November 04, 2009 Nº 837 - Vol. 7
"Reality can destroy the dream; why shouldn't the dream destroy reality?"
George Moore
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Read Migalhas LatinoAmérica in Spanish every Tuesday and Thursday. Visit the website at www.migalhas.com/latinoamerica
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General Motors cancels Opel sale
GM has cancelled plans to sell a majority stake in its European car business Opel, including its Vauxhall brand. The US giant said in a statement that its board had made the decision because of "an improving business environment for GM over the past few months". GM had agreed to sell Opel and Vauxhall to Canadian car parts firm Magna. It said it would now be seeking aid for Opel from the German government and other European states. GM added that it had come to its decision because of the importance of Opel and Vauxhall to its global strategy. The German media is already questioning how easy it will be for GM to simply cancel the sale agreement. This is because when GM went into administration, ownership of Opel and Vauxhall was transferred to a trust, headed by two representatives of GM, two from the German government and one independent panel member. German newspapers have speculated whether it is this trust and not GM that will have to make the final decision. Opel employs a total of 54,000 workers across Europe, with 25,000 based in Germany.
Italy school crucifixes 'barred'
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the use of crucifixes in classrooms in Italy. It said the practice violated the right of parents to educate their children as they saw fit, and ran counter to the child's right to freedom of religion. The Vatican said it was shocked by the ruling, calling it "wrong and myopic" to exclude the crucifix from education. The Strasbourg court found that: "The compulsory display of a symbol of a given confession in premises used by the public authorities... restricted the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions."
Can prosecutors be sued by people they framed?
Do prosecutors have total immunity from lawsuits for anything they do, including framing someone for murder? That is the question the justices of the Supreme Court face Wednesday. On one side of the case being argued are Iowa prosecutors who contend "there is no freestanding right not to be framed." They are backed by the Obama administration, 28 states and every major prosecutors organization in the country. On the other side are two black men — Terry Harrington and Curtis McGhee — men who served 25 years in prison before evidence long hidden in police files resulted in them being freed.
Czech president signs Treaty of Lisbon
Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus signed the EU reform treaty, known as the Treaty of Lisbon Tuesday after the country's Constitutional Court ruled that the treaty does not conflict with the country's constitution. Klaus signed the treaty, despite maintaining his position that the court's decision was political and that the treaty interferes with Czech sovereignty. The Czech Republic is the last EU member state to ratify the treaty. His signature ends a far too long period of institutional focus within the EU. It opens up for a more democratic, transparent and efficent Union. The treaty is set to go into effect on December 1.
Finance is a subject for real males
In a new article, entitled "The Grave diggers of Capitalism", Francisco Cesar Pinheiro Rodrigues, author and retired Justice of San Paolo Court of Appeals, reflects on the current financial crisis and asks: What happens when things go wrong and the boat begins to sink? To read the article, click here.
Before you open the door to the boardroom, peek through the keyhole!
Michael Page specializes in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions within client companies around the world. Have a look at the new section of the Migalhas website and discover the professional development opportunities with large corporations, in legal and business fields, presented by Michael Page International. Click here to peep through the hole!
1- Apple Blocks Atom 'Hackintosh' Netbooks: Reports (click here)
2- Australia raises rates to 3.5% (click here)
3- Web marketer ordered to pay Facebook $711M damages(click here)
4- Russia president signs stock market manipulation bill into law (click here)
5- White House, lawmakers reach compromise on journalist shield bill (click here)
6- DOJ moves to dismiss Massachusetts AG challenge to Defense of Marriage Act (click here)
7- Mexico extraditions to US reach record high (click here)
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China must avert asset bubbles fueled by record lending
China's policy makers must avert stock and property market bubbles after lending swelled to a record $1.27 trillion this year, the World Bank said.
Disneyland approved for Shanghai
The Chinese government approves plans for the Walt Disney company to build a Disneyland in Shanghai.
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Proyectos
Los problemas de trámites ante autoridades ambientales chilenas, reparticiones públicas y justicia mantienen varios proyectos termoeléctricos por US$ 2.350 millones detenidos. Entre estas las tres iniciativas de generación a carbón en las regiones de Tarapacá, Atacama y Coquimbo. La central Barrancones, de la multinacional francobelga Suez Energy, la más importante porque su propuesta demanda un gasto estimado de US$ 1.100 millones. Y el proyecto Campiche -de AES Gener- y Pacífico, vinculado al fondo de inversiones Southern Cross.
TLC
El embajador de Panamá en Estados Unidos, Jaime Alemán Healy, se reunió con el veterano senador republicano por Indiana, Richard Lugar, a fin de plantear la importancia de que el Congreso estadounidense ratifique el Tratado de Promoción Comercial con Panamá (TPC) y en próximas horas será recibido por el presidente Barack Obama.
Iraq elections chief says Thursday is deadline for new law
The head of Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission warned that Thursday is the deadline for parliament to adopt an electoral law if January's general election is to be held on time. "We must receive the law in the next two days, otherwise we will be unable to hold the election on the scheduled date of January 16," he said. "There is material relating to the election, and international companies need time to print it. Fifteen thousand polling stations have to be made ready for the election, as do 50,000 personnel." The electoral law is supposed to be in place 90 days before voting takes place. Constitutionally, the election must be held by January 31.
Karzai declared winner of Afghanistan election after opponent withdraws
Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday declared President Hamid Karzai the winner of the presidential election after challenger Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from the runoff election to which both parties agreed last month. Abdullah withdrew from the race on Sunday saying he could not be certain the upcoming vote would be free or fair. The runoff election was agreed to after the UN-backed Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) invalidated election results from 210 polling stations. The ECC found clear and convincing evidence of fraud and had ordered the IEC to invalidate a percentage of votes from both candidates based on the ECC's September 8 recount order. US President Barack Obama congratulated Karzai, but urged him to eradicate governmental corruption.
India Supreme Court judges disclose financial assets on court website
Judges of the Supreme Court of India on Monday voluntarily made public disclosures of their financial assets. The assets of 21 of the current judges have been posted on the official court website in an effort to increase judicial transparency. This voluntary listing of assets comes after months of harsh criticisms from the legal community and the public concerning judicial accountability. While the move has been lauded as a step in the right direction, Transparency International has questioned the benefit of disclosure when there is no way to confirm that it is entirely accurate, given the announcement that the judges will not entertain any queries or scrutiny of assets listed. The decision to go public with the listing of assets was based on a consensus among the judges as there is no current law that requires them to do so.
US judge in mixed-race row quits
In Louisiana, a white US justice of the peace who refused to sign a marriage license for a mixed-race couple has resigned. He denied racism but said mixed-race children were not readily accepted by their parents' communities. The bride said she had not expected such comments "in this day and age".
Cash crackdown in Nigerian banks
Nigeria's central bank has ordered the country's banking sector to report suspicious cash transactions from people involved in politics. The move is part of sweeping reforms made by central bank governor Lamido Sanusi to try and stop corruption. Sanusi has sacked the heads of five banks top and brought fraud charges against several bank executives. The regulations are common elsewhere in the world since the 11 September 2001 terror attacks on the US.
Argentine ex-leader goes on trial
The trial has begun of Argentina's last military ruler, Reynaldo Bignone, and five other retired generals. The men are charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping, torture and disappearance of 56 opponents of the military government in the late 1970s. The abuses are alleged to have taken place at the Campo de Mayo base on the outskirts of the capital, Buenos Aires.
Canadian's bid to sue US rejected
A New York court has ruled against allowing a Syrian-born Canadian to sue US authorities over his mistaken 2002 arrest for alleged terrorism links. Maher Arar was held at New York's John F Kennedy airport following erroneous advice from Canadian officials that he had links to Islamic militants. After exonerating him in 2007, Canadian authorities paid him 10.5m Canadian dollars (US$8.9m) in compensation. Arar is now seeking redress from the US, arguing that he was a victim of "extraordinary rendition", a process in which terrorism suspects are transferred to foreign countries for harsh interrogation. But the New York court ruled that it was not authorized to intervene in the case.
Corruption case electrifies Indonesia
Wiretapped telephone conversations played to an Indonesian court appeared to implicate senior government officials in a high-profile corruption case.
After Cravath: what happens next in bonusland?
Monday's announcement over at Cravath on associate bonuses kicked off the season in which -- at least in most years -- law-firm associates find their paychecks just a bit fatter. But the question on our minds: Will others follow.
Karadzic defiant at Hague hearing
Ex-Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic has insisted he needs more time to prepare his defense, during his first appearance at his war crimes trial. Karadzic told a procedural hearing in The Hague that he had not been given the opportunity to go through vast amounts of prosecution documents. However, at his appearance, his briefcase seemed remarkably slender for a man who complains of being snowed under by two million pages of evidence, including 700,000 of his own documents. He is representing himself and last week boycotted the start of his trial. Presiding Judge O-Gon Kwon adjourned the trial, saying he would rule later in the week on how it will proceed.
Online gambling boss jailed in US
A US court has jailed the founder of an online gambling firm for more than four years and ordered him to forfeit more than $43m in illicit earnings. Gary Kaplan, 50, had admitted various charges of fraud and racketeering related to his company, BetOnSports. The London-based company encouraged American gamblers to place bets online, an illegal practice in the US. Prosecutors say that Gary Kaplan still has millions of dollars in Swiss bank accounts.
Madoff's accountant admits fraud
The long-term accountant of disgraced US financier Bernard Madoff has pleaded guilty to fraud charges. David Friehling, 49, has admitted four charges in total, but at the same time denied any knowledge of Madoff's giant $65bn investment fraud.
Brazil raises cane over U.S. ethanol tariff
The U.S. government is trying to assure a growing domestic market by mandating that an increasing percentage of fuel at the pump be ethanol and keeping most of Brazil's lower-cost ethanol out. But the trade-off forsakes short-term environmental benefits that ethanol made from sugar cane may provide. "Sugar's emissions benefits compared to corn are like night and day, maybe twice as much, in reducing direct greenhouse gas impact," Natural Resources Defense Council said. "But if the loss of land to sugar plantations leads to someone cutting down the rain forest for cattle pasture, the impact is not so clear."
Lula says Brazil assessing 'permanent solution' for tax cuts
Lula said the Finance Ministry and the country's consumer products manufacturers are discussing a "permanent solution" regarding tax cuts on home appliances. The government is proceeding with "caution" as declining tax collection this year won't be allowed to endanger "social programs and investment."
Housing Agency flexes muscle as loan defaults grow
The Federal Housing Administration is responsible for about one-third of new mortgages — 10 times what it was just a few years ago. But as its market share has grown, so has the rate of defaults on its loans. Now, the FHA is zeroing in on lenders with high default rates.
Russia president signs stock market manipulation bill into law
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday signed into law a bill that introduces stricter punishments for those convicted of manipulating the stock market. Traders and journalists convicted of market manipulation involving more than 1,000,000 rubles may now face prison time between two and seven years, along with fines. The law passed through the State Duma and the Federation Council last month.
Florida law firm asks to be dissolved
A prominent Fort Lauderdale law firm is asking a Florida court to dissolve it amid allegations that substantial amounts of money are missing from accounts created by the firm's co-founder, Scott Rothstein. The possible dissolution of Rothstein Rosenfeldt Alder PA would amount to a repudiation of its co-founder, who has boasted of a rags-to-riches ascent from a modest New York childhood in the Bronx to a lifestyle of luxury cars and sumptuous homes. If the firm is dissolved it could meet the same fate as Dreier LLP, a New York law firm that was closed after its founder, Marc Dreier, was arrested for defrauding investors by selling bogus notes. Earlier this year, Mr. Dreier was sentenced to 20 years in prison. It is still unclear, however, whether the Florida firm would have to disband.
Mexico extraditions to US reach record high
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Sunday that Mexico's extradition of 11 fugitives to the US on Saturday has brought the number of extraditions this year to a record 100. The individuals face charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute and distribution of narcotics, to money laundering, molestation, and murder.
Honduras agreement allows Zelaya return
The interim government of Honduras and ousted president Manuel Zelaya reached an agreement Thursday allowing Zelaya to return to power conditioned on Supreme Court approval with a subsequent affirmative vote from the Honduran legislature. According to an interim government press release touting the agreement as the product of the Guaymuras Dialogue, a truth commission will produce a report on the incidents that resulted from the political impasse set off when Zelaya was removed from office on June 28, identifying those responsible without the option of political amnesty. The agreement further stipulates that the November 29 elections will be recognized, with authority over the police for election purposes transferred from the military to the electoral court in compliance with the constitution. Included in the stipulations was also a request for the international community to drop sanctions against Honduras and send electoral observers.
Imam Pleads Not Guilty to NYC Terror Charges
Asharq Al-Awsat, Pan-Arab daily, London, England
Iran police clash with thousands of anti-Ahmadinejad protesters
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel
Q&A: 'This Calm Will Not Last'
IPS Middle East, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
PA: US 'clarifications' not enough to get us to the table
JPost, Conservative, Jerusalem, Israel
Capital Closer to Plastic Bag Ban
Khaleej Times, English-language daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Iraqi Minister: 1st round oil permissions will boost production to 6m bpd
Middle East North African Network, Online financial portal, Amman, Jordan
Karzai Says Opponents Welcome in Afghan Government
Nahamet, Online news portal, Beirut, Lebanon
Panel formed on Lebanon poll law
Saudi Gazette, English-language daily, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Khamenei: US ?hiding a dagger? in negotiations with Iran
The Daily Star, Independent daily, Beirut, Lebanon
Huge anti-US rally in Tehran, police clash with protesters
Times of Oman, English-language daily, Muscat, Oman
Five UK troops killed by Afghan policeman
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Woman dies in Cavan crash
BreakingNews.ie, Online news portal, Cork, Ireland
Witherspoon is witness to paparazzi battle
Daily Express, Conservative tabloid, London, England
Five British soldiers killed in single attack by 'rogue' Afghan policeman
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
Nokia launches Nokia Life Tools, 5 handsets in Indonesia
DMeurope, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Graham Sankey held over attack on Joe Anderson
icLiverpool, Online news portal, Liverpool, England
Policewoman found dead by children
Manchester Online, Independent daily, Manchester, England
News 11.3.2009
Radio Prague, Online news portal, Prague, Czech Republic
Afghan Policeman Shoots Five UK Soldiers Dead
Sky News, Independent newscaster, Middlesex, England
Picture This: Emphasizing Isolation
Spiegel International, Liberal newsmagazine, Hamburg, Germany
Afghan policeman kills five British troops in base
The Guardian, Liberal daily, London, England
Woman dies in Cavan collision
The Irish Times, Centrist daily, Dublin, Ireland
Five British soldiers shot dead by rogue Afghanistan policeman
The Telegraph, Conservative daily, London, England
One in five mammals threatened with extinction
Times Online, Conservative daily, London, England
Fact-finding team sets series of meetings
Antara News, News agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
10th Seoul International Financial Forum Kicks Off
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea
SC directs interior ministry to submit report on Janjua
Dawn, English-language daily, Karachi, Pakistan
'Systematic exploitation' of tribals will not be tolerated: PM
India Express, News portal, Mumbai, India
Bangalore-bound train derails
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India
Gokai: The more I know Japan, the thicker the fog
Japan Times, Independent centrist, Tokyo, Japan
Action plan to save the Malayan tiger
Malaysian Star, Online news portal, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Obama's brother breaks silence on family abuse
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand
World Bank: worst may be over for China's labor market
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China
London mayor rescues filmmaker from gang
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia
Outside support till issues are resolved: Bhujbal
The Hindu, Left-leaning daily, Chennai, India
Trinity wraps up surprise surge
The Standard, Business daily, Hong Kong
Awardees express appreciation
Antigua Sun Online, Independent daily, St. John's, Antigua
Mavado and Vybz Kartel top Peter Tosh in Google
Caribbean News Portal, Online news aggregator
No more 'Sir' for Allen Stanford
Caribbean360, Online news portal, St. Michael, Barbados
Informant sells Cayman bank data
Cayman Net News, Online news portal, George Town, Cayman Islands
Dominican sugar giant forges on amid global attacks
Dominican Today, Independent daily, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
GUATEMALA: Controversy Dogs New Highway
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
'They had to go' - Golding says Lewin did too little to curb crime
Jamaica Gleaner, Independent daily, Kingston, Jamaica
Peru: Universidad de Lima to host 6th International Seminar on Information Technology
Living in Peru, News portal, Lima, Peru
Opposition supporters clash with police in Tehran
The Globe and Mail, Centrist daily, Toronto, Canada
'Guest worker' abuses blasted
Toronto Star, Liberal daily, Toronto, Canada
Now FBI goes after Balo's wife
Trinidad Guardian, Independent daily, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Freed E Guinea plotter set for home
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Human Rights Watch Chalks New Allegations Against Congo, Rwanda Troops
CongoPlanet.com, Independent online news aggregator
12,000 jobs created in last three months
Daily Monitor, Independent daily, Kampala, Uganda
Obama's brother emerges in China with novel
Daily Nation, Independent daily, Nairobi, Kenya
China To Help Build New Foreign Ministry
GhanaWeb, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Police to quiz Simon Mann
iafrica, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
I helped stuff cash into envelopes: witness
Independent Online, News portal, Cape Town, South Africa
Last-minute EPRDF law Threatens Food Aid to Ethiopia: VOA
Jimma Times, Online news portal, Jimma, Ethiopia
Reserve Bank 'won't intervene to manage rand'
Mail & Guardian Online, Liberal, Johannesburg, South Africa
Agliotti's ex takes the stand
News24.com, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
NGO spends N.5m monthly on physically challenged
Vanguard, Independent daily, Lagos, Nigeria
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