Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 17 September 2003, 4:38 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY:
Govt Must Give Zaoui Freedom Or A Fair Trial!
Physicians Scientists for Responsible Genetics Want Moratorium Extended
MORE NZ HEADLINES:
China Announces Hong Kong To Host 2004 WTO
Germany Eyes Asia Pacific For Expanding Trade Deals
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Many More Diebold Secrets Revealed
Voting Machine Problems South Of The Border
A Report From The LOTR Exhibition In London
Aziz Choudry: Stealing September 11th
The Hutton Inquiry Resumes
Norma Sherry: Ann Coulter
Hard News & More Is There!
Cartoon: Rubbing Out Arafat
Between The Lines: Scott Ritter Interview
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
The Motorbike Protester Who Got Off – Franks Explains
Committee Should Monitor Nick Smith Contempt Case
Smoke Free Bars Another Step Closer
Foreign Primary Student Bill Proposal
Maori And The End Of The Privy Council
Simplifying Small Business Tax Compliance
Coddington Releases New Sex Offender Book
Bill English Talks Educational Achievement
Ask Your Own Questions Of John Tamihere Tonight
NZ Still The Favourite Destination In Blighty
United Gains Concession On Judge Appointments

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00182.htm
Germany's Partnership with Asia-Pacific countries should be expanded

Scoop Is In The House

– For today's questions of the day see... Questions for Oral Answer - Wednesday, 17 Sept. [1] . ALSO: - Questions & Answers, Tuesday 16 Sept. [2] .

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00385.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00368.htm

LEAD STORY:
Govt Must Give Zaoui Freedom Or A Fair Trial!

- Amnesty International has called on the New Zealand Government to either release Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui from prison, or ensure he is given a fair trial. Ahmed Zaoui has spent over nine months in solitary confinement in Paremoremo maximum security prison since he arrived in New Zealand claiming political asylum in December last year. See... Amnesty Calls For Freedom or Fair Trial For Zaoui [1] ALSO: Click here to sign Amnesty's online petition...

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0309/S00110.htm

Physicians Scientists for Responsible Genetics Want Moratorium Extended

- PSRG has called for the reinstatement of the moratorium on the release of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) into the NZ environment. Letters addressed to the Prime Minister and all Members of Parliament called for its reinstatement using the NOOM Bill; a common-sense, precautionary and necessary step to protect the NZ environment and its people. See... PSRG calls for reinstatement of the GE Moratorium [1] MORE: - Greens - Would you like fries with your GE? [2] - Take5 - Take5 Gets An Anti-GE Vote Every Two Seconds [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0309/S00059.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00387.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0309/S00113.htm

MORE NZ HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/index.html#spec
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0309/S00120.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0309/S00114.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0309/S00177.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0309/S00176.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0309/S00060.htm

China Announces Hong Kong To Host 2004 WTO

- The sixth ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be held in Hong Kong, China, Chairman of the fifth WTO ministerial meeting in Cancun and Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez said in Mexico on Sep. 14. See... Hong Kong to host 2004 WTO ministerial meeting [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00186.htm

Germany Eyes Asia Pacific For Expanding Trade Deals

- Speaking on September 15 at the opening of this year's Asia-Pacific Weeks in Berlin, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder called for an expansion of relations with the region, observing that "Asia has a huge potential for growth and, as such, is of major interest to German industry." See... Schröder: Asia-Pacific Partnership Should Expand [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00182.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES:

Middle East

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00188.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00187.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00179.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00178.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00181.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00185.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00184.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00180.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0309/S00183.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Many More Diebold Secrets Revealed

- "Do not to offer damaging opinions of our systems, even when their failings become obvious...." "Ideally, a recount yields exactly the same results as the initial count. However..." – read the Diebold Election Systems' Election Support Guide here... Diebold Election Systems Election Manual For Staff [1] MORE: - Bev Harris: Diebold End-Runs Around Certification [2] - Diebold Confirms U.S. Vote Count Vulnerabilities [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00157.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00150.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00106.htm

Voting Machine Problems South Of The Border

- Like it or not, computer technology will be used for most elections in some way or other before too long. Already, even in impoverished countries like Nicaragua, centralised electoral systems use computers to manage the counting process. See... Toni Solo : Free And Open Or Murky And Fixed? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00147.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=usacoup

A Report From The LOTR Exhibition In London

- Today, Monday the 15th marks the opening of the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings exhibition in the London Science Museum. TheOneRing.net was there, got a chance to chat to all the VIPs present, shoot some footage and bring you this exclusive report! See... Scoop Images: London Science Museum LOTR Opening [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00148.htm

Aziz Choudry: Stealing September 11th

- If the grinch stole Christmas, the Neoliberals and warmongers keep trying to steal the 11th of September. See... Aziz Choudry: The Twin Terrors [1] . Meanwhile the following related remarks were delivered by William Rivers Pitt to a September 11 symposium hosted by WBAI at the Riverside Church on Friday, September 12. See... UQ Wire: New York, You’ve Been Used [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00145.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00144.htm

The Hutton Inquiry Resumes

- The Hutton Inquiry has resumed calling witness’ after a one-week break. Lord Hutton and council used this week break to review the evidence that has been presented to the inquiry and prepare for the coming next two weeks. See... Streets Of London: Hutton Inquiry Resumed [1] MORE: - SOL: Hutton Inquiry - Monday 15th September [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00154.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00155.htm

Norma Sherry: Ann Coulter

- She's blonde, 99 pounds, and vocally brash. She has an annoying whine and high-pitched whinny, which give her voice an uneven staccato and give cause for this writer to wince. See... Norma Sherry: Ann Coulter, The Conservative's Muse [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00153.htm

Hard News & More Is There!

- The New York Times has a backgrounder on Lee Kyung Hae , the Korean farmer who committed suicide last week as a protest against the WTO meeting in Cancun. Lee's action was hailed by Jane Kelsey in one of her newsletters from the meeting... See... Hard News 17/09/03 - Trade and TV [1] and Hard News 16/09/03 - TV Times [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00156.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00149.htm

Cartoon: Rubbing Out Arafat

- Cartoon by John Chuckman…. See... Chuckman Cartoon: Ariel's Orders [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00152.htm

Between The Lines: Scott Ritter Interview

- Former UN Weapons Inspector Charges Bush Launched Iraq War to Pursue Agenda of 'Global Hegemony' - Interview with Scott Ritter, former U.S. Marine and U.N. weapons inspector, conducted by Scott Harris See... Scott Ritter Charges Iraq War for Global Hegemony [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00146.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- My daughter, much beloved, today I want your prayers for the conversion of the former USSR… Yes, you heard correctly, for the former USSR. See... Katya Rivas: Communism Has Not Died [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00143.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0309/S00142.htm
IMAGES: Hurricance Isabel's Landfall Approaches

The Motorbike Protester Who Got Off – Franks Explains

- The May incident referred to in the House today was that of a young man who rode his motorbike on Parliamentary lawns, protesting murderer Nika Abraham's inadequate sentence. It was one of the most justified protests Parliament has seen in years, ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today. See... Protest At Parliament - The Right Place [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00371.htm

Committee Should Monitor Nick Smith Contempt Case

- The Government did Parliament and democracy a disservice today when it blocked a motion that would have had the Privileges Committee monitor the contempt of court case against National MP Nick Smith, United Future whip Gordon Copeland says. See... Petty politics the winner; democracy the loser [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00400.htm

Smoke Free Bars Another Step Closer

- Associate Health Minister Damien O’Connor says he accepts Public Health Advisory Committee advice that there is no international evidence to show that ventilation systems can reduce exposure to second-hand smoke to a safe level. See... O’Connor accepts advice on Smoke-Free Environments [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00396.htm

Foreign Primary Student Bill Proposal

- New Zealand First MP Dail Jones is putting a Private Members Bill forward for the next ballot calling for tighter restrictions on foreign children paying for primary level education. See... Tighter Restrictions On Young Foreign Children [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00395.htm

Maori And The End Of The Privy Council

- New Zealand First Maori Affairs spokesperson Bill Gudgeon says it is not in the interest of Maori to axe links with the Privy Council and set up a local Supreme Court. See... Maori Won’t Be Privy To Anything [1] and Supreme Court Still Flawed Says Peters [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00394.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00373.htm

Simplifying Small Business Tax Compliance

- Ideas to make tax easier for small businesses are the subject of a government discussion document released today by Revenue Minister Michael Cullen and Associate Revenue Minister David Cunliffe. See... Making tax easier for small businesses [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00393.htm

Coddington Releases New Sex Offender Book

- In 1996 I published the first Paedophile & Sex Offender Index. It was described by Metro magazine as the most controversial book ever published in New Zealand. See... No Child Left Behind [1] and ACT Fights For Open Justice [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00392.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00380.htm

Bill English Talks Educational Achievement

- National Party Leader Bill English says there is far too much political correctness about failure in our schools. See... Raising education standards [1] and Speech: English - Raising Education Standards [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00391.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00388.htm

Ask Your Own Questions Of John Tamihere Tonight

- For the first time, people will be able to text questions as part of Labour's ongoing online chat sessions. Chat was established in July on the youthsite www.headsup.co.nz to give people greater access to Cabinet Ministers. See... Chat Live On Line to John Tamihere tonight at 6pm [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00383.htm

NZ Still The Favourite Destination In Blighty

- Minister of Tourism Mark Burton is today welcoming the news that New Zealand has been voted the UK’s favourite holiday destination—three times in a row. See... Another boost for NZ’s international reputation [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00381.htm

United Gains Concession On Judge Appointments

- The United Future party today welcomed the Government’s advice that it would carry out policy work and public discussion with a view to the establishment of an independent body to appoint judges in the future. See... United Welcomes Judicial Appointments Procedure [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0309/S00377.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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