Global View News Box

by A.Kola      Saturday, August 27, 2011

Basha’s broom sweeps clean

51 tax inspectors were collectively fired yesterday from their jobs in the City Hall of the capital Tirana, Albania, allegedly for negligence in their duties and allowing informality in business activities. But the inspectors argue that their sacking is motivated politically. And the fact of them being fired collectively without a warning seems to back their claims. Employment of party militants was expected in the City Hall, especially after the controversial elections and the victory, the new mayor scored not by popular vote, but through legal processes

Agreement with miners fails due to exclusion of the union

The president of Decometal Austria, the parent company of concessionary firm, ACR, attempted Friday to reach an agreement with the protesting miners in Bulqiza, Albania, but the negotiations fell through, because Ms. Rohtraut Skatche-Depich asked that no union representative be part of the negotiations. The miners rejected this precondition and refused to compose a group of four people to represent them directly in the negotiations. The hostility of the so-called foreign investors in Albania toward labor unions  is stirring up a wave of indignation throughout the country and warns of the continuation of the miners’ protest  that might include the resumption of their hunger strike.

Hurricane Irene: Obama warns of 'historic' storm

President Barack Obama has warned that Hurricane Irene, currently looming off the east coast of the US, could be a "historic" storm. andatory evacuations have been ordered in parts of four states, and in low-lying areas of New York City. Seven states from North Carolina to Connecticut have declared emergencies ahead of Irene's arrival. The category two storm has weakened a little yet is expected to make landfall with winds of up to 100mph (155km/h).

Libya conflict: UN chief Ban urges stable transition

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called for the international community to work together to restore order in Libya and for fighting to end. Mr Ban said the crisis had entered a "new and decisive phase" and said the emphasis must now be on ensuring there was a smooth transition of leadership. Rebels say they have almost complete control of Tripoli, while fighting continues in the east. There are widespread shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.