Category Archives: Macau

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Monday thanked the world for its support for the country in the fight against the U.S. blockade.

Rodriguez made the remarks in the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba held in Havana, with the participation of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and around 1,000 activists from some 60 countries and regions.

Rodriguez thanked the participating delegates of 219 unions, political groups or civic organizations for their solidarity.

Through your struggle, you encourage the creative, persistent and victorious resistance of the Cuban people in the midst of enormous difficulties, said the minister.

Rodriguez also denounced the intensification to extreme levels of the U.S.-led trade embargo against Cuba, which the Cuban government estimates has cost the Caribbean island over 150 billion U.S. dollars over the years.

The International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba began on Saturday and ended on Monday, following a two-year suspension due to COVID-19.

Organized by the Workers Central Union of Cuba and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, the forum was first held in 1994.

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Cuban FM expresses thanks for international solidarity against the US blockade - Macau Business

Taliban officials in Afghanistans most progressive city have told driving instructors to stop issuing licences to women, professionals from the sector told AFP.

While Afghanistan is a deeply conservative, patriarchal country, it is not uncommon for women to drive in larger cities - particularly Herat in the northwest, which has long been considered liberal by Afghan standards.

We have been verbally instructed to stop issuing licenses to women drivers but not directed to stop women from driving in the city, said Jan Agha Achakzai, the head of Herats Traffic Management Institute that oversees driving schools.

Adila Adeel, a 29-year-old woman driving instructor who owns a training institute said the Taliban want to ensure that the next generation will not have the same opportunities as their mothers

We were told not to offer driving lessons and not to issue licenses, she said.

The insurgents-turned-rulers seized back control of the country in August last year, promising a softer rule than their last stint in power between 1996 and 2001, which was dominated by human rights abuses.

But they have increasingly restricted the rights of Afghans, particularly girls and women who have been prevented from returning to secondary school and many government jobs.

I personally told a Taliban (guard) that its more comfortable for me to travel in my car than sit beside a taxi driver, said Shaima Wafa as she drove to a local market to buy Eid al-Fitr gifts for her family.

I need to be able to take my family to a doctor in my car without waiting for my brother or husband to come home, she said.

Naim al-Haq Haqqani, who heads the provincial information and culture department, said no official order had been given.

The Taliban have largely refrained from issuing national, written decrees, instead allowing local authorities to issue their own edicts, sometimes verbally.

It is not written on any car that it belongs only to men, said Fereshteh Yaqoobi, a woman who has been driving for years.

In fact it is safer if a woman drives her own vehicle.

Zainab Mohseni, 26, has recently applied for a licence because she says women feel safer in their own cars than in taxis driven by male drivers.

To Mohseni, the latest decision is just a fresh sign that the new regime will stop at nothing to prevent Afghan women from enjoying the few rights they have left.

Slowly, slowly the Taliban want to increase the restrictions on women, she said.

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Afghan women defend right to drive as Taliban curb licenses - Macau Business

Hotel Okura Macau Received Its First Five-Star Distinction, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau Attained Triple Five-Star Accolades Once Again

MACAU, April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 26, Forbes Travel Guide, the world's authoritative luxury travel rating agency, officially released the 2022 global star ratings of hotels, restaurants, and spas. Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort ("Galaxy Macau" in below) showed impressive results yet again. Its hotels won overall awards for their excellent performance and meticulous service and continue to lead in the high-end tourism market. Among them, Hotel Okura Macau achieved its five-star distinction for the first time; The Ritz-Carlton, Macau attained triple crown recognition once again in its hotel, spa and dining; and Banyan Tree Macau continued its five-star achievements on hotel and spa.

Founded in the United States in 1958, the Forbes Travel Guide has published 62 lists. It is the world's most authoritative and influential independent star rating agency for luxury travel. Every year, the organization sends professional reviewers to all parts of the world to evaluate qualifying hotels, restaurants, and spas, conferring star ratings based on 900 objective and stringent standardsthe industry's strictest requirements for the hotels' services and hardware facilities. Galaxy Macau hotels have again been recognized by Forbes, demonstrating their unshakable leadership in the industry for luxurious facilities and thoughtful service.

New Five Stars Milestone

Hotel Okura Macau achieved a milestone breakthrough this year, receiving five-star rating for the first time. As Macau's only Japanese-style hotel with meticulous hospitality, Hotel Okura Macau adopts Japanese elegance into every inch of its delicate and attentive service, a delightful blend of modern comfort and traditional practice, for a unique and unforgettable hotel experience. Founded on the principle of providing the best accommodation, cuisine and service, Hotel Okura Macau offers a harmonious combination of functionality and comfort, creating a quintessentially Japanese luxury hotel experience for Macau. Consistent with Japanese designs, the 488 modern, elegant, and comfortable guest rooms employs natural, fresh, and warm artistic motif of wood, which insulates guests from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides comfort to their bodies and minds. By a service-oriented approach to hospitality, Hotel Okura Macau embodies the spirit of Japanese-style attention to detail and service to the fullest.

Striving for Perfection

Story continues

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau and its One-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant Lai Heen, has each been awarded a prestigious five-star ranking in this year's list. The Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for its legendary service and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau proves no exception in enabling guests to revel in the finest personal service and the best of Asian luxury. The hotel combines classic European styles with modern technology, presenting its interpretation of European style and highlighting Macau's unique Macau-Portuguese charm. With more than 230 elegantly appointed suites and quality facilities, guests can enjoy the luxury services at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau and explore an unsurpassed culinary journey at its three restaurants, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Lai Heen.

Continuing its high-level performance, Banyan Tree Macau and Banyan Tree Spa Macau were awarded Five-Star for the eighth consecutive year. Maintaining its classic touch and drive for innovation has again refreshed people's expectations for luxury vacation experiences. Banyan Tree Macau offers a sanctuary for the senses in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The 256 suites and villas in the hotel, each with an area of at least 100 square meters, are all equipped with private indoor relaxation pools. Each private villa has its own swimming pools with serene gardens. The hotel restaurant provides unique dining experiences, integrating international flavors and creativity while exploring local food culture. The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Macau is ideal for enjoying a relaxing spa treatment that soothes both the body and mind. All Banyan Tree Macau guests enjoy a sublime & relaxing resort experience, with luxury touches of Thai hospitality.

Continuing to deepen its development in the global resort market, Galaxy Macau will soon welcome two new hotels: Andaz Macau, with art and individuality flowing in its brand's blood, and Raffles at Galaxy Macau, a legendary brand with a history of more than 130 years. The presence of these two prestigious hotel brands will further enrich Galaxy Macau's luxury resort map and add to the trend of Macau becoming a city where cultures meet.

For more information and news about Galaxy Macau, please visit http://www.galaxymacau.com

Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards 5-Star Winners

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel

Hotel Okura Macau

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

Banyan Tree Macau

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant

Lai Heen (The Ritz-Carlton, Macau)

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star SPA

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau

Banyan Tree Spa Macau

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Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Extended the Paths of Glory in Forbes Travel Guide

For photos, please refer to the following link: https://www.galaxymacaulibrary.com/gallery/2022-Forbes-Travel-Guide-Star-Awards-Photos/G00000.481obEolY

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About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the two properties cover 1.1 million square meters of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5 meters high and 150-meter pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; The Promenade Shops at Galaxy Macau is an award winning luxury lifestyle shopping destination spread over 100,000 square meters. Luxury flagship stores, designer boutiques and high-street labels contribute to over 200 world-renowned luxury fashion and lifestyle brands. At The Promenade Shops, guests will find an exclusive range of "Be The First" shopping experiences; Galaxy Cinemas, a 10-theatre 3D Cineplex boasting 4K laser projection; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau just a 90-second walk via pedestrian bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 40 different Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street.

The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy Macau will welcome the legendary Raffles brand with the opening of an exclusive, all-suite luxury tower Raffles at Galaxy Macau. We intend to follow this by unveiling a brand new chapter with the highly anticipated openings of the Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) with a total MICE space of 40,000 square meters, a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena and the 700-room and suite Andaz Macau.

For more details, please visit http://www.galaxymacau.com, http://www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and http://www.galaxyicc.com.

SOURCE Galaxy Macau Integrated Resorts

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Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Extended the Paths of Glory in Forbes Travel Guide, with 6 Five-Star Awards Shining among Asian Luxury Resorts - Yahoo...

Macau could be a reference in terms of smart mobility but it requires leadership from authorities and entrepreneurs to achieve this goal, a vehicle designer stated in a seminar held today (Wednesday).

The comment was made by the car designer and Global Design Director of AxiusDesign Group, Filipe Bragana, in a talk focused on smart mobility held by the France Macao Chamber of Commerce today.

According to Bragana many smart mobility solutions and policies that could boost the use of electric vehicles in Macau are already in widespread use in cities on the other side of the border, with Shanghai where he usually resides and works a prime example.

This is a hot topic we are trying to find ways to create this but it is a medium to long term process to convince people. When I arrive in Macau Im, always surprised when Im driving, I open the window and all I hear is the noise of motorbikes. In Shanghai, I ride a bike and there are special lanes. Although its a city with 25 million people and cars everywhere, cars will be at least a five meters distance from people, Bragana said.

I felt more in danger and uncomfortable in Macau than riding my bike in Shanghai. This is also not related to the size of the cities since its proportional. What the government in Shanghai has done is work with the different districts, with each district having clear established rules to implement smart mobility solutions.

The designer also gave as an example, traffic lights in Shanghai, which are already equipped with cameras that inform how long the person driving needs to wait and can spot and help fine drivers who cross red lights.

We need some fast technological development others we will always be stuck to how things were 50 years ago. We need to find the best way to adapt these new technologies to vehicles, we need city infrastructure that supports peoples lives, he added.

Bragana added that the electric charging stations he has seen in public streets in the city were not just aesthetically awful but impractical and too spacious.

They are slabs taking the space for car parking, when nowadays we have the technology, as we see in some hotels, where we can just set a small box on the wall and plug your car. Theres even wireless charging. These technologies already exist. Its a matter fo the people that make the decisions have not yet felt the Macau population needs them, he noted.

EV charging stages look from before the industrial revolution. Electric motorbikes safety is already in widespread use in Mainland China, they are safe, not noisy and easy to ride. But in Macau, we still see motorbikes from my great grandfathers time. Macau should not just be providing gambling for people coming but also a positive experience for everyone living and coming to the city.

As of November, 2021 there were 2,241 electric vehicles and 4,536 hybrid energy vehicles, including cars and motorcycles registered in the Macau SAR, while there are currently only 200 electric public charging stations, only two of which are for motorbikes.

The Macau SAR SecondFive-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development for the 2021-2025period emphasizes that authorities will advance efforts to reach peak carbon emissions before the previous target in 2030.

Authorities predict in the plan that the rate of electric vehicles among newly registered vehicles in the city to jump from 9.4 per cent to something between 15 and 20 per cent in 2025.

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More leadership needed to drive smart mobility solutions in the SAR - Macau Business

A multi-ethnic group of Los Angeles community leaders will gather on Friday, marking 30 years since their city was engulfed in a wave of violence following the acquittal of white police officers for the beating of Rodney King, a Black man.

The deadly 1992 Los Angeles riots inflamed deep-seated tensions across Americas second largest city, as fury in the Black community at racial injustice boiled over and Korean-American and other immigrant shopkeepers bore the brunt of the carnage.

Theres nothing romantic, nothing enticing, nothing beautiful about celebrating what happened for those six days, said J Edgar Boyd, pastor at First AME, the citys oldest African-American church.

But what we have agreed to do, is to take the ugliness and the disparities of those things that happened then, and own them for being reality.

Sprawling Los Angeles has long prided itself on being one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities on Earth.

But racial groups have often clustered in divided communities, from wealthy white Bel-Air to Black Baldwin Hills and Latino East Los Angeles all just a few miles apart.

On April 29, 1992, despite graphic video footage of the beating of King, the closely-watched trial of the four cops ended with verdicts of not guilty.

That night, violence first broke out in then-predominantly Black South Los Angeles, where many mom-and-pop stores were run by Korean immigrants.

Looting gangs brought violence and arson to Koreatown itself, where gun-wielding Korean vigilantes took to shop roofs to defend their properties, in images beamed around the world.

By the end of the anarchy, around 60 people were dead, 2,000 injured and approximately $1 billion in damages had been wrought almost half suffered by Korean-American owners.

The violence was Americas first multi-ethnic riots, said Edward Chang, professor of ethnic studies at University of California, Riverside.

Walking through Koreatown today a trendy, sprawling neighborhood whose name belies the fact it is now majority Latino it is hard to imagine those apocalyptic scenes 30 years ago.

But in 1992, racial tensions were already simmering because of the fatal shootings of two Black customers by Korean store owners in separate incidents months earlier.

Neither of the killers of Lee Arthur Mitchell and 15-year-old Latasha Harlins spent a day in prison, broiling resentment between communities riven by stark economic and cultural divides.

It was not necessarily an intent to go after Korean American businesses the intent was to respond to the lack of justice that was continually perpetuated upon the Black community, said Boyd.

But for many protesters, the perception accurate or not of Koreans as absentee shop owners with no interest in pouring back into the community part of what they took out made them easy targets, said Boyd.

According to David Ryu, a teen at the time of the riots who becameLos Angeles first Korean-American councilmember, the violence was less a Korean-Black conflict and more the poor fighting the poor.

Back in the 1990s, Korean-Americans were just the latest group to set up in inner-city Los Angeles, following earlier Jewish, Italian and Eastern European store owners.

Ryus parents had sold their toy store not long before the building was torched by looters.

Because they couldnt get mad at white America, or the powers-that-be, they got mad at the person in front of them, said Ryu, drawing a link to the citys Watts Riots of 1965.

This time, anger was displaced on the Korean-Americans, he said.

According to Chang, viewing US race relations as an anti-Blackness or Black-versus-white issue is an East Coast bias that ignores Los Angeles complex tapestry.

In 1992, Los Angeles police decided not to protect and serve the community they were supposed to Koreatown was abandoned, recalled Chang.

Korean immigrants had no choice but to defend their stores. That was their livelihood, that was their American Dream.

For some, there are parallels with recent attacks on Asian-Americans, which have risen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, hate crimes against Asian-Americans rose over 300 percent last year.

This Friday, Los Angeles leaders will gather to highlight ties between their communities, including a First AME community service held in a building financed by a Korean bank.

Thats a great milestone. They did it when we could not get other (banks) Black or otherwise to do it, said Boyd.

What were going to do on the 29th is to show the world, and Los Angeles, that we intend to be big enough to mitigate the breaches that took place on that infamous day.

by Andrew MARSZAL

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Los Angeles reflects on 30th anniversary of deadly 'multi-ethnic' riots - Macau Business

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM Media OutReach 27 April 2022 VinFast officially kicks off its groundbreaking ceremony for the Plant the Future project. This project aims to realize VinFasts commitment to the VinFirst program Pioneers Gratitude to Pioneers globally.

Within this project, for each reservation made for a VF 8 or VF 9 from January 5, 2022, to May 30, 2022 (California time, USA), VinFast will plant one tree and contribute to projects that plant trees and restore forests in the world.

With over 65,000 global reservations for its VF 8 and VF 9 electric vehicles as of April 2022, at least 65,000 new trees will be planted.

This is considered a special and meaningful gift from VinFirst pioneer customers as they join hands with VinFast in the journey to create a sustainable and green future.

Through the Plant the Future project and the production of environmentally-friendly smart electric cars, VinFast hopes to inspire and actively advance a green lifestyle, and push toward a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.

About the project, Mr. Emmanuel Bret, VinFast Deputy CEO Global Sales & Marketing, said, The Plant the Future project reflects VinFasts pledge to commit to an electrified mobility revolution and a green future. One of the key concepts of the project is providing a gift from our pioneer customers to the environment, as we join hands to create a sustainable future for all.

The project is divided into phases and is expected to be implemented in various parts of the world.

In the first year, the project is being implemented in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, in collaboration with Vinpearl (a member of Vingroup) and the Phu Quoc National Park Management Board, with the permission of the Provincial Peoples Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Kien Giang Province.

The Plant the Future project aims to increase forest cover, protect the ecological environment, improve the environmental landscape, and reverse the effects of global climate change at Phu Quoc National Park.

Phu Quoc National Park is a historic forest that plays a vital role in biological and ecological conservation research. With over 29,596 hectares, Phu Quoc National Park includes three major forest ecosystems and is home to mangroves, indigo, secondary forests, and more. It is also home to rare and endangered animals, with five species listed in Vietnams Red Data Book and 104 bird species listed in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)./.

Exclusive offers for VinFirst customers

Customers in the US, Canada, and Europe who reserve VF 8 or VF 9 vehicles by May 30, 2022 (California time, USA) will receive one e-voucher for USD 3,000, CAD 3,500, or EUR 2.500 toward a VF8, or one e-voucher for USD 5,000, CAD 6,000, or EUR 4.200 toward a VF 9. The savings continue, as VinFirst customers also receive one free VinFast level 1 portable charger and free ADAS and Smart Service packages. VinFirst also unlocks access to other exclusive benefits. VinFirst customers receive a 7-day Vinpearl resort tour package that includes a three-bedroom beach villa for four people at one or multiple Vinpearl hotels in Vietnam. VinFirst customers also receive the exclusive VinFirst NFT, giving them premium access to VIP privileges in future VinFast campaigns and events via their blockchain wallets. In addition, VinFast will plant a tree on behalf of each customer for a sustainable future.

Established in 1993, Vingroup is one of the leading private conglomerates in the region, with a total capitalization of $35 billion from three publicly traded companies (as of November 4, 2021). Vingroup currently focuses on three main areas: Technology and Industry, Services and Social Enterprise. Find out more at: https://www.vingroup.net/en.

#Vingroup

VinFast a member of Vingroup envisioned to drive the movement of global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90% automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com.

#VinFast

Vinpearl is a pioneering brand in hotel management, leading in creating and improving tourism and resort services in Vietnam. Vinpearl possesses Vietnams largest international five-star hotel, resort, spa, conference center, F&B service, golf course, and amusement park chain. After 18 years of operation, Vinpearl now holds 45 facilities, with 18,500 hotel rooms and villas, three theme parks, two amusement parks, two animal safaris, and four golf courses nationwide across 17 cities and provinces. The company plans to expand nationally and internationally within the near future.

#Vinpearl

Phu Quoc National Park is a national park on Phu Quoc Island, in the Kien Giang Province of Vietnams Mekong Delta Region. This park includes land and sea area, protecting oceanic species such as dugong.

This park was established by the Decision 91/2001/Q-TTg on June 8, 2001, signed by the Prime Minister of Vietnam to upgrade Northern Phu Quoc Islands Preservation Zone to Phu Quoc National Park. The park covers 29,596 ha, comprising 8,786 ha of strictly protected area, 22,603 ha of biological restoration area, and 100 ha for administration and service.

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VinFast kicks off its Plant The Future project - Macau Business

Australias annual inflation rate hit 5.1 per cent in the March quarter, the highest recorded since 2001, according to official data released Wednesday.

The CPI recorded its largest quarterly and annual rises since the introduction of the goods and services tax, said Michelle Marquardt of the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The jump in the consumer price index powered by fuel and housing costs was even higher than analyst expectations and has increased speculation that Australias central bank may raise interest rates as early as next week.

It would be a bold move for the avowedly apolitical Reserve Bank of Australia, which would not want to be seen to be affecting the countrys current election campaign. The last time the RBA raised rates during an election period was in 2007.

But pressure is rising after the United States, New Zealand and Canada increased their rates.

The rising cost of living has been a key issue in the election campaign, with the conservative Liberal government Wednesday handing a one-off Aus$250 payment to millions of Australians.

The government also cut a tax on fuel after prices spiked in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Similarly, unaffordable housing has become a hotly debated subject in Australia, with mean house prices hitting Aus$920,000 and Aus$1.2 million in the most populous state of New South Wales according to the statistics bureau.

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Australian inflation hits 20-year high - Macau Business

At least 11 people including three minors were killed Wednesday after a temple chariot procession came into contact with a high-voltage wire in India, police said.

Initial indications suggested that the crowd used water to contain an initial fire after the top of the chariot touched the wire in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

At least 15 other people were hospitalised after the incident at around 3:00 am (2130 GMT) in the city of Thanjavur.

The top of the chariot was heavily decorated and that is the part that hit the wire, senior police officer V Balakrishnan told AFP.

The victims were part of the team that was pulling the chariot. At least three people died on the spot.

Hundreds of devotees took part in the procession which has taken place annually for around 90 years.

A senior police official told broadcaster NDTV that the power line along the temple route is usually turned off but this time it was kept on.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was pained by the accident and announced relief of approximately $2,600 to the families of the dead.

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11 electrocuted during temple procession in India - Macau Business

The formerCEOof Banco Esprito Santo Investimento (BESI), Jos Maria Ricciardi, said on Tuesdaythat a provisionhad beenmade to compensate BES victimsandhewaswilling to testifytothis in court.

I was a living witness that anintegral provision was made to pay you what was due to you, and that resulted from your trust in a name that, unfortunately, despite having been credible for many years, has been destroyed, he told the group ofvictimswho demonstrated today at the Campus da Justia in Lisbon.

I am a witness that the provision was set up, and I will testify at your side if you ever need me to, he stressed before entering the courtroom.

Jos Maria Ricciardi spoke briefly with the group ofvictimswhohadbeen demonstratingon Tuesdayafternoon and lamented the situation experienced by these people, considering it very sad and that it should be a priority for justice.

On a day when he was scheduled to be questioned as a witness at the start of the pre-trial phase of the BES/GES case, the cousin of the former leader of the Esprito Santo Group, Ricardo Salgado, ended up leaving a few minutes after arriving, his testimony having been delayed as the proceedings conducted by the investigating judge Ivo Rosa were postponed.

Stressing that he was also a witness for the Public Prosecutors Office (MP) in this case which does not call to testify in the pre-trial proceedings, a phase reserved only for defendants and assistants the former chairman of BESI admitted having been quite surprised when the indictment of the case was known, given its dimension.

I am no longer surprised. What happened and has been duly proven is that important facts had been hidden. When they came out, they came out. And some people knew and people who didnt know, people who reported it to the authorities and others who didnt report it. That was my case when I found out. It was my obligation, he said.

Jos Maria Ricciardi, who confirmed he had no relationship with Ricardo Salgado today, also reiterated to journalists his desire to create a banking institution.

It is complicated, but I will try to do it: first, to try to clear the name that was destroyed and that was 150 years old and made these gentlemen invest; second, if I have some success and if I can still help to compensate a part of what these gentlemen suffered, I will also do it, concluded the 67-year-old former member of the executive committee of BES.

The steps of the first session of the instruction included the hearing of four witnesses presented by the defendant Joo Martins Pereira (director of compliance of BES and accused of three crimes of qualified fraud), namely Carlos Calvrio, Ana Saraiva, Nelson Pita and Jos Maria Ricciardi.

However, the questioning of Carlos Calvrio went on longer than expected, and Judge Ivo Rosa eventually postponed the hearings of the last two witnesses, closing todays session with the testimony of Ana Saraiva.

The BES/GES case has 30 defendants (23 people and seven companies) in 361 crimes.

Considered one of the largest cases in the history of Portuguese justice, this case brings together in the main case 242 enquiries, which have been joined, and complaints from more than 300 people, individuals and legal entities living in Portugal and abroad. According to the Public Prosecutors Office (MP), whose indictment ran to around 4,000pages, the collapse of the Esprito Santo Group (GES) in 2014 caused losses of over 11.8 billion.

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Portugal: Former BESI boss willing to testify about compensation fund - Macau Business

At least 213 people were killed in three days of violence between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudans West Darfur, the state governor said, giving the first official toll for recent clashes.

West Darfur has been gripped by days of deadly fighting largely centred in Krink, a locality of nearly 500,000 people and mostly inhabited by the African Massalit tribe.

This massive crime left around 201 killed and 103 wounded on Sunday alone, said West Darfur governor Khamees Abkar in a video published late Tuesday.

The violence first broke out on Friday and escalated when armed men attacked villages of the non-Arab Massalit in retaliation for the killing of two tribesmen, according to the General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced in Darfur, an independent aid group.

At least eight people were killed on Friday, Abkar said, confirming a death toll for that day already reported by the aid group.

The state governor blamed government forces tasked with securing Krink and its environs for withdrawing without any justification as the main attacks began early Sunday.

Krink town was completely destroyed including government institutions, Abkar said. It is a crime against humanity.

The fighting on Monday spread to Geneina, the provincial capital of West Darfur.

Witnesses have accused the Janjaweed militia of orchestrating the violence.

The Janjaweed was an Arab militia which gained notoriety for its role in the repression of an ethnic minority rebellion in Darfur in the early 2000s under then autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

According to rights groups, many of its members were later integrated into the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, now de facto deputy leader of Sudan.

The General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced in Darfur on Monday reported a combined death toll of 180 for the fighting around Krink and in Geneina, including four killed in the state capital on Monday.

Abkar on Wednesday confirmed to AFP that four were killed on Monday, taking the total toll to at least 213.

On Tuesday, Doctors Without Borders, known by the French acronym MSF, said several medical workers were killed in the fighting as hospitals were attacked.

Consequently, MSF teams have not been able to reach the health facilities we support nor conduct mobile clinic activities in Geneina and cannot return to Krink, the aid group said in a statement.

The conflict in Darfur that began in 2003killed more than 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million, according to the UN.

The region remains awash with weapons and has seen a renewed spike in deadly violence in recent months triggered by disputes mainly over land, livestock and access to water and grazing.

The latest violence comes as Sudan grapples with fallout from a coup in October last year led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

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Clashes in Sudan's West Darfur killed over 210: governor - Macau Business