Kansakunnan tila: Lupaus miljoonasta työpaikasta

Washington (DC), Yhdysvallat. Presidentti Barack Obama käytti ison osan, noin kaksi kolmasosaa Kansakunnan tila -puheestansa talouspolitiikkaan. Hän teki ehdotuksia taantuman selättämiseksi ja sanoi, että miljoonan työpaikan luominen on tärkeysjärjestyksessä ylivoimaisesti ensimmäisenä tänä vuonna. Hän kehui hallintonsa pelastaneen tai luoneen kaksi miljoonaa työpaikkaa viime vuonna ja aikovansa luoda 1,5 miljoonaa tänä vuonna.

”Meidän on huomattava, että kohtaamme juuri nyt enemmän kuin dollarimääräistä velkaa. Kohtaamme luottamusvelkaa – vuosien ajan kasvaneita syviä, kalvavia epäilyksiä siitä, miten Washingtonissa toimitaan”, Obama sanoi. Hän sanoi, että liittovaltion päättäjien on rakennettava kansalaisten luottamusta muun muassa talouden, koulutuksen, energiapolitiikan, terveydenhuollon ja kansallisen turvallisuuden saralla.

Senaattori Tom Harkin (dem.) sanoi, että presidentti kuvaili Kansakunnan tila -puheessa tiekartan, jota maan molempien valtapuolueiden tulisi seurata. Senaattori Orrin Hatch (rep.) sanoi kuitenkin, että kahden puolueen yhteistyö vaatisi presidentiltä vastaan tulemista ja järkevien ratkaisujen ideoimista republikaanien kanssa. Demokraatit hävisivät juuri Massachusettsin senaattorilisävaalit republikaaneille, joiden uusi senaattori auttaa heitä halutessaan jarruttamaan terveydenhuoltouudistusta.

Mutta Obama ei uhrannut puheestaan paljon aikaa terveydenhuoltouudistukselle. Vaikka terveydenhuoltolain uudistus on ollut vastatuulessa, hän mainitsi taistelevansa sen pelastamiseksi edelleen.

Kun demokraatit menettivät yhden senaattorinpaikan 60–40-enemmistöstä, republikaanit voivat jarrutuspuheenvuoroin hidastaa esimerkiksi terveydenhuoltouudistuksen käsittelyä. ”Demokraatteja muistuttaisin, että meillä on yhä [senaatissa] isoin enemmistö vuosikymmeniin ja ihmiset odottavat meidän ratkaisevan joitain ongelmia eikä juoksevan kukkuloille”, Obama sanoi. Hän sanoi, ettei vallanpitäjien tule hylätä niitä amerikkalaisia, joilta parhaillaan puuttuu terveydenhuolto.

Ulkopolitiikasta Obama mainitsi mm. Pohjois-Korean ja Iranin ydinohjelmien taltuttamisen.

Obama lupasi pyytää kongressia kumoamaan ”älä kysy, älä kerro” -linjauksen koskien homoseksuaalien palvelemista Yhdysvaltain asevoimissa. Hän väläytteli opiskelijoille helpotuksia opintolainojen takaisinmaksuun.

CNN:n teettämässä tutkimuksessa 48 prosenttia puhetta seuranneista sanoi antavansa hyvin myönteisen vastaanoton presidentin puheelle. 21 prosenttia sanoi vastaanottonsa olevan kielteinen.


Oil price reaches new high

At US$135 a barrel, the price of oil today reached a new high. BBC News has reported that this recent increase is due to figures showing a large decrease in the US petroleum supply.

However, as of 20:00 UTC prices have fallen nearly two percent since yesterday and are back below $131. Over half of oil executives believe that the price will fall to US$100 a barrel toward the end of the year according to an  Associated Press report.

The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline also recently increased to a new all-time high, with the price going up 6.9 cents to 379.1 cents per gallon. This was the eighth consecutive week for the US average price to increase.
Air France-KLM recently said that they would be challenged by the rising oil price. American Airlines has announced thousands of job cuts.

In addition, the U.S. has seen the cost of food rise significantly, an issue which food manufacturers and retail stores blame on the high price of fuel required for transportation. For example, CNN.com reports a 16.7% increase in the cost of hamburger buns, a staple item for many U.S. families.


Cijena nafte ponovo na rekordnom nivou

U četvrtak 22. maja 2008 cijena barela nafte na američkom tržištu ponovo je dostigla rekordni nivo od 135 američkih dolara. Kako prenosi BBC News, ovo povećanje cijena nafte na američkom tržištu uzrokovano je smanjenjem ponude.

Istog dana, cijena nafte na tržištu je pala za gotovo 2%, ali se i dalje kreće iznad 130 dolara za barel. Postoje neka nagađanja, kako prenosi Associated Press da bi se do kraja godine cijena nafte mogla vratiti na nivo od oko 100 dolara. Ovo je osma sedmica zaredom u kojoj je cijena nafte neprekidno rasla. Mnoge aviokompanije, poput Air France-KLM najavile su povećanje cijena svojih usluga. Zajedno sa cijenom nafte u SAD rastu cijene prehrambenih namirnica, kao i cijena transportnih usluga.


Oil prices drop as inventories grow

International oil prices sank on Thursday as investors worried that a looming global recession will lower demand.

Crude oil for future delivery fell to below US$71 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, its lowest price in more than a year. In London, Brent crude oil for November dropped below $66 a barrel.

Oil prices have dropped more than 50 percent since hitting a record high of $147 a barrel in July. A report released today showed an unexpected increase in inventories. Analysts expected only a 1.9 million barrel increase last week, but the actual amount was 5.6 million barrels

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut its estimate for crude oil demand next year in a report released Wednesday. OPEC, which was planning on having an emergency meeting next month on the issue of lower oil prices, pushed forward the meeting to next week. The cartel is expected to cut production by 500,000 barrels a day, in a bid to boost oil prices. Saudi Arabia, which initially did not support the cut a few weeks ago, now supports such a move.

Some Asian governments are under pressure to reduce domestic fuel prices in light of the decline of the price of oil. In China, some drivers are paying more for gas than drivers in the United States, which last occurred several years ago. India, China, and Indonesia appear to be to content to keep the price at the same level; however, some other Asian governments have lowered the price already. Malaysia and Vietnam have cut prices and are expected to do the same if oil drops some more.


Cae precio del petróleo en mercados globales

16 de octubre de 2008Nueva York, Estados Unidos —

Los precios internacionales del petróleo cayeron este jueves. Los inversores continúan su retracción por temor a una recesión global que podría reducir la demanda de las materias primas.

La comercialización del crudo liviano de bajo contenido sulfuroso para noviembre cayó por debajo de los 73 dólares por barril en la apertura de la Bolsa Mercantil de Nueva York en Singapur. Este es el menor precio en más de un año.

En Londres, las operaciones del crudo Brent para noviembre caían por debajo de los 70 dólares por barril.

Los precios del petróleo perdieron más de un 50 por ciento de valor desde el récord de 147 dólares por barril alcanzado en julio. Se espera que un informe este jueves revele el incremento en los inventarios estadounidenses de crudo y de gasolina, lo que podría también tener un impacto en los precios.

También se espera que en el informe del jueves, la Organización de Países Exportadores de Petróleo (OPEP) anuncie un recorte de las estimaciones de la demanda de crudo para el próximo año.

La OPEP produce cerca de un 40 por ciento del petróleo del mundo.


Oil prices reach all-time high; pass US$91.00 per barrel

Oil has risen to a new all-time record high during trading in Asia, passing US$91.10 at 10:23 p.m. on October 25 (eastern time).

In electronic trading at the NYMEX Crude Futures in the United States touched a record price of, at US$92.22, according to Bloomberg, setting another record all-time high. On the IntercontinentalExchange Brent Crude futures reached US$89.30 (basis December) as of 8:34 a.m..

NYMEX Crude closed at $91.86, while ICE Brent closed at $88.69, at the conclusion of Friday's trading.

The raise come when the United States announced that it had an "unexpected loss" in the nation's stockpile of oil. The fear that Turkey may launch a large scale attack on Kurdish Militants inside Iraq is also being blamed for the raise in prices and the U.S. imposed more sanctions on Iran for continuing to enrich uranium.

Australia's Commonwealth Banks states that the raise is "being supported by an increase in geopolitical tensions and also market developments. The US has announced that it is imposing new sanctions on Iran, Oil markets also continued to have an eye on developments related to the current tensions between Turkey and Kurd rebels in Iraq."

OPEC has agreed that by November 1, 2007, they will increase the amount of barrels of oil they produce by 500,000 barrels a day. The U.S. says that they would like that number increased.


Le prix du pétrole attend son plus haut niveau avec un baril à 91 USD

Le pétrole a atteint un nouveau record à la hausse dans les transactions asiatiques, atteignant les 91.10 USD à 22h23 (EST). Cinq minutes plus tard, les cours au NYMEX descendaient à 90,93 USD, selon Bloomberg.
La hausse est survenue lorsque les États-Unis d'Amérique ont annoncés une « chute inattendue » de leurs réserves en pétrole. La crainte que la Turquie puisse mener une attaque de grande envergure contre les militants kurdes au nord de l'Irak a aussi été évoquée comme raison à cette hausse des prix.
L'Australia's Commonwealth Banks a indiqué que la hausse est « appuyée par un accroissement des tensions géopolitiques et aussi par le développement du marché. Les États-Unis ont annoncé que c'était en raison de leur volonté d'imposer des nouvelles sanctions à l'Iran, mais les marchés du pétrole continuent aussi à garder un œil sur les tensions actuelles entre la Turquie et l'Irak. »
L'Organisation des pays exportateurs de pétrole a donné son accord pour, dès le 1er novembre 2007, augmenter leur production quotidienne de barils de pétrole de 500 000 unités. Les États-Unis ont exprimé leur statisfaction.


הנפט שבר את שיא כל הזמנים; עבר את 91 הדולרים לחבית

מחירי הנפט עלו לשיא חדש בכל הזמנים במהלך המסחר באסיה, בעוברם את רף 91 הדולרים בשעה 22:23 (זמן מזרחי). בשעה 22:28 מחיריהם של חוזים עתידיים מסוג פיוצ'ר בבית המסחר ניימקס שבניו-יורק ירדו במקצת לאיזור ה-90.93 דולר, כך עפ"י סוכנות הידיעות בלומברג.

העלייה במחיר באה בדיוק כאשר ארצות הברית הודיעה כי היא ספגה "אובדן לא-צפוי" במאגר הנפט הלאומי שלה. החשש שמא תפתח טורקיה במתקפה נרחבת נגד המורדים הכורדים בעיראק נמנה אף הוא עם הסיבות המשוערות לעלייה.

הבנק המרכזי של אוסטרליה הכריז כי העליה "נתמכת על-ידי הגברה במתיחויות הגיאופוליטיות וכן בהתפתחויות השוק. ארצות הברית הודיעה כי היא מטילה עיצומים חדשים על איראן, שווקי הנפט הוסיפו לפקוח עין על ההתפתחויות הקשורות במתיחות הנוכחית בין טורקיה והמורדים הכורדים בעיראק."

אופ"ק, קרטל המדינות יצואניות הנפט, ניאות להגדיל את כמות חביות הנפט המופקות ב-500,000 חביות מדי יום, למן ה-1 בנובמבר 2007. ארצות הברית אומרת כי היא מעוניינת שמספר זה יגדל.

26 באוקטובר 2007


Oil prices reach six-month high

Oil prices attained a six-month high on Friday, on new signs that the U.S. economy may not be contracting as fast as was believed.

U.S. crude oil prices reached US$66.47 a barrel, a level not seen since last November. Brent North Sea crude oil was up $1.13 to $65.52 at the end of the week, after peaking at $65.70, also the highest level since November.

This comes soon after a report released by the U.S. Commerce Department showed that the U.S. GDP fell by 5.7%, revised from the original figure of 6.1%.

Analysts predict that oil prices will continue to rise amid more positive economic news, especially from economic giants such as India and Japan.

"Oil market participants' conclusion that the worst of the recession has passed and that a recovery in demand must be at hand was bolstered overnight by higher than expected first quarter growth in India and a sharp jump in Japan's April industrial production," said MF Globa's John Kilduff.

"We've got a lot more optimism about the economic outlook than we did. The market is factoring in a recovery in demand by the end of the year," said an analyst for the Commodity Warrants Australia, Toby Hassall.


El precio del crudo alcanza el máximo de los últimos seis meses

30 de mayo de 2009Nueva York, Estados Unidos —

Los precios del petróleo alcanzaron este viernes el máximo de los últimos seis meses, en vistas de un panorama más optimista de que la economía norteamericana no se esté contrayendo tanto como se creía.

El crudo en los Estados Unidos cerró en $66,47 el barril, un precio que no se podía vislumbrar desde noviembre del año pasado. El Brent en Londres aumentó en $1,13 y se situó a $65,52 por barril, tras alcanzar $65,70 durante la jornada, también el precio más alto desde noviembre.

La suba del petróleo fue consecuencia del reporte publicado por el Departamento de Comercio de los Estados Unidos, que anunciaba que el PBI americano se contrajo 5,7%, revisado de la cifra original de 6,1%. Asimismo, los analistas aseguraron que el petróleo seguiría aumentado tras darse más buenas noticias económicas, especialmente por parte de gigantes como India y Japón.

"La conclusión de que la peor recesión ha pasado y que una recuperación en la demanda está cercana fue reforzada ... por un crecimiento en el primer trimestre mayor al esperado en India y un repunte de la producción industrial de Japón en abril", declaró John Kilduff de MF Globa.

"Tenemos mucho más optimismo acerca el panorama económico. El mercado espera una recuperación de la demanda para fin de año", opinó un analista de Commodity Warrants Australia.


Oil prices surge over $75 a barrel to a record high

Crude oil prices surged to a new record of over $75.00 a barrel on Tuesday closing at a price of $75.17. In Europe, Brent crude oil] rose to $74.59. In less than a month, prices have risen $10, back to the record highs set after Hurricane Katrina caused refineries to shut down in August 2005. Prices are also 42% higher than a year ago.

Political instability in oil-producing countries is seen as a major cause of this rise. The standoff over Iran's nuclear program has led to strong words being exchanged and a possibility of sanctions being imposed on Iran, the world's fourth largest producer of oil. Violence in Nigeria earlier this year has led to a drop the country's production by almost a quarter.  Nigeria is Africa's largest oil exporter and is also a major supplier of gasoline-rich crude oil to the United States, where demand is set to increase as the "driving season" begins next month.

Edmund Daukoru, the president of OPEC and Nigerian oil minister said on Tuesday, "The current shoot up we are experiencing is as a result of the Iran problems and it's not helped by the flare up between Israel and the Palestinians. But mainly it's the threatening statements being made against Iran as a result of its nuclear program."


纽约市场石油价格达历史最高

纽约市场石油首次达到了历史最高的75美圆价格，是石油市场历来的最高价位。今年以来，美国的石油价格已经每桶上升了大约12美元。

地缘政治上的紧张情势增加了人们对原油供应的担忧。石油价格上升可能是交易商担心伊朗核危机以及尼日利亚石油供应等争议问题而引发的。伊朗和美国的争议可能导致伊朗未来减少其石油出口。而最近尼日利亚的暴乱导致产油量暂时减少了25%，迫使油价飞升。

伊朗是世界第四大产油国，该国说需要核能来发电，但美国和欧盟担心伊朗想发展原子武器。

欧佩克这个月已经每天生产2990万桶石油，比3月时每天增产10万桶。但欧佩克承认，他们没有办法抑制石油价格上升。

欧佩克的部长们将会与七大工业国的财政部长和中央银行行长在华府会面，探讨历史性的石油价格对全球贸易失衡和利率走势的影响。


OPEC cuts production by 2.2 million barrels a day

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to drastically cut the daily production of oil by 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd). In a decision reached in Oran, Algeria, energy ministers from all 12 OPEC members agreed to make the largest cut in OPEC's history.

Oil prices have fallen from a high of $140 in July to just around $40; a decrease of $100. OPEC has cut 4.2 million bpd since September, when the price of oil decreased suddenly over fears of a global recession and lower usage of oil. With this new decrease, production by OPEC members will be 24.845 million bpd. Saudi Arabia is taking the majority of the cut by decreasing their production by 1.2 million bpd.

In the statement released by the organization, they wrote "...that crude volumes entering the market remain well in excess of actual demand: this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that crude stocks in OECD countries are well above their five-year average and are expected to continue to rise. Moreover, the impact of the grave global economic downturn has led to a destruction of demand, resulting in unprecedented downward pressure being exerted on prices..."

OPEC faces a tough task in trying to level the price of oil to a reasonable amount. Most experts and oil officials believe that $75 is the 'fair price' for a barrel of oil. Chakib Khelil, the OPEC president, said during the meeting that "OPEC has a long-established record in meeting the challenges it faces, however tough they may be. The challenge facing the oil market today is clearly a formidable one."

Russia, which is not a member of OPEC, also agreed that a cut was needed and would cut its production by 600,000 barrels. OPEC will also urge other non-OPEC members who are oil exports, to cut their production. Mexico and Norway are two of the largest oil producers that not members of OPEC. Russia's action is not official, and the country has had a history of failing their pledge to cut their output.


OPEC smanjuje proizvodnju nafte za 2,2 miliona barela dnevno

- Organizacija zemalja izvoznica nafte (OPEC) je nakon sjednice ministara za energetiku zemalja OPECa održanoj u alžirskom gradu Oran, drastično smanjila dnevnu proizvodnju nafte za 2,2 miliona barela. To je najveće smanjenje proizvodnje nafte u historiji OPECa.

Cijena nafte na svjetskom tržištu pala je sa rekordnih 140 američkih dolara po barela iz jula 2008 na ispod 40$ koliko košta danas. Od zadnje sjednice u septembru OPEC je smanjio proizvodnju nafte za oko 4,2 miliona barela dnevno iz straha od daljnjeg pada cijena nafte i svjetske recesije. Nakon ovog novog smanjenja proizvodnje, trenutno se članice OPECa proizvode 24,845 milijardi barela dnevno. Najveće smanjenje proizvodnje pretrpiće Saudijska Arabija od oko 1,2 miliona barela. Čak i Rusija, koja nije članica OPECa najavila je smanjenje svoje proizvodnje nafte za oko 600 hiljada barela. Stručnjaci smatraju da je trenutna cijena nafte daleko ispod realne cijene koja bi po prognozama i trenutnim potrebama trebala iznositi oko 75$.


Opposition may boycott Thai election; demonstrators want Thaksin out

Having outlined his manifesto in his last pre-election radio broadcast, beleaguered Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has failed to deflect calls for his resignation.

Offering an increased minimum wage, additional debt relief for farmers, and pay rises for civil servants the PM starts the election campaign with his Thai Loves Thais (Phak Thai Rak Thai) party in good shape for the snap election announced last Friday.

Thaksin's dissolution of the lower house of parliament, and move to re-establish his authority through elections has met with criticism from leaders in the troubled southern provinces as well as from political opponents.  Zafi-in Jae-loh, the deputy chairman of Narathiwat Islamic Committee said the move would do nothing to help the situation faced by ethnic Malay Muslims in the south.  The three southernmost provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala face near-daily bombings and shootings with a considerable armed forces presence contributing to tensions in the area.

Opposition parties concerned that the three years early election will not resolve the current political situation have announced that they may boycott the April 2 poll.  The Democrats (Phak Prachatipat) and the smaller Great People's Party (Phak Mahachon) took over 25% of the vote in the February 2005 elections. Third placed at the last election with 11.4% of the vote, the Thai Nation Party (Phak Chart Thai) have yet to announce their decision, leaving party leader Banharn Silapa-archa to decide.

Despite the upcoming election, and in the face of rumours of violence, a mass protest against the Prime Minister still went ahead.  The People’s Alliance for Democracy was reported to be monitoring a crowd they were suspicious of ahead of the rally in Sanam Luang, Bangkok.  However the main rally went off peacefully.  Noon saw the arrival of former politician Chamlong Srimuang with the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, including barefoot monks and nuns.  Reports indicated that the total number in attendance and supporting the call for the now-caretaker Prime Minister to go were in the tens of thousands.  Many protesters vowed to stay overnight.  Alluding to past protests that had toppled Thai governments, Chamlong said "We can eat anything, sleep anywhere. Tonight we will sleep here".  Anti-Thaksin banners displayed at the open-air rally stated that the he had "No right to rule", while others read "Thaksin=Toxin" below an image aimed at comparing the PM with Adolf Hitler.

Calls for the PM to go have a long history, with his policy of pursuing his opponents through the courts drawing the attention of the King, thus leading to Thaksin dropping cases against media firebrand, Sondhi Limthongkul.  A challenge through the country's Constitutional Court was brought by 28 of the country's senators following the PM's family selling their 49% share in Shin Corporation tax-free.  The sale, to Temasek Holdings, was widely seen as allowing control of key telecoms infrastructure to pass into foreign hands.  Wikipedia describes Temasek as, "the investment arm of the Singapore government."


Thailand: Vorgezogene Neuwahlen am 2. April – Massenproteste gehen weiter

Bangkok (Thailand), 26.02.2006 – Der Ministerpräsident Thailands, Thaksin Shinawatra, hat am Freitag das Parlament aufgelöst und Neuwahlen für den 2. April angesetzt. Damit reagierte er auf den wachsenden Druck auf seine Person. Ihm wird Machtmissbrauch und Korruption vorgeworfen. Unterdessen gingen heute die Massenproteste gegen die Person des Ministerpräsidenten landesweit weiter.

Entscheidend für den Verlust an Ansehen und den Aufschwung der Oppositionsbewegung gegen den thailändischen Ministerpräsidenten war dessen Milliardengeschäft bei dem Verkauf des in seinem Besitz befindlichen Telekommunikationsunternehmens Shin Corp. (Shinawatra Computer and Communications Group) an einen Investor aus Singapur. Dieses Geschäft soll Thaksin am Fiskus vorbei geschleust haben. Hinzu kommt, dass Privatgeschäfte und Besitz von Aktien für amtierende Ministerpräsidenten nach thailändischem Recht nicht zulässig sind.

Die thailändischen Oppositionsparteien, darunter als führende Kraft die „Demokratische Partei Thailands“, erwägen nun einen Boykott der angesetzten Neuwahlen. Innerhalb der Demokratischen Partei wird über diese Frage noch intensiv debattiert. Führende Repräsentanten der Oppositionsparteien werteten die Ausrichtung von Neuwahlen als taktischen Winkelzug des Ministerpräsidenten, der nichts dazu beitrage, die Vorwürfe an seine Adresse aufzuklären. Das Grundproblem sei weiterhin die Tatsache, dass er das höchste Staatsamt ausübe. Politische Beobachter prognostizieren weiterhin gute Wahlchancen für den amtierenden Ministerpräsidenten, da er vor allem auf dem Lande noch Unterstützung genieße, während die Zentren der Proteste gegen ihn vor allem in den großen Städten des Landes zu finden seien. Bei der letzten Wahl vor einem Jahr hatte er mit seiner Partei „Thai Rak Thai“ einen großen Wahlsieg erringen können.

In einer Erklärung der „Volksallianz für Demokratie“, einem Zusammenschluss oppositioneller Kräfte zum Sturz des Ministerpräsidenten, heißt es: „Wir bestehen darauf, dass Thaksin Shinawatra von dem Amt des Ministerpräsidenten ohne Bedingungen zurücktritt um den Weg für eine zweite Runde politischer Reformen freizumachen.“ Ein zentraler Vorwurf der Oppositionsbewegung gegen die Entscheidung für vorgezogene Neuwahlen besteht darin, dass den Parteien zu wenig Zeit bleibe, um einen Wahlkampf zu führen.

Am Sonntag versammelten sich wieder schätzungsweise 10.000 Demonstranten in Bangkok, um ihre Forderung nach einem Rücktritt des Ministerpräsidenten zu bekräftigen. Bereits am Samstag hatten sich rund 20.000 Menschen in Chiang Mai im Nordwesten des Landes versammelt, um ihren Protest zu artikulieren. Weitere Demonstrationen fanden gestern in Trang, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Ubon Ratchathani und in Surin, einer Provinz im Nordosten Thailands, statt.


Oracle buys Innobase

US-based Oracle Corporation announced Friday it had acquired Innobase OY for an undisclosed sum. Innobase is a Finnish company that has developed several open-source database technologies. They are best known for InnoDB.

InnoDB is an add-on storage engine for MySQL used by many popular websites, including Slashdot, EDS/Sabre, Yahoo Finance, Google and Wikimedia. It is an open source tool, distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

“Oracle has long been a supporter of open source software such as Linux and Apache. Innobase is an innovative small company that develops open-source database technology. Oracle intends to continue developing the InnoDB technology and expand our commitment to open source software.” said Charles Rozwat, executive vice president of Database and Middleware Technology at Oracle.

Innobase is the 11th company to be acquired by Oracle in under a year. The most recent acquisition was of rival Siebel Systems on September 13 for $5.85 billion.


Oracle rachète Innobase

L'entreprise américaine a annoncé vendredi l'achat d'Innobase SàRL pour une somme inconnue. Innobase est une compagnie finlandaise qui a développé plusieurs bases de données open-source, dont la fameuse InnoDB.

InnoDB (sous licence GNU GPL) se greffe sur MySQL et est actuellement utilisé par de grands sites Internet comme Slashdot, Yahoo Finance| ou encore Wikimedia.

« Oracle soutient depuis logntemps les logiciels libres comme Linux et Apache. Innobase est une petite compagnie innovatrice qui développe des bases de données open-source. Oracle souhaite développer la technologie InnoDB en élargissant notre engagement pour les logiciels libres » (Oracle has long been a supporter of open source software such as Linux and Apache. Innobase is an innovative small company that develops open-source database technology. Oracle intends to continue developing the InnoDB technology and expand our commitment to open source software) affirmait Charles Rozwat, vice président de la section bases de données chez Oracle.

Innobase est la 11e firme achetée par Oracle en moins d'un an. Elle suit de près celle de Siebel Systems (13 Septembre) pour 5,85 milliards de dollars US.


Persons from Punta Arenas, Chile on strike after government announcement to increase gas prices

Citizens from Punta Arenas, Chile, the world's southernmost city and capital of the Magallanes and Antártica Chilena Region, remained on strike Wednesday after Chilean President Sebastián Piñera announced an increase in natural gas prices by 16.8 percent, in that region.

Citizens from Punta Arenas and politicians are demanding that Piñera maintain subsidies on natural gas. "We want dialogue, to continue talking in a serious and responsible way about the future of Magallanes," Ena von Baer, the government spokeswoman, said on Wednesday morning.

Piñera's government justifies the increase of the gas price "as a technical decision in response to its declining reserves." Two persons were killed amid the protests in the capital of Magallanes, on Tuesday night.


Magallánicos rechazan alza del gas y llaman a paro regional

Las autoridades civiles de la región de Magallanes, en el extremo sur de Chile decidieron convocar a un paro indefinido de actividades en rechazo del alza anunciada por la Empresa Nacional de Petróleos (ENAP) al gas que sufrirá la zona, reajustando sus valores en un 16,8%. Esta zona del país goza de una rebaja al valor de metro cúbico de gas en relación a otras partes.

El alza se justifica, desde la ENAP por un reajuste al valor de mercado que no se ha hecho efectivo desde un tiempo en la región. Esta alza, implicaría un alza aproximada de $ 2.000 por familia de clase media que, según personeros de la agrupaciones vecinales, va en contra del bolsillo del común de los magallánicos.

El paro regional se hará efectivo a partir de las 00:00 horas del día miércoles 13 de enero y afectaría los servicios básicos, transportes y servicios complementarios. El fin es hacer notar el malestar ciudadano en la región ante la medida que adopta la empresa dependiente del Estado, y el compromiso que olvidó el presidente Piñera al afirmar, en la campaña presidencial, que los precios no iban a subir durante su mandato.

Ante las críticas de la población, el ministro del Interior, Rodrigo Hinzpeter ha remarcado que "el gobierno no gobierna por popularidad, sino que con medidas que en ocasiones son dolorosas", por ende el aumento en el precio del hidrocarburo se hará efectivo en la región más austral de Chile. Como medidas de mitigación, se entregarán casas con aislación y bonos para compensar la compra de artefactos eléctricos más eficientes para la calefacción, cuya inversión estatal alcanza a 8 millones de dólares.


Pfizer to cut jobs in Michigan

Pfizer CEO Jeffery Kindler has announced that 2,410 jobs will be cut in Michigan, taking out three plants in the state. Pfizer has also announced that they will cut a total of 10 000 jobs by next year. The Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Plymouth sites are representatives of the world's largest drug manufacturing company.

A portion of these jobs will be reassigned in Pfizer plants in cities such as La Jolla, CA, Groton, CT, and Sandwich in the United Kingdom. These cuts come after Pfizer's newest drug in development, torcetrapib, was scrapped late last year due to unexpected side effects.

The money spent researching the drug Torcetrapib ended with the loss of millions of dollars. This comes as a bigger blow to the region when coupled with ongoing losses to major car manufacturers in the Detroit area, and Gov. Jennifer Granholm said today, "We’re going to have a whole ‘Stick Around Ann Arbor’ campaign for these employees, because we want them to stay here."

Among the other groups affected are Ann Arbor schools, to whom Pfizer pays millions of dollars, and local businesses. Most employees declined comment, as they are being asked by Pfizer not to talk with the media.


輝瑞製藥裁員過千

輝瑞製藥有限公司（Pfizer）行政總裁Jeffery Kindler 宣佈在密芝根州裁減2410個職位，等於除去當地三個廠房。他們並且宣佈在明年年底削減一共10000個職位。部分被裁減的職位將會被分配到輝瑞製藥在其他地方的廠房。當輝瑞製藥的最新藥物Torcetrapib開發以後出現了意想不到的副作用後，這些裁員行動正式開始。曾花費在研究Torcetrapib的金錢最終化為烏有。這次裁員行動引發了其他區域性合作上的損失，主要影響到底特律等地區的汽車製造商。


Philippine President calls for resignation of cabinet due to deflation of peso

Amid news of a drop of the Philippine peso for a sixth straight week, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday asked all members of the cabinet to resign, preparing the road for change in the administration.

In the past month the peso has fallen 3.1 percent due in part to accusations that Arroyo cheated in last year's elections, as well as accusations that her family members have been taking kickbacks from illegal gambling operations.

The central bank may move to buy the peso in an attempt to stem the decline and raise lenders' reserve requirements so they have less money to bet against the currency.

While Arroyo was asking for the resignations, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and other officials, including Tax Commissioner Guillermo Parayno, Customs Commissioner Bert Lina, Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin and Trade Secretary Juan Santos, called for Arroyo's resignation. The text of their statement is available here.

However, Arroyo refused, and while addressing the nation via radio she said "I am not resigning my office. To do so under circumstances that connote an Edsa 3 (the third people's revolution) would condemn any successor to the possibility of an Edsa 4, then an Edsa 5, and so on and so on, unless our political system were first reformed to make it more responsive to the people's will, such that changes in leadership come about in an orderly and stable manner..."

Arroyo said that the time had come to face the fact that the political system had degenerated so much that partisan agenda is coming before national interest.

She pointed to the huge emigration from the country as an indication of the large problems within, while endless scandals and conflict seem to plague the southeast Asian nation.

The President ended her address by promising to bring a resolution to all that has plagued the country.


Prezydent Filipin nie zamierza ustępować ze stanowiska

Prezydent Filipin, pani Gloria Arroyo, odmawia zrzeczenia się stanowiska, będąc oskarżana o używanie swej pozycji, by wpłynąć na zeszłoroczne wybory w tym kraju, dzwoniąc w tej sprawie do szefa komisji wyborczej, a także o tolerowanie korupcji jej męża i syna. Do grona przeciwników dalszego sprawowania władzy przez Arroyo należy m.in. 10 członków rządu, którzy wczoraj postanowili w geście protestu podać się do dymisji, a także do tej pory popierający ją biznesmeni i członkowie koalicyjnego ugrupowania - Partii Liberalnej. Mimo to Arroyo nie zamierza sama rezygnować, swym krytykom zaś radzi udać się do parlamentu, w którym ma większość głosów, aby tam zastosowac procedurę impeachmentu, a także stwierdza, że musi zajmować się ważniejszymi sprawami, które zajmują obywateli - głównie gospodarką.

Filipiny, jedyny obok Timoru Wschodniego katolicki kraj w Azji, ma problemy z muzułmańską partyzantką na południowych wyspach archipelagu, więc kłopoty polityczne im nie służą. Z powodu niepokojów wewnętrznych już nieraz mobilizowano wojsko, które jeszcze do niedawno rządziło tym krajem.

Embattled Arroyo refuses to quit, BBC News, 8 lipca 2005


President Bush signs Consolidated Appropriations Act 2008

On Wednesday, United States President George W. Bush signed into law a US$555 billion appropriation bill, called the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (aka H.R. 2764).

The bill will keep government agencies running through September 2008. It also includes US$70 billion, which will fund the military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan well into 2008.

The signing of the bill concluded a battle between Bush and the United States Congress, during which he threatened to use his Presidential veto. Even so, Bush complained about the final outcome of the bill:

"I am disappointed in the way the Congress compiled this legislation, including abandoning the goal I set early this year to reduce the number and cost of earmarks by half. Instead, the Congress dropped into the bill nearly 9,800 earmarks that total more than $10 billion. These projects are not funded through a merit-based process and provide a vehicle for wasteful Government spending," Bush said in a press release from the White House.


Буш подписал бюджет на 2008 год

В среду президент США Джордж Буш подписал бюджет на 2008 год, в который вошли 70 миллиардов долларов на войну в Ираке и Афганистане.

В своем заявлении глава Белого Дома сказал, что 555- миллиардный бюджет должен обеспечить траты правительства без повышения налогов и без, как он назвал, вызывающих возражения изменений политики, которые требовал Конгрессом.

Демократы-законодатели не смогли добиться от президента графика вывода американских войск из Ирака. Джордж Буш предупредил, что наложит вето на любой законопроект, в котором будут установлены сроки прекращения военных действий.

Президент выразил также огорчение тем фактом, что в бюджет вошли ассигнования на проекты, принятые под давлением отдельных лоббистских групп. Глава Белого Дома сказал, что он распорядился, чтобы директор по бюджету нашел возможность избежать «пустых трат».

Буш подписал закон перед отъездом на свое ранчо в Техасе, где он встретит Новый год. Утвержденный бюджет финансирует все правительственные учреждения, за исключением обороны, до сентября 2008 года.

Ассигнования на военные нужды были подписаны президентом ранее.

27 декабря 2007 года


Production of GM soy crops surges in Romania

BUCHAREST, Romania —The average production of genetically-modified (GM) soy grew by 50 tonnes to 250 tonnes per square kilometre last year, said Constantin Sin from the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture. Soy is the only GM crop allowed in Romania for commercial purposes. Additionally, the area cultivated with the modified soy increased from 396 km² in 2003 to 581 km² in 2004. GM soy is mainly farmed in southeastern Romania, in the counties of Brăila, Călăraşi and Ialomiţa.

In 1996, the European Union endorsed the import of transgenic soy, and, in 2004, the green light was given for the sale of new genetically-modified products which were used for animal breeding. Globally, the largest producers of genetically-modified soy are the United States of America, Argentina and Brazil.


Genmanipulerad soja ökar i Rumänien

Bukarest, Rumänien –
Den genomsnittliga produktionen av genmanipulerade sojabönor ökade från 50 ton till 250 ton per kvadratkilometer förr året, meddelade Constatin Sin vid det rumänska jordbruksministeriet. Soja är den enda genmanipulerade jordbruksprodukten i Rumänien som får produceras kommersiellt. Arealen där den genmanipulerade sojan produceras ökade dessutom från 396 kvadratkilometer under 2003 till 581 kvadratkilometer förra året. Sojan produceras huvudsakligen i landets södra distrikt - Brăila, Călăraşi och Ialomiţa.

1996 godkände EU import av genmanipulerad soja och 2004 gav man grönt ljus för använda genmanipulerade produkter för djuruppfödning. Internationellt är de största producenterna av genmanipulerad soja USA, Argentina och Brasilien.


Proposed U.S. legislation seeks to push China to raise the value of yuan

Eswar Prasad, a professor at the trade policy from the Cornell University, warns the United States legislators, that their bill could poison the relationship between USA and China.

This warning was given regarding the U.S. bill, which is meant to force China to raise the value of its national currency yuan. Currently yuan has a value, which is about 40% lower than it should be, as stated by the legislators, which gives the Chinese trading companies a huge advantage on the international trading ground.

Professor Prasad, who was a China trade expert  and an economist at the International Monetary Fund until late last year, said that this bill would not have a long lasting effect and would not influence the problems the legislators are trying to avoid.

The opinion of the China trade specialist was that the USA should try to collaborate with Chinese officials in order to fix the problem of U.S. trade deficit and the current instabilities in the Chinese economy. The strategy to force the Chinese Government to do something would only worsen the relationship between the two countries.

The expert's opinion was it was more important to concentrate on the question what framework of the monetary policy could substitute the fixed exchange rate of the Chinese currency, which helped China in anchoring the inflation expectations.

Mr. Prasad added that the best way to stabilize the Chinese economy would be to couple an inflation objective with a flexibility of exchange rate.

The bill needs two thirds of the votes both in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the Senate, in order President George W. Bush would not have the possibility to veto the bill.


Le Congrès des États-Unis étudie un projet de loi qui obligerait la Chine à surévaluer le yuan

Eswar Prasad, professeur de politique commerciale à l'Université Cornell, avertit les congressistes américains qu'un de leurs projets de loi serait susceptible d'affecter les relations entre les États-Unis et la Chine.

Selon M. Prasad, l'entrée en vigueur d'un projet de loi américain pourrait avoir pour conséquences d'obliger la Chine à revoir à la hausse la valeur de sa monnaie nationale, le yuan. Les congressistes américains estiment en effet que le yuan a actuellement une valeur inférieure d'environ 40 % à celle qu'il devrait avoir, et que cet état de fait donne aux sociétés commerciales chinoises un avantage énorme sur le terrain commercial international.

Le professeur Prasad, un expert en politique commerciale de la Chine qui était jusqu'à vers la fin de l'an dernier économiste au Fonds monétaire international (FMI), estime que ce projet de loi n'aurait pas d'effet durable et n'aurait pas d'influence sur les problèmes que les congressistes tentent d'éviter.

Eswar Prasad est d'avis que les États-Unis devraient essayer de collaborer avec des fonctionnaires chinois pour résoudre les problèmes du déficit commercial américain et de l'instabilité actuelle de l'économie chinoise. Selon ses vues, une stratégie qui forcerait le gouvernement chinois à faire quelque chose ne ferait qu'aggraver les relations entre les deux pays.

M. Prasad pense qu'il est plus important de se concentrer sur la question de savoir quel cadre de la politique monétaire pourrait remplacer le taux de change fixe de la monnaie chinoise, qui a aidé la Chine dans la stabilisation des perspectives inflationnistes.

Il ajoute que la meilleure façon de stabiliser l'économie chinoise serait de coupler un objectif d'inflation avec une flexibilité des taux de change.

Le projet de loi, pour ne pas risquer de se voir opposer un véto par le président George W. Bush, devrait recueillir un minimum de deux tiers des votes dans chacune des chambres du Congrès (Chambre des représentants et Sénat).


Protests over housing costs sweep across Israel

Israelis have been gathering across the country to protest against the rising costs of housing, with "tent cities" being erected in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beersheba, Haifa, and Kiryat Shemona. On Saturday night tens of thousands marched from the encampment on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard, which has been a focal point for the protestors, to the Tel Aviv Museum.

Rents in Tel Aviv are said to have risen by over 60 percent in four years. Buying costs have soared too, with estate agent Eli Melloul stating that the average price for an Israeli apartment has now reached 1 million shekels ($295,000). The demonstrators are urging the government to intervene and help reduce prices. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged swift action, including streamlining planning and building regulations, and constructing 6,000 housing units. However none of these units are set for Tel Aviv. Some are calling for him to resign over the issue, and several members of the Knesset also joined Saturday's march.

The protests have largely been composed of young people and students, organised using social media such as Facebook. They follow a recent Facebook campaign to boycott cottage cheese (a staple food in Israel), which succeeded in driving down prices. Elderly people have also begun to join the movement to show their solidarity.

Daphni Leef, credited with starting the protest movement, addressed the crowd at Tel Aviv Museum. "Under these conditions we will soon have no dreams", she said. "There is no time to dream when you're constantly looking to cover your rent. There's no time to dream when you're constantly looking to cover a mortgage."

She also blamed Netanyahu personally in her speech: "You, Bibi, with your wild policy and your irresponsibility, you pushed us into a nadir. You, Mr. Netanyahu, caused us – the Facebook generation – to head to the streets and protest."


اعتراض مردم اسرائیل به وضع مسکن

روز شنبه در شهرهای تل آویو، اورشلیم، بئرشبع، حیفا و کریات اسرائیل، هزاران نفر از در اعتراض به وضع قیمت مسکن راهپیمایی کردند و در خیابان‌ها چادر برپا کرده‌اند. در این بین پایتخت اسرائیل مرکز اعتراضات قرارداده‌شده و اکثر معترضان در این شهر هستند.

به نقلی، از چهارسال گذشته قیمت مسکن ۶۰% افزایش یافته‌است. بنیامین نتانیاهو، نخستوزیر اسرائیل، نیز در واکنش به این عمل معترضان قول‌هایی داده‌است و دستور داده که ۶۰۰۰خانه را احداث نمایند.

این اعتراضات توسط جوانان و با استفاده از شبکه‌های اجتماعی مثل فیس‌بوک به راه افتاده‌است.


Putin promises to continue energy production increases

At a meeting in the Kremlin on Thursday of Group of Eight (G8) energy ministers, Russian president Vladimir Putin promised that Russia will continue to increase energy production and to make nuclear energy more accessible.

"Russian companies are already completing projects that have strategic importance for a real strengthening of global energy security," Putin said.  Putin, president of the G8 this year, has placed emphasis on energy security at a time when many nations are hit by rising energy prices and fears of supply problems.

Putin spoke of the development of the Shtokman field, which contains 3 trillion cubic meters of gas; of oil and gas pipelines, such as the ones under the Baltic Sea; and of a pipeline from eastern Siberia to the Pacific.  Russia has more than doubled oil exports, from three to seven million barrels a day.  Putin addressed concerns the current pipeline capacity will not be able to keep pace with demand, saying the projects are "the first in a series that world markets will benefit from soon." Putin also said that the Duma will soon pass laws to clarify the role of foreign investment in future projects.

Some have been wary of the Russian government's growing role in the country's energy market.  Gazprom, a Russian energy company that the government has the majority stake in, cut supplies to the Ukraine in January, affecting supply in several European countries.  25 percent to a third of the EU's gas supply comes from Russia, much of it by way of the Ukraine.

After the meeting on Thursday, US energy secretary Samuel Bodman said, “We are hopeful of a very substantial rebirth of the global nuclear industry.”


Русија ће се и даље залагати за већу доступност нуклеарне енергије

На састанку министара Г8 одржаном у четвртак у Кремљу, руски предсједник Владимир Путин је обећао да ће Русија наставити да повећава своју производњу енергије и наставити да се залаже за већу доступност нуклеарне енергије мањим и неразвијеним земљама.

"Руске енергетске компаније управо приводе крају неколико пројеката који ће појачати сигурност енергетских система цијелог свијета" рекао је Путин. Путин, овогодишњи предсједник Групе 8, ставио је питања у вези енергије на прво мјесто што ће сигурно бити добро прихваћено јер ће током 2006. многе националне економије бити пољуљане порастом цијена електричне енергије и слабијом снадбјевеношћу нафтом.

Путин је причао о развоју "Штокмановог поља" гдје се налазе 3 000 милијарди кубних метара гаса и нафте и о гасоводима као што су они испод Балтичког мора , и о могућој изградњи гасовода од источног Сибира до Пацифика. Руски извоз нафте се више него удвостручио, са 3 на 7 милиона барела дневно. Предсједник Русије је изразио забринутост да ће постојећи гасоводи успјети да задовоље потребе, и додао да ће ови пројекти бити "први у низу пројеката од којих ће свјетско тржиште имати велике користи".

Путин је додао да ће руска Дума ускоро усвојити законе који ће тачно дефинисати улогу страних инвеститора у будућим енергетским пројектима.

Неки су изразили забринутост због све веће улоге руске владе у руском тржишту енергије. Гаспром, руска енергетска компанија чији је већински власник држава, укинула је у јануару испоруку гаса ]]w:Украјина|Украјини]], смањујући тиме снадбјевеност неких европских земаља. чак 25 по 33 процената гаса који је потребан Европи се увози из Русије, а већи дио иде кроз гасоводе који пролазе кроз Украјину.

Након састанка одржаног у четвртак министар енергетике Сједињених Држава Самјуел Бодман је рекао: "Надамо се значајној обнови свјетске нуклеарне индустрије".


PV Taiwan 2007 starts with photovoltaic solutions and applications

After the success of Taiwan Photovoltaic Forum 2006, the organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) held PV Taiwan 2007 Forum and Exhibition at Taipei International Convention Center on October 11 and 12. This forum and exhibitions attracted 74 companies participating with 110 exhibition booths at TICC 1F and 2F, and is mainly focused on photovoltaic materials/modules/products, electrical system transformation products, system appliances.

According to TAITRA, with the environment topic on global warming, increasing of oil prices, environment awareness, and greenhouse effect, solar energy is a very important energy source from now. The production value is currently increasing world-wide, with the help of semiconductor industry, the photovoltaic industry will play a suitable role at energy and environment industry in Taiwan.

In the exhibition, lots of exhibitors showed their solutions and products on solar energy modules and photovoltaic products with lots of unique functions such as waterproof, long-time usage, and industry integration. One of the exhibitors - Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) also held a seminar and "Jinyi Award" for nominated participants and college students on photovoltaic industry.


PV Taiwan論壇暨展覽開幕 話題集中太陽能相關應用

繼去年7月4日，中華民國對外貿易發展協會順利舉辦「2006台北國際太陽光電論壇」後，今年與正在進行的台北國際秋季電子展結合，更名為「2007台灣國際太陽光電論壇暨展覽會」，並擴大規模，增加靜態展覽，希望吸引電子產業界及能源環境相關領域之專業人士一同參與，並擴大產業商機。

據貿協指出，全球暖化普遍、溫室效應持續、原油物料攀漲、環保意識提升等話題不斷地持續，而太陽能卻是現今與未來極為重要的一項能源，產值與產量正在持續地提升，再加上半導體產業界的加持，台灣有非常大的發展潛力，來提升太陽光電產業，未來此項產業預估將成為能源產業的一匹黑馬。

一改以往的論壇交流模式，今年在台北國際會議中心，除了論壇中主要的話題太陽能電池的演進、太陽能產業趨勢、冶金、矽材料等，另外在展覽部分，也有模組／電力系統轉換、系統應用／製程設備、公協會組織、媒體等展區，讓參與者可以獲足相關資訊，貿協也指出，透過此項展覽與論壇的進行，可以幫助台灣廠商開拓國內外市場、並相互提升技術。

在展覽中，各家業者分別拿出相關的解決方案進行展示，產品不乏有太陽能面板模組、太陽能相關產品，當中，參展單位之一的工業技術研究院，除了有專屬主題攤位，另外也在開幕當天，舉辦「金羿獎頒獎典禮」與「太陽能光電建築應用研討會」，邀請太陽能應用表現傑出之單位、各家建築界相關業者一同共襄盛舉。

這項展覽將與論壇一同進行至明日，而展區則開放12歲以上者免費參觀，論壇則採收費制，報名後方可參與。


PV Taiwan 2007: ITRI Taiwan awards winners of Jinyi Award and shows the solutions on photovoltaic industry

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) showed their solutions of excellence not only at TAITRONICS Autumn and TaiwanRFID exhibitions, but also held "The 4th Jinyi Award Ceremony" and "Photovoltaic Applications on Construction Seminar" accompanied with PV Taiwan Forum and Exhibition this year.

For the "Jinyi Award", ITRI set a special pavilion at their booth to show the nominated products and current solutions with solar energy. According to ITRI, "Jinyi Award" encouraged individual or group participants can applied the creations on solar energy and photovoltaics to life of the human beings. ITRI also hoped those solutions can transform with valued products. This year, ITRI cooperated with Taiwan Design Center supervised by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) with judgments of the 4th Jinyi Award.

This competition has three groups (Product Design, Professional Design, Design Competition) with different natures, competition places, and fields of participants. Winners of "Professional Design Group" and the 1st and 2nd place of "Design Competition Group" were named at the Ceremony.

After the Ceremony, ITRI held "Photovoltaic Applications on Construction Seminar" for participants with semiconductor, photovoltaic, environment, and constriction industries. "Governments and companies in Taiwan should learn some successful cases in Europe and USA. ITRI started constructions of photovoltaic and solar energy system at South Taiwan. Photovoltaic and solar energy are the valuable and important energy source from now, and its industry will be taken effect on some environment issues such as increasing of oil prices, greenhouse effect, trendy changes of environment awareness." Dr. Joeng-shein Chen (Deputy Manager of Photovoltaics Technology Center of Industrial Technology Research Institute) taught to the participants at this seminar.


2007 PV Taiwan：工業技術研究院 展示金羿獎展品與太陽能應用成果

在本屆台北國際秋季電子展大展身手的工業技術研究院，除了電子展、RFID展的主題區相關產品展示外，本次為了配合太陽能論壇暨展覽，特別在台北國際會議中心展示「第四屆金羿獎入圍作品」與「太陽能應用成果」，希望將太陽能相關應用，向參與者進行宣傳，並且在太陽能展的開幕日，進行「第四屆金羿獎頒獎典禮」與「太陽能光電建築應用研討會」，匯集太陽能產業界相關菁英，為台灣的太陽能產業與其相關應用進行展望。

靜態展示部分，為了配合「金羿獎」競賽，除了展示太陽能屋與廠商媒合的成果，也在展區進行入圍暨得獎作品展示，根據主辦單位的說法，「金羿獎」是一項鼓勵「應用商品化」的競賽，鼓勵太陽能相關領域人士或有興趣的學生可以藉由創意，實際地在生活上應用，並將相關的應用，轉換成有價值的商品，而今年也和貿協旗下的台灣創意設計中心合作，鼓勵各參賽單位發揮創意，也希望這些創意未來能確實地落實於人們的日常生活。

本屆的競賽，則分成「競賽組」、「產品應用設計組」、「專業組」等三組進行，不同組別的競賽地也因性質不同而有差異，而本屆專業組的五個參賽團隊，則全數錄取，並且將會在未來與其他產業進行異業結合，競賽組部分，則選出金、銀獎給優勝單位進行表彰。

頒獎典禮後進行的研討會，則集中火力在太陽能面板與建築設計的結合，工研院陳教授指出，歐美地區已有很多成功的案例值得學習，台灣目前也在跟進中，初期以南部地區的景點，做為主要發展重點，他表示，太陽能在未來是一項重要的產業，因為環境相關議題的與時俱進，以及全球暖化、石油與原物料價格等問題，都會影響太陽能產業發展的趨勢。


Qantas grounds all flights in labour dispute

Australian international airline Qantas is grounding all its flights with immediate effect in the midst of a major industrial dispute.

The airline announced yesterday that there "will be no further Qantas domestic departures or international departures anywhere in the world" after 5pm AEDT. They then plan to "lock out" all employees involved in the action at 8pm AEDT on Monday. Flights will remain grounded indefinitely until a decision with unions over pay and working conditions is reached.

Thousands of passengers have been stranded in airports across the world by the grounding. Qantas will offer refunds to cancelling customers and "rebooking flexibility" to those wishing to defer travel. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce labelled his own decision "unbelievable".

The move prompted an emergency hearing into the dispute by Fair Work Australia in Melbourne which went on until the early hours of Sunday morning, adjourned until 2pm AEDT. It comes following a series of strikes by Qantas staff including baggage handlers and pilots which Qantas say are costing them A$15 million a week. This grounding, by comparison, is estimated to lose A$20m a day.

Qantas executive Lyell Stambi told the hearing that altogether recent action had cost them around A$68m, and claimed rival airlines "have access to cheaper labour". According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he went on to say that forward bookings had taken a big hit: "It makes sense. If passengers can't be sure... They're less likely to book with us."

Meanwhile, the Australian and International Pilots Association have spoken to the SMH to condemn the move, with vice president Richard Woodward labelling it "premeditated, unnecessary and grossly irresponsible". He claims the airline "has locked out short-haul 737 pilots who aren't even involved in any action at all," and that all anyone in his union has done is wear red ties and make some on-board anouncements.


Qantas nechal kvůli odborům stát letadla na zemi

Australské národní aerolinky Qantas zrušily včera s okamžitou platností lety všech svých strojů. Důvodem je zásadní spor s odborovými svazy.

V oznámení společnosti se říká, že „neodletí žádný další domácí spoj Qantasu nebo mezinárodní spoj kdekoli na světě“ po 17. hodině východoaustralského času. Poté budou ze služby uvolněni všichni zaměstnanci. Letadla zůstanou na zemi na neurčito do doby, než se společnost dohodne s odbory na platech a pracovních podmínkách.

Na letištích kvůli tomu zůstaly tisíce lidí. Qantas se zavázal vracet peníze a pomáhat s přebukováním letenek. Sám ředitel Qantasu Alan Joyce označil své vlastní rozhodnutí za „neuvěřitelné“.

Qantas reagoval na sérii stávek, kterých se zúčastnili například zaměstnanci pečující o zavazadla a piloti. Stávky měly společnost stát kolem 15 milionů australských dolarů (necelých 300 milionů korun) týdně. Zastavení provozu ale způsobí podle odhadů ztrátu devětkrát větší (asi 20 milionů dolarů denně).

Na rozhodnutí zareagoval úřad Fair Work Australia, který slouží jako prostředník při jednání o pracovních podmínkách a jako arbitr souvisejících sporů, dnešním mimořádným zasedáním. Výkonný ředitel Qantasu Lyell Strambi na něm prohlásil, že nedávné akce odborářů stály společnost dohromady kolem 68 milionů dolarů (jednu a tři čtvrtě miliardy korun) a že konkurenční aerolinky „mají přístup k levnější pracovní síle“. Podle deníku Sydney Morning Herald také připustil, že vše vedlo k poklesu zájmu o dlouhodobé rezervace. „Dává to smysl. Když si nemohou být cestující jistí, méně pravděpodobně budou rezervovat u nás,“ řekl.

Zástupce Asociace australských a mezinárodních pilotů v rozhovoru pro Sydney Morning Herald krok Qantasu odsoudil. Místopředseda asociace Richard Woodward ho označil za „předem promyšlený, zbytečný a vysoce nezodpovědný“. Společnost podle něj vyřadila ze služby i 737 pilotů, kteří nejsou vůbec zapojeni do akcí odborů, a že vše, co členové jeho odborového svazu udělali, bylo nošení protestních červených kravat a přečtení několika prohlášení cestujícím na palubě.

Ve stejných dnech protestuje i palubní personál společnosti Air France, stávka letušek a stevardů má trvat pět dní.


Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lankan President

Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the ninth President of Sri Lanka at a ceremony in the country's Parliament in Colombo on Thursday.

Wickremesinghe, who has served as acting president in his predecessor's absence, defeated rival candidates for the presidency by 134 votes to 82, with support from MPs of the ruling Sri Lanka People's Front.

The former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled Sri Lanka for the Maldives on July 13 and tendered his resignation from Singapore the following day. This came after months of unrest and protests over a devastating economic crisis which saw soaring inflation, blackouts and shortages of many essential supplies.

Wickremesinghe initially offered to resign alongside Rajapaksa; however following the president's exodus he assumed the role of acting president. Wickremesinghe served as prime minister under Rajapaksa, and the BBC reports many view his administration as complicit in mismanaging the economy.

Nevertheless, the transition of power drew relatively few protests. "He is here — and we will see what his actions are. If we don't get any food, any medicine, we'll be on the streets," a former protestor told the BBC.

Anbarasan Ethirajan, writing for the BBC, reported other protesters' disappointment, worrying Wickremesinghe would gradually crack down and forcibly end the protests. For his part, Wickremesinghe said he supports peaceful demonstrations, but warned against occupying government buildings and attempts to overthrow the government.

Wickremesinghe has held many senior positions during his 45-year political career, including serving six terms as prime minister. He unsuccessfully ran for President twice. Local media reports the next cabinet is expected to include ministers from opposition parties, who have agreed to work with Wickremesinghe.

The new president will strive for stability ahead of resuming talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $3 billion bailout.


Ranil Wickremesinghe zaprzysiężony na prezydenta Sri Lanki

21 lipca 2022 roku Ranil Wickremesinghe został zaprzysiężony na dziewiątego prezydenta Sri Lanki podczas uroczystości w parlamencie kraju w Kolombo.

Wickremesinghe, który pełnił funkcję p.o. prezydenta pod nieobecność swego poprzednika, pokonał rywalizujących kandydatów do prezydentury 134 głosami do 82, przy poparciu deputowanych rządzącego Frontu Politycznego Sri Lanki.

Dotychczasowy prezydent Gotabaya Rajapaksa uciekł 13 lipca ze Sri Lanki na Malediwy, a następnego dnia złożył rezygnację w Singapurze. Nastąpiło to po miesiącach niepokojów i protestów związanych z wyniszczającym kryzysem gospodarczym, który spowodował gwałtowny wzrost inflacji, przerwy w dostawach prądu i braki wielu podstawowych artykułów.

Wickremesinghe początkowo zaproponował rezygnację u boku Rajapaksy, jednak po wyjeździe prezydenta przyjął rolę pełniącego obowiązki prezydenta. Wickremesinghe pełnił funkcję premiera za czasów Rajapaksy, a jak podaje BBC, wielu uważa jego administrację za współwinną złego zarządzania gospodarką.

Mimo to, przekazanie władzy przyciągnęło stosunkowo niewiele protestów.

Anbarasan Ethirajan, pisząc dla BBC, relacjonował rozczarowanie innych protestujących, obawiając się, że Wickremesinghe będzie stopniowo rozprawiał się z protestami i siłą je zakończy. Ze swojej strony Wickremesinghe powiedział, że popiera pokojowe demonstracje, ale ostrzegł przed zajmowaniem budynków rządowych i próbami obalenia rządu.


Romania announces 18 percent increase in tourists in 2004

Bucharest, Romania — 6.6 million tourists visited Romania in 2004, marking an 18% increase over 2003, announced the National Authority for Tourism (ANT). This was one of the highest rates of tourism growth in Europe. However, it remains slightly below the number of Romanians who spent their holidays in other countries throughout 2004 - a figure of 6.9 million.

Carmen Moraru, the promotion and marketing director at ANT said that many tourists came as part of holiday packages or tours, organised around the regions of Maramureş, Transylvania, Moldova, the Prahova Valley and the Danube Delta.

In 2005, the number of tourist arrivals is set to rise further, mainly due to a Romanian promotion campaign launched across Europe. The country's tourist revival is mainly due to its diversity - it is home to Europe's largest delta, the Black Sea Coast with its resorts, the Carpathian Mountains with their skiing and winter activities, Transylvania with its ecotourism, agritourism and beautiful landscapes, as well as the medieval history of cities like Sibiu and Sighişoara.


Turismen i Rumänien ökade 18% under 2004

Bukarest, Rumänien –
6.6 miljoner turister besökte Rumänien under 2004 vilket är en ökning med 18% jämfört med 2003, meddelade landets Turistmyndighet ANT. Det är en av Europas högsta turisttillströmmningar. Siffran överträffas dock av antalet rumäner som tillbringar sin semester utanför landets gränser under förra året - 6.9 miljoner.

Carmen Moraru, marknadschef på ANT sa att många av turisterna var med i en resegrupp som besökte Maramureş, Transylvanien, Moldavien Prahova-dalen och Donau-deltat.
Under 2005 väntas antalet turister öka ytterligare som ett resultat av den reklamkampanj som landet lanserar över hela Europa.

Framgångarna för turismen i Rumänien tros bero på dess mångfald: Europa största delta finns här; liksom rekreationsorterna längs Svarta havskusten, Transylvaniens ekoturism och sceniska landskap; och den medeltida historien i städer som Sibiu och Sighisoara.


Romania redenominates its currency

Today, Romania introduces its new redenominated currency, the new leu (code: RON), which is valued at 10,000 old lei (code: ROL). The process, which is known as redenomination, started in March 2005 when Romania started dual-currency display and all prices had to be displayed in both the old leu and the new leu. Starting from today, the first notes and coins of the new leu will become legal tender, and the new leu will become the official currency of Romania.

The redenomination (or conversion from the old to the new leu) is simple — 10,000 old lei are replaced by 1 new leu. One US dollar will buy 2.98 new lei, while one euro will buy 3.6 new lei. After the similar redenomination by Turkey the old leu had been the world's least valued currency unit, with the US dollar buying 29,891 lei and the euro buying 36,050 lei (on 30 June 2005). With the introduction of the new leu, Romania's currency will be among the most highly-valued in the region.

The new leu notes and coins, introduced into circulation today, will circulate alongside the old lei until 31 December 2006, when the dual-currency period ends and all of the old lei are expected to be withdrawn. However, old lei can be exchanged at banks indefinitely.

The new notes come into denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 new lei. The largest note of the old leu was 1,000,000 lei, or 100 new lei. The largest note of the new leu is worth 500 new lei, or approximately US$167 and €139. New leu notes will also have the same dimensions as euro notes of similar value. Additionally, they will use the same colours and design as their corresponding old leu equivalent (for example, the 100 lei note will look similar to the 1,000,000 old lei note).

All notes will be printed on polymer materials. Romania was the first country in Europe to introduce polymer notes, in 1999.

The governor of the National Bank of Romania, Mugur Isărescu, said that the redenomination of the leu marks the symbolic end of Romania's economic transition from a planned economy under Communism, which was overthrown in 1989, to a free market economy.

The reason for redenomination was mainly the fact that the leu had become severely devalued, especially in the 1990s, due to high inflation rates. From 2002 onwards, the leu stabilised, and has even appreciated against the euro and the US dollar in the past year. Hence, the new leu was introduced to simplify the national currency, and also as a symbol of Romania's increasing economic stability. It is also expected to help pave the way for the adoption of the euro by Romania, which is expected in 2012-2014, after Romania joins the European Union in 2007.

Although the introduction of the new leu is viewed as beneficial on the whole, since it will bring Romania's currency more in line with the value of important global currencies such as the euro and the US dollar, concerns have been raised that the new leu will fuel inflation. Some people are concerned that the new leu will result in the rounding-up of prices, similar to what happened when the euro was introduced in the Eurozone in 2002, and therefore fuel inflation.

However, a rise in prices is not thought to occur due to the dual-currency display. This ensures that all businesses continue to display prices in both the new leu and the old leu until the end of 2006, and hence they will not be able to raise prices as easily, for fear of becoming less competitive in the market.


2005/07/01: Rumänien förändrar sin valuta

1 juli 2005 Idag införde Rumänien sin valuta, den nya leu. Den nya lei har koden RON. En ny lei motsvarar 10 000 gamla leu. De nya mynten och sedlarna som infördes idag kommer cirkulera parallellt med de gamla till den 31 december 2006.

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Romania to adopt euro between 2012 and 2014

Mugur Isărescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) predicted yesterday that Romania would adopt the euro sometime between 2012 and 2014, possibly joining the Exchange Rate Mechanism II as early as 2010.

In July 2004, Romania will revalue its currency, the leu, so that 10,000 old lei will equal 1 new leu, with 1 euro being equal to approximately 3.6 new lei. Dual pricing, in both the old leu and the new leu, has already been introduced from March 2005. The transition to the new leu is expected to stabilise the Romanian currency and prepare the country for euro adoption.

After Isărescu's declaration, many people commented that they were surprised by how late the target date for euro adoption had been set, being 7-9 years away. However, Isărescu responded by stating that the new Central European members of the European Union, which joined in 2004, have not yet joined the euro, and that countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary are only expected to adopt the currency between 2008-2010, 4-6 years after accession. In Romania's case, the adoption will take place 5–7 years after accession in 2007.


Rumunia chce wprowadzić euro przed 2014 rokiem

Według Mugura Isărescu, dyrektora rumuńskiego banku centralnego, Rumunia powinna dostosować się do wymogów Europejskiego Systemu Walutowego najpóźniej w 2014 roku.

W lipcu 2004 roku Rumunia przeprowadziła denominację swojej waluty - leja. Zdaniem ekonomistów ten zabieg ma pomóc ustabilizować kurs waluty i przygotować kraj do przyjęcia euro.

Wielu rumuńskich komentatorów było zaskoczonych podaną przez Isărescu "tak późną" datą przyjęcia euro. Jednak szef banku centralnego zaznaczył, że państwa Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej, które wstąpiły do Unii Europejskiej w 2004 roku, do tej pory nie przystąpiły do Strefy Euro. Polska, Czechy i Węgry zapowiadają, że będą gotowe na przyjęcie do Strefy Euro najpóźniej w 2010 roku, czyli, jak zaznaczył Isărescu, w 6 lat po akcesji do Unii Europejskiej. W przypadku Rumunii stanie się tak najpóźniej w 7 lat po akcesji. Rumunia, według planu, ma wstąpić do Unii Europejskiej w 2007 roku.


Romanian economy predicted to maintain steady growth until 2008

The National Forecast Committee of Romania today released its economic predictions for the country in the period 2005-2008. The report predicted that the Romanian economy should increase steadily over the next three years, with a rise in gross domestic product (GDP) of about 6.2% per annum until 2008. By the end of 2008, this should lead to Romania's gross domestic product being nearly 30% larger than it was at the end of 2004. For 2005, the prediction is that the economy will grow by 6%, after last year's impressive growth of 8.3%. The reason for the slowing of growth is due to government reforms from 2005-2008, as well as counter-inflationary policy, which are expected to stabilise consumption and therefore slow growth. Despite this, even a growth rate of 6% is one of the highest in the region, and well above the European Union average.

Concerning the structure of GDP between 2005 and 2008, the largest increases are expected to be recorded in the services and industry sectors. While total agricultural output is also expected to rise, it will contribute a smaller share of GDP in comparison to 2004, when a good harvest enhanced total GDP growth by nearly 3%.

The other important macro-economic indicator that the report said Romania must focus on is inflation, which is expected to lower to 7% this year, after a rate of 9.2% in 2004. The National Bank of Romania and the Romanian government have pledged to lower inflation until the country's EU accession in 2007. While unemployment dropped to 6.2% in 2004, one of the lowest rates in Europe, it is expected to rise in 2005 to around 7%, due to structural reforms of the economy, as well as a drop of state subsidies to key industrial sectors. However, by 2008, the forecasted unemployment rate is 6.1%.

Whereas GDP growth, inflation and unemployment are all expected to improve favourably until 2008, the weaker point in the economy is the current account deficit, which should continue to increase until 2008, according to the National Forecast Committee. In 2006, the current account deficit is expected to be 6.2% of GDP, while in 2008 it will be around 5%. While these rates are an improvement of the 2004 figure of nearly 7%, they still remain fairly high. On the other hand, direct foreign investment is expected to rise significantly until 2008, covering a portion of the current account deficit. Foreign invesment in 2005, should reach 4.1 billion euros this year, and will probably increase significantly from 2007 onwards, as Romania becomes a member of the European Union.


Salariul mediu la 10 milioane în 2008

14 aprilie 2005 București, România —

Comisia Națională de Prognoză anunță că până în 2008, salariul mediu net va crește constant până la valoarea de 10 milioane de lei vechi (1000 lei noi). Anul acesta ar urma - potrivit aceiași surse - cea mai mare creștere, cea de până în jurul valorii de 7.200.000 lei vechi (720 lei noi). Totodată se preconizează scăderea numărului de șomeri care ar putea ajunge la cinci sute de mii de persoane în 2008, tot anul acesta înregistrându-se cea mai mare scădere.

Această statistică vine într-o perioadă în care toată lumea discută despre mărirea prețurilor odată cu integrarea în Uniunea Europeană prin alinierea la standardele europene tocmai să aducă o speranță că și salariul va începe o lentă aliniere la standardele Uniunii.


Romanian government to sell 10 percent of its shares in Romgaz

The Romanian Minster for Economy and Commerce, Codruţ Sereş, announced on Friday that his ministry intends to sell 10% of its shares in the state-owned natural gas distributor, Romgaz, this year. The Ministry is still deciding whether to transfer the stock to financial investors or whether to list it on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Romgaz is one of the largest state-owned companies in Romania falling under the ownership of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. In 2005, the company is expected to have an estimated turnover of 648 million euro.

Romgaz is the latest Romanian energy company where plans have been announced for privatisation. Last year, the privatisation of natural gas distributors Distrigaz Sud and Distrigaz Nord was proposed, and is expected to be fully completed by the end of this month. Last year, Romanian oil giant Petrom was privatised, in the country's largest ever privatisation, and this year the Electrica Group of electricity distributors was sold off to various financial investors.


Guvernul român va vinde 10% din acţiunile la Romgaz

18 aprilie 2005 București, România —

Ministerul român al Economiei și Comerțului, Codruț Sereș, a anunțat vineri că ministerul intenționează să vândă acțiunile sale de 10% la distribuitorul de stat al gazelor naturale, Romgaz, în acest an.

Romgaz este una din cele mai mari companii în proprietatea statului care se află sub conducerea Ministerului de finanțe. În 2005, compania are un profit estimat de  648 milioane de euro.

Romgaz este ultima companie energetică românească anunțată spre privatizare. În ultimul an, privatizarea distribuitorilor de gaze naturale, Distrigaz Sud și Distrigaz Nord au fost propuse și se așteaptă finalizarea lor la sfârșitul acestei luni. În ultimul an, compania petrolieră Petrom a fost de asemenea privatizată, în cea mai mare privatizare din țară iar în acest an, grupul Electrica a fost vândut unor inversitori străini.


Romanian VAT to remain at 19 percent

[[w:Bucharest, Romania|Bucharest, Romania]] — The Romanian Finance Minister Ionuţ Popescu has responded to public fears of a rise in value added tax (VAT) by saying that Romania's VAT will remain at 19% and will not increase. He rejected rumours that the value added tax, which is applied to most goods and services, will increase due to negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and a need to boost government revenue.

After introducing a low flat tax rate of 16% on January 1, 2005, which applies to both personal income and corporate profits, the government has had to fund the tax cuts through alternative means, including increases in other types of taxation, to avoid running a high budget deficit. For example, from April 1, the government will increase excises as well as a range of other taxes. Despite the increase, Romania continues to have one of the lowest fiscal burdens in Europe due to the new 16% flat tax rate.


Rumäniens mervärdesskatt stannar på 19%

Bukarest, Rumänien –
Efter allmänna farhågor att mervärdesskatten skulle höjas, meddelade Rumäniens finansminister Ionuţ Popescu att den ligger fast på 19%. Han förnekade att skatten skulle höjas som följd av förhandlingarna med internationella valuta fonden som sagts tvinga Rumäniens regering att öka statens intäkter.

Efter att ha sänkt inkomst- som företagsskatten till 16% den 1 januari 2005 har regeringen tvingats se sig om efter andra inkomst källor för att finansiera skattesänkningen. Trots en höjning av accis-skatten den 1 april kommer Rumänien att ha den lägsta skatten i Europa.


Russia and China sign major gas pipeline deal for 30 years

On Friday, Russia signed a 30-year deal to supply gas to China, strengthening the energy alliance between the two countries. President Putin met with his counterpart Xi Jinping, promising to increase trade exports from the Russian Far East region to China. The meeting took place while the Russian president was on a visit to China for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

With this new deal, Russia aims to increase its gas supply to China by 10 billion cubic metres per year, of a total supply of 48 billion cubic metres per year. The new project is estimated to be worth USD117.5 billion. Russian energy giant Gazprom has agreed to take part in the deal by supplying the gas to China National Petroleum Corporation. A statement released by Gazprom indicates the project is due to start in two to three years.

The Russian president expressed appreciation for the deal by saying that, "a step forward was made in the gas industry". Russia already supplies liquefied natural gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. The deal will be denominated in Euros due to efforts by both countries to divert their foreign trade away from US dollars.


Rosja i Chiny podpisują trzydziestoletnią umowę dotyczącą gazociągu

4 lutego 2022 roku Rosja podpisała 30-letnią umowę na dostawy gazu do Chin, wzmacniając sojusz energetyczny między obydwoma krajami. Prezydent Władimir Putin spotkał się z sekretarzem generalnym Komunistycznej Partii Chin Xi Jinpingiem, obiecując zwiększenie eksportu gazu z rosyjskiego Dalekiego Wschodu do Chin. Spotkanie odbyło się podczas wizyty prezydenta Rosji w Chinach z okazji rozpoczęcia Zimowych Igrzysk Olimpijskich 2022.

Dzięki tej umowie Rosja zamierza zwiększyć dostawy gazu do Chin o 10 miliardów metrów sześciennych rocznie do poziomu 48 miliardów metrów sześciennych rocznie. Wartość nowego projektu szacuje się na 117,5 miliarda dolarów. Rosyjski Gazprom zgodził się wziąć udział w transakcji dostarczając gaz do China National Petroleum Corporation. Według oświadczenia Gazpromu projekt ma ruszyć za 2-3 lata.

Rosyjski prezydent wyraził uznanie dla umowy, mówiąc, że „w branży gazowej dokonano kroku naprzód”. Rosja już teraz dostarcza do Chin skroplony gaz ziemny rurociągiem Siła Syberii. Transakcja będzie denominowana w euro ze względu na wysiłki obu krajów zmierzające do dywersyfikacji handlu zagranicznego celem uniezależnienia się od dolarów amerykańskich.

Jak podaje Reuters, Gazprom odmawia ujawnienia pełnego tekstu umowy, a wiele informacji jej dotyczących trafiło do mediów poprzez źródła, które nie chcą być ujawniane. Rzecznik Kremla Dmitrij Pieskow powiedział, że umowa została zawarta na 25 lat, podczas gdy chińskie źródła związane z branżową podało, że na 30 - takie liczby podała m.in Al Jazeera.

Jak podają źródła na które powołuje się Reuters, rosyjski gaz wydobywany na wyspie Sachalin będzie transportowany rurociągiem przez Morze Japońskie do prowincji Heilongjiang w północno-wschodnich Chinach.


Russia claims North Pole by planting flag on seabed

Russian expedition Arktika 2007 made the first descent to the ocean bottom below the North Pole, and planted a titanium flag of Russia on the seabed.

Submarines have in the past traveled below the Arctic ice cap, but this is the first time man has reached the seabed below the North Pole. The Mir-1 and a second Mir-2 submarine face the challenge of diving 13,980 feet (4,261 metres) deep, and then having to resurface at the exact location where they've submerged, because they are not strong enough to penetrate the ice themselves. The nuclear ice-breaker vessel Rossiya is keeping the ice open for the research ship and the submarines.

The expedition ship Akademik Fyodorov is carrying over 100 scientists to the North Pole. "Apart from the purely scientific goal of a comprehensive study of the climate and seabed at the North Pole, this expedition may help Russia to enlarge its territory by more than one million square kilometers," the Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute said. The mini-submarine Mir-1 has successfully reached the Arctic seabed. "Our mission is to remind the whole world that Russia is a great polar and research power," said expedition leader and deputy speaker of the Russian parliament Artur Chilingarov, who has been named presidential envoy to the Arctic by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Some Western politicians have portrayed the planting of Russia's flag on the seabed as Russia's territorial claim. Canada, the United States, Norway and Denmark (through Greenland) have an Exclusive Economic Zone 200 miles north of their Arctic coastline, established under international laws. Russia is claiming a larger area, extending to the North Pole, saying that a continental shelf called the Lomonosov Ridge runs from Siberia on the Arctic seabed to the North Pole. As such, it would be an extension of Russian territory.

In 2001, Russia made a case with the United Nations to extend its boundaries to the Arctic, but the U.N. requested more scientific data to strengthen the Russian case. The current mission is collecting evidence to submit another request in 2009, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Canada and Denmark last year sent out a joint mission to establish whether the Lomonosov Ridge is connected to their territories, and Norway is investigating this possibility too. Last May, U.S. senator Richard Lugar (Rep, Indiana) said that it would be difficult to negotiate about Russia's claims as long as the U.S. has not ratified the Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that any issues about Russia's claims would be resolved "in strict compliance with international law."

The claimed territory could contain undiscovered natural resources such as oil and gas, media sources speculate.


Rusia coloca una bandera en el fondo del Ártico

Una expedición rusa reclama haber colocado exitosamente una bandera rusa de titanio en el fondo del mar en el Polo Norte.

El barco de expedición Akademik Fyodorov llevó 100 científicos al Polo Norte. "Aparte de la meta puramente científica de un estudio comprensivo del clima y fondo del Polo Norte, esta expedición podría ayudar a Rusia a acrecentar su territorio por más de un millón de kilómetros cuadrados", dijo el Instituto ruso de Investigación Ártica y Antartática.

El canal de televisión Vesti-24 reportó que el mini-subamarino Mir-1 había llegado al fondo del Ártico exitosamente. "Nuestra misión es recordarle al mundo entero que Rusia es una gran potencia polar y de investigación", dijo Artur Chilingarov, el líder de la expedición y diputado del Parlamento Ruso, quien fue nombrado enviado presidencial al Ártico por el Presidente de Rusia, Vladimir Putin

En el pasado, submarinos ya han viajado debajo de la capa de hielo del ártico, pero esta es la primera vez que el hombre llega al suelo marino debajo del Polo Norte. El Mir-1 y un segundo Mir-2 enfrentan el desafío de sumergirse a 4.262 metros (13.980 pies), y luego emerger en el mismo lugar que donde se sumergieron, ya que no tienen la suficiente fuerza para penetrar por el cielo. El buque rompehielo Rossiya mantiene la superficie del hielo abierta para el barco de investigación y los submarinos.

Canadá, Estados Unidos, Noruega y Dinamarca (mediante Groenlandia) tienen un área económica exclusiva 200 millas al norte de su costa ártica, establecida bajo leyes internacionales. Rusia está reclamando un área mucho mayor al extenderse al Polo Norte diciendo que una plataforma continental llamada la Dorsal de Lomonosov recorre desde Siberia al Polo Norte. Como tal, sería una extensión del territorio ruso.

En 2001, Rusia presentó un caso ante las Naciones Unidas para extender sus frontera al Ártico, pero la ONU pidió más datos científicos para respaldar el caso ruso. La misión actual es recolectar evidencia para presentar otro caso en el 2009 bajo la Convención de la ONU sobre el Derecho del Mar. Canadá y Dinamarca enviaron juntos el año pasado una misión para establecer si la Dorsal de Lomosonov se conecta a sus territorios, y Noruega también está investigando esta posibilidad también. En mayo, el senador estadounidense Richard Lugar (Rep, Indiana) dijo que sería difícil negociar los reclamos de Rusia hasta que Estados Unidos no ratifique la Convención sobre el Derecho al Mar.

El Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Rusia, Serguéi Lavrov, dijo que cualquier problema sobre los reclamos de Rusia serían resueltos "en una estricta conformidad con la convención internacional".

El territorio podría tener recursos naturales sin descubrir como gas y petróleo, especularon fuentes mediáticas.


La Russia annuncia di aver issato la propria bandiera sul fondale del Polo Nord

Una spedizione russa afferma di aver issato con successo una bandiera della Russia in titanio sul fondale marino al di sotto del Polo Nord.

La nave di ricerca Akademik Fyodorov sta trasportando oltre 100 scienziati al Polo Nord. «Oltre all'obiettivo puramente scientifico di uno studio completo del clima e del fondale marino al Polo Nord, questa spedizione può aiutare la Russia ad ampliare il proprio territorio per più di un milione di chilometri quadrati», ha riportato l'Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute russo.

Secondo quanto riportato dal canale televisivo Vesti-24, il mini-sommergibile Mir-1 ha raggiunto con successo il fondale artico. «La nostra missione è quella di ricordare al mondo intero che la Russia è una grande potenza artica e nel campo della ricerca», ha detto il capo della missione Artur Chilingarov, vice presidente del parlamento russo, che è stato nominato inviato presidenziale per l'Artico dal Presidente Russo Vladimir Putin.

In passato altri sottomarini avevano già viaggiato al di sotto della calotta glaciale artica, ma è la prima volta che l'uomo raggiunge il fondale marino al di sotto del Polo Nord. Il Mir-1 assieme ad un secondo sommergibile Mir-2 hanno fatto fronte alla sfida dell'immersione a 4.261 metri di profondità e sono riemersi nell'esatta posizione dalla quale si erano immersi, dato che non sono abbastanza potenti da penetrare il ghiaccio. La nave rompighiaccio nucleare Rossiya sta mantenendo il ghiaccio aperto per la nave di ricerca e i sommergibili.


Russia cuts off gas supplies to Ukraine

Russia has ended exports of natural gas to neighbouring Ukraine following a failure to reach a compromise over prices. Gazprom, Russia's natural gas behemoth, began cutting off supplies at 7:00 a.m. UTC Sunday, January 1.

Gazprom claims to have taken this action because Ukraine refuses to pay the market rate for natural gas which is approximately four times higher than the price previously agreed upon by the two. Ukraine has stated that they are not averse to higher prices but believe they ought to be introduced sequentially. Additionally, Russia does not want to honor its contract to supply gas at $50 per 1000 cubic meters until 2008. By comparison, gas produced by OPEC costs $11.4 per 1000 cubic feet (December 28, 2005)[1], equivalent to $402.6 per 1000 cubic meters, an 8-fold rebate.

Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said enough gas was still being piped via Ukraine to maintain deliveries to other countries, and if they were not getting all their gas, it meant Ukraine was tapping into it.  Eighty percent of Russian gas exports to Western Europe pass through Ukraine.

"We have information from the ground that shows Ukraine has started illegally siphoning off Russian gas destined for European consumers," Kupriyanov said.

Ukraine is of the position that since Russia will not live up to the agreement to sell at $50 per 1000 cubic meters until 2008, Ukraine as a transiting country, has the right to offset the illegal cost increase with seizure of Russian assets - namely the gas going through the pipelines in Ukraine.

Sergei Kupriyanov, press secretary to Gazprom's chief executive, said "Negotiations reach a deadlock when it comes to discussing actual figures ... They have called on us to use price parameters that probably existed in the late 1990s in 2006, which is impossible ... The price of gas and other energy resources has risen considerably over the past few years."

The dispute is also tied to the political situation between the two countries. Although a private business, the largest individual shareholder in Gazprom is the Russian government which owns slightly less than 40%. The dispute was further politicized by the personal intervention of Vladimir Putin who offered Ukraine the chance to delay paying market prices for a further three months. Critics of the current Russian government have argued that Gazprom's action has been an attempt to punish Ukraine for forging closer links with the West following the Orange Revolution. Putin's advocates, however, have argued that the status quo is akin to a budgetary transfer between the two governments and costs Russia about US$4.5 billion per year.
Special European commission has already counted gas independently,and confirmed its loss. But Ukraine disagrees,saing,that it is unjust.German Kanzler Angela Merkel hopes,that the conflict will end soon.
And a recent poll conducted by VTSIOM suggests that 80% of Russian citizens support the move by Gazprom. Ukraine has threatened to retaliate by raising the rent that Russia's navy pays to use the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol as headquarters for its Black Sea fleet, and refusing to repair Russian rockets, which can be repaired only there.

Gazprom stops supplying gas to Moldova


Russischer Energiekonzern Gasprom stoppt Gaslieferung an die Ukraine

Moskau (Russland) / Kiew (Ukraine), 01.01.2006 – Der russische Energiekonzern Gasprom hat heute morgen um 10:00 Uhr Moskauer Zeit (8:00 Uhr MEZ) die Gaslieferungen an die Ukraine eingestellt. Der Sprecher des Energiekonzerns Sergej Kuprijanow sagte, sie seien „gezwungen, die Lieferungen zu stoppen“. Gleichzeitig betonte er, dass die Staaten der Europäischen Union weiterhin Gas in vollem Umfang erhalten sollen. Er wies aber darauf hin, dass er keinen Einfluss auf die Maßnahmen der ukrainischen Regierung habe, die sie aufgrund der Einstellung der Lieferung an die Ukraine ergreifen würde. Von den insgesamt fünf Leitungen, über die das Gas in die Ukraine geliefert wird, wurden zwei abgeschaltet. Die verbleibenden drei Leitungen dienen zur Versorgung der Kunden in Westeuropa.

Gasprom hatte von der Ukraine ab dem 01.01.2006 den marktüblichen Preis von 230 US-Dollar pro 1.000 Kubikmeter Gas verlangt. In dem bisherigen Vertrag, der Ende 2005 auslief, waren niedrigere Preise festgelegt worden. Da der marktübliche Preis um knapp das Vierfache höher ist als der bisher in den Verträgen festgelegte Preis von 50 US-Dollar (43 Euro), wollte die ukrainische Regierung nicht auf ein Kreditangebot des russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin eingehen, um die Lieferungen bezahlen zu können. Die Ukraine hätte ein Höchstmaß von 80 US-Dollar akzeptiert. Journalisten sehen in der Erhöhung der Gaspreise einen Machtkampf, in dem die ukrainische Regierung unter der Führung von Staatspräsident Wiktor Juschtschenko eine „Quittung für ihre Westpolitik bekommen“ solle. Besonders die ehemaligen Sowjetrepubliken, die sich von Moskau ab- und der EU zuwandten, bekämen den Einfluss Russlands bei der Lieferung und den Preisen des Energiekonzerns zu spüren.

Die Ukraine hat inzwischen einen Druckverlust in ihren Pipelines gemeldet, geht jedoch davon aus, dass Industrie und Privathaushalte weiterhin in genügendem Umfang mit Gas versorgt werden können. Das sagte noch gestern ein Sprecher des staatlichen Energieversorgers Neftegas Ukrainy der Agentur Itar-Tass. Die Ukraine wird vorläufig, bis ein neuer Vertrag mit Gasprom verhandelt und abgeschlossen sein wird, auf ihre eigenen Ressourcen und Importe aus Turkmenien zurückgreifen.


Rusia corta el suministro de gas a Ucrania

Rusia ha cesado sus exportaciones de gas natural a Ucrania, luego de fracasar en un intento de acuerdo sobre los precios. La compañía estatal rusa Gazprom inició el corte del suministro a las 07:00 UTC del domingo (1).

Gazprom afirma haber realizado esta acción porque Ucrania se niega a pagar la tasa del mercado para el combustible, que es aproximadamente cuatro veces mayor que el precio acordado con anterioridad por ambas partes. Ucrania afirma que no se opone a un aumento de precios pero cree que el mismo debe ser introducido paulatinamente. Además, Rusia no quiere cumplir con un contrato de suministro de gas a US$50 por cada 1.000 metros cúbicos hasta 2008. En contraste, el gas de la OPEC cuesta US$11,4 por cada 1.000 pies cúbicos (al 28 de diciembre de 2005 según MSNBC), equivalente a US$402,6 por cada 1.000 metros cúbicos, 8 veces más.

Sergei Kupriyanov, vocero de Gazprom, dijo que todavía se estaba bombeando suficiente gas a través de Ucrania para mantener los suministros a otros países, y que si no estaban recibiendo todo el gas era porque Ucrania lo estaba interviniendo. El 80% de las exportaciones de gas ruso hacia Europa pasan por Ucrania. "Tenemos información de campo que demuestra que Ucrania ha comenzado a desviar ilegalmente el gas ruso destinado a los consumidores europeos", afirmó.

El punto de vista ucraniano es que, como Rusia no va a cumplir con el acuerdo de los 1.000 metros cúbicos a US$50 hasta 2008, Ucrania, que es un país de tránsito del combustible ruso, tiene el derecho de compensar el incremento ilegal de precios con el embargo de los activos rusos, es decir, el gas que transita por los oleoductos en Ucrania. Rusia ya acusó a los ucranianos de robar combustible, pero Kiev lo niega diciendo que el gas que utiliza actualmente proviene de sus propias reservas subterráneas o es importado de Turkmenistán.

"Las negociaciones alcanzan un punto muerto cuando se trata de discutir las estadísticas reales... Han apelado a utilizar parámetros de precios que probablemente existieron a finales de los 90 en 2006, lo que es imposible... El precio del gas y de otros recursos energéticos ha crecido considerablemente en los últimos años", dijo Kupriyanov.

La disputa también está conectada con la situación política entre ambos países. Aunque es una empresa privada, el mayor accionista individual de Gazprom es el gobierno de Rusia, que posee poco menos del 40%. El asunto se politizó más por la intervención personal de Vladimir Putin, que le ofreció a Ucrania la oportunidad de retrasar el pago a precios del mercado por tres meses más. Los críticos del actual gobierno ruso afirman que lo hecho por Gazprom ha sido un intento de castigar a Ucrania por forjar vínculos más cercanos con Occidente después de la Revolución Naranja. No obstante, los partidarios de Putin dicen que el statu quo es semejante a una transferencia presupuestaria entre ambos gobiernos y le cuesta a Rusia alrededor de US$4.500 millones al año.

Una reciente encuesta del Centro Panruso para el estudio de la opinión pública (VTSIOM) sugiere que el 80% de los ciudadanos rusos apoyan la acción de Gazprom. Ucrania ha tratado de responder al aumentar la renta que la marina de Rusia paga por el puerto ucraniano de Sebastopol como cuartel general de la flota rusa en el Mar Negro.

Mientras tanto, los países europeos ya empiezan a sentir las consecuencias de la disputa entre rusos y ucranianos. La mañana del lunes, Gaz de France anunció que el abastecimiento de gas ruso se había reducido en cerca del 30%. La caída en el suministro, registrada también en Austria, Eslovaquia, Polonia y Hungría, era estimada en 40% en este último país. Si bien la mayor parte de los países importadores cuenten con reservas suficientes, el precio mundial del gas natural puede subir si la crisis se alarga por mucho tiempo. Para este miércoles (4) se prevé una reunión de la Unión Europea sobre el tema.


La Russie interrompt l'approvisionnement en gaz de l'Ukraine

La Russie a stoppé l'exportation de gaz naturel vers son voisin l'Ukraine à la suite d'un désaccord sur les prix. Le gazier russe Gazprom a coupé la distribution à 7 heures du matin (locales).

Gazprom a indiqué interrompre la distribution à cause du refus ukrainien de payer le gaz au prix du marché qui est quatre fois supérieur au prix négocié auparavant. L'Ukraine a précisé qu'elle ne s'opposait pas à la hausse du prix mais demandait qu'elle soit progressive. De plus la Russie n'aurait pas honoré son contrat de livrer jusqu'en 2008 du gaz à 50 dollars pour 1000 mètres cubes. En comparaison, le gaz produit par l'OPEP coûte 402,6 dollars pour la même quantité (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5612507/).

Le porte-parole de Gazprom, Sergei Kupriyanov, a dit qu'il y aurait assez de gaz distribué pour permettre les livraisons aux autres pays. Si ce n'est pas le cas, c'est que l'Ukraine en détournerait, selon-lui. 80% du gaz russe exporté vers l'Europe de l'ouest passe par l'Ukraine.

Un récent sondage indique que 80% des russes soutiennent la société Gazprom.


אירופה מתחילה להפגע ממחסור בגז הרוסי

אירופה מתחילה להפגע ממחסור בגז באמצע החורף הקשה שעובר עליה בעקבות סכסוך בין אוקראינה לבין חברת הגז הרוסית "גזפורם" (אשר נמצאת בבעלות ממשלתית) בגלל מחירי הובלת הגז שעוברים בשטחה.

חברת "גזפורם" הרוסית הפסיקה את הזרמת הגז לאוקראינה דרך צינורות אשר מעבירים גז לעבר אירופה, עקב חילוקי דעות בנוגע למחירי הגז בין שתי המדינות. ההפרעות בזרימת הגז התחילו להשפיע על מדינות אירופה אשר נסמכות על הגז הרוסי, במיוחד בתקופות החורף הקרות.

פולין והונגריה היו המדינות הראשונות שהודיעו כי הסכסוך השפיע על מדינותיהן. מלאי הגז של פולין מספיק לשבוע נוסף, והונגריה אמרה כי אספקת הגז מרוסיה קטנה ב-25%.

מקורו של הסכסוך הוא בהובלת הגז לאירופה - כ-80% מהגז הרוסי זורם לאירופה דרך אוקראינה וכ-20% מכל הגז שמגיע לאירופה מקורו ברוסיה. אוקראינה טוענת כי זכותה לקחת 15% מגז כתשלום על העברתו למערב אירופה ואילו רוסיה טוענת שהמחיר מוגזם וכי אוקראינה גונבת גז מאירופה וכי מלכתחילה הם תכננו להפוך את הסוגיה לסכסוך נוסף. "גזפורם" העלתה את המחיר למ"ר מ-50 דולר ל-230 דולר.

לטענת האוקראינים רוסיה מנצלת את כוחה לצרכים פוליטיים עקב התקרבותה של אוקראינה למערב, נסיונה להתקבלת לאיחוד האירופי ורצונה להצטרף לנאט"ו. כמו כן, טוענים האוקראינים כי בלרוס השכנה, אשר נשארה נאמנה לרוסיה, לא נדרשה לשלם יותר עבור הגז (47 דולר למ"ר). יש לציין כי רומניה משלמת 280 דולר למ"ר וארמניה וגאורגיה משלמות 110 דולר למ"ר. עלות אירופית ממוצעת למ"ר גז הינה 240 דולר.

לטענת רוסיה, לחץ הגז הנותר מספיק, ואין חשש לפגיעה בזרימה שלו – בתנאי שאוקראינה לא תנסה לנכס לעצמה חלק מהגז שעובר בשטחה.

שרי האנרגיה של מדינות אירופה כבר החלו לנקוט צעדים כדי להתמודד עם מחסור בגז בתקופה הקרובה ומדינות נוספות שעדיין לא סובלות ממחסור אבל תלויות מאוד בגז הרוסי כגון גרמניה אשר מקבלות 30% מגז שלהם דרך אוקראינה, וצרפת אשר תלויה מאוד בגז הרוסי החלו לאגור מלאים והוציא הוראות לאזרחים להתנהגות חסכונית יותר.

1 בינואר 2006