Belgium’s prime minister to lead EU Nov 20, 2009
But opposition to Blair flared almost immediately, particularly among smaller countries such as Belgium and Luxembourg that have been the most ardent advocates of increased integration. Britain has refused to use the European currency, the euro, they noted, and remained aloof from the common European visa. (Boston Globe)
An E.U. Election Without Candidates (or a Vote) Nov 19, 2009
But the move angered Eastern European and Scandinavian countries, which see it as an attempt to impose a two-state directoire on the E.U. The Benelux countries, meanwhile, are throwing their support behind their own Prime Ministers Herman Van Rompuy of Belgium, Peter Balkenende of Holland and Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg. For many, the behind-the-scenes negotiations run counter to the Lisbon Treaty, which is meant to make the E.U. a more efficient, transparent and democratic system. (Time.com)
In Gotham, even jokers are free to run Nov 2, 2009
The incumbent, for whom I will freely admit great admiration, has spent a sum roughly equal to the annual GDP of Luxembourg in his reelection campaign. One of his television spots, featuring a video clip of the challenger, has been aired so often that one would have trouble finding a voter who couldn t quote the damning segment in his sleep. (Boston Globe)
EU to step up Afghan aid, coordinate better Oct 28, 2009
LUXEMBOURG, Oct 27 (Reuters) - The European Union said on Tuesday it would increase aid to Afghanistan but warned the situation was deteriorating and reforms were almost non-existent in some areas. EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg adopted a strategy to better coordinate help to rebuild Afghanistan, days after NATO backed U.S. General McChrystal's plans for combating the Taliban insurgency. (AlertNet)
The Ghost of LBJ Oct 28, 2009
It s not the same as wanting to be the leader of some docile yet genteel backwater like Luxembourg or Switzerland (just who is the president of Switzerland, anyway. . (Braintree Forum, MA)
EU to increase support for S Asia Oct 27, 2009
Foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg are to boost EU support for Afghanistan and Pakistan, amid growing instability. The EU ministers will discuss what they expect from the next Afghan government after the second round of the disputed presidential election. (BBC News -- Americas)
Britain pushes Blair for EU president role Oct 27, 2009
EU foreign ministers are in Luxembourg discussing candidates ... EU foreign ministers were in Luxembourg on Monday discussing candidates for the top posts once the bloc is revamped under the EU reform treaty ... Miliband used the Luxembourg meeting to push Blair's credentials, arguing that Europe needs a high-profile figure capable of "stopping traffic" in Washington or Beijing as its first permanent chief. (MSNBC -- International)
French Prosecutor Requests $67,000 Fine for Villepin in Sarkozy Smear Case Oct 21, 2009
The case has come to be known by the name of the Luxembourg clearing house Clearstream International SA that allegedly held accounts hiding payments linked to a 1991 frigate sale to Taiwan. Countersuit. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
* Irish yes starts Blairs real race for the EU presidency Oct 6, 2009
Other names in the frame are Jan-Peter Balkenende, the Christian democrat Dutch prime minister, Paavo Lipponen, the former Finnish premier, a social democrat, Felipe Gonzalez, the center-left former Spanish prime minister and Jean-Claude Juncker, the veteran Luxembourg prime minister, a conservative. The horse trading is complex, needing to marry jobs with candidates from north and south, big and small countries, the center-right and the center-left. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Boris Johnson on Blair as Europe president Oct 6, 2009
The solution used to be a delicious muddle of rotating troikas of council presidencies and secretariats in Luxembourg ... The job will go Buggins-style to some relatively inoffensive Luxembourg socialist or superannuated Finnish environment minister. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty Oct 2, 2009
LISBON TREATY PROGRESS Approved by parliament: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK Defeated by referendum: Irish Republic Challenges: Czech and Polish presidents yet to sign treaty. If they reject it a second time, the treaty could be scuppered. (BBC News -- Europe)
Disenchanted! Disappointed! Disgusted! Sep 30, 2009
LovingGOPmeltdown wrote on Sep 26, 2009 9:58 AM:" Merriam websterMain Entry: entitlement Pronunciation: \-t-tl-mnt\2 : a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group (American citizens); also :funds supporting or distributed by such a program. To Outraged: Why single out Cuba? Government provided healthcare exist in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,... (New Iberia, LA)
Sarkozy in row over 'smear' trial Sep 26, 2009
The name Clearstream comes from the Luxembourg bank where the individuals on the list - including Mr Sarkozy - were claimed to be account holders. Chirac's protege. (BBC News -- Europe)
The Imaginary Pirate of Globalization, Antoine Garapon, Eurozine Sep 23, 2009
A recent decision by the Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled invalid the Security Councils inclusion on a list of a Saudi national on the grounds that this inclusion had been carried out without regard to the right to a defence (ruling in Kadi, 3 September 2008). Published 2009-09-18. (Harper's Magazine)
Sex, scandal and spies as Sarkozy smear case begins Sep 22, 2009
The case began with a straightforward investigation into a series of bank accounts in Luxembourg that were alleged to have been the conduits through which an A-list of celebrities, millionaires and politicians laundered money to evade tax. The name of the President, apparently inserted to make him appear corrupt, was on the list but the accounts were found to be bogus - but not before they were leaked and reported. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Nelson should steer clear of politics Sep 22, 2009
Last Thursday the Foreign Minister Stephen Smith recommended to the Governor-General that she appoint Dr Nelson as Australia's next ambassador to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg. Mr Smith said Dr Nelson would take up his appointment in February 2010. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Former French PM's trial to start Sep 21, 2009
The name Clearstream comes from the Luxembourg bank where the individuals on the list - including Mr Sarkozy - were supposed to be account holders. Mr Sarkozy is a plaintiff in the trial but as president will not have to testify. (BBC News -- Europe)
Liberals have already given Rudd his birthday presents Sep 21, 2009
To add to the insult, a day later Rudd announced he was appointing Nelson as ambassador to the European Communities, ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, representative to NATO and special representative to the World Health Organisation. The threat of an early double dissolution election is also adding to the sense of panic in Coalition ranks. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Stoltenberg Becomes First Norwegian Leader to Win Re-Election in 16 Years Sep 15, 2009
Norway struck oil in the North Sea 40 years ago, making the country the worlds second-richest nation per capita after Luxembourg, with a 2008 budget surplus of about 20 percent of gross domestic product. The wealth has posed problems for successive governments in juggling demands for spending and tax cuts, while keeping the from overheating. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Norwegians Are Evenly Divided as Voting in Election Begins, Polls Indicate Sep 14, 2009
Norway, second-richest per capita after Luxembourg, emerged from a recession last quarter after a milder slump than its Nordic neighbors because of investments in its oil industry and larger stimulus measures. The so-called mainland economy will grow 1 percent next year after shrinking 1. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Waking up to reality in Iceland Aug 29, 2009
The role models were easy to find - other small countries, such as Luxembourg and Switzerland, do quite well out of banking. Until now we never had the culture of resignation or people getting fired over a scandal - but this time people are fed up and want real change. (BBC News -- Business)
Fortress Europe: Solving Immigration by Outsourced Bouncers Aug 28, 2009
So far, however, only Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden have met or surpassed a long-standing United Nations target for rich nations to provide 0. 7 percent of their income in development aid by 2015. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Americans Historically Resistant to Reform Aug 17, 2009
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. And need I mention Hong Kong which probably has the BEST health care in the world (Yup, even better than the US of A). (CBS News)
U.S.-Swiss Tax Deal Throws Scare into Rich Aug 16, 2009
The U.S. recently reached agreements with several countries, including Luxembourg and Switzerland, to share more tax information in the future, just as the IRS is strengthening its enforcement ranks. President Barack Obama, in his proposed 2010 budget, asked Congress to pay for 800 additional agents, examiners and lawyers to go after people who hide money overseas. (CBS News)
Republicans Relieved at Steele Pick for RNC Finances Jul 29, 2009
Mr. Terpeluk, named ambassador to Luxembourg by Mr. Bush in 2002, is a veteran Republican fundraiser who can speed-dial corporate board chairmen, top Wall Street investment bankers and other wealthy donors. Mr. Steele, who has not formally announced his pick, is expected to ask the 168-member RNC to approve the appointment later this week in San Diego, where the party is holding its annual summer meeting. (Newsmax)
Voters steer Europe to the right Jul 14, 2009
9%), while the highest figures came from Luxembourg (91%) and and Belgium (85. 9%) - both countries where voting is compulsory. (BBC News -- Europe)
Liberia: TRC's Economic Criminals Jul 7, 2009
Investcom LLC is a subsidiary of Investcom Holdings S.A. and Investcom Global, two corporations owned by Lebanese nationals and incorporated in Luxembourg and the British Virgin Islands, respectively. The government of Liberia informed Investcom that no GSM license was available and that the company should purchase 60% of PLC Limited to enter the telecommunications market in Liberia. (allAfrica.com)
Britain Fights EU Banking Regulation Plans, Insists on National Control Jun 18, 2009
Luxembourg, a country of 400,000 people that relies on financial services for a fifth of its economy, believes the proposals go in the right direction, Prime Minister said yesterday. While an outnumbered Britain could be outvoted on the financial proposals, the EU tradition has been to seek consensus ever since French President boycotted EU meetings in 1965. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Obama's travel draws usual gripes Jun 17, 2009
"I would love nothing more than to have a leisurely week in Paris, stroll down the Seine, take my wife out to a nice meal, have a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens.". "Those days are over," he said wistfully, "for the moment.". (Yahoo News)
* Thousands join banned rally to support Mousavi Jun 16, 2009
The EU plans to demand clarification of Ahmadinejads victory and voice concern at the treatment of his opponents, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said after talks in Luxembourg with EU counterparts. BRUTAL. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
New round of marathon election Jun 6, 2009
Thursday: UK and Netherlands Friday: Ireland, Czech Republic Saturday: Latvia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Italy and Czech Republic Sunday: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and SwedenResults from 2000 GMT Sunday. Mr Wilders is facing prosecution over anti-Islamic statements. (BBC News -- Europe)
Fears for Olympic status key to handball election Jun 5, 2009
Kaiser said losing Olympic status and exposure to hundreds of millions of television viewers would be "something like an earthquake'' for a federation that survives on an annual budget of $9.2 million.The retired banking executive from Luxembourg hopes to run the IHF like a business with outside marketing consultants. He wants to develop the sport in Africa, Asia and the Americas."It must work in a company structure with exact definitions of the areas of authority,'' Kaiser said by phone before... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Dutch far-right 'gain' Jun 5, 2009
Thursday: UK and Netherlands Friday: Ireland, Czech Republic Saturday: Latvia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Italy and Czech Republic Sunday: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and SwedenResults from 2000 GMT Sunday. If confirmed, the Freedom Party's result is second only to Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's Christian Democrats (CDA), which dropped almost 5% to just... (BBC News -- Europe)
27 countries, 375 million votes Jun 4, 2009
Luxembourg will be holding a General Election alongside the European poll. There will be regional elections the same day in Belgium. (CNN -- International)
Europe may elect 'virtual MEPs' May 26, 2009
LISBON TREATY PROGRESS Approved by parliament: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK Defeated by referendum: Irish Republic Challenges: Legal objections delaying ratification in Germany, Polish president also delaying ratification, Czech president yet to sign treaty. In this election Spain has... (BBC News -- Europe)
Bolstad delivers Memorial Day address May 26, 2009
The same holds true for Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. School children in those nations adopt an American grave and whenever they get the chance they place flowers at their adopted grave, as well as leaving letters and personal items. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
A compelling account of U.S. soldiers under fire May 22, 2009
Luxembourg, Luxembourg. A total of 5076 of our military dead. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Election country-by-country May 22, 2009
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker is the longest-serving PM in the EU, having been in power since 1995 ... International criticism of Luxembourg's banking secrecy - especially from Germany - has put it firmly on the map in the current global crisis. (BBC News -- Europe)
EU backs Greek Cypriot Apr 29, 2009
The British court sent the case to the EU tribunal in Luxembourg for a ruling on the complicated issue of whether the decision by the court in Nicosia is applicable in the Turkish north. "The recognition and enforcement of the judgements of the Cypriot court cannot be refused in the United Kingdom," the EU court said on Tuesday. (iAfrica.com)
Angry Fortis shareholders revolt Apr 29, 2009
The Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg governments rescued Fortis in October, and decided to break up the group. Violates law. (BBC News -- Europe)
ArcelorMittal sales almost halve Apr 29, 2009
ArcelorMittal is based in Luxembourg but led by India's Lakshmi Mittal. The firm said it would continue to freeze production while demand remains low from the global construction industry, carmakers and other main steel users. (BBC News)
The Record Europe: MEPs rush to polish off legislation as the campaign trail beckons Apr 28, 2009
Shirin speaks to Luxembourg Green MEP Claude Turmes, British Labour MEP and author of the European Parliament's report on energy markets Eluned Morgan, and Gunnar H. kmark, the leader of the Swedish centre-right MEPs in the European Parliament. (BBC News -- Europe)
EU extends sanctions on Burma Apr 28, 2009
But at a meeting in Luxembourg, EU foreign ministers offered to review the sanctions issue if Burma's government showed signs of democratic progress ... But the EU has signalled its readiness to respond to any genuine progress, says the BBC's Oana Lungescu in Luxembourg, offering the prospect of ministerial talks on the margins of a regional meeting in Hanoi next month. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Chief: Success in Afghanistan crucial to NATO Apr 3, 2009
The meeting took place on March 9 between NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Martin Erdmann and Iran's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, Ali-Asghar Khaji, NATO deputy spokeswoman Carmen Romero told Xinhua. "It was a very informal contact and they basically discussed Afghanistan," she added. (Xinhuanet, China)
G-20 leaders to target nations harboring tax dodgers Apr 1, 2009
Governments of the world's biggest economies have applied moral pressure for more than a decade on Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Singapore, Monaco, and a host of countries that allow the well-heeled to park their money out of the sight of tax authorities at home ... The OECD recently placed Switzerland on its list of uncooperative tax havens, joining the ranks of Andorra, Austria, Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Singapore. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Xinhua Finance Limited (TSE: 9399) Announces a Tender Offer for up to US$5,071,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Its Outstanding Notes Mar 25, 2009
The trustee under the indenture governing the Notes has informed the Company that all custodians and beneficial Holders of Notes hold their Notes through Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg accounts and that there are no physical Notes in non-global form ... Holders may tender their Notes by submitting an election instruction notice through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. (PR Newswire)
Roger Cohen: Gordon to the rescue Mar 12, 2009
Stewart featuring the unpopular prime minister of a medium-sized European country where it rains a lot was a bold journalistic decision, not quite like devoting prime time or the front page to Luxembourg or Austria, but not far off. Of course, there was the incident of the out-of-sync offerings, with Brown giving Obama a pen holder carved from the timber of an anti-slave ship - "a gift wrapped inside a present stuffed inside a thoughtful gesture," as Stewart put it - and getting a DVD box set in... (International Herald Tribune)
Maligned handball chief to run for Olympic post Mar 12, 2009
Jean Kaiser of Luxembourg and Gudmundur Ingvarsson of Iceland will run against Moustafa for the IHF presidency in a vote at its congress June 4-7 in Cairo. Moustafa became the first Egyptian to lead an international sports federation when he was elected IHF president in 2000. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Food and films for thought Feb 25, 2009
However, it was hard not to be won over by the accompanying "green" dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs Lea Linster of Luxembourg, Hendrik Otto of the Ritz-Carlton Berlin's Vitrum Restaurant, and Kolja Kleeberg of Berlin's legendary Vau. Tickets for the series were difficult to obtain, with the opening gala and ensuing dinner programs rivaling the films in the main competition program in popularity. (Christian Science Monitor)
Movie Review | 'The International': 'The International' disappoints as a bank-crisis thriller Feb 13, 2009
Run by a suave Scandinavian named Skarssen (Ulrich Thomsen), the bank, based in Luxembourg, is able to buy off or intimidate any law enforcement officers who might investigate its crimes. Except, that is, for Owen and Watts playing, respectively, an Interpol operative and a lawyer in the Manhattan district attorney's office with the improbably literary surnames of Salinger and Whitman. (International Herald Tribune)
Low estimates and high profiles buoy the contemporary art market Feb 13, 2009
Roughly equivalent to $3 million, this is hardly peanuts even if it is, in buying power terms, about 30 percent below the huge $3,199,500 that the consignor had paid for it in New York on Nov. 11, 2002, at an auction held at Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg. Some may explain the creditable performance of Richter's landscape by invoking the craftsmanship of the German artist who has the rare privilege on the contemporary art scene of wielding the brush with consummate mastery. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
New arson attacks suspected as Australian fires rage Feb 11, 2009
As police continue the largest arson investigation in Australia's history, firefighters raised concerns about looters picking through the remains of abandoned properties in a disaster zone about the size of Luxembourg. "We have had some reports of looting and certainly some (firefighting) volunteers and citizens who have told us that they have seen strange people in their neighbourhoods," Nixon said. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Letters for Friday, January 30, 2009 Feb 8, 2009
As a courtesy of the United States of America, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Algeria, Morocco, Romania, Kosovo, Panama, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan, Denmark, Kuwait, Egypt, Montenegro, New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, Greece, Russia, Tunisia, Ukraine, Albania, Hungary, Belgium, Austria, Libya, Korea, Japan, Iraq, and yes, even Israel, are free countries. Free to vote. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Why the environmental movement can't ignore the population issue Feb 7, 2009
Stefaan Eeckels, Harlange, Luxembourg. When I was growing up, there was a huge push to contain the population, with Zero Population Growth at the forefront. (BBC News -- Science)
