A GREEN COUNTRY

FICTS

KAUPELAN CHAIRS FICTS

Purikali – Lowok Aralangit, former minister of Puramèsar’s staff, took over as secretary general of FICTS, replacing Mihel Ŏrħanen, from Adzhatia. Aralangit is known to have been one of the founders of FICTS in 2005, when he was in charge of Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs (2004-2009). "We will continue the excellent work of my predecessor, Mrs. Ŏrħanen, increasing the ties among the members. Accordingly, we will work further to invite other countries to join the Forum, "said Aralangit. He also commented about the proposed committees: "about the creation of committees, we’ll focus on it. The environment committee will be a priority. But also committees of sport, tourism and culture will be set up. And yet the scientific committee proposed by our Adhzatian colleague."

It is conjectured that the environment committee could be established in Porto da Mata, Yutyrama, the nation known as kaharekwá or the "guardians of the forests" for their commitment to the preservation of the environment. The sport committee is proposed to stay in Tuvelau for their sporting initiatives, although Tuvelau continued participation in FICTS is uncertain; the cultural committee is to be in Vítgarð, Yukland, including a subcommittee for linguistic studies; and the tourism committee in Bourzafrique, Tarmorya. Finally, the scientific committee is proposed to be in Bazăŕ Gĕĺ Adzhatia. . These proposals are to be voted in the next general assembly and implemented still in Aralangit’s mandate.

Purikali – The recently elected  government, a coalition of the Green-Freedom Party (PMR), the Popular Party (PH) and other smaller parties, led by Aswani Ruikawahi, submitted environmental laws for approval by the parliament. Senators have already approved the first one, which deals with mandatory solar water heating in all homes in the country until 2014. This complements an earlier law of 1981, requiring such systems in all new residential buildings. This will take solar heating to all households in the country, except in very high towers and historic buildings. Current level of homes with this system is  70%.
The measure is expected to reduce 142GWh annually, totalling 632GWh with previous laws  (3.7% of total production). On the other hand, it will be necessary to subsidize the equipment and installation for up to 80,000 homes of people with lower income, in order to have it costing just KAH 500, in comparison to the cost without subsidies of about KAH 3,500. This will require the government to pay a sum of 280 million huwas in the next five years.

A second law is still pending approval and refers to the taxation of non-recycled trash by businesses and residences. The value would vary according to the number of people and the size of the

building. For a family of 3, that produces about 1.8 kg of non-recycled waste per day, the monthly cost would be of KAH 30. Moreover, government would create trash recycling centres that would pay for the collected recycling garbage. This, according to the government, would encourage recycling and reduce the non-recycled trash. Today Kaupelan recycles about 40% of all garbage. According to the opposition, the main reason for rejecting this proposal is that there is no way to weigh the discarded garbage in order to charge accordingly. The proposal should be reviewed.

Electric Vehicles

In addition to these two laws, PMR senators are about to submit a proposal to reduce taxes for electric vehicles, both local and imported. Locally, KK Darapali, a company owned by KS Watera, is designing a 2-seat electric car to be launched in 2012.The idea is to stimulate the usage of electric vehicles reducing the dependency of oil and reducing pollution. Some concerns, however, are being raised on the electric generation, considering that 72% of current power plants is dependent of fossil fuel. The remaining 28% is nuclear. This scenario, however, is changing and the participation of nuclear plants in the energy matrix will increase to 43% when the Palimasune Power Plant comes into operation in 2012. Other electricity sources are also being considered such as solar and wind power plants.

AIR ALLIANCE

THE SKYLINK CENTRE

Purikali – The chairman of Skylink – the newly created airlines allegiance comprising Makuwa Kaupelanese Airlines, Air Yukland, Air Tarmorya and Yutyrama Airlines – Mr. Singa Raiki, said that the purpose of the group is to create a network connecting the four countries by air and them to other major centres all over the world. The idea is to take advantage of this joint venture to overcome eventual deficiencies of each company individually, considering the relative small size of the participants. Air fare is reduced when flying with the allied airlines.

The plan is to create a centre for Skylink

The Tarmoryan society, however, due to Christian and Muslim tradition, is very conservative. Politically also, the state rules with iron hands, not tolerating, for instance, beachwear, casinos and alcoholic beverages. Nevertheless, Tarmoryan wine is very good and exported to many countries including

Kaupelan. On the other hand, the opposition is gaining momentum in the country.

"The winds of democracy must blow there and the Tarmoryan society must be more tolerant to foreign customs and culture in order to attract more tourists. This is essential to proceed with the plan", said Mr.Raiki..

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EXCHANGE RATES

    US DOLLAR:     KAH 2.2905

    EURO:              KAH 3.3569

Weather in Purikali  - Sunny. Possible thunderstorms in the evening.
Max.Temp. 32^oC
Min. Temp. 22^oC