PROGRAM NOTES 03/05/10- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia

From CHINA- China currently has 11 commercial nuclear power plants running, with plans for 57 more underway- where all the uranium will come from? Brazil has rebuffed a US appeal for new sanctions against Iran, and Iran blames the US for creating fear that their nuclear development is for weapons.

From NETHERLANDS- Radio Netherlands has eliminated SW broadcasts to North America. The decision is based on their surveys that find very few listeners in N America. If you ever listen to RN on shortwave please let them know- by email to letters@rnw.nl or send them a letter to RNW Worldwide, PO Box 222, 1200JG, Hilversum, The Netherlands.

The European Union has released a ten year plan to beat recession and stay competitive with Brazil, India, and China in technology. The Italian government TV network has pulled political talk shows off the air in the run up to regional elections.

From CUBA- Large demonstrations have been occurring in Rome in opposition to Prime Minister Berlusconi. There are accusations that the US State Department tried to block probes into Blackwater's massacres. Afghanistan has banned the news media from covering Taliban attacks. Russia is angry over the increase in heroin production in Afghanistan. The Washington Post reports that the current surge in Afghanistan is a prelude to larger military campaigns. The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for honest investigations into possible war crimes during the siege of Gaza by Israel at the start of 2009.

From RUSSIA- Israel will stay in the West Bank even if a peace treaty is signed, according to the Prime Minister. A commentary on the global expansion of NATO and the role of Russia. A commentary on the relationship between the US and Georgia.

--"Terrorism doesn't just blow up buildings; it blasts every other issue off the political map. The spectre of terrorism - real and exaggerated - has become a shield of impunity, protecting governments around the world from scrutiny for their human rights abuses."
--Naomi Klein