In the papers
Monday, May 05, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
By Marian Henbest
Der Spiegel Online (Germany)
“Cyclone disaster in Burma throws military junta’s master plan into disarray”
“Sturmkatastrophe in Burma bringt Junta-Machtplan durcheinander”
An article in Der Spiegel Online describes how the ruling military junta in Burma is keen to make sure the planned referendum for a new constitution still takes place on 10th May – despite the tropical cyclone. More than 350 people have died and five regions have been declared disaster zones since Nargis hit the country carrying winds of up to 190 km/h.
La Croix (France)
“Cubans want to see real changes”
“Les Cubains attendant de vrais changements”
French newspaper La Croix features a special report on Cuba and how islanders are desperate to turn the page after Fidel Castro’s official retirement in February. The article describes Havana’s famous camel buses, which are now relatively empty, since the more modern “metro buses” were imported from China. Transport has always been a major problem for Cubans, especially those living in rural areas. Raul Castro has therefore taken a hands-on approach since he took over as President.
In other areas, however, his policies are described as disappointing and rather more symbolic. For example, Cubans now have the right to mobile phones and to use hotels – formerly reserved for tourists. Yet, this won’t change the daily life of most, as they don’t have the means to pay for either.
Liberté Algérie (Algeria)
“They arranged to meet in Annaba in June”
“Ils se sont donné rendez-vous en juin prochain à Annaba"
Algeria’s newspaper Liberté features an article about a group of under 30s gearing up for their so-called “invasion” of Italy. They plan to flee the country by boat and are currently working day and night to finance the project. If they make it to Italy undetected, they hope to hide among the crowds of tourists and eventually join family and friends in either France or the UK. However, as the article points out, with Silvio Berlusconi back in power and clamping down on illegal immigration, they are embarking on a risky trip.
The Independent (UK)
“Safe travel is a priority, says new Mayor”
On the day he officially takes over as the new Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is pictured in the Independent wearing a police hat whilst out in the city on Sunday. Johnson has already promised safety on London’s transport is one of his priorities. As of this week, travelers will be banned from drinking alcohol on the Underground system and an extra 440 police officers will be patrolling trains and platforms.
