle run, Foster lost the ball and cornerback Tony Davis found it, scooping it up in mid-stride and dashing 88 yards for a 17-10 lead. "It could have been prevented if I was a little more aware of my surroundings," said Foster, who also fumbled on a second-quarter reverse play that led to a Lions field goal. "It is here and done. You just have to move on." Davis' return complemented a game MVP effort by Lions senior tailback Tony Hunt (31 carries, 158 yards), potential breakthrough performance by oft-maligned quarterback Anthony Morelli (14-for-25, 197 yards, one TD), and a defense that held UT to 83 rushing yards and created some dreadful down-and- distance situations for the Vols all afternoon. "I thought Anthony was a real big-time quarterback today," said Paterno, whose club was turnover-free for the first time all season. "He had great touch on the ball, he ran the football team, he had a lot of poise. I just thought he grew up today in a lot of different ways." Hunt, meantime, flourished behind an offensive line that exploited a defense ranked 71st nationally against the run. "I didn't really think they were that physical of a team," said Hunt, who finished as Penn State's No. 2 all-time rusher with 3,320 yards. "They really boasted and bragged about their speed, and I think we brought something to the table that they really couldn't handle." On Penn State's final scoring drive, Hunt amassed 45 yards on seven consecutive run plays to eventually set up Kevin Kelly's 22-yard field goal with 3:29 to play. Before the kick, Paterno said he contemplated going for a TD on fourth and goal from the 1. "But cooler heads, smarter guys prevailed," he said. So did the team that made the fewest mistakes. Remove them from the equation, and the Vols and Lions might still be playing. Statistically, Penn State finished with only slight edges in first downs (19-17), total yardage (380-350) and penalties (six to UT's seven). "I think we were our own worst enemies today at times," Fulmer said. Joey Knight can be reached at (813) 226-3350 or jknightsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081101.0161.LDC2009T13::1	 STUDENTS DISH DIRT ON GOSSIP WEB SITE TAMPA Billed as "Always Anonymous, Always Juicy," JuicyCampus.com says its sole purpose is to provide a forum for college students to gossip. Just find your school and post. No filters. No mercy. Consider these popular "Juicy" topics: Who is gay? Who snorts coke? Who has a sexually transmitted disease? The site has shaken campuses nationwide. There was the Duke undergrad who felt she couldn't go to school for three weeks after someone said she had attempted suicide. The Colgate University student arrested after threatening in a Juicy post to go on a classroom shooting rampage. And the Vanderbilt rape victim who logged on and read, "She got what she deserved." Almost a year after the site's launch, officials at local universities thought they had nothing to worry about. Until now. Which girls in USF sororities are most likely to put out? It's heeeere. Both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa made the list of new additions to JuicyCampus in September, the same month the Web site grew from 60 schools to 500. It took a while to catch on locally, but in recent days, student Angela Martin has watched USF posts grow exponentially. "It went from 10 posts to, like, 1,000," Martin said. "I can just see it's going to be bad." Someone wrote an offensive post about President Judy Genshaft. Fraternity brothers are being accused of hazing, date rape and drug use. Sorority sisters, of promiscuity, pregnancy and eating disorders. They're scared about who will read it, especially parents and future employers. JuicyCampus has taken off a little more slowly at UT, with just a few pages of posts instead of USF's dozen-plus. But the venom is just as strong. One poster wrote, You can't spell "Slut" without "UT." In response to an attack, a UT student wrote, im 1100 miles from home, and this is the last s--- i needed, i didnt even know this site existed. He encouraged his attacker to "step up" so they could fight. He isn't the first to issue a threat. A USF student writes, in defense of a friend, ill hunt ur a-- down i promise 2 god!!!! As Martin watches this site go viral in every sense of the word she says, "I can't even believe this is actually legal." Experts say JuicyCampus.com is protected by federal law; specifically, Title 47, U.S.C. Section 230, which makes Web sites immune to prosecution for the actions of their users. Marc Randazza, an adjunct law professor at Barry University in Miami Shores puts it this way: If you're a blogger and post defamatory material on your blog, you can be held liable, but the site that provided the template can't. And if someone posts a defamatory comment on your blog, the comment-maker, not you, can face penalties. Many of the comments made on JuicyCampus.com could be prosecuted as defamatory in court if the identity of the poster was revealed. But JuicyCampus.com reveals its users only if subpoenaed. The site cooperated with police to identify a student who threatened a campus shooting rampage. Almost all posts are left on the site, no matter how much its subject protests. JuicyCampus.com will consider but not guarantee removing posts that disclose contact information. The site's frequently asked questions include: Why don't you remove more posts?!? Well, that's called censorship, and we're just not that into it. But China is, so if you're interested in moving, we've provided a link below with some helpful information. At the center of it all the avalanche of news stories, the swirl of spilled secrets is Matt Ivester, just three years out of college. After his graduation from Duke and subsequent job at a New York consulting firm, Ivester, 25, moved to Silicon Valley and focused on his first love entrepreneurship. He wanted to start a college Web site, one that captured the essence of his best memories from Duke: the drunken stories, wild parties, quirky professors. JuicyCampus.com would be a place to share "crazy high jinks." Ivester now calls some of the posts he reads "distasteful" and "awful," but refuses to remove most, and says he feels no guilt for the hurt they cause. "I don't see anything wrong or even controversial with the idea that we provide a forum where students can talk about the things that interest them most," he said. Ivester won't say how much money the site has made from the advertising it sells, but says it's still in the red. He's already planning future upgrades. He'll have help from his staff of 20, which includes a legal team. And a public relations firm, based in Beverly Hills. As president of the USF Panhellenic Council, the governing body of sororities, Angela Martin has no idea how to deal with JuicyCampus.com. "Do I bring it up and then cause almost everybody who doesn't know about it to go on there?" she asks. Campuses across the nation have faced that same question: What to do? At the University of Florida, which was added to JuicyCampus.com in February, student body president Kevin Reilly did some research. He learned that the attorney general of New Jersey had launched an investigation of the site. Reilly wrote to Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum. He spoke of suicide and stalking and sexual predators, and asked McCollum to start his own investigation. McCollum has not done so, but a spokeswoman said he is keeping tabs on the New Jersey case. At UT, the dean of students, Bob Ruday, heard about JuicyCampus months ago, but had no idea it had gotten to his school. Last week, he started calling officials at other Florida schools to see what ideas they had. Peter Arrabal, editor in chief of UT's the Minaret, says he laughed when he read trash talk about his newspaper. He calls it "free speech" and "entertainment," and doesn't believe most of what he reads. "I think when people start taking it too seriously, things are going to go south with it," he said. At USF, where things have gone more south, student body president Greg Morgan plans to bring it up at his next Cabinet meeting. And Robert Brann, president of USF's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, e-mailed his brothers, telling them to stay away from the site. Brann, who has been attacked there, said he wishes there were a way to block it. There is, but most colleges don't want to resort to blocking it from their school network. They worry that doing so could set a precedent for further restrictions on free speech. Two small Christian universities, Samford in Alabama and Millsaps in Mississippi, are among those that have. Students from both have still found ways to post. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayassptimes.com or (813) 226-3354. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081101.0161.LDC2009T13::2	 STUDENTS DISH DIRT ON GOSSIP WEB SITE TAMPA Billed as "Always Anonymous, Always Juicy," JuicyCampus.com says its sole purpose is to provide a forum for college students to gossip. Just find your school and post. No filters. No mercy. Consider these popular "Juicy" topics: Who is gay? Who snorts coke? Who has a sexually transmitted disease? The site has shaken campuses nationwide. There was the Duke undergrad who felt she couldn't go to school for three weeks after someone said she had attempted suicide. The Colgate University student arrested after threatening in a Juicy post to go on a classroom shooting rampage. And the Vanderbilt rape victim who logged on and read, "She got what she deserved." Almost a year after the site's launch, officials at local universities thought they had nothing to worry about. Until now. Which girls in USF sororities are most likely to put out? It's heeeere. Both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa made the list of new additions to JuicyCampus in September, the same month the Web site grew from 60 schools to 500. It took a while to catch on locally, but in recent days, student Angela Martin has watched USF posts grow exponentially. "It went from 10 posts to, like, 1,000," Martin said. "I can just see it's going to be bad." Someone wrote an offensive post about President Judy Genshaft. Fraternity brothers are being accused of hazing, date rape and drug use. Sorority sisters, of promiscuity, pregnancy and eating disorders. They're scared about who will read it, especially parents and future employers. JuicyCampus has taken off a little more slowly at UT, with just a few pages of posts instead of USF's dozen-plus. But the venom is just as strong. One poster wrote, You can't spell "Slut" without "UT." In response to an attack, a UT student wrote, im 1100 miles from home, and this is the last s--- i needed, i didnt even know this site existed. He encouraged his attacker to "step up" so they could fight. He isn't the first to issue a threat. A USF student writes, in defense of a friend, ill hunt ur a-- down i promise 2 god!!!! As Martin watches this site go viral in every sense of the word she says, "I can't even believe this is actually legal." Experts say JuicyCampus.com is protected by federal law; specifically, Title 47, U.S.C. Section 230, which makes Web sites immune to prosecution for the actions of their users. Marc Randazza, an adjunct law professor at Barry University in Miami Shores puts it this way: If you're a blogger and post defamatory material on your blog, you can be held liable, but the site that provided the template can't. And if someone posts a defamatory comment on your blog, the comment-maker, not you, can face penalties. Many of the comments made on JuicyCampus.com could be prosecuted as defamatory in court if the identity of the poster was revealed. But JuicyCampus.com reveals its users only if subpoenaed. The site cooperated with police to identify a student who threatened a campus shooting rampage. Almost all posts are left on the site, no matter how much its subject protests. JuicyCampus.com will consider but not guarantee removing posts that disclose contact information. The site's frequently asked questions include: Why don't you remove more posts?!? Well, that's called censorship, and we're just not that into it. But China is, so if you're interested in moving, we've provided a link below with some helpful information. At the center of it all the avalanche of news stories, the swirl of spilled secrets is Matt Ivester, just three years out of college. After his graduation from Duke and subsequent job at a New York consulting firm, Ivester, 25, moved to Silicon Valley and focused on his first love entrepreneurship. He wanted to start a college Web site, one that captured the essence of his best memories from Duke: the drunken stories, wild parties, quirky professors. JuicyCampus.com would be a place to share "crazy high jinks." Ivester now calls some of the posts he reads "distasteful" and "awful," but refuses to remove most, and says he feels no guilt for the hurt they cause. "I don't see anything wrong or even controversial with the idea that we provide a forum where students can talk about the things that interest them most," he said. Ivester won't say how much money the site has made from the advertising it sells, but says it's still in the red. He's already planning future upgrades. He'll have help from his staff of 20, which includes a legal team. And a public relations firm, based in Beverly Hills. As president of the USF Panhellenic Council, the governing body of sororities, Angela Martin has no idea how to deal with JuicyCampus.com. "Do I bring it up and then cause almost everybody who doesn't know about it to go on there?" she asks. Campuses across the nation have faced that same question: What to do? At the University of Florida, which was added to JuicyCampus.com in February, student body president Kevin Reilly did some research. He learned that the attorney general of New Jersey had launched an investigation of the site. Reilly wrote to Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum. He spoke of suicide and stalking and sexual predators, and asked McCollum to start his own investigation. McCollum has not done so, but a spokeswoman said he is keeping tabs on the New Jersey case. At UT, the dean of students, Bob Ruday, heard about JuicyCampus months ago, but had no idea it had gotten to his school. Last week, he started calling officials at other Florida schools to see what ideas they had. Peter Arrabal, editor in chief of UT's the Minaret, says he laughed when he read trash talk about his newspaper. He calls it "free speech" and "entertainment," and doesn't believe most of what he reads. "I think when people start taking it too seriously, things are going to go south with it," he said. At USF, where things have gone more south, student body president Greg Morgan plans to bring it up at his next Cabinet meeting. And Robert Brann, president of USF's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, e-mailed his brothers, telling them to stay away from the site. Brann, who has been attacked there, said he wishes there were a way to block it. There is, but most colleges don't want to resort to blocking it from their school network. They worry that doing so could set a precedent for further restrictions on free speech. Two small Christian universities, Samford in Alabama and Millsaps in Mississippi, are among those that have. Students from both have still found ways to post. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayassptimes.com or (813) 226-3354. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081101.0161.LDC2009T13::3	 STUDENTS DISH DIRT ON GOSSIP WEB SITE TAMPA Billed as "Always Anonymous, Always Juicy," JuicyCampus.com says its sole purpose is to provide a forum for college students to gossip. Just find your school and post. No filters. No mercy. Consider these popular "Juicy" topics: Who is gay? Who snorts coke? Who has a sexually transmitted disease? The site has shaken campuses nationwide. There was the Duke undergrad who felt she couldn't go to school for three weeks after someone said she had attempted suicide. The Colgate University student arrested after threatening in a Juicy post to go on a classroom shooting rampage. And the Vanderbilt rape victim who logged on and read, "She got what she deserved." Almost a year after the site's launch, officials at local universities thought they had nothing to worry about. Until now. Which girls in USF sororities are most likely to put out? It's heeeere. Both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa made the list of new additions to JuicyCampus in September, the same month the Web site grew from 60 schools to 500. It took a while to catch on locally, but in recent days, student Angela Martin has watched USF posts grow exponentially. "It went from 10 posts to, like, 1,000," Martin said. "I can just see it's going to be bad." Someone wrote an offensive post about President Judy Genshaft. Fraternity brothers are being accused of hazing, date rape and drug use. Sorority sisters, of promiscuity, pregnancy and eating disorders. They're scared about who will read it, especially parents and future employers. JuicyCampus has taken off a little more slowly at UT, with just a few pages of posts instead of USF's dozen-plus. But the venom is just as strong. One poster wrote, You can't spell "Slut" without "UT." In response to an attack, a UT student wrote, im 1100 miles from home, and this is the last s--- i needed, i didnt even know this site existed. He encouraged his attacker to "step up" so they could fight. He isn't the first to issue a threat. A USF student writes, in defense of a friend, ill hunt ur a-- down i promise 2 god!!!! As Martin watches this site go viral in every sense of the word she says, "I can't even believe this is actually legal." Experts say JuicyCampus.com is protected by federal law; specifically, Title 47, U.S.C. Section 230, which makes Web sites immune to prosecution for the actions of their users. Marc Randazza, an adjunct law professor at Barry University in Miami Shores puts it this way: If you're a blogger and post defamatory material on your blog, you can be held liable, but the site that provided the template can't. And if someone posts a defamatory comment on your blog, the comment-maker, not you, can face penalties. Many of the comments made on JuicyCampus.com could be prosecuted as defamatory in court if the identity of the poster was revealed. But JuicyCampus.com reveals its users only if subpoenaed. The site cooperated with police to identify a student who threatened a campus shooting rampage. Almost all posts are left on the site, no matter how much its subject protests. JuicyCampus.com will consider but not guarantee removing posts that disclose contact information. The site's frequently asked questions include: Why don't you remove more posts?!? Well, that's called censorship, and we're just not that into it. But China is, so if you're interested in moving, we've provided a link below with some helpful information. At the center of it all the avalanche of news stories, the swirl of spilled secrets is Matt Ivester, just three years out of college. After his graduation from Duke and subsequent job at a New York consulting firm, Ivester, 25, moved to Silicon Valley and focused on his first love entrepreneurship. He wanted to start a college Web site, one that captured the essence of his best memories from Duke: the drunken stories, wild parties, quirky professors. JuicyCampus.com would be a place to share "crazy high jinks." Ivester now calls some of the posts he reads "distasteful" and "awful," but refuses to remove most, and says he feels no guilt for the hurt they cause. "I don't see anything wrong or even controversial with the idea that we provide a forum where students can talk about the things that interest them most," he said. Ivester won't say how much money the site has made from the advertising it sells, but says it's still in the red. He's already planning future upgrades. He'll have help from his staff of 20, which includes a legal team. And a public relations firm, based in Beverly Hills. As president of the USF Panhellenic Council, the governing body of sororities, Angela Martin has no idea how to deal with JuicyCampus.com. "Do I bring it up and then cause almost everybody who doesn't know about it to go on there?" she asks. Campuses across the nation have faced that same question: What to do? At the University of Florida, which was added to JuicyCampus.com in February, student body president Kevin Reilly did some research. He learned that the attorney general of New Jersey had launched an investigation of the site. Reilly wrote to Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum. He spoke of suicide and stalking and sexual predators, and asked McCollum to start his own investigation. McCollum has not done so, but a spokeswoman said he is keeping tabs on the New Jersey case. At UT, the dean of students, Bob Ruday, heard about JuicyCampus months ago, but had no idea it had gotten to his school. Last week, he started calling officials at other Florida schools to see what ideas they had. Peter Arrabal, editor in chief of UT's the Minaret, says he laughed when he read trash talk about his newspaper. He calls it "free speech" and "entertainment," and doesn't believe most of what he reads. "I think when people start taking it too seriously, things are going to go south with it," he said. At USF, where things have gone more south, student body president Greg Morgan plans to bring it up at his next Cabinet meeting. And Robert Brann, president of USF's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, e-mailed his brothers, telling them to stay away from the site. Brann, who has been attacked there, said he wishes there were a way to block it. There is, but most colleges don't want to resort to blocking it from their school network. They worry that doing so could set a precedent for further restrictions on free speech. Two small Christian universities, Samford in Alabama and Millsaps in Mississippi, are among those that have. Students from both have still found ways to post. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayassptimes.com or (813) 226-3354. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081101.0161.LDC2009T13::4	 STUDENTS DISH DIRT ON GOSSIP WEB SITE TAMPA Billed as "Always Anonymous, Always Juicy," JuicyCampus.com says its sole purpose is to provide a forum for college students to gossip. Just find your school and post. No filters. No mercy. Consider these popular "Juicy" topics: Who is gay? Who snorts coke? Who has a sexually transmitted disease? The site has shaken campuses nationwide. There was the Duke undergrad who felt she couldn't go to school for three weeks after someone said she had attempted suicide. The Colgate University student arrested after threatening in a Juicy post to go on a classroom shooting rampage. And the Vanderbilt rape victim who logged on and read, "She got what she deserved." Almost a year after the site's launch, officials at local universities thought they had nothing to worry about. Until now. Which girls in USF sororities are most likely to put out? It's heeeere. Both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa made the list of new additions to JuicyCampus in September, the same month the Web site grew from 60 schools to 500. It took a while to catch on locally, but in recent days, student Angela Martin has watched USF posts grow exponentially. "It went from 10 posts to, like, 1,000," Martin said. "I can just see it's going to be bad." Someone wrote an offensive post about President Judy Genshaft. Fraternity brothers are being accused of hazing, date rape and drug use. Sorority sisters, of promiscuity, pregnancy and eating disorders. They're scared about who will read it, especially parents and future employers. JuicyCampus has taken off a little more slowly at UT, with just a few pages of posts instead of USF's dozen-plus. But the venom is just as strong. One poster wrote, You can't spell "Slut" without "UT." In response to an attack, a UT student wrote, im 1100 miles from home, and this is the last s--- i needed, i didnt even know this site existed. He encouraged his attacker to "step up" so they could fight. He isn't the first to issue a threat. A USF student writes, in defense of a friend, ill hunt ur a-- down i promise 2 god!!!! As Martin watches this site go viral in every sense of the word she says, "I can't even believe this is actually legal." Experts say JuicyCampus.com is protected by federal law; specifically, Title 47, U.S.C. Section 230, which makes Web sites immune to prosecution for the actions of their users. Marc Randazza, an adjunct law professor at Barry University in Miami Shores puts it this way: If you're a blogger and post defamatory material on your blog, you can be held liable, but the site that provided the template can't. And if someone posts a defamatory comment on your blog, the comment-maker, not you, can face penalties. Many of the comments made on JuicyCampus.com could be prosecuted as defamatory in court if the identity of the poster was revealed. But JuicyCampus.com reveals its users only if subpoenaed. The site cooperated with police to identify a student who threatened a campus shooting rampage. Almost all posts are left on the site, no matter how much its subject protests. JuicyCampus.com will consider but not guarantee removing posts that disclose contact information. The site's frequently asked questions include: Why don't you remove more posts?!? Well, that's called censorship, and we're just not that into it. But China is, so if you're interested in moving, we've provided a link below with some helpful information. At the center of it all the avalanche of news stories, the swirl of spilled secrets is Matt Ivester, just three years out of college. After his graduation from Duke and subsequent job at a New York consulting firm, Ivester, 25, moved to Silicon Valley and focused on his first love entrepreneurship. He wanted to start a college Web site, one that captured the essence of his best memories from Duke: the drunken stories, wild parties, quirky professors. JuicyCampus.com would be a place to share "crazy high jinks." Ivester now calls some of the posts he reads "distasteful" and "awful," but refuses to remove most, and says he feels no guilt for the hurt they cause. "I don't see anything wrong or even controversial with the idea that we provide a forum where students can talk about the things that interest them most," he said. Ivester won't say how much money the site has made from the advertising it sells, but says it's still in the red. He's already planning future upgrades. He'll have help from his staff of 20, which includes a legal team. And a public relations firm, based in Beverly Hills. As president of the USF Panhellenic Council, the governing body of sororities, Angela Martin has no idea how to deal with JuicyCampus.com. "Do I bring it up and then cause almost everybody who doesn't know about it to go on there?" she asks. Campuses across the nation have faced that same question: What to do? At the University of Florida, which was added to JuicyCampus.com in February, student body president Kevin Reilly did some research. He learned that the attorney general of New Jersey had launched an investigation of the site. Reilly wrote to Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum. He spoke of suicide and stalking and sexual predators, and asked McCollum to start his own investigation. McCollum has not done so, but a spokeswoman said he is keeping tabs on the New Jersey case. At UT, the dean of students, Bob Ruday, heard about JuicyCampus months ago, but had no idea it had gotten to his school. Last week, he started calling officials at other Florida schools to see what ideas they had. Peter Arrabal, editor in chief of UT's the Minaret, says he laughed when he read trash talk about his newspaper. He calls it "free speech" and "entertainment," and doesn't believe most of what he reads. "I think when people start taking it too seriously, things are going to go south with it," he said. At USF, where things have gone more south, student body president Greg Morgan plans to bring it up at his next Cabinet meeting. And Robert Brann, president of USF's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, e-mailed his brothers, telling them to stay away from the site. Brann, who has been attacked there, said he wishes there were a way to block it. There is, but most colleges don't want to resort to blocking it from their school network. They worry that doing so could set a precedent for further restrictions on free speech. Two small Christian universities, Samford in Alabama and Millsaps in Mississippi, are among those that have. Students from both have still found ways to post. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayassptimes.com or (813) 226-3354. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20081101.0161.LDC2009T13::5	 STUDENTS DISH DIRT ON GOSSIP WEB SITE TAMPA Billed as "Always Anonymous, Always Juicy," JuicyCampus.com says its sole purpose is to provide a forum for college students to gossip. Just find your school and post. No filters. No mercy. Consider these popular "Juicy" topics: Who is gay? Who snorts coke? Who has a sexually transmitted disease? The site has shaken campuses nationwide. There was the Duke undergrad who felt she couldn't go to school for three weeks after someone said she had attempted suicide. The Colgate University student arrested after threatening in a Juicy post to go on a classroom shooting rampage. And the Vanderbilt rape victim who logged on and read, "She got what she deserved." Almost a year after the site's launch, officials at local universities thought they had nothing to worry about. Until now. Which girls in USF sororities are most likely to put out? It's heeeere. Both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa made the list of new additions to JuicyCampus in September, the same month the Web site grew from 60 schools to 500. It took a while to catch on locally, but in recent days, student Angela Martin has watched USF posts grow exponentially. "It went from 10 posts to, like, 1,000," Martin said. "I can just see it's going to be bad." Someone wrote an offensive post about President Judy Genshaft. Fraternity brothers are being accused of hazing, date rape and drug use. Sorority sisters, of promiscuity, pregnancy and eating disorders. They're scared about who will read it, especially parents and future employers. JuicyCampus has taken off a little more slowly at UT, with just a few pages of posts instead of USF's dozen-plus. But the venom is just as strong. One poster wrote, You can't spell "Slut" without "UT." In response to an attack, a UT student wrote, im 1100 miles from home, and this is the last s--- i needed, i didnt even know this site existed. He encouraged his attacker to "step up" so they could fight. He isn't the first to issue a threat. A USF student writes, in defense of a friend, ill hunt ur a-- down i promise 2 god!!!! As Martin watches this site go viral in every sense of the word she says, "I can't even believe this is actually legal." Experts say JuicyCampus.com is protected by federal law; specifically, Title 47, U.S.C. Section 230, which makes Web sites immune to prosecution for the actions of their users. Marc Randazza, an adjunct law professor at Barry University in Miami Shores puts it this way: If you're a blogger and post defamatory material on your blog, you can be held liable, but the site that provided the template can't. And if someone posts a defamatory comment on your blog, the comment-maker, not you, can face penalties. Many of the comments made on JuicyCampus.com could be prosecuted as defamatory in court if the identity of the poster was revealed. But JuicyCampus.com reveals its users only if subpoenaed. The site cooperated with police to identify a student who threatened a campus shooting rampage. Almost all posts are left on the site, no matter how much its subject protests. JuicyCampus.com will consider but not guarantee removing posts that disclose contact information. The site's frequently asked questions include: Why don't you remove more posts?!? Well, that's called censorship, and we're just not that into it. But China is, so if you're interested in moving, we've provided a link below with some helpful information. At the center of it all the avalanche of news stories, the swirl of spilled secrets is Matt Ivester, just three years out of college. After his graduation from Duke and subsequent job at a New York consulting firm, Ivester, 25, moved to Silicon Valley and focused on his first love entrepreneurship. He wanted to start a college Web site, one that captured the essence of his best memories from Duke: the drunken stories, wild parties, quirky professors. JuicyCampus.com would be a place to share "crazy high jinks." Ivester now calls some of the posts he reads "distasteful" and "awful," but refuses to remove most, and says he feels no guilt for the hurt they cause. "I don't see anything wrong or even controversial with the idea that we provide a forum where students can talk about the things that interest them most," he said. Ivester won't say how much money the site has made from the advertising it sells, but says it's still in the red. He's already planning future upgrades. He'll have help from his staff of 20, which includes a legal team. And a public relations firm, based in Beverly Hills. As president of the USF Panhellenic Council, the governing body of sororities, Angela Martin has no idea how to deal with JuicyCampus.com. "Do I bring it up and then cause almost everybody who doesn't know about it to go on there?" she asks. Campuses across the nation have faced that same question: What to do? At the University of Florida, which was added to JuicyCampus.com in February, student body president Kevin Reilly did some research. He learned that the attorney general of New Jersey had launched an investigation of the site. Reilly wrote to Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum. He spoke of suicide and stalking and sexual predators, and asked McCollum to start his own investigation. McCollum has not done so, but a spokeswoman said he is keeping tabs on the New Jersey case. At UT, the dean of students, Bob Ruday, heard about JuicyCampus months ago, but had no idea it had gotten to his school. Last week, he started calling officials at other Florida schools to see what ideas they had. Peter Arrabal, editor in chief of UT's the Minaret, says he laughed when he read trash talk about his newspaper. He calls it "free speech" and "entertainment," and doesn't believe most of what he reads. "I think when people start taking it too seriously, things are going to go south with it," he said. At USF, where things have gone more south, student body president Greg Morgan plans to bring it up at his next Cabinet meeting. And Robert Brann, president of USF's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, e-mailed his brothers, telling them to stay away from the site. Brann, who has been attacked there, said he wishes there were a way to block it. There is, but most colleges don't want to resort to blocking it from their school network. They worry that doing so could set a precedent for further restrictions on free speech. Two small Christian universities, Samford in Alabama and Millsaps in Mississippi, are among those that have. Students from both have still found ways to post. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayassptimes.com or (813) 226-3354. 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070405.0588.LDC2009T13::1	 Officials at several top U.S. universities owned stock in preferred lenders ALBANY, New York 2007-04-05 12:05:38 UTC New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating stock grants from student loan companies to financial aid officers at three top universities as part of a widening investigation into the $85 billion (euro63.7 billion) student loan industry. Cuomo's office on Wednesday sent a subpoena to Columbia University and sent letters to the University of Southern California and the University of Texas seeking information about financial aid officers ownership of stock in a loan company that appears on each school's list of preferred lenders. Securities and Exchange Commission records for Education Lending Group Inc. show officials at the three schools in September 2003 owned at least 1,500 shares each of the company. Education Lending Group's subsidiary, Student Loan Xpress, is listed as a preferred lender at each school. The records show David Charlow, the associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University, owned 7,500 shares of Education Lending Group's stock and owned 2,500 stock warrants at the time of the stock prospectus. Cuomo's office said Charlow sold the 7,500 shares for about $9.50 each and in 2005 sold more of the securities for a total profit of more than $100,000. Robert Hornsby, a spokesman for Columbia, said the school placed Charlow on leave, started an investigation and notified the attorney general's office when they learned of his stock ownership following widespread attention generated by Cuomo's probe. Columbia is reviewing Cuomo's recommendations for student loan disclosure and supports a code of conduct for colleges proposed by the attorney general, he said. The SEC records show Catherine Thomas of USC and Lawrence Burt of Texas each owned 1,500 shares in the company. Burt denied any financial arrangement between either himself or UT and the company and said his previous ownership of the shares had no connection to Student Loan Xpress's position on UT's preferred lender list. Burt sold the stock in 2003, he said. Based on the stock's price of $9.50 per share at the time of the sale, Burt made a little more than $14,000. "They are on our lender list for the same reason the other 19 are on the list, they provide the best package of benefits to students," he said. Burt said the school does not steer students to any particular lender and that Student Loan Xpress accounts for only 4 percent of UT's student loan volume. A spokesman for USC did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Student Loan Xpress is now owned by New Jersey-based CIT Group Inc., one of the lenders under investigation by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's office said it sent a subpoena Tuesday to Student Loan Xpress and CIT. CIT issued the following statement: "CIT acquired Education Lending Group Inc., the parent company of SLX, in 2005. The reported transactions in securities of that company occured several years prior to CIT's acquisition of the company. We are currently seeking to determine the facts surrounding those transactions." The 2003 SEC filing states that Student Loan Xpress was created "to market to the financial aid offices of schools in order to be included on that school's preferred lender list ------ On the Net: New York Attorney General's Office: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/ 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070405.0588.LDC2009T13::2	 Officials at several top U.S. universities owned stock in preferred lenders ALBANY, New York 2007-04-05 12:05:38 UTC New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating stock grants from student loan companies to financial aid officers at three top universities as part of a widening investigation into the $85 billion (euro63.7 billion) student loan industry. Cuomo's office on Wednesday sent a subpoena to Columbia University and sent letters to the University of Southern California and the University of Texas seeking information about financial aid officers ownership of stock in a loan company that appears on each school's list of preferred lenders. Securities and Exchange Commission records for Education Lending Group Inc. show officials at the three schools in September 2003 owned at least 1,500 shares each of the company. Education Lending Group's subsidiary, Student Loan Xpress, is listed as a preferred lender at each school. The records show David Charlow, the associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University, owned 7,500 shares of Education Lending Group's stock and owned 2,500 stock warrants at the time of the stock prospectus. Cuomo's office said Charlow sold the 7,500 shares for about $9.50 each and in 2005 sold more of the securities for a total profit of more than $100,000. Robert Hornsby, a spokesman for Columbia, said the school placed Charlow on leave, started an investigation and notified the attorney general's office when they learned of his stock ownership following widespread attention generated by Cuomo's probe. Columbia is reviewing Cuomo's recommendations for student loan disclosure and supports a code of conduct for colleges proposed by the attorney general, he said. The SEC records show Catherine Thomas of USC and Lawrence Burt of Texas each owned 1,500 shares in the company. Burt denied any financial arrangement between either himself or UT and the company and said his previous ownership of the shares had no connection to Student Loan Xpress's position on UT's preferred lender list. Burt sold the stock in 2003, he said. Based on the stock's price of $9.50 per share at the time of the sale, Burt made a little more than $14,000. "They are on our lender list for the same reason the other 19 are on the list, they provide the best package of benefits to students," he said. Burt said the school does not steer students to any particular lender and that Student Loan Xpress accounts for only 4 percent of UT's student loan volume. A spokesman for USC did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Student Loan Xpress is now owned by New Jersey-based CIT Group Inc., one of the lenders under investigation by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's office said it sent a subpoena Tuesday to Student Loan Xpress and CIT. CIT issued the following statement: "CIT acquired Education Lending Group Inc., the parent company of SLX, in 2005. The reported transactions in securities of that company occured several years prior to CIT's acquisition of the company. We are currently seeking to determine the facts surrounding those transactions." The 2003 SEC filing states that Student Loan Xpress was created "to market to the financial aid offices of schools in order to be included on that school's preferred lender list ------ On the Net: New York Attorney General's Office: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/ 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070405.0588.LDC2009T13::3	 Officials at several top U.S. universities owned stock in preferred lenders ALBANY, New York 2007-04-05 12:05:38 UTC New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating stock grants from student loan companies to financial aid officers at three top universities as part of a widening investigation into the $85 billion (euro63.7 billion) student loan industry. Cuomo's office on Wednesday sent a subpoena to Columbia University and sent letters to the University of Southern California and the University of Texas seeking information about financial aid officers ownership of stock in a loan company that appears on each school's list of preferred lenders. Securities and Exchange Commission records for Education Lending Group Inc. show officials at the three schools in September 2003 owned at least 1,500 shares each of the company. Education Lending Group's subsidiary, Student Loan Xpress, is listed as a preferred lender at each school. The records show David Charlow, the associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University, owned 7,500 shares of Education Lending Group's stock and owned 2,500 stock warrants at the time of the stock prospectus. Cuomo's office said Charlow sold the 7,500 shares for about $9.50 each and in 2005 sold more of the securities for a total profit of more than $100,000. Robert Hornsby, a spokesman for Columbia, said the school placed Charlow on leave, started an investigation and notified the attorney general's office when they learned of his stock ownership following widespread attention generated by Cuomo's probe. Columbia is reviewing Cuomo's recommendations for student loan disclosure and supports a code of conduct for colleges proposed by the attorney general, he said. The SEC records show Catherine Thomas of USC and Lawrence Burt of Texas each owned 1,500 shares in the company. Burt denied any financial arrangement between either himself or UT and the company and said his previous ownership of the shares had no connection to Student Loan Xpress's position on UT's preferred lender list. Burt sold the stock in 2003, he said. Based on the stock's price of $9.50 per share at the time of the sale, Burt made a little more than $14,000. "They are on our lender list for the same reason the other 19 are on the list, they provide the best package of benefits to students," he said. Burt said the school does not steer students to any particular lender and that Student Loan Xpress accounts for only 4 percent of UT's student loan volume. A spokesman for USC did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Student Loan Xpress is now owned by New Jersey-based CIT Group Inc., one of the lenders under investigation by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's office said it sent a subpoena Tuesday to Student Loan Xpress and CIT. CIT issued the following statement: "CIT acquired Education Lending Group Inc., the parent company of SLX, in 2005. The reported transactions in securities of that company occured several years prior to CIT's acquisition of the company. We are currently seeking to determine the facts surrounding those transactions." The 2003 SEC filing states that Student Loan Xpress was created "to market to the financial aid offices of schools in order to be included on that school's preferred lender list ------ On the Net: New York Attorney General's Office: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/ 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20070405.0588.LDC2009T13::4	 Officials at several top U.S. universities owned stock in preferred lenders ALBANY, New York 2007-04-05 12:05:38 UTC New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating stock grants from student loan companies to financial aid officers at three top universities as part of a widening investigation into the $85 billion (euro63.7 billion) student loan industry. Cuomo's office on Wednesday sent a subpoena to Columbia University and sent letters to the University of Southern California and the University of Texas seeking information about financial aid officers ownership of stock in a loan company that appears on each school's list of preferred lenders. Securities and Exchange Commission records for Education Lending Group Inc. show officials at the three schools in September 2003 owned at least 1,500 shares each of the company. Education Lending Group's subsidiary, Student Loan Xpress, is listed as a preferred lender at each school. The records show David Charlow, the associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University, owned 7,500 shares of Education Lending Group's stock and owned 2,500 stock warrants at the time of the stock prospectus. Cuomo's office said Charlow sold the 7,500 shares for about $9.50 each and in 2005 sold more of the securities for a total profit of more than $100,000. Robert Hornsby, a spokesman for Columbia, said the school placed Charlow on leave, started an investigation and notified the attorney general's office when they learned of his stock ownership following widespread attention generated by Cuomo's probe. Columbia is reviewing Cuomo's recommendations for student loan disclosure and supports a code of conduct for colleges proposed by the attorney general, he said. The SEC records show Catherine Thomas of USC and Lawrence Burt of Texas each owned 1,500 shares in the company. Burt denied any financial arrangement between either himself or UT and the company and said his previous ownership of the shares had no connection to Student Loan Xpress's position on UT's preferred lender list. Burt sold the stock in 2003, he said. Based on the stock's price of $9.50 per share at the time of the sale, Burt made a little more than $14,000. "They are on our lender list for the same reason the other 19 are on the list, they provide the best package of benefits to students," he said. Burt said the school does not steer students to any particular lender and that Student Loan Xpress accounts for only 4 percent of UT's student loan volume. A spokesman for USC did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Student Loan Xpress is now owned by New Jersey-based CIT Group Inc., one of the lenders under investigation by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's office said it sent a subpoena Tuesday to Student Loan Xpress and CIT. CIT issued the following statement: "CIT acquired Education Lending Group Inc., the parent company of SLX, in 2005. The reported transactions in securities of that company occured several years prior to CIT's acquisition of the company. We are currently seeking to determine the facts surrounding those transactions." The 2003 SEC filing states that Student Loan Xpress was created "to market to the financial aid offices of schools in order to be included on that school's preferred lender list ------ On the Net: New York Attorney General's Office: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/ 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080806.1044.LDC2009T13::1	 More than two dozen cheerleaders rescued AUSTIN 2008-08-06 17:09:16 UTC Twenty-six teenage cheerleaders tried to cram themselves into an elevator at the University of Texas to see how many would fit, but then they got stuck and had to be rescued. One girl was treated and released at a hospital and two others were treated at the scene after the Tuesday night prank, officials said. The group of 14- to 17-year-olds were attending a cheerleading camp when they decided to stuff themselves into an elevator at Jester Residence Hall on the UT campus. The elevator went down to the first floor but then the doors of the overloaded elevator wouldn't open, officials said. After a few panicked cell phone calls, police and firefighters were called to the scene and it took a repairman about 25 minutes to fix the door, police said. UT officials didn't find the prank funny. "It's dangerous, actually," UT police spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said. "They're lucky that that's all that happened." 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080806.1044.LDC2009T13::2	 More than two dozen cheerleaders rescued AUSTIN 2008-08-06 17:09:16 UTC Twenty-six teenage cheerleaders tried to cram themselves into an elevator at the University of Texas to see how many would fit, but then they got stuck and had to be rescued. One girl was treated and released at a hospital and two others were treated at the scene after the Tuesday night prank, officials said. The group of 14- to 17-year-olds were attending a cheerleading camp when they decided to stuff themselves into an elevator at Jester Residence Hall on the UT campus. The elevator went down to the first floor but then the doors of the overloaded elevator wouldn't open, officials said. After a few panicked cell phone calls, police and firefighters were called to the scene and it took a repairman about 25 minutes to fix the door, police said. UT officials didn't find the prank funny. "It's dangerous, actually," UT police spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said. "They're lucky that that's all that happened." 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080806.1044.LDC2009T13::3	 More than two dozen cheerleaders rescued AUSTIN 2008-08-06 17:09:16 UTC Twenty-six teenage cheerleaders tried to cram themselves into an elevator at the University of Texas to see how many would fit, but then they got stuck and had to be rescued. One girl was treated and released at a hospital and two others were treated at the scene after the Tuesday night prank, officials said. The group of 14- to 17-year-olds were attending a cheerleading camp when they decided to stuff themselves into an elevator at Jester Residence Hall on the UT campus. The elevator went down to the first floor but then the doors of the overloaded elevator wouldn't open, officials said. After a few panicked cell phone calls, police and firefighters were called to the scene and it took a repairman about 25 minutes to fix the door, police said. UT officials didn't find the prank funny. "It's dangerous, actually," UT police spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said. "They're lucky that that's all that happened." 
UT::ospd_GW::APW_ENG_20080806.1044.LDC2009T13::4	 More than two dozen cheerleaders rescued AUSTIN 2008-08-06 17:09:16 UTC Twenty-six teenage cheerleaders tried to cram themselves into an elevator at the University of Texas to see how many would fit, but then they got stuck and had to be rescued. One girl was treated and released at a hospital and two others were treated at the scene after the Tuesday night prank, officials said. The group of 14- to 17-year-olds were attending a cheerleading camp when they decided to stuff themselves into an elevator at Jester Residence Hall on the UT campus. The elevator went down to the first floor but then the doors of the overloaded elevator wouldn't open, officials said. After a few panicked cell phone calls, police and firefighters were called to the scene and it took a repairman about 25 minutes to fix the door, police said. UT officials didn't find the prank funny. "It's dangerous, actually," UT police spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said. "They're lucky that that's all that happened." 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070204.0050.LDC2009T13::1	 HORFORD DOMINATES VOLUNTEERS GAINESVILLE In Billy Donovan's mind, junior Al Horford is one of the most underrated players in the nation. He can dominate in the paint, hit 15-foot jumpers and has learned this season to effectively use his left (nondominant) hand. Bruce Pearl surely does appreciate what the 6-foot-10 center can do. "He's a man," Tennessee's coach said. "A man." Horford scored a career-high 22 and had 13 rebounds (his ninth double double of the season) and five assists to lead No.\u2009\u20091 Florida to a 94-78 win in front of 12,222 at the O'Connell Center Saturday. "Al played like a monster tonight, getting rebounds, getting putbacks, just making great post moves, taking the ball out to the guards," UF junior guard Taurean Green said. "He just played a great all-around game. He plays like that, can't nobody stop him." UT couldn't stop Horford, or post players Joakim Noah and Chris Richard. Florida led 50-24 at halftime and outrebounded the Vols 26-6 (43-26 for the game). Horford and Noah combined for six blocks, Noah had 19 points and six rebounds and Richard added seven rebounds. "From a size standpoint, we were so challenged to stop those guys inside," Pearl said. Unlike Wednesday against Vanderbilt when the Gators (21-2, 8-0 SEC) played a horrendous first half and trailed by double digits, they scored the first nine Saturday and midway through the first half led 26-9. "They elected not to double down and Al made some great moves," Donovan said. "He also made some great passes. He got Taurean a 3, he got Walter Hodge a 3. He got different people shots. He played very, very well." In UT's defense, it was playing without sophomore guard Chris Lofton, the league's leading scorer (21.5 points a game), who missed his fourth game with an ankle injury. Tennessee increased its pressing defense in the second half and hit 5 of 11 3-pointers. Dane Bradshaw's 3 with 5:45 left pulled the Vols (15-8, 3-5) within 79-65, but it wasn't enough. "We were undersized down low," Bradshaw said. "Sometimes that can be exposed when you go up against future NBA players like Horford and Noah. There were times we weren't sure that the bigs could make the outside shots consistently. They started the game with some nice 15-foot jumpers; that opened it up for them." That's the shot Horford has been honing this season: "That was one of the reasons why I came back to school, to polish off my offensive game, and I just try to work on that every day." Forward Corey Brewer bruised his left knee when he fell with 1:01 remaining. He's expected to practice Monday and play in Florida's next game, Wednesday at Georgia. UF remained the only undefeated team in SEC play and extended the nation's longest winning streak to 14. It has won 16 in a row at home and is off to its best conference start in school history. Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070204.0050.LDC2009T13::2	 HORFORD DOMINATES VOLUNTEERS GAINESVILLE In Billy Donovan's mind, junior Al Horford is one of the most underrated players in the nation. He can dominate in the paint, hit 15-foot jumpers and has learned this season to effectively use his left (nondominant) hand. Bruce Pearl surely does appreciate what the 6-foot-10 center can do. "He's a man," Tennessee's coach said. "A man." Horford scored a career-high 22 and had 13 rebounds (his ninth double double of the season) and five assists to lead No.\u2009\u20091 Florida to a 94-78 win in front of 12,222 at the O'Connell Center Saturday. "Al played like a monster tonight, getting rebounds, getting putbacks, just making great post moves, taking the ball out to the guards," UF junior guard Taurean Green said. "He just played a great all-around game. He plays like that, can't nobody stop him." UT couldn't stop Horford, or post players Joakim Noah and Chris Richard. Florida led 50-24 at halftime and outrebounded the Vols 26-6 (43-26 for the game). Horford and Noah combined for six blocks, Noah had 19 points and six rebounds and Richard added seven rebounds. "From a size standpoint, we were so challenged to stop those guys inside," Pearl said. Unlike Wednesday against Vanderbilt when the Gators (21-2, 8-0 SEC) played a horrendous first half and trailed by double digits, they scored the first nine Saturday and midway through the first half led 26-9. "They elected not to double down and Al made some great moves," Donovan said. "He also made some great passes. He got Taurean a 3, he got Walter Hodge a 3. He got different people shots. He played very, very well." In UT's defense, it was playing without sophomore guard Chris Lofton, the league's leading scorer (21.5 points a game), who missed his fourth game with an ankle injury. Tennessee increased its pressing defense in the second half and hit 5 of 11 3-pointers. Dane Bradshaw's 3 with 5:45 left pulled the Vols (15-8, 3-5) within 79-65, but it wasn't enough. "We were undersized down low," Bradshaw said. "Sometimes that can be exposed when you go up against future NBA players like Horford and Noah. There were times we weren't sure that the bigs could make the outside shots consistently. They started the game with some nice 15-foot jumpers; that opened it up for them." That's the shot Horford has been honing this season: "That was one of the reasons why I came back to school, to polish off my offensive game, and I just try to work on that every day." Forward Corey Brewer bruised his left knee when he fell with 1:01 remaining. He's expected to practice Monday and play in Florida's next game, Wednesday at Georgia. UF remained the only undefeated team in SEC play and extended the nation's longest winning streak to 14. It has won 16 in a row at home and is off to its best conference start in school history. Antonya English can be reached at englishsptimes.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070203.0012.LDC2009T13::1	 New Studies Say AP Works WASHINGTON The College Board releases its annual Advanced Placement Report to the Nation next week. For us AP and IB (International Baccalaureate) dorks, it is the equivalent of the Academy Awards. For those of you new to this obsession, AP and IB are courses and tests given to high school students that are designed to be the equivalent of introductory college courses in about two dozen subjects. They impress selective-college admissions offices. If the students do well on the tests, they can earn college credits and skip introductory courses for more advanced stuff when they get to college. This year there was a bonus in the Report to the Nation. In the advance copy for reporters, I saw a reference to two new studies of AP in Texas that appeared to break new ground. Since these were reports by independent researchers, I sought them out and asked to see their work. The result was a story I wrote for The Post. Here are the first paragraphs: ``In the midst of a national debate over whether Advanced Placement courses place too much pressure on U.S. high school students, a team of Texas researchers have concluded the difficult courses and three-hour exams are worth it. ``In the largest study ever of the impact of AP on college success, which looked at 222,289 students from all backgrounds attending a wide range of Texas universities, the researchers said they found 'strong evidence of benefits to students who participate in both AP courses and exams in terms of higher GPAs, credit hours earned and four-year graduation rates.' ``A separate University of Texas study of 24,941 students said those who used their AP credits to take more advanced courses in college had better grades in those courses than similar students who took college introductory courses instead of AP in 10 subjects. '' 'Both of these papers are home runs. They definitely settle a lot,' said Joseph Hawkins, an AP expert who is senior study director for the private research firm Westat in Rockville, Md. ``The new studies run counter to an unpublished Harvard University and University of Virginia study that casts doubt on the worth of AP science courses and contradict some critics who say that high school courses, even with an AP label, cannot match the depth of college introductory courses.'' Here are the most interesting parts of the studies: 1. AP students v. non-AP students Both studies attempted to put this competition on a level playing field by comparing the college success of AP students to those non-AP students (or AP students who did not take the AP exam) who were similar in important ways. The larger study, by University of Texas researchers Linda Hargrove and Barbara Dodd and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board researcher Donn Godin, compared students with about the same SAT or ACT scores, or similar family economic circumstances. But Saul Geiser, the University of California scholar who produced his own massive AP and college success study in 2004, said these comparisons are still a problem. ``The main technical issue that bedevils not only the Texas studies but all research of this kind concerns the question of selection bias: To what extent is AP students' success in college a reflection of the AP program itself (a 'program effect') as opposed to the personal characteristics of the students selected for the program (a 'selection effect')?'' he asked. ``This question is particularly important in evaluating AP because the program historically has targeted 'better,' academically stronger students who could be expected to perform well in college even without AP. ``Both of the Texas studies attempt to address the problem of selection bias by 'matching' AP and non-AP students on other measures, primarily SAT scores, in order to control for student background characteristics. But neither study controls for a sufficiently robust set of student characteristics to rule out the hypothesis that selection effects account for most of the relationship between AP and college outcomes.'' 2. How AP affects success in the next college course This is the part of the second Texas study, by University of Texas researchers Leslie Keng and Dodd, that attempts to shed light on the debate over whether AP and IB students deserve college credit and a chance to skip to a more advanced college course. Many selective schools allow only students with the highest grade, a 5, on the AP exam to get credit. Some insist that their introductory courses are so special that no AP grade is high enough. But the amount of research they have devoted to proving their point is laughingly small. Harvard made a rule that only 5s will count -- and only if a student is going for sophomore standing -- based on one study of three courses that showed AP students not doing as well as students who first took the college's intro course. A few colleges have data from a similarly small number of courses that show the AP or IB students do better on the advanced course than students who have taken the college's intro course. But most colleges have no data. When you ask them on what they rest their restrictive rules, they shrug and say the faculty wanted it that way. The Texas study has to be read very carefully, because although it concludes that students who received AP credit in 10 subjects at UT did better in the advanced course than students who first took the intro course, picking the right advanced course for the researchers to gather data from and study was difficult, and in some cases, with some categories of student, the triumph of the AP kids is not so clear. 3. The worthiness of AP science In a November column, I discussed in detail a yet-unpublished study by Harvard researcher Philip Sadler and University of Virginia researcher Robert Tai. They surveyed a relatively small sample of AP science students at 63 colleges and concluded that their AP experience did not help them much, if at all, in similar college introductory courses. They sadly did not look at AP students who took advanced college courses, so their work cannot be directly compared to the UT study, but theirs and the Texas study are going to be the principal pieces of evidence in debates on this issue. 4. Extra grade points for AP Geiser shares with me, and most of the AP teachers I know, the view that AP students should be encouraged to take the AP exams. This is sometimes difficult because the seniors who often take AP have their exams scheduled in May, after they have gotten into college, after the weather has turned warm, and just as senioritis season reaches its peak. The Texas researchers, like Geiser and others who have looked at this, have convincing evidence that it is working hard to understand the material and getting good grades on the AP exams that correlates with college success, not just taking the course. 5. AP vs. Dual Enrollment Dual enrollment -- a common term for courses taken at local colleges, or conducted by local colleges, for high school students -- takes a major hit in the Keng-Dodd study. This is a very important issue. Former U.S. Education Department researcher Cliff Adelman, the guru of college completion data, had these thoughts: ``I am not overly surprised that dual-enrollment courses don't have the same impact as AP. I'll put good money on the table that dual-enrollment courses are capturing a somewhat different population. What would be interesting would be to compare the education histories of students who took dual-enrollment course X at a local community college while in high school with those who entered the community college and took it there, and then to divide the latter group into those who transferred to the 4-year sector and those who didn't.'' 6. AP and students who speak Spanish at home I occasionally get e-mails from readers who think it is unfair that Spanish-speaking students are allowed to take the AP Spanish exam designed for English-speaking students struggling to master that language in high school. My standard answer is that being bilingual, as these students are, is a valuable academic skill and they should get some credit for it, just as I would not begrudge the 5 on AP biology credited to a girl whose mother the DNA expert has been letting her help in the lab since she was five. But there is more interesting data in the Texas AP studies that touches on this, since there were plenty of Spanish-speaking AP students in their large sample. Many students -- almost 2,000 in one cohort -- took the AP exam but not the AP course, extremely rare in AP courses other than Spanish. Chrys Dougherty, director of research at the National Center for Educational Accountability in Austin, Texas, noticed something else. In the larger of the two studies, ``the correlation between AP exam grades and college outcomes seems to go away for students with lower prior SAT scores. This may well be due to the large number of native Spanish speakers in Texas who earn credit on the AP Spanish exam, but who may not be well prepared in or take AP exams in other subjects, and who thus would populate the statewide group of high AP exam scorers with low SAT scores.'' What does it all mean? It will take some time to figure that out. There is too much data here to absorb all at once, and we are likely to see an acceleration of research on AP and IB, given their growing importance, that is going to make it hard for even us devotees to keep up. One of my favorite fellow AP addicts is Joseph Hawkins, the senior study director I quoted in my news article. An educational activist who has studied AP results among minority students, Hawkins believes it is not so much what is learned in AP, but the act of struggling with a difficult course that adds the most value. ``So taking AP courses and exams is highly associated with college outcomes down the road,'' he said, summing up this research. ``But I think this happens not just because the kids who take these courses learn stuff and master knowledge (college level work), but because these kids also in the process become better learners, students, scholars. They end up mastering the importance of working hard, clearly something that will serve them well in college and later in life.'' 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20070203.0012.LDC2009T13::2	 New Studies Say AP Works WASHINGTON The College Board releases its annual Advanced Placement Report to the Nation next week. For us AP and IB (International Baccalaureate) dorks, it is the equivalent of the Academy Awards. For those of you new to this obsession, AP and IB are courses and tests given to high school students that are designed to be the equivalent of introductory college courses in about two dozen subjects. They impress selective-college admissions offices. If the students do well on the tests, they can earn college credits and skip introductory courses for more advanced stuff when they get to college. This year there was a bonus in the Report to the Nation. In the advance copy for reporters, I saw a reference to two new studies of AP in Texas that appeared to break new ground. Since these were reports by independent researchers, I sought them out and asked to see their work. The result was a story I wrote for The Post. Here are the first paragraphs: ``In the midst of a national debate over whether Advanced Placement courses place too much pressure on U.S. high school students, a team of Texas researchers have concluded the difficult courses and three-hour exams are worth it. ``In the largest study ever of the impact of AP on college success, which looked at 222,289 students from all backgrounds attending a wide range of Texas universities, the researchers said they found 'strong evidence of benefits to students who participate in both AP courses and exams in terms of higher GPAs, credit hours earned and four-year graduation rates.' ``A separate University of Texas study of 24,941 students said those who used their AP credits to take more advanced courses in college had better grades in those courses than similar students who took college introductory courses instead of AP in 10 subjects. '' 'Both of these papers are home runs. They definitely settle a lot,' said Joseph Hawkins, an AP expert who is senior study director for the private research firm Westat in Rockville, Md. ``The new studies run counter to an unpublished Harvard University and University of Virginia study that casts doubt on the worth of AP science courses and contradict some critics who say that high school courses, even with an AP label, cannot match the depth of college introductory courses.'' Here are the most interesting parts of the studies: 1. AP students v. non-AP students Both studies attempted to put this competition on a level playing field by comparing the college success of AP students to those non-AP students (or AP students who did not take the AP exam) who were similar in important ways. The larger study, by University of Texas researchers Linda Hargrove and Barbara Dodd and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board researcher Donn Godin, compared students with about the same SAT or ACT scores, or similar family economic circumstances. But Saul Geiser, the University of California scholar who produced his own massive AP and college success study in 2004, said these comparisons are still a problem. ``The main technical issue that bedevils not only the Texas studies but all research of this kind concerns the question of selection bias: To what extent is AP students' success in college a reflection of the AP program itself (a 'program effect') as opposed to the personal characteristics of the students selected for the program (a 'selection effect')?'' he asked. ``This question is particularly important in evaluating AP because the program historically has targeted 'better,' academically stronger students who could be expected to perform well in college even without AP. ``Both of the Texas studies attempt to address the problem of selection bias by 'matching' AP and non-AP students on other measures, primarily SAT scores, in order to control for student background characteristics. But neither study controls for a sufficiently robust set of student characteristics to rule out the hypothesis that selection effects account for most of the relationship between AP and college outcomes.'' 2. How AP affects success in the next college course This is the part of the second Texas study, by University of Texas researchers Leslie Keng and Dodd, that attempts to shed light on the debate over whether AP and IB students deserve college credit and a chance to skip to a more advanced college course. Many selective schools allow only students with the highest grade, a 5, on the AP exam to get credit. Some insist that their introductory courses are so special that no AP grade is high enough. But the amount of research they have devoted to proving their point is laughingly small. Harvard made a rule that only 5s will count -- and only if a student is going for sophomore standing -- based on one study of three courses that showed AP students not doing as well as students who first took the college's intro course. A few colleges have data from a similarly small number of courses that show the AP or IB students do better on the advanced course than students who have taken the college's intro course. But most colleges have no data. When you ask them on what they rest their restrictive rules, they shrug and say the faculty wanted it that way. The Texas study has to be read very carefully, because although it concludes that students who received AP credit in 10 subjects at UT did better in the advanced course than students who first took the intro course, picking the right advanced course for the researchers to gather data from and study was difficult, and in some cases, with some categories of student, the triumph of the AP kids is not so clear. 3. The worthiness of AP science In a November column, I discussed in detail a yet-unpublished study by Harvard researcher Philip Sadler and University of Virginia researcher Robert Tai. They surveyed a relatively small sample of AP science students at 63 colleges and concluded that their AP experience did not help them much, if at all, in similar college introductory courses. They sadly did not look at AP students who took advanced college courses, so their work cannot be directly compared to the UT study, but theirs and the Texas study are going to be the principal pieces of evidence in debates on this issue. 4. Extra grade points for AP Geiser shares with me, and most of the AP teachers I know, the view that AP students should be encouraged to take the AP exams. This is sometimes difficult because the seniors who often take AP have their exams scheduled in May, after they have gotten into college, after the weather has turned warm, and just as senioritis season reaches its peak. The Texas researchers, like Geiser and others who have looked at this, have convincing evidence that it is working hard to understand the material and getting good grades on the AP exams that correlates with college success, not just taking the course. 5. AP vs. Dual Enrollment Dual enrollment -- a common term for courses taken at local colleges, or conducted by local colleges, for high school students -- takes a major hit in the Keng-Dodd study. This is a very important issue. Former U.S. Education Department researcher Cliff Adelman, the guru of college completion data, had these thoughts: ``I am not overly surprised that dual-enrollment courses don't have the same impact as AP. I'll put good money on the table that dual-enrollment courses are capturing a somewhat different population. What would be interesting would be to compare the education histories of students who took dual-enrollment course X at a local community college while in high school with those who entered the community college and took it there, and then to divide the latter group into those who transferred to the 4-year sector and those who didn't.'' 6. AP and students who speak Spanish at home I occasionally get e-mails from readers who think it is unfair that Spanish-speaking students are allowed to take the AP Spanish exam designed for English-speaking students struggling to master that language in high school. My standard answer is that being bilingual, as these students are, is a valuable academic skill and they should get some credit for it, just as I would not begrudge the 5 on AP biology credited to a girl whose mother the DNA expert has been letting her help in the lab since she was five. But there is more interesting data in the Texas AP studies that touches on this, since there were plenty of Spanish-speaking AP students in their large sample. Many students -- almost 2,000 in one cohort -- took the AP exam but not the AP course, extremely rare in AP courses other than Spanish. Chrys Dougherty, director of research at the National Center for Educational Accountability in Austin, Texas, noticed something else. In the larger of the two studies, ``the correlation between AP exam grades and college outcomes seems to go away for students with lower prior SAT scores. This may well be due to the large number of native Spanish speakers in Texas who earn credit on the AP Spanish exam, but who may not be well prepared in or take AP exams in other subjects, and who thus would populate the statewide group of high AP exam scorers with low SAT scores.'' What does it all mean? It will take some time to figure that out. There is too much data here to absorb all at once, and we are likely to see an acceleration of research on AP and IB, given their growing importance, that is going to make it hard for even us devotees to keep up. One of my favorite fellow AP addicts is Joseph Hawkins, the senior study director I quoted in my news article. An educational activist who has studied AP results among minority students, Hawkins believes it is not so much what is learned in AP, but the act of struggling with a difficult course that adds the most value. ``So taking AP courses and exams is highly associated with college outcomes down the road,'' he said, summing up this research. ``But I think this happens not just because the kids who take these courses learn stuff and master knowledge (college level work), but because these kids also in the process become better learners, students, scholars. They end up mastering the importance of working hard, clearly something that will serve them well in college and later in life.'' 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070320.0099.LDC2009T13::1	 VOLS GLAD TO GET NEW SHOT AT BUCKEYES Cox News Service CBS had the game. Ohio State had the date. All the Buckeyes lacked was an opponent. And there wasn't exactly a line at the door. Last summer in Knoxville, Bruce Pearl was forced into a decision. Entering his second season, the Tennessee coach had had a 22-win debut and had even cracked the national rankings for the first time in four years. But the program, he thought, needed a more formal national introduction. So even when he knew the cost - big black eye - he called OSU and, er, volunteered his team. "The decision to play Ohio State was a program decision," Pearl said. "The game was going to be a CBS game and nobody wanted to go to Columbus to play them because it was like scheduling a loss. "But when you're at a place like Tennessee and you're not on the radar nationally, you've got to do things like that." And at least in part due to that decision, Tennessee gets to play Ohio State again Thursday in the NCAA South Regional semifinals. The Vols lost by two points that Jan. 13 in Columbus but the game remains meaningful, perhaps the most important date of the season. To that point, UT had lost to North Carolina by 14 and to Butler by a dozen, and though the Vols had handled Memphis in early December, the 68-66 loss to Ohio State demonstrated to the team it could play with No. 1. "In retrospect," said Pearl, "just even being competitive in that game won us some respect and, in some ways, helped us advance." That is not to say the afternoon in Value City Arena was painless. Tennessee led 66-65 with 23.9 seconds left when Chris Lofton went to the foul line in a one-and-one situation. He missed the front end, Ohio State's Ron Lewis hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and on UT's last try, freshman Ramar Smith's off- balance try from the lane was off target. Tennessee had shot 39 percent and made just 5 of 11 free throws. It had been out-rebounded 46-30. Ohio State center Greg Oden had played his best game to date (24 points, 15 rebounds). And still, the Vols had enough to have won the game. "Those were the cards we had to play," Pearl said. "And it got us to within a possession of beating them." "We always try to take it one game at a time but you can't help but look at the brackets," Tennessee freshman forward Duke Crews said Sunday after Tennessee defeated Virginia in the second round, back again in Columbus. "It motivated us to know we could play Ohio State again. We wanted that OSU game bad. We have matured a lot as a team between now and then. So we will be ready." After Jan, 13, Tennessee did not lose on its home floor and beat Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and Vanderbilt, all NCAA qualifiers. Lofton rebounded from the missed foul shot to become SEC player of the year. Ohio State hardly stood still either. The Buckeyes' strongest month was their last month, as Oden's surgically repaired right wrist has improved. "I don't know how many more adjustments I'm going to be able to make because the way we played them was the way I thought we needed to beat them," Pearl said. "I think Ohio State has changed a lot." Playing on the same OSU floor last weekend - the Value City floor was transported to the Nationwide Arena for the NCAA regional - Lofton made his free throws last Sunday, converting six straight in the final 18 seconds to hold off Virginia. "He redeemed himself on the Ohio State court that we've all kind of joked with him about," senior guard Dane Bradshaw said. "Coach nicknamed him 'Buckeye."' Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::NYT_ENG_20070320.0099.LDC2009T13::2	 VOLS GLAD TO GET NEW SHOT AT BUCKEYES Cox News Service CBS had the game. Ohio State had the date. All the Buckeyes lacked was an opponent. And there wasn't exactly a line at the door. Last summer in Knoxville, Bruce Pearl was forced into a decision. Entering his second season, the Tennessee coach had had a 22-win debut and had even cracked the national rankings for the first time in four years. But the program, he thought, needed a more formal national introduction. So even when he knew the cost - big black eye - he called OSU and, er, volunteered his team. "The decision to play Ohio State was a program decision," Pearl said. "The game was going to be a CBS game and nobody wanted to go to Columbus to play them because it was like scheduling a loss. "But when you're at a place like Tennessee and you're not on the radar nationally, you've got to do things like that." And at least in part due to that decision, Tennessee gets to play Ohio State again Thursday in the NCAA South Regional semifinals. The Vols lost by two points that Jan. 13 in Columbus but the game remains meaningful, perhaps the most important date of the season. To that point, UT had lost to North Carolina by 14 and to Butler by a dozen, and though the Vols had handled Memphis in early December, the 68-66 loss to Ohio State demonstrated to the team it could play with No. 1. "In retrospect," said Pearl, "just even being competitive in that game won us some respect and, in some ways, helped us advance." That is not to say the afternoon in Value City Arena was painless. Tennessee led 66-65 with 23.9 seconds left when Chris Lofton went to the foul line in a one-and-one situation. He missed the front end, Ohio State's Ron Lewis hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and on UT's last try, freshman Ramar Smith's off- balance try from the lane was off target. Tennessee had shot 39 percent and made just 5 of 11 free throws. It had been out-rebounded 46-30. Ohio State center Greg Oden had played his best game to date (24 points, 15 rebounds). And still, the Vols had enough to have won the game. "Those were the cards we had to play," Pearl said. "And it got us to within a possession of beating them." "We always try to take it one game at a time but you can't help but look at the brackets," Tennessee freshman forward Duke Crews said Sunday after Tennessee defeated Virginia in the second round, back again in Columbus. "It motivated us to know we could play Ohio State again. We wanted that OSU game bad. We have matured a lot as a team between now and then. So we will be ready." After Jan, 13, Tennessee did not lose on its home floor and beat Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and Vanderbilt, all NCAA qualifiers. Lofton rebounded from the missed foul shot to become SEC player of the year. Ohio State hardly stood still either. The Buckeyes' strongest month was their last month, as Oden's surgically repaired right wrist has improved. "I don't know how many more adjustments I'm going to be able to make because the way we played them was the way I thought we needed to beat them," Pearl said. "I think Ohio State has changed a lot." Playing on the same OSU floor last weekend - the Value City floor was transported to the Nationwide Arena for the NCAA regional - Lofton made his free throws last Sunday, converting six straight in the final 18 seconds to hold off Virginia. "He redeemed himself on the Ohio State court that we've all kind of joked with him about," senior guard Dane Bradshaw said. "Coach nicknamed him 'Buckeye."' Thomas Stinson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tstinson AT ajc.com. 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080321.0144.LDC2009T13::1	 U. of California Regents Nominate Texas' Yudof But UC regents who nominated the current head of the University of Texas system on Thursday to that top UC post said they had confidence in Yudof's leadership abilities in both good and bad times. "Mark Yudof, besides being a brilliant lawyer and visionary president, also has a history of being a good manager," said UC Board of Regents Chairman Richard Blum, who also headed the search panel that recommended Yudof after a two-hour closed-door meeting. Yudof, 63, is a legal scholar who has been chancellor of the Texas system since 2002 and was head of the University of Minnesota before that, navigating money crises in both states. An expert in freedom of expression and education law, he previously was provost and law school dean at the University of Texas at Austin. Yudof attended the search panel meeting Thursday and then left the meeting hall at UC San Francisco by a side entrance without making any statements.He will likely speak publicly after his expected approval by the regents at a meeting next Thursday. Blum said the search committee "enthusiastically endorsed" Yudof as a successor to Robert C. Dynes, who is retiring in June. In researching Yudof, Blum said he never heard anything negative. "The only comment I ever received back," he said, "was, `You'll never get him, but if you do get him, he's the best guy.' " Blum declined to answer questions about Yudof's compensation other than stating: "He's expensive." Dynes' salary was $405,000, and his total compensation was $434,166 last year. Yudof's salary last year at Texas was $476,400 and deferred compensation and benefits brought the total to $742,209, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. About $70,000 of that was state funds and the rest was from privately financed endowments, according to a University of Texas spokesman. Yudof's salary has raised criticism in the UT system, which enrolls 194,000 students at nine university campuses and six medical and health centers. A high salary could be touchy in California as state government struggles with a budget deficit that could chew into UC funding. In addition, the 220,000-student UC system suffered bad publicity two years ago over executive compensation policies that legislators called too secretive and extravagant. Terry Hartle, senior vice president for the American Council on Education, has known Yudof for many years and said his experience at two big public universities prepared him well for UC. Among Yudof's challenges will be to restore confidence in the wake of the compensation controversy and to assure funding "particularly now as the economy hits a rough spot. "This is a very big challenge," he said, "but the University of California is the most visible, most highly regarded public university system in the world. It is probably a challenge he really wanted to take on." In telephone interviews Thursday, Texas professors and officials said UT's loss is UC's gain. Steven Goode, a veteran law professor at UT, said Yudof "is widely admired for his judgment and administrative skill in leading the system." Especially useful for California, Goode added, is Yudof's budget savvy. He helped win approval of a plan that took from the legislature the power to set student fees and gave that to the universities, a move that was "quite important for fiscal solvency," Goode said. However, Yudof lost on a related proposal to waive tuition for students from families earning less than $41,000 a year. A Philadelphia native with a dry wit and distinct Northeastener style, Yudof might have been first seen as not fitting well with the Texan legal community, but he performed "an amazing job in building ties with the alumni," Goode said. Another UT law professor, Jack Sampson, predicted that Yudof would adapt well to California as he did to Texas and Minnesota. "Each place he has been has had all this regret and bewailing the fact that he moved on. That kind of tells you something about his ability to come up with ideas and to sell them to a widely diverse group of people with different interests." Gordon reported from Los Angeles and Paddock from San Francisco. 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080321.0144.LDC2009T13::2	 U. of California Regents Nominate Texas' Yudof But UC regents who nominated the current head of the University of Texas system on Thursday to that top UC post said they had confidence in Yudof's leadership abilities in both good and bad times. "Mark Yudof, besides being a brilliant lawyer and visionary president, also has a history of being a good manager," said UC Board of Regents Chairman Richard Blum, who also headed the search panel that recommended Yudof after a two-hour closed-door meeting. Yudof, 63, is a legal scholar who has been chancellor of the Texas system since 2002 and was head of the University of Minnesota before that, navigating money crises in both states. An expert in freedom of expression and education law, he previously was provost and law school dean at the University of Texas at Austin. Yudof attended the search panel meeting Thursday and then left the meeting hall at UC San Francisco by a side entrance without making any statements.He will likely speak publicly after his expected approval by the regents at a meeting next Thursday. Blum said the search committee "enthusiastically endorsed" Yudof as a successor to Robert C. Dynes, who is retiring in June. In researching Yudof, Blum said he never heard anything negative. "The only comment I ever received back," he said, "was, `You'll never get him, but if you do get him, he's the best guy.' " Blum declined to answer questions about Yudof's compensation other than stating: "He's expensive." Dynes' salary was $405,000, and his total compensation was $434,166 last year. Yudof's salary last year at Texas was $476,400 and deferred compensation and benefits brought the total to $742,209, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. About $70,000 of that was state funds and the rest was from privately financed endowments, according to a University of Texas spokesman. Yudof's salary has raised criticism in the UT system, which enrolls 194,000 students at nine university campuses and six medical and health centers. A high salary could be touchy in California as state government struggles with a budget deficit that could chew into UC funding. In addition, the 220,000-student UC system suffered bad publicity two years ago over executive compensation policies that legislators called too secretive and extravagant. Terry Hartle, senior vice president for the American Council on Education, has known Yudof for many years and said his experience at two big public universities prepared him well for UC. Among Yudof's challenges will be to restore confidence in the wake of the compensation controversy and to assure funding "particularly now as the economy hits a rough spot. "This is a very big challenge," he said, "but the University of California is the most visible, most highly regarded public university system in the world. It is probably a challenge he really wanted to take on." In telephone interviews Thursday, Texas professors and officials said UT's loss is UC's gain. Steven Goode, a veteran law professor at UT, said Yudof "is widely admired for his judgment and administrative skill in leading the system." Especially useful for California, Goode added, is Yudof's budget savvy. He helped win approval of a plan that took from the legislature the power to set student fees and gave that to the universities, a move that was "quite important for fiscal solvency," Goode said. However, Yudof lost on a related proposal to waive tuition for students from families earning less than $41,000 a year. A Philadelphia native with a dry wit and distinct Northeastener style, Yudof might have been first seen as not fitting well with the Texan legal community, but he performed "an amazing job in building ties with the alumni," Goode said. Another UT law professor, Jack Sampson, predicted that Yudof would adapt well to California as he did to Texas and Minnesota. "Each place he has been has had all this regret and bewailing the fact that he moved on. That kind of tells you something about his ability to come up with ideas and to sell them to a widely diverse group of people with different interests." Gordon reported from Los Angeles and Paddock from San Francisco. 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080321.0144.LDC2009T13::3	 U. of California Regents Nominate Texas' Yudof But UC regents who nominated the current head of the University of Texas system on Thursday to that top UC post said they had confidence in Yudof's leadership abilities in both good and bad times. "Mark Yudof, besides being a brilliant lawyer and visionary president, also has a history of being a good manager," said UC Board of Regents Chairman Richard Blum, who also headed the search panel that recommended Yudof after a two-hour closed-door meeting. Yudof, 63, is a legal scholar who has been chancellor of the Texas system since 2002 and was head of the University of Minnesota before that, navigating money crises in both states. An expert in freedom of expression and education law, he previously was provost and law school dean at the University of Texas at Austin. Yudof attended the search panel meeting Thursday and then left the meeting hall at UC San Francisco by a side entrance without making any statements.He will likely speak publicly after his expected approval by the regents at a meeting next Thursday. Blum said the search committee "enthusiastically endorsed" Yudof as a successor to Robert C. Dynes, who is retiring in June. In researching Yudof, Blum said he never heard anything negative. "The only comment I ever received back," he said, "was, `You'll never get him, but if you do get him, he's the best guy.' " Blum declined to answer questions about Yudof's compensation other than stating: "He's expensive." Dynes' salary was $405,000, and his total compensation was $434,166 last year. Yudof's salary last year at Texas was $476,400 and deferred compensation and benefits brought the total to $742,209, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. About $70,000 of that was state funds and the rest was from privately financed endowments, according to a University of Texas spokesman. Yudof's salary has raised criticism in the UT system, which enrolls 194,000 students at nine university campuses and six medical and health centers. A high salary could be touchy in California as state government struggles with a budget deficit that could chew into UC funding. In addition, the 220,000-student UC system suffered bad publicity two years ago over executive compensation policies that legislators called too secretive and extravagant. Terry Hartle, senior vice president for the American Council on Education, has known Yudof for many years and said his experience at two big public universities prepared him well for UC. Among Yudof's challenges will be to restore confidence in the wake of the compensation controversy and to assure funding "particularly now as the economy hits a rough spot. "This is a very big challenge," he said, "but the University of California is the most visible, most highly regarded public university system in the world. It is probably a challenge he really wanted to take on." In telephone interviews Thursday, Texas professors and officials said UT's loss is UC's gain. Steven Goode, a veteran law professor at UT, said Yudof "is widely admired for his judgment and administrative skill in leading the system." Especially useful for California, Goode added, is Yudof's budget savvy. He helped win approval of a plan that took from the legislature the power to set student fees and gave that to the universities, a move that was "quite important for fiscal solvency," Goode said. However, Yudof lost on a related proposal to waive tuition for students from families earning less than $41,000 a year. A Philadelphia native with a dry wit and distinct Northeastener style, Yudof might have been first seen as not fitting well with the Texan legal community, but he performed "an amazing job in building ties with the alumni," Goode said. Another UT law professor, Jack Sampson, predicted that Yudof would adapt well to California as he did to Texas and Minnesota. "Each place he has been has had all this regret and bewailing the fact that he moved on. That kind of tells you something about his ability to come up with ideas and to sell them to a widely diverse group of people with different interests." Gordon reported from Los Angeles and Paddock from San Francisco. 
UT::ospd_GW::LTW_ENG_20080321.0144.LDC2009T13::4	 U. of California Regents Nominate Texas' Yudof But UC regents who nominated the current head of the University of Texas system on Thursday to that top UC post said they had confidence in Yudof's leadership abilities in both good and bad times. "Mark Yudof, besides being a brilliant lawyer and visionary president, also has a history of being a good manager," said UC Board of Regents Chairman Richard Blum, who also headed the search panel that recommended Yudof after a two-hour closed-door meeting. Yudof, 63, is a legal scholar who has been chancellor of the Texas system since 2002 and was head of the University of Minnesota before that, navigating money crises in both states. An expert in freedom of expression and education law, he previously was provost and law school dean at the University of Texas at Austin. Yudof attended the search panel meeting Thursday and then left the meeting hall at UC San Francisco by a side entrance without making any statements.He will likely speak publicly after his expected approval by the regents at a meeting next Thursday. Blum said the search committee "enthusiastically endorsed" Yudof as a successor to Robert C. Dynes, who is retiring in June. In researching Yudof, Blum said he never heard anything negative. "The only comment I ever received back," he said, "was, `You'll never get him, but if you do get him, he's the best guy.' " Blum declined to answer questions about Yudof's compensation other than stating: "He's expensive." Dynes' salary was $405,000, and his total compensation was $434,166 last year. Yudof's salary last year at Texas was $476,400 and deferred compensation and benefits brought the total to $742,209, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. About $70,000 of that was state funds and the rest was from privately financed endowments, according to a University of Texas spokesman. Yudof's salary has raised criticism in the UT system, which enrolls 194,000 students at nine university campuses and six medical and health centers. A high salary could be touchy in California as state government struggles with a budget deficit that could chew into UC funding. In addition, the 220,000-student UC system suffered bad publicity two years ago over executive compensation policies that legislators called too secretive and extravagant. Terry Hartle, senior vice president for the American Council on Education, has known Yudof for many years and said his experience at two big public universities prepared him well for UC. Among Yudof's challenges will be to restore confidence in the wake of the compensation controversy and to assure funding "particularly now as the economy hits a rough spot. "This is a very big challenge," he said, "but the University of California is the most visible, most highly regarded public university system in the world. It is probably a challenge he really wanted to take on." In telephone interviews Thursday, Texas professors and officials said UT's loss is UC's gain. Steven Goode, a veteran law professor at UT, said Yudof "is widely admired for his judgment and administrative skill in leading the system." Especially useful for California, Goode added, is Yudof's budget savvy. He helped win approval of a plan that took from the legislature the power to set student fees and gave that to the universities, a move that was "quite important for fiscal solvency," Goode said. However, Yudof lost on a related proposal to waive tuition for students from families earning less than $41,000 a year. A Philadelphia native with a dry wit and distinct Northeastener style, Yudof might have been first seen as not fitting well with the Texan legal community, but he performed "an amazing job in building ties with the alumni," Goode said. Another UT law professor, Jack Sampson, predicted that Yudof would adapt well to California as he did to Texas and Minnesota. "Each place he has been has had all this regret and bewailing the fact that he moved on. That kind of tells you something about his ability to come up with ideas and to sell them to a widely diverse group of people with different interests." Gordon reported from Los Angeles and Paddock from San Francisco. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080420.0076.LDC2009T13::1	 Two shot dead at political meeting in Lebanon by Hassan Jarrah Two activists close to Lebanon's anti-Syrian parliamentary majority were shot dead on Sunday at the opening of a party headquarters in the eastern town of Zahle, a security official said.Salim Assi and Nasri al-Murani, both members of the Christian Phalange party which is part of the ruling coalition, were killed in a shooting during the inauguration of a Phalange office, the official said on condition of anonymity. Three other Phalange supporters were wounded in the shooting, which took place at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event, a Phalange spokeswoman told AFP. Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, was refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point, the official added. Lebanese security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding, the official said. An AFP correspondent in the area said that the entire city of Zahle has been cordoned off with the army setting up checkpoints throughout and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. "Today the situation is tense and sensitive, so we would prefer not to comment at this time. . . our priority is to maintain calm in the country," said Zahle Christian opposition MP Salim Aoun, adding that an official statement would be released on Monday. Sami Gemayel, the son of Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel, had just left the event at the time of the shooting. The former president's son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in November 2006. The deaths came amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war with the Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the rump pro-Western cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The impasse has left the country without a president since pro- Syrian incumbent Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term in November. A total of 17 sessions called to elect a new president have proved abortive. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place. The army chief, General Michel Sleiman, has emerged as the consensus candidate for the post but the two sides are still feuding over the makeup of a new cabinet. The wrangling has at times spilled over into street clashes raising fears of a return to civil unrest. Six people were killed in street fighting in Janurary. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080420.0076.LDC2009T13::2	 Two shot dead at political meeting in Lebanon by Hassan Jarrah Two activists close to Lebanon's anti-Syrian parliamentary majority were shot dead on Sunday at the opening of a party headquarters in the eastern town of Zahle, a security official said.Salim Assi and Nasri al-Murani, both members of the Christian Phalange party which is part of the ruling coalition, were killed in a shooting during the inauguration of a Phalange office, the official said on condition of anonymity. Three other Phalange supporters were wounded in the shooting, which took place at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event, a Phalange spokeswoman told AFP. Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, was refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point, the official added. Lebanese security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding, the official said. An AFP correspondent in the area said that the entire city of Zahle has been cordoned off with the army setting up checkpoints throughout and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. "Today the situation is tense and sensitive, so we would prefer not to comment at this time. . . our priority is to maintain calm in the country," said Zahle Christian opposition MP Salim Aoun, adding that an official statement would be released on Monday. Sami Gemayel, the son of Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel, had just left the event at the time of the shooting. The former president's son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in November 2006. The deaths came amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war with the Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the rump pro-Western cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The impasse has left the country without a president since pro- Syrian incumbent Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term in November. A total of 17 sessions called to elect a new president have proved abortive. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place. The army chief, General Michel Sleiman, has emerged as the consensus candidate for the post but the two sides are still feuding over the makeup of a new cabinet. The wrangling has at times spilled over into street clashes raising fears of a return to civil unrest. Six people were killed in street fighting in Janurary. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080420.0076.LDC2009T13::3	 Two shot dead at political meeting in Lebanon by Hassan Jarrah Two activists close to Lebanon's anti-Syrian parliamentary majority were shot dead on Sunday at the opening of a party headquarters in the eastern town of Zahle, a security official said.Salim Assi and Nasri al-Murani, both members of the Christian Phalange party which is part of the ruling coalition, were killed in a shooting during the inauguration of a Phalange office, the official said on condition of anonymity. Three other Phalange supporters were wounded in the shooting, which took place at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event, a Phalange spokeswoman told AFP. Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, was refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point, the official added. Lebanese security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding, the official said. An AFP correspondent in the area said that the entire city of Zahle has been cordoned off with the army setting up checkpoints throughout and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. "Today the situation is tense and sensitive, so we would prefer not to comment at this time. . . our priority is to maintain calm in the country," said Zahle Christian opposition MP Salim Aoun, adding that an official statement would be released on Monday. Sami Gemayel, the son of Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel, had just left the event at the time of the shooting. The former president's son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in November 2006. The deaths came amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war with the Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the rump pro-Western cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The impasse has left the country without a president since pro- Syrian incumbent Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term in November. A total of 17 sessions called to elect a new president have proved abortive. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place. The army chief, General Michel Sleiman, has emerged as the consensus candidate for the post but the two sides are still feuding over the makeup of a new cabinet. The wrangling has at times spilled over into street clashes raising fears of a return to civil unrest. Six people were killed in street fighting in Janurary. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080420.0076.LDC2009T13::4	 Two shot dead at political meeting in Lebanon by Hassan Jarrah Two activists close to Lebanon's anti-Syrian parliamentary majority were shot dead on Sunday at the opening of a party headquarters in the eastern town of Zahle, a security official said.Salim Assi and Nasri al-Murani, both members of the Christian Phalange party which is part of the ruling coalition, were killed in a shooting during the inauguration of a Phalange office, the official said on condition of anonymity. Three other Phalange supporters were wounded in the shooting, which took place at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event, a Phalange spokeswoman told AFP. Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, was refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point, the official added. Lebanese security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding, the official said. An AFP correspondent in the area said that the entire city of Zahle has been cordoned off with the army setting up checkpoints throughout and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. "Today the situation is tense and sensitive, so we would prefer not to comment at this time. . . our priority is to maintain calm in the country," said Zahle Christian opposition MP Salim Aoun, adding that an official statement would be released on Monday. Sami Gemayel, the son of Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel, had just left the event at the time of the shooting. The former president's son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in November 2006. The deaths came amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war with the Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the rump pro-Western cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The impasse has left the country without a president since pro- Syrian incumbent Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term in November. A total of 17 sessions called to elect a new president have proved abortive. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place. The army chief, General Michel Sleiman, has emerged as the consensus candidate for the post but the two sides are still feuding over the makeup of a new cabinet. The wrangling has at times spilled over into street clashes raising fears of a return to civil unrest. Six people were killed in street fighting in Janurary. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080420.0076.LDC2009T13::5	 Two shot dead at political meeting in Lebanon by Hassan Jarrah Two activists close to Lebanon's anti-Syrian parliamentary majority were shot dead on Sunday at the opening of a party headquarters in the eastern town of Zahle, a security official said.Salim Assi and Nasri al-Murani, both members of the Christian Phalange party which is part of the ruling coalition, were killed in a shooting during the inauguration of a Phalange office, the official said on condition of anonymity. Three other Phalange supporters were wounded in the shooting, which took place at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event, a Phalange spokeswoman told AFP. Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, was refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point, the official added. Lebanese security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding, the official said. An AFP correspondent in the area said that the entire city of Zahle has been cordoned off with the army setting up checkpoints throughout and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. "Today the situation is tense and sensitive, so we would prefer not to comment at this time. . . our priority is to maintain calm in the country," said Zahle Christian opposition MP Salim Aoun, adding that an official statement would be released on Monday. Sami Gemayel, the son of Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel, had just left the event at the time of the shooting. The former president's son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in November 2006. The deaths came amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war with the Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the rump pro-Western cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The impasse has left the country without a president since pro- Syrian incumbent Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term in November. A total of 17 sessions called to elect a new president have proved abortive. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place. The army chief, General Michel Sleiman, has emerged as the consensus candidate for the post but the two sides are still feuding over the makeup of a new cabinet. The wrangling has at times spilled over into street clashes raising fears of a return to civil unrest. Six people were killed in street fighting in Janurary. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080421.0361.LDC2009T13::1	 Lebanese town tense after deadly shooting by Hassan Jarrah The Lebanese town of Zahle observed an official day of mourning amid tension on Monday, with political leaders trading blame after two activists were shot dead at the opening of a Phalange party headquarters.Funerals for Nasri al-Maruni and Salim Assi, whose son was among three people wounded in the Sunday evening attack, are planned for Tuesday. Both Assi and al-Maruni were supporters of the Christian Phalange party, a member of Lebanon's ruling coalition. Police named a suspect in the shooting as Joseph Zouki and said they had launched a manhunt for him. He is thought to be a supporter of Zahle MP Elie Skaff, a Christian who backs the opposition. Security sources in Zahle said that they were also looking for Zouki's brother, Toni, who they suspect was with him at the time of the shooting. A security official on Monday said Walid Zouki, a relative of Joseph, had turned himself in to the police. Although he was not an initial suspect "he seems to have had a role" in the crime, the official said. Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel called the incident a "premeditated act" in an interview on the LBC television channel. He accused the assailants' "leaders of knowing full well where they are and what they need to do to turn them into the authorities". Gemeyel held "the leaders of the opposition responsible" for the act and slammed "Christian leaders of covering up an obvious terrible plot to spark divisions and ignite a war" in alluding to what his coalition identifies as a Syrian plot to destabilize Lebanon. The former president's son Sami Gemeyel had just left the headquarter inauguration at the time of the shooting. Another son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in November 2006. Skaff rejected Gemeyel's accusations and told AFP that this was an "isolated act" and that he would "not provide protection for the assailants." He accused the Phalangists of "threatening Zouki and shooting at him. He took a bullet to the hand and his car has bullet marks on it." "His brother Toni came like a madman to his rescue. This was a question of self- defense where it was kill or be killed," he added. Intense security measures have been taken in the eastern town with all cars being searched at checkpoints in the search of Zouki and his brother, a security official said. "The security services have conducted several operations and raids where the person responsible for the attack could have taken refuge," the security official said. Lebanon's general prosecutor Abdallah al-Bitar has arrived in Zahle to conduct an investigation, an AFP correspondent in the area said. The deaths come amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Lebanon's Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Western-backed cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The wrangling has left Lebanon without a head of state since last November when pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his mandate. Seventeen attempts for MPs to meet to elect a president have failed. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place as a political agreement between the two sides has not been reached. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080421.0361.LDC2009T13::2	 Lebanese town tense after deadly shooting by Hassan Jarrah The Lebanese town of Zahle observed an official day of mourning amid tension on Monday, with political leaders trading blame after two activists were shot dead at the opening of a Phalange party headquarters.Funerals for Nasri al-Maruni and Salim Assi, whose son was among three people wounded in the Sunday evening attack, are planned for Tuesday. Both Assi and al-Maruni were supporters of the Christian Phalange party, a member of Lebanon's ruling coalition. Police named a suspect in the shooting as Joseph Zouki and said they had launched a manhunt for him. He is thought to be a supporter of Zahle MP Elie Skaff, a Christian who backs the opposition. Security sources in Zahle said that they were also looking for Zouki's brother, Toni, who they suspect was with him at the time of the shooting. A security official on Monday said Walid Zouki, a relative of Joseph, had turned himself in to the police. Although he was not an initial suspect "he seems to have had a role" in the crime, the official said. Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel called the incident a "premeditated act" in an interview on the LBC television channel. He accused the assailants' "leaders of knowing full well where they are and what they need to do to turn them into the authorities". Gemeyel held "the leaders of the opposition responsible" for the act and slammed "Christian leaders of covering up an obvious terrible plot to spark divisions and ignite a war" in alluding to what his coalition identifies as a Syrian plot to destabilize Lebanon. The former president's son Sami Gemeyel had just left the headquarter inauguration at the time of the shooting. Another son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in November 2006. Skaff rejected Gemeyel's accusations and told AFP that this was an "isolated act" and that he would "not provide protection for the assailants." He accused the Phalangists of "threatening Zouki and shooting at him. He took a bullet to the hand and his car has bullet marks on it." "His brother Toni came like a madman to his rescue. This was a question of self- defense where it was kill or be killed," he added. Intense security measures have been taken in the eastern town with all cars being searched at checkpoints in the search of Zouki and his brother, a security official said. "The security services have conducted several operations and raids where the person responsible for the attack could have taken refuge," the security official said. Lebanon's general prosecutor Abdallah al-Bitar has arrived in Zahle to conduct an investigation, an AFP correspondent in the area said. The deaths come amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Lebanon's Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Western-backed cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The wrangling has left Lebanon without a head of state since last November when pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his mandate. Seventeen attempts for MPs to meet to elect a president have failed. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place as a political agreement between the two sides has not been reached. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080421.0361.LDC2009T13::3	 Lebanese town tense after deadly shooting by Hassan Jarrah The Lebanese town of Zahle observed an official day of mourning amid tension on Monday, with political leaders trading blame after two activists were shot dead at the opening of a Phalange party headquarters.Funerals for Nasri al-Maruni and Salim Assi, whose son was among three people wounded in the Sunday evening attack, are planned for Tuesday. Both Assi and al-Maruni were supporters of the Christian Phalange party, a member of Lebanon's ruling coalition. Police named a suspect in the shooting as Joseph Zouki and said they had launched a manhunt for him. He is thought to be a supporter of Zahle MP Elie Skaff, a Christian who backs the opposition. Security sources in Zahle said that they were also looking for Zouki's brother, Toni, who they suspect was with him at the time of the shooting. A security official on Monday said Walid Zouki, a relative of Joseph, had turned himself in to the police. Although he was not an initial suspect "he seems to have had a role" in the crime, the official said. Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel called the incident a "premeditated act" in an interview on the LBC television channel. He accused the assailants' "leaders of knowing full well where they are and what they need to do to turn them into the authorities". Gemeyel held "the leaders of the opposition responsible" for the act and slammed "Christian leaders of covering up an obvious terrible plot to spark divisions and ignite a war" in alluding to what his coalition identifies as a Syrian plot to destabilize Lebanon. The former president's son Sami Gemeyel had just left the headquarter inauguration at the time of the shooting. Another son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in November 2006. Skaff rejected Gemeyel's accusations and told AFP that this was an "isolated act" and that he would "not provide protection for the assailants." He accused the Phalangists of "threatening Zouki and shooting at him. He took a bullet to the hand and his car has bullet marks on it." "His brother Toni came like a madman to his rescue. This was a question of self- defense where it was kill or be killed," he added. Intense security measures have been taken in the eastern town with all cars being searched at checkpoints in the search of Zouki and his brother, a security official said. "The security services have conducted several operations and raids where the person responsible for the attack could have taken refuge," the security official said. Lebanon's general prosecutor Abdallah al-Bitar has arrived in Zahle to conduct an investigation, an AFP correspondent in the area said. The deaths come amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Lebanon's Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Western-backed cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The wrangling has left Lebanon without a head of state since last November when pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his mandate. Seventeen attempts for MPs to meet to elect a president have failed. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place as a political agreement between the two sides has not been reached. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20080421.0361.LDC2009T13::4	 Lebanese town tense after deadly shooting by Hassan Jarrah The Lebanese town of Zahle observed an official day of mourning amid tension on Monday, with political leaders trading blame after two activists were shot dead at the opening of a Phalange party headquarters.Funerals for Nasri al-Maruni and Salim Assi, whose son was among three people wounded in the Sunday evening attack, are planned for Tuesday. Both Assi and al-Maruni were supporters of the Christian Phalange party, a member of Lebanon's ruling coalition. Police named a suspect in the shooting as Joseph Zouki and said they had launched a manhunt for him. He is thought to be a supporter of Zahle MP Elie Skaff, a Christian who backs the opposition. Security sources in Zahle said that they were also looking for Zouki's brother, Toni, who they suspect was with him at the time of the shooting. A security official on Monday said Walid Zouki, a relative of Joseph, had turned himself in to the police. Although he was not an initial suspect "he seems to have had a role" in the crime, the official said. Phalange leader and former president Amin Gemeyel called the incident a "premeditated act" in an interview on the LBC television channel. He accused the assailants' "leaders of knowing full well where they are and what they need to do to turn them into the authorities". Gemeyel held "the leaders of the opposition responsible" for the act and slammed "Christian leaders of covering up an obvious terrible plot to spark divisions and ignite a war" in alluding to what his coalition identifies as a Syrian plot to destabilize Lebanon. The former president's son Sami Gemeyel had just left the headquarter inauguration at the time of the shooting. Another son, industry minister Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in November 2006. Skaff rejected Gemeyel's accusations and told AFP that this was an "isolated act" and that he would "not provide protection for the assailants." He accused the Phalangists of "threatening Zouki and shooting at him. He took a bullet to the hand and his car has bullet marks on it." "His brother Toni came like a madman to his rescue. This was a question of self- defense where it was kill or be killed," he added. Intense security measures have been taken in the eastern town with all cars being searched at checkpoints in the search of Zouki and his brother, a security official said. "The security services have conducted several operations and raids where the person responsible for the attack could have taken refuge," the security official said. Lebanon's general prosecutor Abdallah al-Bitar has arrived in Zahle to conduct an investigation, an AFP correspondent in the area said. The deaths come amid Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Lebanon's Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Western-backed cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora since its six ministers quit nearly 18 months ago. The wrangling has left Lebanon without a head of state since last November when pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his mandate. Seventeen attempts for MPs to meet to elect a president have failed. The next session planned for Tuesday is unlikely to take place as a political agreement between the two sides has not been reached. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070409.0217.LDC2009T13::1	 Fake bomb in east Lebanon delays church service BEIRUT, April 9 (Xinhua) A fake bomb was found near a church in eastern Lebanese Zahle city on Monday, delaying the church service, Lebanese security sources said. The sources said a suspicious device was discovered at about 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) outside the Maronite Catholic Saint Antoine De Padou church in the Karak neighborhood near Zahle. The fake bomb consisted of two juice cans that were filled with white cement powder to which four small batteries, a wristwatch and electric wires were connected, the sources added. Police cordoned off the church and was carrying out an investigation into the incident. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly discovered arms and unexploded bombs in various areas in the country in the past few months. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20070409.0217.LDC2009T13::2	 Fake bomb in east Lebanon delays church service BEIRUT, April 9 (Xinhua) A fake bomb was found near a church in eastern Lebanese Zahle city on Monday, delaying the church service, Lebanese security sources said. The sources said a suspicious device was discovered at about 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) outside the Maronite Catholic Saint Antoine De Padou church in the Karak neighborhood near Zahle. The fake bomb consisted of two juice cans that were filled with white cement powder to which four small batteries, a wristwatch and electric wires were connected, the sources added. Police cordoned off the church and was carrying out an investigation into the incident. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly discovered arms and unexploded bombs in various areas in the country in the past few months. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080421.0008.LDC2009T13::1	 Phalange party official vows to execute killers in eastern Lebanon BEIRUT, April 21 (Xinhua) Lebanese Phalange party official Elie Marouni on Monday vowed to turn over the killers of two Phalange party members, and execute them immediately without trail, local Future TV reported. Eli Marouni, head of Phalange party office in Zahle, eastern Lebanon, is also the brother of one of two Phalange party members who were gunned down Sunday afternoon. Salim Assi and Nasri Marouni were killed shortly after Salim Gemayel, son of former President Amin Gemayel, left the headquarters of the Christian party in Zahle, which is part of the ruling coalition, a party statement was quoted as saying. Security forces launched a massive operation looking for the killers. The city of Zahle was sealed by security forces at the request of Bishops in the city, while the Lebanese army set up checkpoints and carried out house search in the area. Local media Monday said security forces raided several houses overnight in search of two suspects Joseph Zouki and his brother Toumi who were seen by witnesses shooting at the crowd. Gemayel's oldest son, Pierre, who was a government minister and a member of parliament, was killed in a car bomb explosion on Nov. 21, 2006. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080421.0008.LDC2009T13::2	 Phalange party official vows to execute killers in eastern Lebanon BEIRUT, April 21 (Xinhua) Lebanese Phalange party official Elie Marouni on Monday vowed to turn over the killers of two Phalange party members, and execute them immediately without trail, local Future TV reported. Eli Marouni, head of Phalange party office in Zahle, eastern Lebanon, is also the brother of one of two Phalange party members who were gunned down Sunday afternoon. Salim Assi and Nasri Marouni were killed shortly after Salim Gemayel, son of former President Amin Gemayel, left the headquarters of the Christian party in Zahle, which is part of the ruling coalition, a party statement was quoted as saying. Security forces launched a massive operation looking for the killers. The city of Zahle was sealed by security forces at the request of Bishops in the city, while the Lebanese army set up checkpoints and carried out house search in the area. Local media Monday said security forces raided several houses overnight in search of two suspects Joseph Zouki and his brother Toumi who were seen by witnesses shooting at the crowd. Gemayel's oldest son, Pierre, who was a government minister and a member of parliament, was killed in a car bomb explosion on Nov. 21, 2006. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::XIN_ENG_20080421.0008.LDC2009T13::3	 Phalange party official vows to execute killers in eastern Lebanon BEIRUT, April 21 (Xinhua) Lebanese Phalange party official Elie Marouni on Monday vowed to turn over the killers of two Phalange party members, and execute them immediately without trail, local Future TV reported. Eli Marouni, head of Phalange party office in Zahle, eastern Lebanon, is also the brother of one of two Phalange party members who were gunned down Sunday afternoon. Salim Assi and Nasri Marouni were killed shortly after Salim Gemayel, son of former President Amin Gemayel, left the headquarters of the Christian party in Zahle, which is part of the ruling coalition, a party statement was quoted as saying. Security forces launched a massive operation looking for the killers. The city of Zahle was sealed by security forces at the request of Bishops in the city, while the Lebanese army set up checkpoints and carried out house search in the area. Local media Monday said security forces raided several houses overnight in search of two suspects Joseph Zouki and his brother Toumi who were seen by witnesses shooting at the crowd. Gemayel's oldest son, Pierre, who was a government minister and a member of parliament, was killed in a car bomb explosion on Nov. 21, 2006. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071218.0133.LDC2009T13::1	 Lebanon indicts 31 over Al-Qaeda-linked plots A Lebanese military judge on Tuesday indicted 31 Al-Qaeda-linked suspects, including a Saudi national and four Syrians, on charges of plotting to carry out terror attacks in the country, officials said. Judge Rashid Mezher charged the so-called "Bar Elias terror network" of "plotting to carry out terrorist operations" in the eastern Christian city of Zahle, the state-run National News Agency reported. It quoted the charge sheet as saying that as part of their plans the suspects were preparing to "fire rockets on Zahle". The charge sheet identified the plot's mastermind as Saudi national Fahd Abdelaziz al-Ghames and said that the group, including four Syrian nationals, a Palestinian as well as a number of Lebanese, "is linked to Al-Qaeda." Most of them, including Ghames, have been arrested in various sweeps since June. The National News Agency did not give further details nor did it say when a trial would start. In June, Lebanese security forces dismantled bombs in three booby-trapped cars in the eastern village of Bar Elias, near Zahle, following confessions by two Syrians, an Iraqi and a Palestinian who were arrested for possessing weapons. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071218.0133.LDC2009T13::2	 Lebanon indicts 31 over Al-Qaeda-linked plots A Lebanese military judge on Tuesday indicted 31 Al-Qaeda-linked suspects, including a Saudi national and four Syrians, on charges of plotting to carry out terror attacks in the country, officials said. Judge Rashid Mezher charged the so-called "Bar Elias terror network" of "plotting to carry out terrorist operations" in the eastern Christian city of Zahle, the state-run National News Agency reported. It quoted the charge sheet as saying that as part of their plans the suspects were preparing to "fire rockets on Zahle". The charge sheet identified the plot's mastermind as Saudi national Fahd Abdelaziz al-Ghames and said that the group, including four Syrian nationals, a Palestinian as well as a number of Lebanese, "is linked to Al-Qaeda." Most of them, including Ghames, have been arrested in various sweeps since June. The National News Agency did not give further details nor did it say when a trial would start. In June, Lebanese security forces dismantled bombs in three booby-trapped cars in the eastern village of Bar Elias, near Zahle, following confessions by two Syrians, an Iraqi and a Palestinian who were arrested for possessing weapons. 
Zahle::ospd_GW::AFP_ENG_20071218.0133.LDC2009T13::3	 Lebanon indicts 31 over Al-Qaeda-linked plots A Lebanese military judge on Tuesday indicted 31 Al-Qaeda-linked suspects, including a Saudi national and four Syrians, on charges of plotting to carry out terror attacks in the country, officials said. Judge Rashid Mezher charged the so-called "Bar Elias terror network" of "plotting to carry out terrorist operations" in the eastern Christian city of Zahle, the state-run National News Agency reported. It quoted the charge sheet as saying that as part of their plans the suspects were preparing to "fire rockets on Zahle". The charge sheet identified the plot's mastermind as Saudi national Fahd Abdelaziz al-Ghames and said that the group, including four Syrian nationals, a Palestinian as well as a number of Lebanese, "is linked to Al-Qaeda." Most of them, including Ghames, have been arrested in various sweeps since June. The National News Agency did not give further details nor did it say when a trial would start. In June, Lebanese security forces dismantled bombs in three booby-trapped cars in the eastern village of Bar Elias, near Zahle, following confessions by two Syrians, an Iraqi and a Palestinian who were arrested for possessing weapons.