Remembrance Day 2008 - Britain Pays Tribute To War Dead

APPA NEWS, LONDON-UK 08/11/08 - Sunday 9th of November, Britain stops in a national two minute silence tribute to remember all those who fell in the line of duty.

A sad day doubtless, but also a profound tribute to the huge sacrifice of the Armed Forces in previous wars and more poignantly perhaps, the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, where so many have died and many more have returned home ill or disabled.

Across the entire country, multiple ceremonies will mark a solemn occasion of remembrance and gratitude, all of which will be presided by official ceremonies at the London Whitehall Cenotaph, presided by Her Majesty the Queen.

This year also marks the 90th Anniversary of World War I (1918 - 2008).

The two minute silence, which will take place at Big Ben’s 11th hour strike, is traditionally observed everywhere across Britain. Airports, train stations, shops, cafés, in the streets, churches and peoples’ homes… Silence! And remembrance! And deep gratitude! And heartfelt solidarity to their families, relatives and friends.

Remembrance Sunday, always in November, but also always somehow everyday in our collective memory.

In our hearts, lies a red poppy. Ultimate symbol of remembrance, a tradition inherited from a realisation atthe battlefields of Europe during the Napoleonic wars, the First World War and again the Second World War. When earth is revolved by the furious clash of battle, the red poppy is the only flower capable of surviving. And so, red poppies flourished in their millions in the fields of Europe, growing wildly around the fallen corpses of tens of thousands of soldiers. Blood red poppies, grow also in our mourning hearts, as we wear them in our lapels.

Dom Duarte Duke of Braganza Advocates National Referendum for Portugal

APPA NEWS, LONDON-UK - At a time when George W. Bush is on the way out at the term of a mandate - according to many - peppered with concessions to big money lobbies and oil groups; and at the same time, Barack Obama proudly struggled to finance his electoral campaign, free from economic and big money lobbyists, Dom Duarte, Duke of Braganza’s interview in 2002 to an Education Portuguese magazine makes compelling reading.

Being Duke of Braganza, thus Head of the Royal House of Portugal and for that reason, the successor in the Crown of Portugal, it is hardly surprising that Dom Duarte advocates the return to a constitutional democratic parliamentary monarchy in Portugal.

Is it a matter of Power then?… Well, hardly really. Dom Duarte is not alone and counts on at least 20% of the Portuguese population who seem to think that way.

For the Duke of Braganza, monarchies are actually similar to republics these days, but have a monarch as head of state, instead of a president and is adamant in his view that a king or queen is far more independent from political parties and economical lobbies than a president.

Having on his shoulders the full weight of almost 900 years of national identity and history, Dom Duarte declares his full awareness of the responsibility and availability to serve the Portuguese people, should theneed arise; and thinks the current situation in which the Portuguese Constitution prohibits any other form of governance but republican, an insult to Democracy, explaining that European monarchies do not have such limitations in their constitutions.

Basically, says the Portuguese “king-in-waiting”, a keen observation of existing modern monarchies demonstrates their benefits, as though kings are not elected, they actually contribute with considerable added-value to democracies, simply because they are more independent and freer than elected presidents. Presidents, Dom Duarte adds, “need political parties and considerable sums of money to be elected or re-elected and for this reason have difficulties in criticizing economic lobby powers, as by doing so, they may incurr into the risk of not being elected at all”.

Furthermore, the Duke of Braganza argues a misconception that in monarchies the biological hazard of a “bad” sovereign makes the case in favour of republican regimes. For Dom Duarte, whilst throughout the 20th century we can find many cases of incompetent, out of balance and mentally “derailed” presidents, there have been no such cases in monarchies, because whilst a president may be elected without being well known to voters, a future king is well known since birth.

As the Duke of Braganza puts it, “the future king is well known since birth and constitutionally, all mechanisms are in place - such as a State Council or Parliament - they can replace him/her with the next in-line of succession to the Throne”.

But kings do not perform executive functions. Governments do. Kings reign and depend on the Constitution, and ultimately their judgement. Dom Duarte believes the Portuguese people actually would prefer a sovereign as head of state. As elections demonstrate, all presidents of Portugal were re-elected, showing a popular preference for stable continuity, but this is “mission impossible” in a republican regime, because presidents are limited to a maximum of two mandates.

Far from being biased, Dom Duarte points out a strong point. Former president of the Portuguese Republic Antonio Eanes stated on a number of occasions that he tried to act like a neutral and independent monarch and there is an ever increasing number of republicans who begin to see the Portuguese Republic would be better served with a monarch as head of state. As far as the Duke is concerned, there is no conflict, but simply an option to be made in regards to what sort of head of state would be better for the Republic. After all, all monarchies in Europe are “republics” with kings or queens as heads of state, a theory that even Portuguese republicans seem to get along with.

The issue though, says the Duke of Braganza, is the prohibition within the Portuguese Constitution, which does not allow any form of government other than republican. The Portuguese Republic, says Dom Duarte, “came into being through a coup, and for this reason falls short in being democratic”. For the successor in the Crown of Portugal, there is no other way but to change the Constitution in order to allow a referendum.

But when confronted with whether he believes the Portuguese will opt for a monarchy, the Duke of Braganza is cautious: “It all depends on how the people is correctly and honestly informed and the honesty of the question being asked to the Portuguese. A biased question - as in the recent abortion referendum - may purposely lead to the desired answer”.

However, one thing is for certain. There is no bias in regards to Dom Duarte’s understanding of a modern constitutional monarch, when questioned to what the role entails. According to the Duke, “Kings do not interfere publicly, their interventions are private. They have a profound knowledge of problems and issues and assist in their resolution together with governments, oppositions and other social partners”.

Interview given to “Educação Magazine”, 2002.

G20 Summit Real Impact After American Elections

APPA NEWS, LONDON-UK 06/11/08-The G20 Summit, booked to take place in Washigton DC this 15th of November, virtually days after Obama’s landslide victory, is meant to gather the countries accountable for 90% of the world’s economy and two thirds of the world’s population.

Doubtless - and the main reason for calling a G20 Summit - the credit crunch and the financial crisis the followed prompted the Bush Administration to invite all 20 countries to Washington DC with a purpose; to discuss pressing issues.

According the the White House Press Secretary, Dana Perino, “We expect the leaders will discuss effects of the emerging economies and developing nations. The summit will also provide an important opportunity for leaders to strengthen the underpinnings of capitalism by discussing how they can enhance their commitment to open, competitive economies as well as trade and investment liberalization”.

But questions have been raised for some time, precisely because the summit is due to fall exactly 11 days after the United States presidential election and at the time of writing, it is not clear whether President elect Barack Obama will attend the summit or - as suggested by the French Government - the summit will be attended by Obama’s advisors.

Either way, i.e. with Obama’s attendance, only his advisors, both or neither, the simple fact the summit was called as an emmergency - as opposite to the usual 12 months preparation minimum - and is taking place during a transitional period in the White House, somewhat legitimates all sorts of questions as to how useful and timely this summit will be at tackling serious worldwide financial issues.

But if the few certainties about this summit are to be believed and indeed it is meant to discuss the strengthening of capitalism, global competitiveness and liberalisation, as well as tackling a global financial crisis, there are sufficient grounds to believe that the Bush Administration and President elect Barack Obama may be on a collision route in matters of economic policy, if we are to take into account Obama’s electoral campaign in its entirety, let alone an election very much focused on economical issues.

Doubtless, the White House has confirmed it will “seek input” from Barack Obama. However input seeking falls short given Bush’s evident “lame-duck” status at this stage, nor is it really appropriate to just “seek input” from a President elect who has just received a landslide mandate from the American People.

To sum it up, the G20 Summit may very well become unmissable. Whether that will be for all the good reasons or all the bad reasons, remains to be seen.

Pope Breaks Diplomatic Protocol to Bless Barack Obama

APPA NEWS, EDINBURGH-UK - The Holy See, known for its rigid diplomatic protocol, has opened an exception and protocol went straight out of the window as fast as Barack Obama was confirmed as the President elect of the United States.

The Vatican normally sends formal congratulatory blessings and felicitations messages to politicians around the world, but usually only on the day of Inauguration of Office and never before.

Obama’s historic victory however seemed to have moved the Holy See off its usual diplomatic rumblings as the Pope’s spokesman, Fr. Lombardy confirmed today a “private message” of congratulations has been sent off, signed by His Holiness, the contents of which are yet to be known in full [if ever!], but the Vatican confirmed Pope Benedict XVI sent Barack Obama His blessing of God wishing it “will support Obama and the American people so that with all people of good will, “a world of peace, solidarity and justice can be built”.

On Obama’s Inauguration Day - 20th January 2009 - a formal message will be sent, said Fr. Lombardi who took the opportunity to confirm the Holy See is keen to cooperate with the new US Administration, including sensitive issues concerning Christian communities in the Middle East, as well as other troubled areas of the world.

The Vatican approach could have not been more at odds with that of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,

who preferred to congratulate Barack Obama, by offering him “some good advice” on the first meeting together somewhere in the very near future. Berlusconi’s message has already sparked some “smiles” and raised eyebrows, amid public criticism of his patronising message to Barack Obama, in the light of his long lasting ally stance with George W. Bush.

Obama’s Victory Proof of America’s Ability to Reinvent Itself

APPA NEWS, LONDON-UK -Barack Obama’s landslide victory today doubtless represents a turn in American politics, but this is no surprise, given George W. Bush’s all time low popularity record [less than 1 in every 4 Americans], the war in Iraq, the credit crunch and the American economy smashed to pieces, having fallen from a healthy surplus at the end of Clinton’s presidency to its present deficit, the largest in American history!

What is really remarkable is that for the first time a black man makes it to the White House. But is it remarkable because Obama is black? Hardly! What is truly worth noting is that this election marked a point of no return in American politics and History, a point where Americans did not care about skin colour or any other set of superficial criteria for that matter.

What truly made the American election absolutely remarkable, is that for the first time a man - who happens to be black Afro-American - was elected against all the odds, purely on his message to the Electorate, a profoundly honest and genuinely committed approach to the Public Cause of the American People and here we find the extraordinary difference that made the difference, a sharp contrast between political rhetoric and a new, truer and more genuine no-nonsense approach, addressing people’s minds and hearts, focusing on what truly matters. And the great Cause of Public Common Good is what really matters in politics.

Black, white or indeed any other colour did not make any difference in this election, even though Barack Obama’s election in itself will go down on History books because for the first time a black Afro-American was elected President of the United States.

But should we really focus on the elected?

Perhaps it is time to look elsewhere, the electorate, for this election is also a strong signal of change in the very fabric of American life. Multi-cultural as never before, multi-ethnic and multi-national, America has changed in itself and brought change within itself in this election, proving even to the most sceptical its ability to pull itself up from the ashes, re-invent itself and kick off to a new start. On the night of the greatest electoral victory in 50 years.

In the night of a huge Democrats’ victory, of a remarkable man’s victory and ultimately of the American People’s victory, it was John McCain who was able to sum it up in just three words: “Americans never quit!”.

Portuguese Prime Minister Hails 44th New USA President Barack Obama

APPA NEWS, LISBON-PORTUGAL -Portuguese PM José Sócrates has sent his warmest congratulations to the newly elected President Barack Obama.

The Portuguese PM’s message focused on the notion of change by stating “this triumph represents an opportunity for change, both in the United States and the World”, noting the American election as a truly historical moment, signaling also an opportunity for a fresh start, a renovated relationship between the United States and Europe, working together for Peace and Cooperation between the two continents, in a better regulated global world.

The Portuguese Government, together with the French President Sarkozy, the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the European Commission President Durão Barroso, were the very first European leaders to convey to the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, messages of congratulations on a truly unforgettable electoral Marathon.

Fine Art Worldwide Auction Prices Fall Short of Expected

APPA NEWS, LONDON - UK - Worldwide art markets auction prices have fallen, showing an expected tendency to readjust to adverse current conditions.

Degas “Danseuse au Repos” [pictured left/above], sold recently for £ 23 million pounds, not a bad price, but auctioneers have indicated that many other works by Modigliani, van Gogh, Monet and Matisse did not sell at all.

Falls in sales and prices have been hapening on both sides of the Atlantic, notably in New York, the latter coming as no surprise, according to Sotheby’s Impressionist specialist, Mr David Norman.

But although current financial conditions are not ideal, the very best works are selling still, one of which, “Suprematist Composition”, by Kazimir Malevitch, fetching a whooping £ 37 million pounds just recently.

Portuguese Fine Art Market Hit by Financial Crisis

APPA NEWS, LISBON - PORTUGAL - Portuguese Fine Art markets have been hit by the global financial crisis, especially the Art Auction market, which has recorded a 10% decrease in both value and bidding calls.

However, according to some of the most prominent Portuguese auctioneers, the crisis is unlikely to hit severe levels as seen in foreign markets, where both Christie’s and Sotheby’s are feeling the crisis more severely than Portuguese auction houses.

Fine Art market prices were somewhat inflated, according to Portuguese sources, an issue now having an effect on the present decrease, but the general view is that a severe crash in the Portuguese Fine Art market is unlikely to develop.

John McCain Defeat Speech With Dignity

APPA NEWS, LONDON - UK - Senator John McCain admitted defeat in a dignified speech delivered before a 7000 crowd gathered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Senator McCains’ speech was highly praised for his patriotic tone, emphasizing that Americans must now turn the page, and face the future united in the need to assist the newly elected President, Barack Obama.

Admiting full responsibility for the defeat - almost certainly a hard stance, given the Republican Party heaviest defeat in 50 years - John McCain placed himself at the service of the man “who was my opponent and now will be my President”.

During the speech, the 72 year old Senator thanked wholeheartedly his running mate Sarah Palin, who he considered one of the best running mates he could ever have had, but some “boohoos” were heard among the crowd, showing the cracks that actually existed since the time of Sarah Palin’s appointment, a controversial choice by the Senator being blamed by a number of McCains supporters, for such a heavy defeat.

EU Commission President Durao Barroso Hails Barack Obama

APPA NEWS, LONDON - UK - European Union Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso has been quick, in fact one of the very first to salute President elect of the United States of America, Barack Obama, on what is being estimated in political circles around the World, as a huge landslide victory!

According to British newswires, Mr Durão Barroso has sent messages of congratulations to the newly elected President of the United States saying that “Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming.”

However politically correct, the move is nonetheless a surprising 360 degrees twist, as it is historically well known that Mr Barroso played host at the Azores Summit, which he proposed himself, to Toni Blair and President George W. Bush, days before America and

 the UK embarked on the War against Iraq.

Mr Durão Barroso, who was at the time the Portuguese Prime Minister, became the nominee of choice for the presidency of the European Commission, shortly after.

Popular memory may be short, but journalism must remain independent and recall the record of that day, 16 of March 2003, when José Manuel Durão Barroso, Toni Blair, José Maria Aznar and George W. Bush met to come up with a declarative statement on the issue of Iraq, which, we may agree, presented some Peace rhetoric, courtesy of Mr Barroso, together with enough jargon about weapons of mass destruction which never

existed, based upon intelligence, which was wrong, despite United Nations resolutions that condemned Iraq but did not convey a licence to invade or go to war and ultimately, against scores and scores in Public Opinion, strongly opposed to war in Iraq, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Doubtless, five years later, Mr Barroso is right about the new USA President elect taking office “at a critical juncture”.

We are wondering and keen to find out indeed, whose “juncture” ?… Barack Obama’s?… Or Mr Barroso’s himself?

For a full transcript of the Azores Summit, 16 March 2003, click here.

Portuguese Produce Unavailable on British Supermarkets

APPA NEWS, LONDON - UK - A market review conducted by AIMP has revealed a shocking reality. Portuguese products do not reach British markets and the very few that make it to Britain’s shores are either mainstream turism produce or Port wines.

AIMP-PMIA [Portuguese Monarchist International Alliance], which has been monitoring food and drink markets in the United Kingdom for six months has concluded that key areas of the Portuguese Economy, such as traditional high end quality food and drink produce is not exported to the United Kingdom at rates capable of competing with Spanish, Italian and Greek produce.

Shocking as it may seem and in sharp contrast to what happens with Greek, Italian and above all Spanish produce, all selling millions of pounds worth of products in Britain, Serra cheeses, Azores “Ilha” cheeses, Azeitão cheeses, “Pata Negra” hams and most high quality red and white wines are nowhere to be found in any of the major supermarket networks, among them Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, ASDA and Marks & Spencer. The same can safely be said of Madeira wines, for example, despite the well known fact that Madeira produces excellent table wines, but most Madeira found in Britain is marketed as cooking wine.

Another markedly shocking area concerns marketing of Olive Oil, a product not very popular in Britain just 15 years ago, but has enjoyed a huge boom to the point where no British household would consider cooking without it. Again, all olive oil available is either Spanish, Greek, Italian or even Turkish. Portugal, known as it is for producing some of the best olive oil in the world, quite simply does not export it.

The situation is all the more shocking because Portuguese produce is generally far superior to the competition, but as it stands, it allows Spanish, Greek and Italian producers to pocket millions of pounds in profit, as traditional products sell extremely well and are very popular among the British people, accostumed to enjoy them at holiday resorts and once back home, look out for them in the supermarkets.

The report, which is expected to be available in the first quarter 2009, presents an overall poor picture, showing that none of the British major supermarket networks - worth many thousands of sales outlets across Britain - carry important and high quality Portuguese produce, apart from Mateus Rosé wines, a couple of “Vinho Verde” (most labeled Gazela and unlabelled), several Port wines, mostly Ruby class and Tawny and very few fresh vegetables.

Portuguese Politics Bordering On Hysterics

APPA NEWS, LISBON - PORTUGAL - Portuguese politics have been known for many years for running high spirited and with a fair dose of wit, but a new corner stone has been turned, with a formidable row between the opposition parties and the Portuguese Government, concerning the recent uptaking of BNP Bank into public ownership, after it apparently ran into murky waters, following the international financial crisis.

During a press conference held at São Bento Palace, the Portuguese Parliament HQ, the Government considered Ms Manuela Ferreira Leite [pictured left/above], the main opposition party PSD leader, of “acting desperate”.

The “pleasantry” followed an apparently rather assertive and vociferous attack on the Prime Minister by Ms Ferreira Leite, who accused the Portuguese PM of being “an authoritarian who cannot be trusted”, during the PSD party Annual Conference closing speech. The attack came rolling downhill at speed, due to the recent decision by the Portuguese Government to nationalise BPN Bank, sparking fears of a wave of nationalisations.

Ms Ferreira Leite, who is known at home and abroad for her “Thatcher-like” style did not spare the Prime Minister, and demanded a formal apology from the Government.

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition party CDS-PP, Mr Paulo Portas, who never ceases to amaze for his energetic attacks, demanded the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Portugal, Mr Vitor Constancio, following the BPN Bank nationalisation. According to the CDS-PP leader, the Bank of Portugal is not independent enough nor can it be trusted as an independent regulator.

The Government however replied by reasserting the regulator’s independence, and accused the opposition parties of bias, saying that the opposition tends to recognise the regulator’s independence only when its decisions are to their liking.

The row is expected to continue, especially if Portugal comes to face more financial turmoil, eventually leading to the nationalisation of other banking institutions, a situation which is not expected to develop, as the Government denies plans for further action.

Former Portuguese Bank CEO’s Son Dies Suddenly Aged 22

APPA NEWS, LONDON - UK -Paulo Guilherme Teixeira Pinto, the youngest son of Paulo Teixeira Pinto, former BCP Millenium Bank CEO [pictured left], has died suddenly last Saturday, 1st November.

The young man, aged 22, collapsed suddenly while at his family home, where he was accompanied by his mother and elder sister, aged 25.

The fatal and horrific incident which was as sudden as completely unexpected, was caused by a CVI [cerebral vascular incident] according to Portuguese newspapers, but a sudden cardiac arrest has also been reported as confirmed by Lisbon Forensic Medicine Institute. APPA News has not been able to confirm either way.

Paulo Guilherme was a Law student at the Portuguese Catholic University of Lisbon, where he attended his fourth and final year, being expected to graduate at the end of 2009.

APPA News news room takes the opportunity to present to Paulo Guilherme’s family our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.

Portuguese PM Argues The Case For Banking Nationalisation

APPA NEWS, LISBON - PORTUGAL - Portuguese PM José Sócrates has argued the case for taking banks into public ownership, should the need arise.

The Portuguese PM’s comments were the short answer to opposition leaders from CDS-PP party, who have been questioning the matter, following the Government’s decision to take BPN bank into public ownership, as a result of the recent credit crunch and the financial crisis.

“The Government decision to take a bank into public ownership is entirely legitimate”, said Mr Sócrates, when questioned in regards to the legislative process which lead to the nationalisation of BPN bank, adding however that such decisions must now pass through Parliament for approval, as required by the Portuguese Constitution.

The Portuguese Prime Minister’s comments took place at the end of a meeting between the Government and trade unions, to agree upon an increase on the Portuguese National Minimum Wage, which is expected to reach EUR 450.00, with effect from 1st January 2009.

Portugal Launches Uterus Cancer Vaccination Campaign

APPA NEWS, LISBON - PORTUGAL - Portuguese Health Authorities have successfully launched a national vaccination programme aimed at curbing down uterine cancer risks, having already administered the jab to 23.000 women aged 13, in the first week.

The Portuguese National Vaccination Plan - PVN - had an initial target of 27.000 young women vaccinated until the end of the year, but is well ahead of schedule, according to Ms Ana Jorge, Portuguese Health Minister.

The Plan aims at giving the jab, which is free of charge under the Portuguese National Health System, to all women aged up to 17 years old, in a first phase to last until 2011.

The vaccine, which is available in Portugal under the name of “Gardasil”, has been proven to be 90% effective in preventing cancer of the womb in women up to 45 years old, but the Portuguese Government has no plans to extend the vaccine to the whole female population presently, a point for which it has been criticized by oncology specialists and consultants, namely the Portuguese Cancer Institute of Coimbra director, Dr Daniel Pereira da Silva, who has made his position clear by emphasizing that the vaccine is proven effective in older women, which should encourage widespread vaccination, notwithstanding budget considerations.

Bin Laden Son Arrives in Spain

APPA NEWS, LISBON - PORTUGAL - Omar Bin Laden arrived today in Madrid, where he has requested political asylum, immediately after arrival, at Barajas Airport.

Omar, one of Osama Bin Laden’s 19 children, is married to a  British citizen, Jane Felix-Brown, also known by her current new name, Zaina Alsabah. They are believed to have requested entry visas to the United Kingdom and other countries in the European Union.

But the whole story already has a twist to it. Omar and his wife were travelling from Cairo, where they have been living with friends. They took a flight to Casablanca, but disembarked in Madrid, where the aircraft landed for refuelling, according to some sources.

 Omar Bin Laden, who is travelling on a Saudi Arabia passport, requested political asylum in Spain because - according to his wife’s information to the press - he does not feel safe in Egypt nor indeed anywhere in the Middle East. His present request for political asylum follows a previous request made to the British Authorities, via the British Embassy in Cairo, which was duly and promptly refused point blank by London.

Omar Osama Bin Laden lived with his father for 20 years in Afghanistan and Sudan. Although known as Osama Bin Laden’s “pacifist” son, his arrival in Spain sparked public awareness and protests both in Spain and Portugal.

Spanish autorities now have 72 hours to come up with a decision whether to process the asylum request or refuse it and send them back to Egypt.