Global briefs
NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand's right-wing opposition National Party says it has dropped plans to abolish the ban on nuclear ships visiting the country should it win the national elections. The National Party lobbied to ease the law to allow nuclear- propelled ships into New Zealand ports. But it had to admit that there had been little public enthusiasm for the change.* * * USA: The US Government spent just two percent of the $18.4 billion it had obtained from Congress for the urgent reconstruction of Iraq before officially declaring the end of occupation. The first detailed audit of the reconstruction showed that the US occupation authorities had spent nothing on healthcare or water and sanitation — two of the most urgent and important needs for Iraqis.* * * HONDURAS: Thousands of teachers blocked sections of Honduras' major highway on June 24 to press the government to fulfill its financial and legal obligations under a 1997 law. The blockade greatly slowed the traffic in and out of the city. The teachers' main demands include payment for years of service and grade level, de-politicisation of the education system, and payment for days deducted from their salaries as a result of the protest. The government claims it cannot live up to the 1997 law because it lacks the funds.* * * ANGOLA: Parliament unanimously passed legislation outlining measures for the prevention, control, treatment and investigation of HIV/AIDS. The legislation was initiated by the female MPs. The law establishes the right of people living with HIV/AIDS to receive free public health assistance, employment, professional training, and to have information about their health status kept confidential. The law also calls on AIDS patients to be responsible in their sexual conduct and to inform partners of their status.* * * ISRAEL: A group of recently demobilised Israeli soldiers opened an exhibition in Tel Aviv documenting the Israeli military's mistreatment of Palestinians. Ninety photos taken by soldiers serving in the West Bank city of Hebron show blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinian detainees. The exhibit also featured video testimony from 29 soldiers. They described incidents of mistreatment and abuse of Palestinian residents of Hebron. Last week the Israeli military confiscated the video and called five ex-soldiers in for questioning. The exhibition, which has been attracting hundreds of visitors each day, remains open. The military authorities claim that they took the video to investigate the abuses. But the ex- soldiers say the military are trying to shut them up and to keep others from speaking out.* * * RUSSIA: Russian pensioners are not impressed with the government's plans to increase their pensions. The reason is simple — the pension increase comes with the abolition of pensioner concessions, including rent assistance, free public transport and medical treatment in public hospitals. No amount of pension increase could help a cancer patient to buy necessary drugs. Public protests are taking place in many cities and towns.