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MERCOSUR to discuss enforcement of democratic clause against Venezuela
The Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) will hold a meeting "in the upcoming days" to discuss whether the democratic clause should be enforced against Venezuela, informed Uruguayan President Tabaré Vázquez at a press conference, along with his Argentinian counterpart Mauricio Macri. "As for the democratic clause, MERCOSUR has to hold a meeting to discuss the matter, and Uruguay will attend that meeting and it is going to discuss it with the integrity and responsibility we seek to prosecute in our governance," said Vázquez, who specified neither date nor place of the meeting. For his part, President Macri noted that both Uruguay and Argentina were "very concerned about how things have worsened" in Venezuela. "Under these terms, Venezuela cannot be part of Mercosur," and added that this country has to be "deplored by all American nations and the entire world" as "human rights are not being respected." (El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/mercosur-discuss-enforcement-democratic-clause-against-venezuela_624077)
Venezuela winning bondholder relief as 39% accept PDVSA swap
Petroleos de Venezuela SA, maneuvering to repay a ballooning debt load, says that creditors holding US$ 2.8 billion of bonds have agreed to extend maturities after weeks of tense negotiations that included dire warnings from Caracas of a possible financial collapse. The deal, while far short of the US$ 5.325 billion that PDVSA had been seeking to exchange, was still seen as significant enough to win the state-run oil giant the relief it needs to continue servicing its debts for the time being. Notes from the company and Venezuela's government surged after the announcement. The deal comes at a hefty cost. While the country's oil minister touted it as a victory for the "fatherland," Venezuela had to pawn one of its most attractive assets -- CITGO Petroleum Corp., the U.S. unit of PDVSA -- to persuade investors to accept the deal. Years of declining output and a crash in oil prices have left PDVSA and the government, which relies on crude for almost all its hard currency income, struggling to find enough cash to make payments and import basic necessities. (Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-24/venezuela-wins-relief-from-bondholders-as-39-accept-pdvsa-swap; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/bond-swap-5257-pdvsa-says_624128)
Agriculture Ministry, NESTLÉ sign agreement to expand production
Venezuela's Agriculture and NESTLÉ have signed an agreement to create 1500 direct and indirect jobs and substitute imports worth US$ 15 million through investments seeking to increasing production in 30 items, including milk, cocoa, rice, fruit and fruit pulp. More in Spanish: (El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/economia/acuerdo-con-nestle-permitira-ahorro-millones-dolares_624125)
U.S. said to be closing in on PDVSA-linked seizures
U.S. Federal prosecutors are preparing to charge several individuals and confiscate their property over the alleged looting of Venezuela's state oil company in what may amount to one of the biggest asset seizures in U.S. history. Three people familiar with the case say the government has been investigating at least a dozen Venezuelans and is expected to file charges in Houston against a few of them as soon as next month. Those on the list, including former executives of Petroleos de Venezuela SA, known as PDVSA, are suspected of having taken bribes from middlemen to award contracts at inflated prices, helping to siphon more than US$ 11 billion out of the country. All three people spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing and sensitive due to its impact on U.S. foreign policy. The government has set its sights on a number of U.S. assets, including about 20 residential properties, some in West Palm Beach and the Houston suburbs. Switzerland has seized US$ 118 million in assets from Swiss banks related to the matter and sent US$ 51 million to U.S. authorities, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. Venezuela's opposition-run congress is separately seeking to recover US$ 11.3 billion that went missing from PDVSA between 2004 and 2014 while Rafael Ramirez, currently Venezuela's ambassador to the United Nations, was company president. It seeks to hold him politically responsible. Ramirez has rejected the congressional accusations as lies. Investigators are also looking at the dealings involving PDVSA and a number of companies, including Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Rolls Royce Holdings, as well as ProEnergy Services, a Missouri-based firm. The prosecutors have been tracking money that flowed through Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co., they added. The people under investigation include current Venezuelan government officials, prominent businessmen and individuals suspected of involvement with cocaine trafficking, two of the people said. Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI are all involved in the investigation, which has been under way for at least three years and looks at activity going back to 2005. The investigation comes at a time when the cost of corruption is vividly apparent in Venezuela's crumbling economy. A former finance minister, Jorge Giordani, has said that as much as US$ 300 billion was embezzled from Venezuela in the last decade through high-level corruption. The U.S. has a strong legal interest in the case because the allegedly ill-gotten money passed through its banks and was used to buy property here. The people under investigation have been linked to billions of dollars of gains, much of which was transferred to offshore accounts in Panama, the people said. (Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-25/u-s-said-to-be-closing-in-on-venezuelan-asset-seizures-charges)
Central Bank orders higher denomination currency
It has been reported that Venezuela's Central Bank has ordered a VEB 1000 coin and currency bills denominated at VEB 5,000; 10,000 and 20,000 for delivery toward the end of this year due to inflationary pressure here, which the International Monetary Fund expects will close at 700% by year end. More in Spanish: (El Universal:
http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/economia/bcv-ordena-fabricar-billetes-alta-denominacion_624168)
Venezuelan foreign debt only payable in foreign currency, says Rodriguez of TORINO
"Converting foreign currency bonds to local currency would of course be an event of default under the terms of the bond indentures and would trigger Credit Default Swaps," said Francisco Rodríguez, Chief Economist of TORINO Capital, in reference to a claim filed by company Corporation XT 46 with the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ). "The claim argues that Article 128 of the Law on the Central Bank (of Venezuela), which stipulates that payments in foreign currency must be made in a currency of legal tender at the place of payment, allows (state-run oil company Petróleos de Venezuela) PDVSA to pay in bolivars the coupons and amortizations of its foreign currency bonds," according to Rodríguez's report. "Coming as it did on the eve of Friday's (since extended) deadline for PDVSA's exchange offer for its two issuances due on 2017, and given that the claim explicitly referenced these issuances (as well as the Pdvsa 2016 bonds due October 28), the news generated concern that the government may have been looking for ways to avoid upcoming payments (…)," the economist noted. (El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/venezuelan-foreign-debt-only-payable-foreign-currency_624117)
Enraged Venezuela opposition escalates anti-Maduro protests
Venezuela's increasingly militant opposition stepped up its push to remove leftist leader Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday with rallies that drew hundreds of thousands of protesters and calls for a general strike and march on the presidential palace. Enraged by last week's suspension of their push for a referendum to remove Maduro and determined to end 17 years of socialism here, Venezuela's opposition has sharply ramped up its tactics in recent days. Maduro, the unpopular 53-year-old successor to Hugo Chavez who has presided over an unprecedented economic crisis, accuses the opposition of seeking a coup with U.S. help. "They are desperate, they have received the order from the north to destroy the Venezuelan revolution," he told a counter-march of red-shirted government loyalists. After launching a political trial against Maduro on Tuesday in the National Assembly, the opposition coalition held nationwide marches dubbed "Takeover of Venezuela" on Wednesday. "This government is going to fall!" crowds chanted, many wearing white and waving national flags as they filled one of Caracas' main highways. Protesters clashed with security forces in several cities across Venezuela, including the volatile western town of San Cristobal that was an epicenter of violence during 2014 anti-Maduro protests. Opposition leaders said there were dozens of injured, with two protesters reportedly struck by bullets in the Western city of Maracaibo near Colombia. Both were hospitalized and expected to recover. Coalition leaders called for a national strike for Friday, and a Nov. 3 march to the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, unless the election board allows the referendum. In apparent tactics to impede the opposition demonstrations, authorities set up roadblocks and closed some underground metro stations in Caracas. Reuters journalists in several cities reported big crowds at the opposition rallies, especially in the capital, collectively numbering hundreds of thousands. Wary of trouble, many businesses stayed shut and some parents kept children away from school. In the restive city of San Cristobal, masked protesters threw rocks and petrol bombs in clashes with security forces and attacked the local headquarters of the electoral council. Maduro convened a special Committee for the Defense of the Nation at the presidential palace to analyze the National Assembly's actions against him and a tentatively scheduled dialogue with the opposition this weekend. National Assembly head Henry Ramos, a veteran politician who swaps insults with Maduro almost daily, declined an invitation to attend. "Here's his chair, empty again," said Maduro, urging participation in talks supported by the Vatican, regional bloc UNASUR and various ex-heads of state. Opposition leaders, however, said they would not attend talks until the government allowed the referendum process to continue. (Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN12Q0B6)
National Assembly votes to put President Nicolas Maduro on trial; military brass backs him
Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly voted on Tuesday to put President Nicolas Maduro on political trial, but the legislature's dwindling power means the decision will likely have no practical effect. The vote was an attempt to put new pressure on Maduro a day before the opposition planned a show of force on the streets. The legislature charged Maduro with abandoning the presidency and carrying out a coup against the Constitution. "Let him respond for the actions that have destroyed, broken, denied the right to choose in a democracy," said Julio Borges, the leader of the Assembly's opposition bloc. In response to the vote, Edwin Rojas, a lawmaker from Maduro's Socialist Party, said, "This is a cheap copy of impeachment." Referring to the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, he added, "We are not Brazil." Venezuela's political turmoil has grown more intractable by the day, with the opposition reacting furiously to a decision by the Electoral Council last week that blocked a drive for a referendum to recall Maduro. The referendum has been seen as the most effective legal avenue to challenge Maduro's increasingly autocratic rule, which many Venezuelans blame for the collapsing economy. Polls have shown that an overwhelming majority of Venezuelans would vote to remove him. Addressing a crowd outside the presidential palace on Tuesday, Maduro disregarded the Assembly vote. Instead, he blamed President Obama for Venezuela's political standoff. "These attacks from the right are an attack by Obama because he is close to leaving," Maduro said. He also invited the opposition president of the National Assembly, Henry Ramos Allup, to meet with him and other members of the government. As he spoke, the crowd chanted, "Dissolve the Assembly!" Maduro has just returned from a five-day trip overseas, where he met on Monday with Pope Francis and early Tuesday with the incoming secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres. The Vatican has been attempting since May to mediate between Venezuela's government and the opposition, and it appeared to have made a breakthrough on Monday, when the pope's special envoy to Venezuela, Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, said both sides would begin a dialogue on Sunday. But leading opposition figures said they would not take part in the session, suggesting instead that the government wanted to buy time by agreeing to discussions. "In a possible dialogue, the opposition has nothing to offer, only to demand," Ramos Allup said. As the crisis mounted, the army came down squarely in support of Maduro. Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, in a rare televised address, accused congress of trying to promote instability and said the country's armed forces would uphold the rule of law here. Congress's "real intent is nothing less that to gravely affect the institutionality of the country through chaos and anarchy," he said in a prepared statement. "They want to overthrow the lawfully established government of Nicolas Maduro Moros, who for us is not partial to politics but rather the constitutional president and commander in chief of the Bolivarian Armed Forces, with supreme authority and to whom we reiterate our unconditional loyalty and unwavering commitment." (The Wall Street Journal: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/world/americas/venezuela-nicolas-maduro.html; Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-politics-idUSL1N1CV102; Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-25/venezuela-s-military-backs-maduro-in-dispute-with-congress)
Pope urges Maduro to alleviate people's suffering
President Nicolas Maduro made a surprise visit on Monday to Pope Francis, who urged the embattled leader to alleviate people's suffering and negotiate with the opposition to solve his country's crisis. The private, evening meeting took place in the framework of the "worrying" situation in Venezuela which was "weighing heavily on the entire population", a Vatican statement said. It said the pope had urged Maduro to "courageously take up the path of sincere and constructive dialogue to alleviate the suffering of the people, most of all the poor, and to promote a climate of renewed social cohesion, which will allow people to look to the future of the nation with hope". (Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-venezuela-maduro-idUSKCN12O2A9; http://www.reuters.com/article/pope-venezuela-maduro-idUSL8N1CU5PA; Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-24/venezuela-s-maduro-meets-pope-francis-as-vatican-joins-talks; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/venezuelas-maduro-meets-with-pope-francis_624163)
Papal Representative announces start of a dialogue; opposition says no talks without recall referendum
The Pope's Special Representative, Monsignor Emil Paul Tscherrig, announced that President Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition MUD alliance agreed to initiate a dialogue next week in pursuit of a solution to this nation's political crisis. The agreement to begin talks emerged from a meeting of the parties under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), through the former presidents of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, and Panama, Martin Torrijos, and former Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the papal representative said. But opposition leaders balked at the terms of the announcement. "No dialogue has begun in Venezuela," said two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles. "These devils want to use the good faith of Pope Francis to buy more time." The opposition Democratic Unity coalition's major parties mostly said they would not be engaging in the talks unless the recall referendum process is reinstated. They also demanded that any talks be held in Caracas, not Margarita Island as originally proposed. The secretary general of the opposition coalition, Jesus Torrealba, who met Monsignor Tscherrig, said that while talks are important and Papal mediation has been sought by them, "it can't continue to be a strategy for the government to gain time". Capriles later emphasized that he is willing to discuss how to solve the nation's problems, saying: "If I have to meet with the devil, I would do so, with witnesses, with the Vatican"; and emphasized that he distrusts government representatives and those from UNASUR, particularly Rodríguez Zapatero; and would ask for conditions such as incorporating other heads of state, such as Spain's Felipe Gonzalez; clear rules and a clear agenda that includes restoring the Constitution, freeing political prisoners, accepting humanitarian aid, access for media and calling up a recall vote. "The opposition has nothing to negotiate. The government calls for talks because it is drowning…Talks are not to save Maduro and his regime". He said that through talks he could agree to new general elections, through a Constitutional amendment, "Signed, because one cannot believe anything from those people, and endorsed by the people." (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423857&CategoryId=10717; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/vatican-envoy-announces-govt-opposition-talks-venezuela_624009; Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN12O27N; BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37758515; and more in Spanish: El Nacional, http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Capriles-oposicion-negociar_0_946105681.html)
Head of Roman Catholic Bishops Conference says talks have not begun
Monsignor Diego Padrón, Chairman of Venezuela's Roman Catholic Bishops Conference, says that talks between the government and its opposition have not yet begun. He said that on Sunday, October 30th there may be a meeting to set an agenda. He added that the Vatican continues to explore what disposition there is on both sides towards talks, and emphasized that talks cannot replace the people's right to revoke President Maduro. More in Spanish: (Noticiero Venevision: http://www.noticierovenevision.net/politica/2016/octubre/25/173405=monsenor-diego-padron-aclaro-que-dialogo-entre-gobierno-y-oposicion-aun-no-ha-comenzado)
UNASUR praises talks in Venezuela, calls for more democracy
The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) on Monday embraced the decision made by the Venezuelan government and the opposition to engage in talks, adding that political crisis may be solved only with more democracy. In a communiqué, Colombian ex-President and UNASUR's Secretary General Ernesto Samper said that "today more than ever, it makes sense to call on all Venezuelans to find, through dialogue, the solution to differences that have them confronted with each other". Likewise, Samper pointed out that the decision made by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to halt the collection of signatures for a recall vote against the term in office of President Nicolás Maduro could have intensified the differences. (El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/unasur-praises-talks-venezuela-calls-for-more-democracy_624148)
HRW calls for international pressure in Venezuela's humanitarian crisis
Human Rights Watch is urging "strong international pressure," in particular from the countries of the Americas, to get the Nicolas Maduro government to take "immediate measures" to deal with the "profound humanitarian crisis" in Venezuela, according to a lengthy report released Monday. "The Venezuelan government has seemed more vigorous in denying the existence of a humanitarian crisis than in working to resolve it," said HRW Americas director Jose Miguel Vivanco. "Its failures have contributed to the suffering of many Venezuelans who now struggle every day to obtain access to basic health care and adequate nutrition," he added. In preparing the report, in which HRW denounces the "severe shortages" of medicines and food in Venezuela, as well as the "inadequate and repressive" government response, the human rights organization last June interviewed more than 100 people in Caracas and six Venezuelan states and visited several public hospitals. (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423839&CategoryId=10717; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/hrw-calls-for-intl-pressure-over-maduro-tackle-crisis-venezuela_623999)
Posted by Duarte Vivas & Asociados at 4:19 AM 1 comment:
Labels: Central Bank of Venezuela, HRW, Mercosur, Nestle, Nicolas Maduro, PDVSA, Unasur, Venezuela
Imports are down 40% from last year
Despite reports by the Port Authority that in August-October 1,562,426 tons of food from Brazil, Mexico, Jamaica and Colombia have arrived here, Felix Jiménez, President of the Puerto Cabello Chamber of Commerce called this insufficient to supply demand because imports have dropped 40% as compared to 2015. He says high costs have also made products inaccessible to consumers. Eduardo Quintana, President of the La Guaira Chamber of Commerce says increased imports are an attempt to fill store shelves, but have failed "each day there are more people rummaging through garbage for food", He adds that 90% of all imports go to state agencies, and only 10% to the private sector. Quintana added that "the private sector is importing food at the request of some governors. That is not the solution. The situation will not be solved unless there is production". Bolipuertos has reported that in two months they have received: 465,010 tons of wheat; 362,074 tons of yellow corn; 293,637 tons of rice; 150,000 tons of white corn; 120,000 tons of sugar; 19,994 tons of soy flour; 16,300 tons of barley; 5,932 tons of white beans; 4,177 tons of powdered milk; 2,994 tons of black beans; 1,404 tons of coffee; 880 tons of frozen beef; 930 tons of processed pasta; 198 tons of pasta; 979 head of cattle. More in Spanish: (El Nacional: http://www.el-nacional.com/economia/Importaciones-disminuido-respecto-ano-pasado_0_943705890.html
Cargo that has arrived at Puerto Cabello:
30,000 tons of sugar for state agency CASA
2,948 tons of white beans
880 tons of black beans
418 tons of beef
222 tons of whole milk
220 tons of pasta
110 tons of medication
396 tons of sanitary napkins
308 tons of toilet paper, all consigned to state agency CASA
More in Spanish: (Agencia Venezolana de Noticias; http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/descargan-30-mil-toneladas-az%C3%BAcar-puerto-cabello)
Over 830 tons of food and basic products arrived from Jamaica arrived at El Guamache port in Margarita Island, including pasta, sugar, milk, cooking oil, white rice, sanitary napkins, soap, cosmetics, and other personal care products. More in Spanish: (Bolipuertos, http://www.bolipuertos.gob.ve/noticia.aspx?id=34678; Agencia Venezolana de Noticias; http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/arribaron-m%C3%A1s-830-toneladas-alimentos-al-puerto-internacional-guamache)
Venezuelan economic aid to Nicaragua down 10.9% first half 2016
Venezuela's oil loan-centered cooperation with its traditional ally Nicaragua fell by 10.9% during the first half of 2016 as compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN). The drop followed a 43.8% decrease in 2015 from 2014, when Venezuelan cooperation hit US$ 661.9 million, according to official numbers. Venezuelan cooperation funds, which have added up to US$ 4.65 billion since Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega took office in January 2007, are administered outside domestic budget laws, a move criticized by many here. (El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/venezuelan-economic-aid-nicaragua-down-109-first-half-2016_623573)
AVIANCA has restored service to Venezuela after plane incident
AVIANCA has restored service to Venezuela It had suspended after its Boeing 787, which was flying from Madrid to Bogota with 248 passengers on board, was harassed by a Venezuelan military plane, nearly resulting in a mid-air collision. The crew of the Colombian airliner contacted Bogota to report the proximity of another aircraft, which was following it so close that the Traffic Collision Avoidance System was activated in the AVIANCA aircraft. Colombian Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas discussed the incident with Venezuelan counterpart Vladimir Padrino and Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez said President Maduro had ordered an investigation into the matter. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos issued a statement calling for calm and said all was settled. (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423735&CategoryId=10717; Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-22/avianca-jet-intercept-to-be-probed-by-venezuela-colombia-says; Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-colombia-idUSL1N1CS0AI; and more in Spanish: Noticiero Venevision: http://www.noticierovenevision.net/internacionales/2016/octubre/23/173213=presidente-santos-hizo-llamado-a-la-calma-tras-incidente-entre-avianca-y-aeronave-militar-venezolana; http://www.noticierovenevision.net/economia/2016/octubre/23/173198=avianca-reanuda-vuelos-a-caracas-tras-aclarar-incidente-con-el-avion)
Low cost COPA airline to service Caracas
COPA Airlines will launch a low cost airline called WINGO that will include Caracas in its service route, along with Cancún (México), Havana, Aruba, Punta Cana (Dominican R.), Mexico City, San Andrés (Colombia), Panamá, Quito, and Cartagena. More in Spanish: (El Mundo, http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/negocios/empresas/nueva-aerolinea-de-bajo-costo-de-copa-holdings-via.aspx#ixzz4NiQQAB3A)
PDVSA gets US$ 2.8 billion of US$ 7.1 billion in holders to extend
State oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) today announced that the offers to exchange its 5.250% Senior Notes due 2017 and 8.50% Senior Notes due 2017 for new 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 secured by 50.1% of CITGO has closed. As total consideration to be paid for the validly tendered Existing Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers, PDVSA will issue an aggregate principal amount of approximately US$ 3,367 million of New Notes on the Settlement Date, subject to rounding adjustments as set forth in the Offering Circular and as adjusted for any delays in processing tender instructions. Investors tendered approximately US$ 2,799 million of the US$ 7.1 billion of the 2017 bonds, which is approximately 39.43% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding. "The Company intends to waive any conditions to the Exchange Offers," PDVSA said, meaning that they were accepting less than the 50% they were requiring. Last week, oil giant ConocoPhillips filed a lawsuit against PDVSA and CITGO trying to block the use of CITGO as collateral, calling it a "fraudulent transfer" to avoid their creditors. CRYSTALLEX -- owed US$ 1.4 billion -- has also alleged the same fraud in its suits against Venezuela, PDVSA and CITGO. Venezuela and PDVSA must pay US$ 1.8 billion this month and US$ 3 billion next month in debt interest and maturities. Half of the US$4 billion in PDVSA 8.5% of November 2, 2017, must be paid this November 2 unless the swap is successful in reducing that number. (Latin American Herald Tribune: http://laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=10717&ArticleId=2423781)
Maduro on whirlwind Mid East tour to try to bolster oil prices
President Nicolas Maduro has so far visited Azerbaijan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a whirlwind tour aimed at bolstering international oil prices. He met with Azeri President Iham Aliev; and Iran's President Hasan Rohani, who declared his nation will support any measure that aims for "stabilizing oil markets, fair price and equitable quotas for producers". He then travelled on to Saudi Arabia where he held a meeting with Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Nayef, which Maduro called "positive" and said he was "more optimistic than ever, we are closer to an agreement than ever". Maduro then moved on to Qatar, where he was met by Economics Minister Sheik Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani. His travelling party includes his wife, Cilia Flores; Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez, Oil Minister Eulogio Del Pino; Information Minister Ernesto Villegas, and the Secretary of the Presidency, Admiral Carmen Melendez. Maduro says he will also attend the OPEC meeting scheduled to be held in Vienna on November 28-29th to seek an agreement. More in Spanish: (Agencia Venezolana de Noticias; http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/presidente-maduro-contin%C3%BAa-catar-gira-para-promover-estabilidad-precios-del-crudo; Noticiero Venevision: http://www.noticierovenevision.net/economia/2016/octubre/22/173122=iran-afirma-que-apoya-toda-medida-que-se-tome-para-estabilizar-precio-del-crudo; http://www.noticierovenevision.net/economia/2016/octubre/23/173159=maduro-espera-lograr-acuerdo-con-paises-opep-y-no-opep-para-congelar-la-produccion-de-crudo)
Hooded gunmen threatened Venezuela congressional committee investigating PDVSA US$11 billion missing
A half-dozen hooded gunmen tried to break into the offices of the comptroller committee at the National Assembly on Friday, according to the chairman of the opposition-led committee, who said the incident was likely politically motivated. The committee had issued a report accusing PDVSA of corruption, saying about US$ 11 billion in funds went missing from the state-run oil company while Rafael Ramirez was at the helm from 2004-14. "What a coincidence," said committee chairman Freddy Guevara in a statement. "Armed 'colectivos' arrived to threaten the personnel just two days after we denounced big corruption cases in PDVSA," added Guevara, in reference to pro-government militant grassroots groups denounced by opponents as thugs. (Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-pdvsa-idUSKCN12M01E)
Venezuela oil price slips after 3 weeks of gains
The price Venezuela receives for its mix of medium and heavy oil slipped slightly after 3 straight weeks of gains as OPEC nations continue discussions over an oil output cut. According to figures released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining here, the average price of Venezuelan crude sold by Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) during the week ending October 21 was US$ 43.03, down 6 cents from the previous week's US$ 43.09.
According to Venezuelan government figures, the average price in 2016 for Venezuela's mix of heavy and medium crude is now US$ 33.81 for the year to date. (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423742&CategoryId=10717)
Coffee growers refuse to turn over 50% of their product to government CLAP system
An assembly of coffee growers held in Trujillo state have roundly rejected a government order that would force them to sell 50% of their products to government sponsored Local Supply and Production Committees (CLAP) at controlled prices. The local mayor asked the Maduro regime to reconsider. More in Spanish: (Ultima Hora Digital, http://ultimahoradigital.com/2016/10/caficultores-rechazan-entregar-el-50-de-su-produccion-a-los-clap/)
Supreme Tribunal here asked to rule if Venezuela and PDVSA can pay bonds in bolivars
A writ was introduced before Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal (TSJ), asking the court to rule on whether the Central Bank or troubled state oil company PDVSA can pay bondholders in the local currency, Bolivars, instead of in U.S. dollars The writ specifically mentions three issues of "bonos Bolivar-dollar" -- PDVSA 16, PDVSA 17 and PDVSA 17N -- bonds that were issued during the presidency of Hugo Chavez in the local Venezuelan bond market, priced and sold initially in Bolivars, but then resold in exchange for U.S. Dollars in the secondary markets. The Supreme Tribunal was also asked to decide on the debt of the Republic. All in all, Venezuela and PDVSA have US$ 70 billion in U.S. dollar bond debt, with US$ 3.3 billion due to be paid in the next week. Between now and the end of 2017, Venezuela and PDVSA must pay US$ 15 billion in U.S. dollar bond interest and maturities. All PDVSA contracts with bondholders specifically say that they are signed under the laws of New York state and will be paid in US dollars. The writ was lodged by a corporation called XT46. Oil Minister and PDVSA President Eulogio Del Pino called the action "sabotage". International analysts have two theories on the move: One is that PDVSA is behind the action in order to scare bondholders into a swap; and another believes some third party made the move in order to lower the price of the bonds. Bond conditions specify that the only way such bond payments can be made in another currency is through the consent of 100% of all bondholders. (Latin American Herald Tribune: http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423544&CategoryId=10717); and more in Spanish: (El Nacional: http://www.el-nacional.com/economia/Contratos-Pdvsa-tenedores-prohibe-bolivares_0_943105957.html)
National Assembly accuses Maduro of staging a coup, opens proceedings to depose him, replace Elections Council
Venezuela's opposition-led Congress, consistently undermined by the executive and judicial branches since taking control about 10 months ago, upped the ante on Sunday. The legislature approved a series of actions in response to last week's decision by the National Elections Council (CNE) to halt an opposition signature drive after four provincial courts called it fraudulent and issued rulings putting a halt to the effort. Four ruling party governors, alleging fraud but presenting no public evidence, had requested injunctions from the courts earlier Thursday. The country's powerful ruling party vice president, Lieutenant Diosdado Cabello, went even further, saying that opposition leaders should be jailed. In response, the legislature voted to:
Charge the Maduro regime with perpetrating a coup d'etat and declare that the constitutional order has broken down
Ask international organizations for help in defending the Venezuelan people
Call on the Venezuelan armed forces to disobey any order which is unconstitutional or goes against human rights
Bring formal charges at the International Criminal Court and all other relevant organizations against judges and members of the National Elections Board responsible for suspending the recall referendum process, along with officials responsible for politically persecuting the Venezuelan people
Start immediate proceedings to name new Supreme Court judges and members of the National Electoral Council
Urged Venezuelans to stand up in defense of the constitution.
Convene again on Tuesday, October 25th, to begin proceedings that will determine the status of the Presidency of Venezuela within the Constitution.
Julio Borges, leader of the opposition majority bloc, also said that the opposition would bring a political trial against President Maduro "to get to the bottom of his role in the break with democracy and human rights here". Hector Rodríguez, pro-regime minority leader in the Assembly, says the opposition has made "mistakes in contempt" of established powers, and said that the halt in recall procedures were just what his side expected. The session was tense and angry, with both government and opposition lawmakers giving fiery speeches. Analysts say the resolutions passed on Sunday are largely symbolic and unlikely to have much effect as the government and the Supreme Tribunal have so far sabotaged any attempts by the opposition to push through bills which President Maduro opposes. The opposition will likely look abroad for help in laying pressure on the government, in particular to the regional body Organization of American States (OAS). OAS head Luis Almagro has previously threatened to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which could lead to sanctions being imposed on Venezuela. (BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37747849; Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-23/venezuela-s-congress-moves-to-challenge-president-supreme-court; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/daily-news/venezuelas-maduro-high-court-allegedly-perform-congress-functions_623574; The Wall Street Journal: http://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuela-electoral-officials-suspend-presidential-recall-referendum-process-1477010629; and more in Spanish: El Nacional, http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Parlamento-llamo-rebelion-popular_0_944905617.html; Noticiero Venevisión, http://www.noticierovenevision.net/politica/2016/octubre/23/173218=julio-borges-declaro-en-rebelion-a-la-an-tras-ruptura-del-hilo-constitucional-; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/politica/rodriguez-dice-que-parlamento-comete-errores-desconocer-los-poderes_623855)
Pro-Maduro mob attacks National Assembly in session for debate over Maduro's removal
The four-hour extraordinary session of the National Assembly in Caracas, was interrupted for about 30 minutes after government supporters breached security and threatened lawmakers on the National Assembly floor, A mob of dozens of pro-Maduro armed supporters dressed in red and screaming pro-regime slogans burst into the National Assembly while legislators were debating ways to depose President Nicolas Maduro from office. They met no resistance from the National Guard in charge of security at the Congress. Once inside the Chamber, they scuffled with legislative security personnel as some pro-regime legislators tried to calm them down. Downtown Caracas mayor Jorge Rodríguez suddenly appeared on site and ordered them to back off. The session was suspended for half an hour while they withdrew and the session reconvened under National Assembly President Henry Ramos Allup. At least two people were wounded. The interruption was described in very different ways by the two rival sides. Opposition lawmaker Julio Borges posted a video of the protests and called it "an attack on Venezuela's parliament". Government lawmaker Diosdado Cabello on the other hand defended those who had interrupted the session, saying they had only been protecting the legitimate government and would do so another 1,000 times. He also accused the National Assembly of carrying out its own coup d'etat. (BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37747849; and more in Spanish: Infolatam: http://www.infolatam.com/2016/10/23/chavistas-irrumpen-en-la-camara-en-debate-por-posible-destitucion-de-maduro/; El Nacional: http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/asalto-Parlamento-obligo-chavismo-violenta_0_944905598.html)
Opposition calls for nationwide protests after recall bid halted
Venezuela's MUD opposition alliance has called for nationwide demonstrations on Oct. 26 to protest the electoral authorities' decision to suspend a presidential recall referendum campaign. "That day will be the start of a nationwide mobilization. We'd already warned (this would happen). On Wednesday, we'll take Venezuela from end to end, every corner of the country. I hope to see the people mobilized to restore the constitutional order," former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said at a press conference along with the MUD's other top leaders.
Capriles, who spearheaded the campaign to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, said Wednesday's "Takeover of Venezuela" would not be like the Sept. 1 mass demonstration in Caracas when hundreds of thousands of anti-government marchers withdrew at 1:00 p.m., but instead would be carried out in all 23 states as well as the nation's capital. Capriles has said they could take protests right up to the Miraflores Presidential Palace. (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423700&CategoryId=10718; Bloomberg, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-21/venezuela-elections-body-suspends-recall-vote-against-maduro; Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-politics-idUSL1N1CR0D1)
Maduro calls for peace and dialogue after recall process halted, says the right is trying to take over power
In a broadcast from Azerbaijan, President Nicolas Maduro called on Venezuelans, and particularly his opponents, to preserve peace and dialogue following a decision by the National Elections Council to suspend a scheduled voter signature drive aimed at triggering a recall referendum against him. He said that "no one should go crazy". He later sent a video message from Saudi Arabia, where he was discussing global oil prices. In it he said, "The revolution will continue to win despite the constant pretentions of the right which is trying to take over power by unconstitutional means." (BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37747849); and more in Spanish: (Infolatam: http://www.infolatam.com/2016/10/23/maduro-llama-a-la-paz-y-al-dialogo-tras-suspension-proceso-para-revocatorio/)
Women march after Venezuela referendum halted
Led by women dressed in white, several thousand Venezuelans marched through Caracas on Saturday in the first of what the opposition hopes will be growing protests against the quashing of a referendum to remove President Nicolas Maduro. The opposition coalition, seeking to end 17 years of socialism here, says this week's suspension of its drive for a plebiscite against the unpopular leader shows Venezuela has abandoned democracy. They called on the Armed Forces to restore constitutional rights. (Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN12M0SY)
Local court bans opposition leaders from leaving the country
A local court in Valencia has banned Henrique Capriles Radonski and seven other opposition leaders from leaving the country, the former presidential candidate. The ban also applies to Secretary-General of the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), Jesus Torrealba. The order is addressed to the chief of the country's immigration agency, SAIME, Juan Carlos Dugarte. Besides Capriles and Torrealba, the other opposition leaders included in the order are Ramon Jose Medina, Jose Luis Cartaya, Oscar Antonio Barreto, Ricardo Francisco Sucre, Luis Ernesto Aparicio and Arnoldo Gabaldon. (Latin American Herald Tribune, http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423639&CategoryId=10717)
Lopez rejects dialogue overture by Panama's Torrijos after recall suspension
Imprisoned Voluntad Popular leader Leopoldo Lopez received former Panamanian president Martín Torrijos in his cell to discuss a dialogue between the regime and its opposition here. He later tweeted that dialogue "is not possible after the recall referendum was suspended, robbing the people of the right to express themselves". He called on all Venezuelans to take part in the takeover of the entire nation called up by the opposition Democratic Unity coalition (MUD) this coming Wednesday. Torrijos is again in Venezuela, along with Spain's former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, on behalf of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and at the invitation of the Maduro regime, to try to set up talks between both sides here. A representative of Pope Francis I is expected to join the efforts. Lieutenant Diosdado Cabello, Vice President of the ruling PSUV party and considered the number two man within the Maduro regime, says that they "are expecting the arrival of a Papal representative" to join the efforts. He added that the Maduro regime would not accept any preconditions to sit down to talks, and that the visitors would not operate as intermediaries but simply as facilitators. The opposition insists it will not sit down to talks unless the Constitutional right to a recall referendum is guaranteed. More in Spanish: (Infolatam: http://www.infolatam.com/2016/10/23/zapatero-y-torrijos-vuelven-a-venezuela-para-impulsar-el-dialogo-politico/; El Universal, http://www.eluniversal.com/noticias/politica/leopoldo-lopez-recibio-visita-expresidente-panameno-torrijos-prision_623859)
OAS Secretary General says Maduro is no longer legitimate, calls for "concrete actions" on Venezuela
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, says "only dictatorships strip citizens of their rights, ignore the legislature and hold political prisoners", and adds that President Nicolas Maduro has "lost all of his original legitimacy after depriving the Venezuelan people without electoral rights". He called on nations in the region to act within Article 20 of the Inter American Democratic Charter, and "take specific steps to defend democracy in Venezuela". Almagro made his statements after the National Electoral Council (CNE) here suspended the process of the collection of signatures to convene a recall referendum, an action he regarded a breakdown of the democratic system. (Latin American Herald Tribune: http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2423701&CategoryId=10717); and more in Spanish: (El Nacional: http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Solo-dictaduras-despojan-ciudadanos-derechos_0_944305665.html)
Twelve major OAS member nations express concern over halting of recall process; Bolivia slams Almagro.
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, México, Peru, the United States and Uruguay have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over a decision by the National Elections Council here to "postpone the 20% voter signature drive required to call a recall referendum" against President Nicolas Maduro. They asked that the issue soon be resolved in a "peaceful way", and said the move to stop the recall "hurts the chances of starting a dialogue" to find a peaceful way out and find lasting solutions that promote democracy, social stability, full respect for human rights, separation of powers, and stronger institutions. For his part, Bolivian President Evo Morales criticized OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro for his "interventionist conduct", called him an "imperial puppet", and said his nation would "continue defending the Venezuelan people". More in Spanish: (Infolatam: http://www.infolatam.com/2016/10/23/doce-paises-oea-muestran-preocupacion-por-suspension-de-revocatorio-de-maduro/; and more in Spanish: Noticiero Venevisión, http://www.noticierovenevision.net/internacionales/2016/octubre/23/173191=morales-condena-la-)
Chairman of Roman Catholic Bishops Conference calls on Venezuelans to avoid violence
Monsignor Diego Padron, Chairman of Venezuela's Roman Catholic Bishops Conference (CEV) says that the people of Venezuela have "suffered a hard blow", but calls on a halt to any action that leads to violence, "because we know that the result of violence is more violence". He said the CEV had not yet met to consider the recent move by the National Elections Council, but "is convinced the nation can move forward under any circumstance". He added that "the people must remain united in the knowledge that these evils can be overcome". More in Spanish: (Infolatam: http://www.infolatam.com/2016/10/23/presidente-de-conferencia-episcopal-venezolana-pide-evitar-la-violencia/)
Uribe says Venezuela should not be involved in Colombian peace process
Colombia's former President Álvaro Uribe called Venezuela an "incorrigible dictatorship" which should be suspended from the OAS and UNASUR and all international organizations, and should no longer continue involved as a facilitator in Colombia's peace talks with the FARC guerrilla. He called on the Venezuelan military, police and judges to defend democracy. More in Spanish: (Noticiero Venevision: http://www.noticierovenevision.net/internacionales/2016/octubre/23/173209=uribe-expreso-que-venezuela-no-deberia-ser-garante-del-proceso-de-paz-en-colombia)
Posted by Duarte Vivas & Asociados at 3:09 PM 2 comments:
Labels: AVIANCA, Bolipuertos, Copa Airlines, Diosdado Cabello, Henrique Capriles, Julio Borges, Leopoldo López, MUD, Nicolas Maduro, OAS, PDVSA, Puerto Cabello port, Venezuela


The Hino 258LP (Low Profile) is a very versatile truck. Its low profile, coupled with a combination of superb maneuverability, payload capability and 6 available wheelbases (187" - 271"), make it ideal for towing, landscaping and the delivery of building materials, furniture and general freight.
The 258LP features the Hino J-series 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 220 horsepower mated to an Allison 2200RDS 6-speed automatic transmission. The Allison transmission has PTO capability. Hydraulic disc brakes with ABS are standard equipment. The 258LP can also be ordered with optional Hendrickson rear air suspension, ideal for shock sensitive loads and a smoother ride.
The 258LP features an 8,000 lb. front axle and a 17,500 lb. rear axle combine to provide a GVWR of 25,500 lbs.
Hino offers a "clean chassis" as standard for the 2014 258LP model. With nothing mounted to the outside of the frame rails behind the cab, the clean chassis configuration is ideal for beverage body applications and for moving vans.


An organisation in Sheffield are looking to recruit a Finance Manager as soon as possible. This a role for someone ambitious and able to work collaboratively with key stakeholders - not be afraid of a challenge and truly want to engage with the business - by allowing key decisions to be made using management information provided by you and your finance team.You will get to be part of a thriving team working across multi sites and reporting into a Director of Finance. a great opportunity for someone looking for more than just a finance role.


A pair of new replacement Smooth Vise Jaws for the 3-1/2 inch #350S, 350N and the CO Combination Wilton Vises.
For those of you that have a Model Number, these jaws fit Wilton Vise 101160. The P/N for the Smooth Jaws is 2904970.
A-2 Tool Steel is Heat Treated to 54-56 Rockwell. After Heat Treating, these jaws are surface ground flat and then squared.
Supplied with (4) 1/4:20 Socket Head Cap Screws.
Click the button below to add the 3-1/2 x 1.0 x 5/8 Smooth Wilton Vise Jaws: Fits the Wilton #350 and the 101160 vises to your wish list.


text:
Aloha United Way
IT'S THE ACT OF GIVING THAT MATTERS
It's not really the amount that matters, it's the act of giving during this time
Donate now to support those experiencing a crisis.
"We have been a beneficiary of workplace giving campaigns for many years," said Caroline Hayashi, President Waikīkī Community Center. In fact, generous workplace givers have enabled the center to help so many additional keiki and kupuna that "we decided to run a workplace campaign ourselves to give back as well and participate."
In a recent interview, Hayashi stated that the organization operated with the belief that everyone needs help sometimes. And everyone can give sometimes. "With COVID, we all see how important it is that we take care of each other…It's not really the amount that matters, it's the act of giving during this time…feeling like you are empowered to help others.
It's clear that Waikīkī Community Center knows what "community" means. In the era of this "new normal," Hayashi reflected on the interconnectedness of her organization's clients and staff with others in our island communities. "I am confident that as we work together, and take care of one another, we will emerge from this challenging time.
Each year, Aloha United Way provides Safety Net funding to agencies working to provide basic human needs and support people experiencing crisis. In 2020, we have invested $1 million into 30 programs that are working in the following five areas of need:
1. Disaster/Crisis
Provides a broad range of assistance for individuals and families experiencing crisis with a goal of returning the household to stability. The category includes medical care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, family violence services and community disaster response provided as one-time or short-term assistance, but may also include ongoing counseling, case management or care coordination.
2. Food
Provides access to food pantries, food banks, food delivery services and served meals programs.
3. Rent/Utility
Provides rent (or mortgage) and utility financial assistance. Agencies may pay rent, security deposit, mortgage, and utility expenses to landlords or providers on behalf of eligible clients.
4. Shelter
Provides housing and related support services including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing.
5. Two-year Grants
Supports startup or pilot programs; programs/services with a higher degree of complexity; initiatives with a greater number of stakeholders or partners; initiatives that require substantial time planning; and new programs that are projected to be financially self-sustaining after the initial two years.
Please contact Impact@auw.org for more information.
IT'S UP TO EACH OF US
How a Single Mom from Micronesia Thrives in Hawai'i
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Sign up for our emails and stay informed about how we work with partners and supporters like you to strengthen our community.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Our remit relates to farmed animals. Our animal health and welfare team works to ensure the welfare of animals and responds to welfare-related reports from the public.
Our inspectors ensure livestock is correctly identified and moved with the required documents and cattle passports. They also carry out record checks at farms, markets, slaughterhouses and during transportation to make sure there is full traceability of livestock movements. To reduce the risk of disease, they also ensure carcasses are disposed of properly.
District councils offer dog warden services and also look after licences for boarding kennels, zoos, pet shops and riding stables.


Greg Brown and Dave Fawcett are working on an design that they hope will yield something we've spent decades waiting for – a flying jet-propelled car. A sleek cross between a business jet with a luxury automobile, the GF7 drives on electric motors while on the ground, then can extend wings and use a 3,500-lb thrust jet engine to fly to 38,000 ft (12,000 m) and speeds of 550 mph (885 km/h). The (obvious) catch: if this ambitious project does get of the ground, it won't come cheap.
One thing that 21st century life seems to lack is a good selection of flying cars. For those of us growing up in the 1960s, TV shows about life after the year 2000 featured wonderful inventions – space ships, pocket flip telephones, and of course flying cars. Here we are 50 years later and flying cars have yet to become a commercial reality. I'm not the only person who feels a little let down, and some of those people are hard at working designing real flying cars.
Gizmag has reported on other flying cars, like the Terrafugia Transistion, the Aeromobile, the amazing PAL-V gyroplane three-wheeler, and even the flying box-truck AT Transformer.
This latest venture really takes the concept into Gerry Anderson Supercar territory by inventing a jet-propelled flying car that would be capable of speeds over 550 mph in the air, and highway speeds on the ground. This effort is still at its early stages, and frankly, the concept is a very big reach, but we did want to share the team's progress with you.
The principles behind the project are designer Greg Brown, and engineer Dave Fawcett, who are based in Napa, California. Fawcett, of Airboss Aerospace, has engineered many aircraft, including the Viper, the Maverick and Javelin jets. The objective of the GF7 project is to create a four-passenger single-engine, reliable, and simple-to-operate flying car that can operate on both the freeways and the airways.
Brown told us in an interview that all flying cars are expensive. The team's betting that people who can afford one probably don't want to be driving a go-cart with a super-light chassis and a small engine. So the pair have created a vehicle with the comforts of a luxury sedan, fast cruising speeds and full car performance. They decided to go all the way to a jet-propelled flying car with a turbine engine in the 3,500 pound thrust class (at 375 mph, one pound of thrust equals one horsepower).
The original vehicle concept was a two-seat, bubble canopy, tandem design (one seat behind the other), but Brown says no one liked the concept except fighter pilots like himself. The GF7 design has a basic folding wing, and is propelled on the ground by an all-electric 50 kWh battery pack that is recharged by the jet engine during flight. The anticipated road performance is 100 mph (160 km/h) top speed with a 0-60 mph time of 7-12 seconds, depending on fuel load.
Based on similar performance of electric vehicles they hope to reach 80-120 miles (129-193 km) of driving per charge, which should be adequate considering the myriad of small airports around metro areas. For those needing more distance driving, they did not rule out the possibility of installing a small auxiliary power unit to extend the driving range into the hundreds of miles. This eliminates the need for a separate, heavy internal combustion engine for ground operation.
The wheels and tires will retract into the fuselage in flight for streamlining. The delta wing span is 23 ft (7 m), which lends itself to high cruising airspeed while providing a smoother ride in turbulence, and with full span flaps provides a stable approach for landing. Twin vertical tails support a wide horizontal stabilizer in the back.
"The more we got into the systems the more we realized how complimentary they were," said Brown. "You can save jet fuel by using the electric motor to drive to the runway and start the turbine engine when you need it. The high torque electric motors assist the jet to accelerate for take-off reducing take-off roll – it will be like an afterburner take-off. Four wheels braking with large road tires reduces stopping distance, and the ample battery power makes for an excellent backup to support environmental and avionics systems in the air. To top it off, the turbine engine produces plenty of extra electrical capacity to charge the batteries."
Brown told us that he and Austin Meyer, a software engineer and designer of the VP-400 and Xavian avionics, were seeking to make the aircraft as easy to operate as an iPhone, but still be a fully IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)-certified and pressurized at 8 PSI, allowing for cruising altitudes up to 39,000 ft (12,000 m).
"The GF7 is designed to get above [the FAA rule of] 10,000 feet and the 250 knot (450 km/h) speed restrictions quickly, then accelerate rapidly to 350 knots indicated airspeed, and stay fast all the way to the destination," Brown told us. "It's about achieving high speed and connecting cities in a regional area such as San Jose, Las Vegas, and LA or Dallas, Houston, and Austin. The GF7 is designed for short legs, so we are targeting cruising altitudes below 28,000 ft (8,500 m)."
The GF7, despite its looks, is a conventional aircraft. It would need a runway 2,500 ft (760 m) long for takeoff and landing. Approach and landing speeds should be around 90-110 knots (166-203 km/h). Cruising speeds would be between 0.75 and 0.82 Mach, and 350 knots indicated airspeed, which equates to a true airspeed of 550 mph at 25,000 ft. Expected range on a full tank is 700-1,000 miles (up to 1,600 km), depending on the flight profile.
The team hopes to have a flying prototype completed in about four years. There is no getting around the estimated selling price, which will be between US$3-5 million. This price range is around that of other jet aircraft of similar capability, such as the Eclipse 550, which sells for around $2.9 million.
Would there be a market for such a high end machine? First of all, the technical challenges of putting such a complex aircraft in a road-worthy package is daunting. Next, how do you get car insurance on a three-million-dollar vehicle? Other flying car teams, with the possible exception of those at Terrafugia, have fallen short in execution – and this jet-powered car will take a lot of capital investment to become a reality.
"The GF7 can increase the size of the region a person can influence in a day without the dependence on a team of support personnel," claimed Brown. "It saves time by flying fast and eliminating delays resulting from startup, shutdown, transferring to a ground vehicle and backtracking to a waiting airplane. With a GF7 there is no need for travel coordinators, or a staff of pilots and drivers at the ready. You don't need to pay for airport services, a rental car, or aircraft tie-downs, which also means you can avoid busy airports."
"You can fly with jet reliability, over bad weather, and in leather-appointed luxury to airports with no services and have all the conveniences of a car when you get there," he continued. "For the private jet owner, when you want to fly your plane, you don't have to spend a half-hour hauling your aircraft out of the hangar. You leave from your house and go to whatever airport you want and get airborne. Airports become high speed on/off ramps. The GF7 is about independence, and removing barriers to flight, in a fast, comfortable and reliable aircraft."
The developers suggest that their customers would emerge from the thousands of regional business managers who regularly travel between city clusters, and anyone who needs to operate at airports that don't offer ground transportation.
Of course, it's also for anyone who loves to fly ... and has deep pockets.
"We're going to make an aircraft that delivers an amazing flying experience," enthused Brown.


No duty to avoid tax. No kidding.
Recently, the Tax Justice Network sent a letter to every CEO in the FTSE 100 to tell them about a legal opinion they obtained from a firm of solicitors. The opinion deals with whether directors have a positive duty to shareholders to avoid tax. It concludes that they do not.
This is in fact uncontroversial, but it is only part of the story.
A key duty of a director is to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole. When deciding what best promotes the success of their company, the directors must take into account all relevant factors and assess their relative merits.
Relevant factors for the directors to consider include how to increase the company's post-tax profits. One way this can be done is by reducing the company's tax bill, so that is likely to be a relevant consideration. There will also be other factors to consider, such as the company's business relationships, maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct, and the impact of the company's actions upon the community. Any of these may counterbalance the desire to minimise tax liabilities.
Some tax planning will be likely to promote the success of the company. Some may go too far and be outweighed by other considerations. And it is up to the directors of a company to decide where to draw the line in relation to the company's specific circumstances.
So long as directors give all relevant factors proper consideration when making decisions about tax planning, and provided they can justify the decisions that they make, they should not incur liability for breach of their duties.


Many thanks Einyodler a fine resource you have created here for us.
The shop manual pdf for my bike has been invaluable.
You can't make too much popcorn, but you can definately eat too much popcorn.
To add to this thread, I was doing an image search on the CB650 and came across this site with the 1980 CB650 service manual for the European Direct Sales model.
The quality is nice and I imagine that except for some trim and electrical differences, most of the manual is applicable to the US model.
I wish the PDF's didn't have document security settings enabled, namely "Document Assembly" is not allowed. It would be nice to reassemble all 10 of the CB400F PDF's into one single PDF.
I'm not being ungrateful, these are wicked sweet!! Thank you so much!
Everything's coming up "site maintenance" for me.
@Einyodeler, Great stuff! Thanks for the manuals.
Did you know, pages 45 - 70 are missing from the CB750 Shop Manual? (Half of Group 3: Engine Mechanical, all of Group 4: Clutch, and all of Group 5: Transmission.
Also, are Groups 13 - 19 in a separate .pdf? as are the supplements?
It seems that the host server has been in the "site maintenance' mode for almost a week now.
I can't seem to get the first 750 pdf. All the other ones d/l just fine though.
Oh and thanks very much for putting these up. I was getting frusturated with my Clymer manual.
Does any one have a copy of a 1978 Honda CB400T1 manual? I would gladly scan it for you and give you a dvd copy of it if I can have a look at it.
I have added a lot more manuals this past week.
If you couldn`t find what you were looking for earlier, check out the list now.
All of the SOHC4 downloads are working now as well as the others.
Was there ever a K0 parts manual?
I have not been able to find one, always use the parts distributors' online ones but would love to find one.
Check at CMSL. I bought one from them about 3 years ago (it's a very good copy). It was around $35 as I recall and covers the CB750 (aka K0), K1, K2 and CB750P (police model). The exploded diagrams alone have been worth the $$, let alone being able to order parts, but many sites have the diagrams on-line for ordering parts now.
I`ve got the early `80`s GSX 1100 service manual ready for downloading,more or less same bike with more displacement.
I`ll let you know when I find the gsx750 manual.
Some Triumph and Ducati manuals are also ready,I know we have quite a few Ducatisti and Triumph riders on here.
Triumph Sprint 955i 99-04 Stefan?
Borrowed the Triumph factory manual from my local dealer. I have it scanned and will be hosting it via Bikers Oracle when they give me upload access.
If anyone wants a CD, give me a PM.
Thanks for the valuable service!
I noticed that the manual you label 500/550 is just labeled as a cb500 manual in the pdf. Is there a cb550 specific manual out there? Are there differences between the 500/550 that I should be concerned about?
For those that are having problems opening some of these files: I noticed that the files were created in Acrobat version 6 and 7. The files created in version 7 have been password protected to keep them from being modified or extracted. They will open using Acrobat version 6 (with the error notice).
For those complaining about PW protection. There are ways around that . I'm not sure why PW protection is required, as these are scans.
This first one is a MUST download, no matter which model you have. It contains a vast amount of general maintenance data and procedures not covered in the Shop Manuals.
Some of these files are huge so if you have any problems downloading due to having a slow dial-up modem and need manuals, just send me an e-mail at einyodeler@netscape.net with the list of manuals wanted and I can send you a CD.
My suggestion is to go to the mediafire download page, then right-click the "Clic Here to Start Download" link then select Save As and save the PDFs to your hard drive. I recently went through and downloaded most of these, only one link failed to work (think it was part 1 of the 500T shop manual).
here are a few more i have posted.


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Instant Sleep COMPLETE Natural Sleep Aid Formula MAXIMUM Strength Sleep Support blend of L-Theanine, 5-HTP, Melatonin, Magnesium, Mucuna Pruriens Extract, GABA, and Phellodendron Root (herb powder).


Barn Specs | Mid-America Pole Barn Co.
We can build up to 60-foot wide clear-span buildings. These buildings are unlimited in length.
Height on gable buildings is limited to 16 feet and 20 feet on raised center aisle buildings.
Our building are available in galvalume or colored metal.
Once you have decided on the type of building you would like, call us toll-free at 1-866-456-0959. We'll be happy to work up a quote or answer any questions you may have.
Mid-America Pole Barn Company uses #3 yellow pine in construction of our buildings. Any lumber that contacts the ground will have a .60 CCA treatment.
We start by using 5×5 treated square post. Standard post spacing is 10 foot on center.
We use a treated 2×6 for the bottom plate.
On buildings 30 feet wide or smaller, we use a double 2×6 for the top plate. This is the lumber that your trusses will set on.
We use 2x4s for the wall boards set on 26″ centers.
We use factory engineered trusses that meet local building codes. Truss spacing is usually half the distance of our pole spacing.
We use 2x4s for the roof purlins, spaced 26″ on center.
The metal used in all our buildings is American made. We offer 29 or 26 gauge, and you can choose from many different colors. We also offer galvanized and galvalume metal. Call us for a free color chart and brochure.
Our colored metal has a 40 year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Galvalume has a 20 year warranty. Galvanized metal has no warranty.
Our metal will be attached to the framed building with screws at no extra cost to you. Using screws gives added protection against high winds and also adds to the appearance of your building.
Our advertised special (30 x 50 x 10) comes with one factory walk door and one 10 to 12 foot sliding door.
We also offer many extras, such as sheds, windows, ridge vents, cupolas, rat guards, insulation, wainscot, overhead door frameouts, and soffits.
Our buildings are guaranteed for one year on workmanship and material.
Then call us toll-free today at 1-866-456-0959 and see why Mid-America Pole Barn Co. is the most trusted name in Post Frame buildings.


Superb Concepts About Building Muscle You Can Expect To Really like!
Read more about Superb Concepts About Building Muscle You Can Expect To Really like!
Looking To Build Muscle? Here Are A Few Helpful Suggestions!
Read more about Looking To Build Muscle? Here Are A Few Helpful Suggestions!
Do You Need To Create Muscle? Look At This!
Read more about Do You Need To Create Muscle? Look At This!


text:
The Negev
The Challenge of a Desert, Second Edition
Michael Evenari
Leslie Shanan
Naphtali Tadmor
Available from De Gruyter »
E-DITION
About HUP eBooks
$65.00 • €48.00
SCIENCE: General
SCIENCE: Life Sciences: Botany
Harvard University Press has partnered with De Gruyter to make available for sale worldwide virtually all in-copyright HUP books that had become unavailable since their original publication. The 2,800 titles in the "e-ditions" program can be purchased individually as PDF eBooks or as hardcover reprint ("print-on-demand") editions via the "Available from De Gruyter" link above. They are also available to institutions in ten separate subject-area packages that reflect the entire spectrum of the Press's catalog. More about the E-ditions Program »
The Negev, first published in 1971, told the story of some twenty years of study of southern Israel's desert. It synthesized the findings of botanists, geologists, soil scientists, agronomists, archaeologists, historians, and engineers and told how the applications of their work produced an agricultural surplus in this forbiddingly dry, hot region.
Now Michael Evenari has amplified the book with data from another decade of work. He describes the efforts at a new farm at Wadi Mashash, extends the weather data another ten years, presents further work on the adaptations of plants and animals to desert conditions, and takes a much deeper look at the historical precedents for the method of runoff agriculture, which has made the desert bloom.
Find at a Library »Cite This Book » Permalink


Pics of all things Vendome Arcadia!
Middle of July and we have been open for 2 weeks! Here's a few pics of how everything's looking.
My my my, it has been a long time, but things are still trucking along. Delays are always part of getting a new brick & mortar business up and running and we are no exception. But there are some exciting developments since the last set of pictures. The bar area is coming along tremendously. The retail space is mostly cleaned up, with cooler shelving roughly in place. And the bathrooms are all done. It's definitely starting to look and feel like a business!
January 4, 2017 update. Happy New Year to everyone! We are not open as soon as we had hoped, but we are looking quite good. As you can, there are fancy materials and fancy materials = progress!!! The floors are largely done, the checkout counter is in good shape and the cellar & cigar rooms are coming along nicely. The lights look good and the room is finally getting some "atmosphere" to it. We have some furniture, decorations and equipment on the short list, so it should start to look polished up pretty quickly here. Getting closer everyone!
November 16 status update. Holy Mole are we in the thick of it! As you can see we are knee deep in construction mayhem. But a few cool things, like #1 We have our front door! #2 We have some cool light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. And #3 We've got some tiles in various places on the floor and bathrooms. We're cooking with gas to get this battle-station fully operational as soon as we can!
October 19 status update. The primary bottle fridges are in! (No doors yet, but framed up.) We have plumbing, we have HVAC ducting, we have drywall ready to hang, By the end of next week, we should start looking like a store!
Taste of Monrovia, October 9 2016. This time it was tequila and mezcal!!! "Tequila Man" Ernesto E. Aguirre was at the helm. Find his stuff on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. I even caught a photo of our fearless leader, Charles! And there's one of me too (in the orange shirt).
We just did our first event at the Taste of Arcadia. Peacocks! And a cool Ford Fairlane police car!
We are under construction!!! Pretty much takes a food/beverage/restaurant nerd to get excited about floor drains being routed!!!
Some "before" photos of the new shop before construction starts and some views of the surrounding area. So excited to be across from the Metro Gold Line! And 24 Hour Fitness – get your workout on and then get your drink on!


Please scroll down for our top pick of interactive projectors to be used in classrooms, meeting rooms or board room environments. Interactive projectors can capture your annotations and work and feed them back to the connected computer.
If you would like need friendly unbiased advice, please call us on 01924 278009 and we will be happy to help.


text:
Q: So what happens to your personal time and space, exactly, when you get close, or even match, the speed of light? 1g seems to be the value of choice. We get on the ship with sufficient fuel to provide 1g acceleration for a century. Off we go, aiming for some distant star or galaxy. Let's call this star Jeff. Let's further assume that Jeff is exactly 100 light-years away from Earth.
We clear the Solar System in less than a month and continue accelerating. At this rate we will reach the proverbial 0.97c in just under two years. It'll take us another ten years to achieve 0.99c, but let's leave that alone for now.
The space around us will shrink, making destinations more accessible. Our personal time will slow down to near-zero. Does this mean that in our personal time we will be able to reach Jeff in a matter of minutes? Or am I missing something?
The second part is a bit harder, I think. If by dint of scientific trickery we did, in fact, reach the speed of light, would our personal time slow down to zero, and travel between any two points in the Universe become INSTANT so far as we were concerned?

A: Theoretically, yes. If you sped up enough then your personal time frame would be such that you could travel between 2 very distant points, between galaxies or farther, in a very short space of time. Of course that means not slowing down, as that would take years.
The faster you go the faster time would be going by outside of your frame of reference. This raises some considerations:

*

*If you are going to fly by the Andromeda galaxy (just as an example) then you will travel 2.5 million light years, which means that about 2.5 million years will have elapsed outside your frame of reference no matter how quickly it goes by in your frame of reference. You would need to account for 2.5 million years of drift - galaxies are not stationary - and point where it's going to be

*If you are going that quickly you will be passing Andromeda in a fraction of a second by your frame of reference, doing any science as you go by will be very problematic because of the distortions, just taking a picture as you go by could be impossible

A: Physicist John Baez has a nice web page on this topic, complete with equations and sample data. Here is a table of times and distances that he gives:
    T               t              d           v                   γ
    1 year       1.19 yrs     0.56 lyrs      0.77c                   1.58
    2            3.75         2.90           0.97                    3.99
    5           83.7         82.7            0.99993                86.2
    8        1,840        1,839              0.9999998           1,895
   12      113,243      113,242              0.99999999996     116,641

The first column is the amount of time as measured on your own clock, aboard your starship. The third column is the distance you travel. The third line is essentially the answer to this question. It will take you just a tad over five years (actually 5.18 years) to travel 100 light years.
A couple of other answers (one of them now deleted) have greatly overstated the extent of the time dilation effect near the end of the trip. Here are some actual figures for the time near the end of a 100 ly trip:
To travel the final 60 light years takes 320 days.
To travel the final 20 light years takes 65 days.
To travel the final 10 light years takes 37 days.
To travel the final 1 light year takes 3.5 days.

The second part is a bit harder, I think. If by dint of scientific trickery we did, in fact, reach the speed of light, would our personal time slow down to zero, and travel between any two points in the Universe become INSTANT so far as we were concerned?

This question doesn't have a scientific answer. Our current theories of physics say that you can't reach $c$, so if you assume we can reach $c$, you're assuming that those theories are false, and therefore we can't use them to get an answer to your question.
Rory Alsop complains in a comment:

Unfortunately your first paragraph is wrong. If your craft can accelerate at 1g from rest, it will not do that as it nears c. The craft's effective mass will dramatically increase - so you'd need to be able to improve your thrust by an amount approaching infinity as you get closer to c.

This is not quite right. Relativistic dynamics does make it extremely difficult to build a rocket that can do this kind of thing, but not exactly for the reasons stated. The 1 g is 1 g of proper acceleration, meaning the acceleration measured by an accelerometer on board the ship. It's the acceleration you feel. In the frame of an observer aboard the ship, there is no change in the ship's apparent inertia. As measured by the voyager, the same x newtons of thrust will always produce the same acceleration of 1 g. However, it is certainly not practical to achieve this sort of motion with a literal rocket. The amount of fuel required grows exponentially, and that's just a losing game.
There are other realistic problems as well, such as the fact that your ship would be destroyed by frictional heating as you plowed through the interstellar medium. The particles of the interstellar medium would also produce high-energy cascades of secondary radiation when they hit the ship, and this radiation would kill you. (Adding shielding doesn't work as well as you'd think, because it just tends to increase the amount of secondary radiation.)
The energy requirements for a literal rocket are also dire. By the time you've traveled 100 light-years, your $\gamma$ is 104. That means that the kinetic energy of your ship is $103mc^2$, where $m$ is its (rest) mass at the end. Let's just round that off to 100. So for example if your energy source was antimatter, you would have to have carried at least $50m$ of matter and $50m$ of antimatter. In fact it's much, much worse than that, because nearly all of the kinetic energy went into the reaction mass. The actual amount of KE depends on the exhaust velocity, but it's likely to be orders of magnitude greater.

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text:
Xbox Live Gold Members can play NBA 2K15 for free this weekend
NBA 2K15 is free to play this weekend on Xbox Live for Gold Members in celebration of the NBA Playoffs.
NBA 2K15 headlines
NBA 2K15 tips Warriors for Playoffs win
NBA 2K15 has predicted the Golden State Warriors will be the ultimate victors of the NBA Playoffs.
PS4 outsells Xbox One in the US for tenth consecutive month
Although we expect the Xbox One price cut to change things drastically next month, during October the PS4 continued its unbroken streak as the best-selling eighth-generation console in the US.
NBA 2K15 is free this weekend on Steam
2K Games is offering anyone with a Steam account a free trial of NBA 2K15.
NBA 2K15's horrible face scans are now Halloween masks
NBA 2K15 comes with a face-scanning feature. That feature is known to sometimes produce…less than acceptable results. Publisher 2K chose some of the most horrific ones to be made into Halloween masks.
PlayStation 4 has a new live-action TV commercial out
Sony is still pumping out live-action TV ads for PlayStation 4 apparently.
NBA 2K15 server patch due "in coming days"
NBA 2K15 has had a rocky launch with regard to online features, but a new patch may bring relief to affected players.
When NBA 2K15's facial scanning tech goes wrong
NBA 2K15 has a face scanning feature, which is pretty neat. When it goes wrong, though, the results are spectacular.
NBA 2K15's first trailer rocks out with the Red Hot Chili Peppers
NBA 2K15 has finally produced a gameplay trailer, this year taking a break from the regular hip hop soundtrack to channel a little funk rock.
Pharrell Williams is handling the NBA 2K15 soundtrack for you
Artist and producer Pharrell Williams is set to curate what 2K is calling "the most extensive and unique soundtrack compilation in NBA 2K franchise history," for NBA 2K15.
NBA 2K15's cover athlete is Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, the NBA's newly crowned Most Valuable Player, has been named as NBA 2K15's cover star.
WWE 2K15 & NBA 2K15 confirmed for PS4 & Xbox One in fiscal year 2015
WWE 2K15 and NBA 2K15 were confirmed for PS4 and Xbox One this coming fiscal year during Take-Two's investor call last night.
NBA 2K15 latest
NBA 2K15's horrible face scans are now Halloween masks
NBA 2K15 server patch due "in coming days"
When NBA 2K15's facial scanning tech goes wrong
NBA 2K15's first trailer rocks out with the Red Hot Chili Peppers
NBA 2K15's cover athlete is Kevin Durant


In all my years of photography, I'd never been able to take a photo of a robin. Seems that, unlike other areas of the country, they're pretty hard to come by. Luckily, I just happened to glance over and say "Oh look, there's a robin. It didn't move, even though me and Gary were no more than a few feet away.
I had no idea how these photos would turn out, and considering I was just pointing the camera and guessing (the screen was too dark to see in the sunlight), it didn't turn out too bad.


text:
VAT Alert - July & August 2019
United Arab Emirates ('UAE') Updates
Value Added Tax ('VAT')
Decision (1) of 2019 on Maximum Amount of Cash Refunds Under Tourist Refund Scheme
A new decision effective from the 1st of June 2019 has been released on the maximum amount of cash VAT refunds allowed under the Tourist Refund Scheme ('TRS')
According to this, the cash VAT refund shall be limited to a maximum of AED 7,000 per Overseas Tourist per 24 hours.
The Decision can be accessed here
Designated Zones
With effect from the 4th of July 2019, the list of designated zones has been updated and three new free zones have been added to the list.
The free zones are located in Ras Al Khaimah and are as mentioned below:
Al Hamra Industrial Zone
Al Ghail Industrial Zone
Al Hulaila Industrial Zone
The updated list can be accessed here
Designated Charities
With effect from the 4th of July 2019, the list of designated charities has been updated and seven new charities have been added to the list.
The charities are as follows:
UAE Deaf Association;
Sandooq Al Watan;
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance;
Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work;
Sharjah Islamic Affairs;
Sharjah Charity House; and
The UAE Board on Books for Young People
List of Accredited Tax Accounting Software Vendors
The Federal Tax Authority ('FTA') has released a list of accredited tax accounting software vendors.
The list can be accessed on the FTA website here
Public Clarification on Disbursements and Reimbursements
A public clarification on 'Disbursements and Reimbursements' was released by the FTA, specifying the principles that can be followed to determine whether a particular recovery of expense falls under Disbursement i.e. Outside the Scope of VAT or Reimbursement i.e. charged with VAT.
The clarification states that, disbursement does not constitute a supply and is, therefore, not subject to VAT. Whereas, reimbursement is considered to be a part of consideration for the supply and follows the same VAT treatment as the main supply.
The Public Clarification can be accessed here
Public Clarification on Options and Option Premiums
A public clarification on 'Options and Option Premiums' was released by the FTA, clarifying the treatment of VAT on option premiums or options related to debt securities and equity securities to be Exempt from VAT. If these have been made taxable before then adjustments are to be carried out in the return i.e. tax credit note to be issued by supplier to adjust output VAT and input tax adjustment to be done by recipient on receipt of tax credit note from supplier.
Transfer of Business as a Going Concern ('TOGC')
FTA has issued public clarification on 'Transfer of Business as a Going Concern'
This Public Clarification discusses the conditions that have to be met for a transfer to qualify as a transfer of a going concern under Article 7(2) of the Decree-Law.
It also clarifies that 'Share sale Vs. Asset sale', 'Asset Sale Vs. Sale of Business' and the requirements for a TOGC.
Clarifications User Guide – July 2019 Edition
The FTA has released an updated version of the Clarifications User Guide.
The major change in the updated edition relates to filing of clarification form online on the FTA portal under tab 'E-forms' as opposed to sending an email to the FTA.
The updated edition of the guide can be accessed here
Press Release: FTA Launches Upgraded Website
The FTA has launched its new and improved website that has been upgraded with advanced display technology. The new site offers users a bundle of services and amenities, facilitates user access to information on the UAE tax system and procedures and allows them to submit their forms online.
The Press Release can be accessed here
Press Release: Digital Tax Stamp Scheme to be Implemented on Water Pipe Tobacco and Electrically Heated cigarettes
A Press Release dated 10 July 2019 stated that the FTA has issued a decision whereby "Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme" is set to be implemented on water pipe tobacco and electrically heated cigarettes as of November 1, 2019.
The FTA's press statement went on to explain that the decision was part of its strategy to expand the scope of "Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme" to cover all the tobacco products – imported and locally produced and distributed – which will be electronically tracked from production and until they reach the end consumer to ensure full compliance with Excise Tax obligations.
Press Release: Eligible Goods for Calculating VAT as per 'Profit Margin Scheme'
A Press Release was issued on 26th of July 2019, in which the FTA has determined three main categories of "eligible goods" for calculating VAT on the basis of the profit margin scheme. The categories are as under:
Second-hand goods, meaning tangible moveable property that is suitable for further use as it is or after repair;
Antiques, i.e. goods that are over 50 years old and Collectors' Items, such as stamps, coins, currency and other pieces of scientific, historical or archaeological interest.
The FTA mentioned that only those goods which have previously been subject to VAT before the supply in question should be subject to the scheme.
Press Release: FTA Launches New Electronic System to Register Excise Goods
In a press release issued by the FTA on the 17th of August 2019, it has been announced that the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new electronic system for registering Excise Goods as part of its plans to continuously develop the tax system as a whole, and Excise Tax procedures, in particular.
The FTA explained that the new system offers accurate and transparent procedures for registering excise goods with clear guidelines and standards in addition to the new reporting requirements related to excise tax returns and declarations.
Press Release: FTA calls on businesses to participate in Workshops
A Press Release was issued on the 31st of August 2019, calling all businesses to participate in Workshops on Objectives and Procedures of Expanding the Scope of Excise Tax.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign about the objectives and processes of expanding the Excise Tax, as well as the procedures for registering in the FTA's electronic system.
The campaign consists of a series of workshops for non-registered businesses, beginning on September 16, 2019, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with subsequent sessions taking place on September 18 and 23 in Dubai and Ajman.
Excise on Sugar Sweetened Products and Other Tobacco Products
In an announcement made by the UAE Cabinet, 50% Excise Tax will be applicable on Sugar Sweetened Beverages and a 100% tax on electronic smoking devices equipment.
Excise tax will be levied on any product with added sugar or other sweeteners, whether in the form of a beverage or a concentrate, powder, extract or any product that may be converted into a beverage and on electronic smoking devices and equipment, whether or not they contain nicotine or tobacco, as well as the liquids used in electronic smoking devices and equipment.
More details on the announcement can be read here
GCC Updates
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ('KSA') Updates
Amendments in KSA VAT Implementing Regulations
The General Authority of Zakat and Tax ('GAZT') in KSA has published amendments to the following sections of the Implementing Regulations.
Article 33 – Services provided to non-GCC residents
Article 65 – Security
Article 66 – Records
Article 70 – Refund of tax to designated person
Article 77 – Tax representative, tax agents and appointed person
Article 79 – Transitional provisions
The amendments (in Arabic) can be accessed here
The General Authority of Zakat and Tax ('GAZT') in KSA has issued an English version of the guide explaining the process of filing requests with GAZT.
The guide can be viewed here
VAT Return Modifications
The Bahrain National Bureau for Revenue ('NBR') has published a VAT Return Modification guide which provides guidelines on adjustments, corrections and self-amendments in the VAT return.
The guide can be accessed here
VAT Real Estate Guide
The National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) has released an updated version of the VAT Real Estate Guide. This guide also highlights the extended list of transactions which are not treated as exempt supplies of real estate.
VAT Grouping Requirements
The NBR has clarified the requirements that are to be met in order to form a VAT Group.


text:
<?php

class Dlayer_DesignerTool_FormBuilder_Date_SubTool_Delete_Ribbon extends Dlayer_Ribbon_Form
{
    /**
     * Fetch the view data for the tool tab, contains an index with the form (pre filled if necessary) and another
     * with the data required by the live preview functions
     *
     * @param array $tool Tool and environment data array
     * @return array Data array for view
     */
    public function viewData(array $tool)
    {
        $this->tool = $tool;

        return array(
            'form' => new Dlayer_DesignerTool_FormBuilder_Date_SubTool_Delete_Form(
                $tool,
                array(),
                array()
            )
        );
    }

    /**
     * Fetch the data array for the field, if in edit mode mode populate the values otherwise every value is
     * set to false, the tool form can simply check to see if the value is false or not and then set the
     * existing value
     *
     * @return array
     */
    protected function fieldData()
    {
        // TODO: Implement fieldData() method.
    }
}

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