In the papers
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
By Katherine Spencer
HAARETZ (Israel)
“Israel is stronger than its ills”
Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz focuses on the Jewish state’s 60th anniversary.
The editorial starts off talking about the country’s preoccupation with government corruption.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmet is currently the subject of fresh allegations which, although subject to a media blackout, have cast a shadow over the 60th anniversary celebrations.
But the article says that as long as democracy maintains its vitality – despite the current government’s problems – Israel will continue to serve as an example for other countries.
It goes on to say that this is likely to be a year of opportunity because all prime ministerial candidates and US presidential candidates support peace with Syria on the grounds of a withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
Other positive signs include a steadily growing bloc of moderate Arab countries, peace talks with the moderate wing of the Palestinian people and a global understanding of the threat Iran and Hamas pose not just to Israel but the world.
THE INDEPENDENT (UK)
While Britons are feeling the pinch of rising prices, the Independent reveals that money problems have not stopped the nation’s wasteful habits.
According to the daily newspaper, Britain throws away a staggering amount of food totaling 10 billion pounds a year.
Daily waste costs the average home more than 420 pounds a year – rising to 610 pounds a year for families with children.
SHANGHAI DAILY (China)
“China’s grain supply and prices steady”
As soaring food prices continue to cause ramifications across the globe, Chinese newspaper Shanghai Daily says the country has sufficient grain to keep domestic prices stable – and feed its 1.3 billion people.
In March international rice prices rose to their highest level in 19 years and wheat prices rocketed to a 28-year peak.
LE FIGARO (France)
“Shocking images on cigarette packets?”
“Bientôt des images chocs sur les paquets de cigarettes ? ”
Finally, France’s national cancer institute says that current health warnings on cigarette packets are ineffective and has proposed that some more shocking images be printed on cigarette packets.
