As Greek government dithers, wildfires rage
ATHENS, Greece — Extensive forest fires continued to rage for the fifth day throughout Greece, Aug. 28, spreading death and destruction to thousands of families and their homes. Many Greek residents have been forced to put the fires out on their own — with garden hoses, blankets and tree branches — as the conservative New Democracy government failed to take timely and comprehensive measures to combat the fire
World figures attend Cuban 5 hearing
An international gathering of 75 jurists, attorneys and supporters was on hand in Atlanta Aug. 20 for the latest appeals hearing on behalf of Gerardo Hernández, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González.
Community rallies around N.Y. civil rights lawyer
NEW YORK — Two months after civil rights lawyer Michael Tarif Warren and Evelyn Warren, his wife, were beaten and then arrested for speaking up during a police brutality incident in Brooklyn, a diverse crowd of community members continues to speak out in support of the Warrens and the equality agenda they represent.
Clean up that truck pollution, coalition urges
OAKLAND, Calif. — Environmental, labor, faith and community groups are stepping up efforts to make sure the air quality improvement plan now being drafted by the Port of Oakland does enough to clean up pollution from trucks operating there. Truck diesel pollution is five times higher in West Oakland, near the port, than in other parts of the county, and one in five youngsters has asthma.
WORLD NOTES: August 25
Myanmar: Red Cross condemns human rights abuses Iraq: Unions to launch new federation South Africa: Communist Party head lambastes AFRICOM Chile: Striking copper miners gain victory Sweden: Conference warns of world water crisis
CARE assails U.S. food program
The charity organization CARE has announced that after 2009 it will no longer accept U.S.-donated food aid to Africa. The announcement has caused a stir among food aid agencies and spotlighted a festering controversy, especially in recipient countries.
Peru earthquake uncovers government failings
On arrival in Pisco, Aug. 16, to set up a command post, Peruvian President Alan Garcia announced, “No one is going to die of hunger, that I can guarantee.” The day before, Peru’s worst earthquake in 37 years had leveled 80 percent of Pisco’s houses.
North Korea devastated by floods
Torrential rains and heavy flooding have resulted in a national disaster for the North Korea, killing hundreds, destroying homes and crippling production. But the government says it is determined to quickly minimize the effects, with help from international aid institutions.
Venezuela to debate constitutional changes
August 15 is important in Venezuela. It’s the day Simon Bolivar dedicated himself to Venezuelan independence in 1805, the day President Hugo Chavez won a presidential recall vote by a 59 percent majority in 2004, and the day this year Chavez submitted proposed constitutional changes to Venezuela’s National Assembly.
LETTERS: August 25
On Conyers and impeachment Bonds still accountable Never forget
