Today's Top Scoop Stories - News Summary

The only way to achieve the key principles of international relations – collective responsibility, global solidarity, the rule of law, mutual accountability and multilateralism – is by “making the best possible use” of the United Nations, the departing Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in a speech to the US-Based Truman Presidential Museum and Library in Independence. See... Annan Speech Details Benefits of Multilateralism [1] UN Audio: Annan Gives USA a Message [2] ALSO:

UN Audio: [3] Only through multi-lateral institutions can states hold each other to account: Annan - UNICEF Urges Empowerment of Women to Help Children - UN Fact-Finding Mission to Beit Hanoun Still Awaiting Israeli Authorization - A Collective Sense of Urgency and Compromise Needed in Iraq: Qazi - World Has Moral Obligation to Protect Human Rights: GA President. See… UN Audio News Report. [4]

Scoop Audio: [1] The Prime Minister outlined her views on keeping NZ carbon neutral – none of which however included the grinch like proposals of turning off the pretty Christmas displays in various Beehive Ministers offices. Later in the press conference the report into the murder of teenager Liam Ashley while in the care of private security firm Chubb was also discussed. See... PM's Presser - Carbon Neutrality, Liam Ashley Report [2]

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- In Late August 2006 Liam Ashley, 17, was assaulted in a Chubb security van as it was driven to the remand prison in Mt Eden, Auckland. Liam Ashley was in the van with George Charlie Baker, who has pled guilty to murder. This morning the Department of Corrections released - The Investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death at Auckland Public Hospital of Prisoner Liam John Ashley of Auckland Central Remand Prison on 25 August 2006. See... Liam Ashley Report: Findings And PDF [1] ALSO:NZ Govt - Liam Ashley's death senseless and preventable [2] National - Report strengthens call for Minister to resign [3] National - Ashley report: O’Connor must go [4]

- Full sugar fizzy and energy drinks will be removed from secondary schools by 2009 under a world-leading agreement between the Labour-led government and two of New Zealand's biggest beverage companies, Education Minister Steve Maharey and Health Minister Pete Hodgson announced today. See... Full sugar fizzy drinks out of schools by 2009 [1] ALSO:Coca Cola Amatil - World first agreement on soft drinks in schools [2] Greens - Diet drinks should be expelled from schools too [3] NZ Govt - Oral health the issue? Let's talk fluoridation [4]

- Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker today released the Government's draft energy strategy, which proposes that as much new electricity generation as possible should be renewable. Mr Parker said the energy strategy aims to ensure New Zealand develops a sustainable and affordable energy system which minimises greenhouse gas emissions, and which will give New Zealand an enduring competitive advantage over other countries. See... Energy strategy points to sustainable pathway [1]

- QV Valuations’ November statistics released today show national growth in residential property values of 9.4% over the past year (calculated over the three months ending November 2006 in comparison to the same period last year). The growth rate is marginally slower than the 9.6% reported in October. The average New Zealand sale price over the period was $347,005. “Although property values across the country are continuing to increase, the rate of growth has been easing throughout 2006” said QV spokesperson Blue Hancock. “However, the spring property market has seen a number of areas bounce back." See... Residential Property Increases 9.4% [1] ALSO:Sludge Report #173: Meanwhile Down At t'Bank [2]

Dr William Ball Sutch, economic nationalist, writer, intellectual, public figure and top civil servant, died in 1975 just months after he became the only person ever to stand trial under the espionage provisions of the former Official Secrets Act. Sutch was acquitted but suddenly it's all being regurgitated again. Kit Bennetts, one of the SIS agents involved in the case has written a book, "Spy". See…Sutch: Speaking Ill Of The Dead [1]

- Last night's passing of the Treaty of Waitangi Amendment Act by Parliament has been welcomed as a major milestone for the Treaty settlement process. The Act sets a closing date of 1 September 2008 for lodging all historical Treaty of Waitangi claims with the Waitangi Tribunal and follows through on Labour's commitment before the last election to put in place the 2008 date. See... Act sets end date for lodging Treaty claims [1] ALSO:Maori Party - Pita Sharples Speech: The Tyranny of the Majority [2]

- In a sign of how much Pinochet still divided his country, some Chileans danced in the streets at the news of his death, while others wept outside the hospital. Car horns blared as detractors of the deceased former dictator danced and cheered in Plaza Italia, a major intersection near the city centre where Chileans usually congregate to celebrate sporting victories. See... Scoop Link: Chile's Former Brutal Dictator Dies At 91 Years [1]

- Scoop's Yasmine Ryan writes from France: European Union members will decide this week the extent to which Turkey should be sanctioned for ongoing issues surrounding Cyprus. The divided island remains an obstacle on Turkey’s path to EU membership. In one camp are those pushing for a partial freeze on membership negotiations: France, Germany, Greece and (Greek) Cyprus. In the other, countries like Great Britain and Sweden argue that such a suspension may have serious consequences. Disillusion over Turkey’s likelihood of joining the EU is increasing on all sides. Image: Istanbul by Selwyn Manning. See... Club Europe: Turkey Faces Challenge Over Cyprus [1] ALSO:Yeux on France: Sarkozy a Presidential candidate [2] Yeux on France: Who Exactly is Ségolène Royal? [3]