InfoAnda - Dark days at the center of Europe |

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Rescuers hunt for trapped Ecuadorean miners | | 17 October 2010
Canada opposition signs deal to defeat government | International | | 1 December 2008
Taiwan threatens to blacklist Chinese director over film row | 28 October 2010

Tajikistan set to free 10,000 prisoners | 3 November 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Dark days at the center of Europe |

Edition: U.S. Article Slideshow Save Email Print Reprints Most Popular Most Shared "Dead" man wakes up under autopsy knife 17 Sep 2007 Japan teens skipping breakfast have sex younger 26 Dec 2008 Older white women join Kenya's sex tourists 26 Nov 2007 Venice flooded by highest water levels in 22 years 01 Dec 2008 Charlie Sheen tops list of high-paid TV stars 04 Aug 2008 Oklahoma firm recalling beef products in six states 26 Dec 2009 Five die in Tehran pro-reform protests | Video 27 Dec 2009 Older white women join Kenya's sex tourists 26 Nov 2007 "Dead" man wakes up under autopsy knife 17 Sep 2007 White House condemns "unjust" actions in Iran 27 Dec 2009 Dark days at the center of Europe Nerijus Adomaitis PURNUSKES, Lithuania Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:32pm EST Factbox Nuclear power plans in Europe Thu, Nov 5 2009 Related News Investigation finds Lithuania had secret CIA jails Tue, Dec 22 2009 UPDATE 3-Stabler Baltics boost SEB Q3; loan income weak Wed, Oct 21 2009 < 1 / 3 > View Full Size PURNUSKES, Lithuania (Reuters) - Surrounded by forest, a white granite pillar topped by a ring of golden stars near the village of Purnuskes marks "the geographical center of Europe." Things are looking bleak. World The Baltic state of Lithuania -- sandwiched between Latvia and the Russian exclave Kalingrad -- faces an economic contraction of 18 percent for 2009. To that the government has said it will add a 30 percent increase in household power prices in 2010, as it fulfils a condition of European Union membership and shuts Ignalina, the Chernobyl-style nuclear power plant that provides 70 percent of Lithuania's power. EU officials in Brussels pressed for the closure at the start of the century, when the bloc was embarking on its eastern enlargement. Their goal was to lower the risk of a repeat of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion of 1986. Neither recession nor energy security were factors when the sculpture was symbolically unveiled on May 1, 2004 as Lithuania, once occupied by the Soviet Union, joined the EU. It is described by the country's tourism website as marking "the poignant return of Lithuania to the family of European nations." But from December 31 -- when temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 Fahrenheit) and rivers freeze -- the closure will make Lithuania more dependent on an increasingly irregular supply of power from its former occupier. "It's the worst crisis ever," said Jan Glushachenkov, a 44-year old former excavator driver who lives next to the sculpture above a compass mosaic. Speaking to Reuters in the still hush around the column near the village 26 km (16 miles) northeast of Vilnius, Glushachenkov said he has already been out of work for almost a year. He pointed out the more pressing risks Brussels now faces in closing the reactor with the country's 3.5 million people locked in recession: "People will have to emigrate or to go to steal." Population losses due to net emigration since 1990 already amounted to about 10 percent, according to a 2008 report from the OECD. EDGY RELATIONS For those who stay, things will be tough. Glushachenkov's neighbor Ludwik Trypucki, an 86-year-old farmer, said the shutdown will lift his monthly power bill to about 18 percent of his 800 Lithuanian litas ($333.5) pension. He already pays 120 litas per month. "I understand they had to close it if it was unsafe to operate, but they had to agree in advance to get cheaper electricity. Now it's unclear where that will come from," he said. Lithuania plans to import electricity from Estonia, Russia and Ukraine, via neighboring Belarus. A small amount will be imported via cable from Finland and Latvia. The increasing energy dependence on Russia, which will also supply gas for a fossil fuel-powered electricity plant, comes as relations between the countries remain edgy. Lithuania objected to Russia building a gas pipeline to Germany under the Baltic Sea and attempted to block the start of EU-Russia talks on a strategic partnership. Some in the Baltic region fear a planned pipeline under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, Nord Stream, could offer Moscow a direct energy lever with Europe, enabling it to cut off countries' gas to wield diplomatic pressure. Russia has in the past been a reliable gas supplier to Lithuania, although it has cut oil supplies to a Lithuanian refiner, Mazeikiu Nafta, now owned by Polish oil group PKN Orlen. INFLATION Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius is hopeful countries in the region will be happy to sell Lithuania electricity surpluses the downturn has created in their countries, and pointed to long-term power contracts Lithuania has signed. "Lithuania will become more dependent on imports of energy resources after Ignalina's closure. That will reduce our energy security, but we feel assured about the next year," he told Reuters. The EU has allocated so far about 820 million euros ($1.17 billion) in aid to decommission the plant, deal with the nuclear waste and upgrade a fossil fuel plant, but the central bank points to the shutdown's broader impact. "A 30 percent hike in electricity prices will slash gross domestic product by one percentage point and will increase inflation by almost one percentage point," said Raimondas Kuodis, the central bank's chief economist. "It does not look a lot in the context of the global crisis, but for Lithuania's economy it's a painful hit." Besides jobs lost at the reactor in the town of Visaginas in Lithuania's easternmost corner, businesses straining to maintain working capital will be squeezed. Arturas Zaremba, head of major cement producer Akmenes Cementas, said his power prices would more than double to 15 Lithuanian cents per kilowatt-hour from 6, raising costs for the company with revenues of 125 million litas by 6-7 million litas. "The electricity price increase will be a serious shock not only for our company, but for the whole economy," he said. In Visaginas, unemployment at about 9 percent -- less than the national average of 11.7 percent -- is forecast to reach about 11.5 percent in 2010. "I have been working at the plant for 27 years, my whole life was connected to it," said Andrei Grigoriev, walking past a memorial stone from 1975 marking where the town was begun. "Of course, it is painful to see it being shut, and that it was a politically motivated decision," he said. Lithuania's opposition made a last unsuccessful attempt in December to force the government to restart negotiations with Brussels with a view to extending Ignalina's lifespan, a project supported by former Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas. "The European Commission does not fully apprehend the situation of the Baltic states, and think that electricity imports from Russia is not a problem," he said. "They don't share the same historical experience." BETTER OPPORTUNITY IN AFRICA In an office hooked up by closed-circuit TV to a direct view of the gleaming, cavernous interior of the reactor hall, Viktor Shevaldin, Ignalina's veteran head, says he is resigned to the closure of the plant's remaining reactor at 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Full decommissioning at an estimated cost of 8.6 billion litas will take about 25 years. "We face a different future, but we have come to terms with it already," said the grey haired 60-year-old. But let him talk more, and his tone changes. The chance of a major accident is one per one million years of reactor work, he said: "It's like being hit by a meteorite while walking on the street." Back at Purnuskes, Algirdas Kauspedas, an architect who became a celebrity rock musician with a band he formed in the last days of the Soviet Union, is pragmatic. "Market perspectives are bleak here. It's better to look for possibilities in Africa," he said. (Editing by Sara Ledwith) World More from Reuters New security restrictions could hurt airlines NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tighter security measures at U.S. airports following an attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound jet could dampen enthusiasm for air travel, hurting the airline industry just as it seemed poised to recover from a period of bruising losses, some industry experts say. U.S. boosts airline precautions amid recriminations | Video Asian shares up on economy outlook, dollar hovers | Video U.S. retail holiday sales up 3.6 percent: report Attempted bombing spotlights al Qaeda growth in Yemen UBS whistleblower seeks prison postponement » More Top News The battle in mid-air The attraction of bombing airliners means the aviation industry has to be constantly vigilant in its fight against attackers. Full Article No sign jet incident part of bigger plot Plane attacker lived outside Nigeria U.S. probes al Qaeda involvement U.S. Political Risk in 2010: Don't say we didn't warn you With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead. Full Article Tougher investment choices ahead Will investors embrace "risk" trades? Global Markets © Copyright 2009 Thomson Reuters Editorial Editions: Africa Arabic Argentina Brazil Canada China France Germany India Italy Japan Latin America Mexico Russia Spain United Kingdom United States Reuters Contact Us Advertise With Us Help Journalism Handbook Archive Site Index Video Index Analyst Research Mobile Newsletters RSS Podcasts Widgets Your View Labs Thomson Reuters Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Professional Products Professional Products Support Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Careers Online Products Acquisitions Monthly Buyouts.com Buyouts Europe: Buyouts Conferences: Venture Capital Journal ECVJ International Financing Review International Securitisation Report Project Finance International PEhub.com PE Week Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Monday, 28 December 2009
Mousavi nephew among several killed in Iran clashes: reports
Hugh Grant says he dreams of literary career
Families of Americans held in Iran hire Iranian lawyer |
Families of Americans held in Iran hire Iranian lawyer
Polanski 'overwhelmed' by messages of support
Mousavi nephew, others die in Iran protests
At least 5 killed in Iran protests
Hamas officials in Egypt to discuss prisoner exchange |
Iraq army says nine bombs defused as Shiite rituals climax
US troop deaths in Afghanistan double 2008 toll
Increased security during Pope visit to Rome soup kitchen |
Hamas officials in Egypt to discuss prisoner exchange
'Unclear' if Israel can reach swap deal with Hamas: PM
Obama orders review of US no-fly lists
Japan PM in India for economic, security talks
Suicide attack kills 5 at Pakistan Shiite mosque
Thailand readies for Hmong deportation: activists
Seniors worry about Medicare Advantage cuts
Airliner-attack investigation moving on 2 fronts
Second Philippine ferry tragedy kills 6, 20 missing
Napolitano: No indication of larger terror plot
Blast outside Shi'ite prayer hall kills 2 in Pakistan
Homeland security head: The security system worked
Watchdog: Thais' Hmong expulsion could be violent
Thousands mourn Pakistan's Bhutto, two years on
Condemned British man's family flies to China
China PM blasts trade protectionism, pressure on yuan
South Korea wins landmark Gulf nuclear power deal
S.Korea wins $40-bln UAE nuclear power deal
Avatar leads box office for second weekend |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Avatar" leads box office for second weekend
Perry to take 'Madea' play on the road in 2010
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong |
Avalanches kill seven in Italian Alps: emergency services
War on Al-Qaeda inflames Afghanistan, Pakistan
Iran pro-reform cleric condemns deaths on holy day |
China targets political foes after dissident trial |
Japan's finance minister in hospital for tests |
Divisions await Egypt's new Muslim Brotherhood head
Attempted bombing spotlights al Qaeda growth in Yemen |
China says ship crew rescued from Somali pirates |
Israel: 16,200 Jewish immigrants arrived in 2009
Yemen says Houthi rebel leader may be dead |
Hamas praises Gaza's 'steadfastness' on war anniversary
Hamas marks 1 year after war, but many stay home
Opposition leader tops Croat presidential vote |
Makeshift bomb damages insurance building in Athens |
Dark days at the center of Europe |
China finds likely tomb of 3rd century general
Carter finds happiness in foreign missions
Vietnamese court convicts dissident of subversion
Afghan police: 2 police killed in west Afghanistan
Jimmy and Rosalynn: A love story endures
S.Korea to give 22 million dollars of aid to North
Man, 2 girls shot at SF waterfront restaurant
Vietnamese court sentences democracy activist to 5.5 years for subversion
US steps up anti-terror campaign in Yemen: report
Mine explosions kill 12 in China, 11 more trapped
Injured boat crew member leaves NJ hospital
Dissident goes on trial, could face death penalty
12 dead in China mine blasts: state media
Holiday travelers greeted by delays, tight security
N.Korea built plant for uranium enrichment: report
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong
Security reviews under way after airliner attack
TSA: 2 passengers detained after flight to Phoenix
Sounds of firecrackers mark failure of terror plot
Seoul shares edge up; KEPCO jumps, exporters down
China author set to sue Google over web book scan
China likely to become top global exporter in 2009
Taiwan notebook maker Inventec plans China plant
Seoul shares inch up; KEPCO, Hyundai E&C rally
UAE deal, outlook boost South Korea nuclear power stocks
S.Korea bonds fall amid thin trade, weak interest
Seoul shares rise; KEPCO, Hyundai E&C jump
S.Korea consumer sentiment holds steady in Dec
"Avatar" rules as US moviegoers set record
Taiwan's Ma fights for traditional Chinese characters
Update: Unruly Passenger Pulled From Similar Amsterdam-Detroit Flight
Korean-American Activist Crosses Into North Korea
Salvation Army Major Killed On Christmas Eve
Update: New Details Emerge About Attempted Northwest Airlines Plane Bomber
Abducted Maryland Girl Found Dead, Sex Offender Arrested As Suspect
Video Shows Captured American Soldier In Afghanistan Denouncing U.S. Military
Update: Botched U.S. Airline "Bombing" Sparks International Probe
Bomb at Shi'ite procession in Pakistan kills 25 |
Yemen arrests 29 al Qaeda suspects after raids |
Israel announces new Jewish homes in Jerusalem area
Ten Afghan civilians reported killed in airstrike |
Israel announces new Jewish homes in Jerusalem area |
Al Qaeda says kidnapped Italians in Africa: report |
China urges Hong Kong to heed democracy challenge |
Iraqi legal system puts new emphasis on forensics |
Russia warns EU of oil cuts over Ukraine row |
Amazon shares up after Kindle boosts e-book sales |
Alfa Romeo wins Sydney to Hobart yacht race
Diplomat: Myanmar releases 4 Taiwanese fishermen
Swiss watchdog to examine Orange/Sunrise deal |
The nation's weather
Is Rachel Yould a victim or schemer?
Gunmen ambush Philippine politicians' convoy
Man detained after causing disturbance on flight
Family visit Briton on eve of planned China execution
House Democrats pessimistic about public option
Pakistan suicide bombing death toll rises to 8
Families of 3 Americans held in Iran hire lawyer
125 pilot whales die on NZ beaches, 43 saved
China targets political foes after dissident trial
Relatives visit Briton on death row in China
Doctors' strike shuts down medical care in Nepal
Chinese shares close up 1.51%
'2012' sets box office record in China
Putin launches new Russia oil route to Asia
Taiwan notebook maker to build $800M China plant
Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ to issue China yuan bonds
Ailing JAL faces bankruptcy option: report
Japan's finance minister hospitalised: ministry
S.Korea eyes nuclear contract with Turkey
Polanski thanks backers as extradition wait goes on |
Little room for daytime cable fights
Polanski thanks backers as extradition wait goes on
Celebrating New Year with the latest art of champagne
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01