Investigation into Adulterated Sunflower Oil

A preliminary investigation into the circumstances under which a batch of sunflower oil blended with mineral oil was imported in Greece has been ordered by Athens First Instance Prosecutor Panagiotis Poulios. The Prosecutor will examine how the Ukrainian sunflower oil was imported in Greece and whether public health was under threat and the Food Code was violated. In the meantime, intensive inspections are underway to locate more quantities of the health-hazardous sunflower oil. Most batches have been confiscated, said the Government. Socialist section head for development Mihalis Chrysohoidis blasted the Government for slow response. "The new food scare that broke out in Greece proves the inefficiency of the inspection authorities and the Government’s responsibility, whose silence has prompted several questions over the dimensions of the crisis," said Chrysohoidis.

The Greek General State Chemical Laboratory will release as report as to whether the adulterated sunflower oil, withdrawn from the market is dangerous. Meanwhile, checks in the market continues. As per the Development Ministry 2/3 of the controversial consignment has been withdrawn. In addition to the bottles with the controversial sunflower oil, other products are being checked as well. In reply to criticism by the opposition on deficient protection of the consumers, the government has assured that any imperfection on the check system will be recorded and responsibilities held.

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UN Suggests Donor Nations Summit

For Cyclone-Hit Myanmar

UN, which estimated Wednesday that as many as 2.5 million people have been severely affected by Cyclone Nargis, has suggested an emergency meeting of the donor nations, as Myanmar’s junta tried to lay down restrictions to the distribution of foreign aid. A UN official said that the restrictions set by Myanmar’s regime increase the risks of famine and the spreading of infectious diseases among the survivors. Thailand’s Prime Minister met with his Burmese counterpart and urged him to lift the restrictions and allow foreign aid workers to enter the country. The latter, however, told him that the junta is capable of dealing the problems on its own.
In New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has allegedly voiced his disappointment over Myanmar’s slow response, urged donor nations to hold a summit to deal with the crisis. British ambassador to the UN John Sawers insinuated that the Summit will be something more that a simple donor nations Summit, terming it as an important international meeting.

according to news.ert.gr

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Armed Canadian CoastGuards storms conservation vessel

According to indymedia.uk the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel Farley Mowat was attacked by armed officers from the Canadian Coast Guard on 12th April. The 1st officer and the captain of the ship have been arrested and will be brought before a court in Canada charged with offences related to coming too close to the seal hunt. One woman allegedly sustained a head injury when was roughed up and received a blow to the head by an officer. The ship has been impounded and is currently being towed to a nearby port.
The Sea Shepherd has been documenting the Canadian seal hunt since the middle of March. On the 30th March, the Coast Guard rammed the Sea Shepherd ship twice, in an attempt to keep it away from the seal hunt. On 5th April, the ship was attacked by a mob of 30-40 angry seal hunters while anchored in the French island of St. Pierre. The crew of the Farley Mowat has been documenting violations of the humane regulations and gathering proof that seals are still being killed in an inhumane manner. The EU Parliament will be voting on an import ban on seal products later this year. The Canadian goverment has been actively lobbying to show that the hunt has become 'humane and sustainable'.

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China begs for extra quake help-What about the Olympic Games?

The Chinese government has admitted struggling to cope with this week's powerful earthquake and made a rare public plea for help. The major earthquake was 7.9 in Richter's scale.
The Ministry of Information Industry appealed top the Chinese public for rescue equipment including hammers, shovels, demolition tools and rubber boats.
The call came as China finally accepted its first offer of foreign aid workers, from Japan, having previously refused outside help.

It must be reminded that China is the host country to the 2008 Olympic Games. Because of the disaster there is a possibility to cancel this athletic meeting. The International Olympic Comitee, has the right by its regulation , to transfer the home of the Games to the last city they were hosted, and that means Athens, Greece.

Officials informed us that there is a possibility indeed but there is only a slight chance to come true.

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