PROGRAM NOTES 06/19/09- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia

From CHINA- China and other Asian nations are stepping up public awareness on environmental protection. North Korea is seriously opposed to the United Nations sanctions in response to their nuclear test. British Prime Minister Brown has authorized an independent inquiry into the Iraq war. Two stories about the first BRIC summit, that is Brazil, Russia, India, and China- those nations contain 40 percent of the world population. Iranian President Ahmedinejad called his election victory "the most glorious." After several days of riots and deaths in Iran, the Guardian Council agreed to a recount- then the government accused the US of fueling the post-election dispute.

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 advent of the internet and cell phones has made the events in Iran available for public scrutiny, as was the case of the murder of Oscar Grant in Oakland last New Years day. Italy has agreed to accept three Guantanamo prisoners, while US politicians reject the notion that they should be placed in the states. Human rights groups in Belgium are opposing the copper mining actions in Peru that are creating violence between indigenous people and the police. In a highly publicized speech, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed a Palestinian state, but left out settlement policies and the right of Palestinian refugees to return home.

From CUBA- Jimmy Carter visited the Gaza Strip and reported on the destruction by Israeli troops in the final days of the Bush administration. The US Supreme Court has refused to review the conviction of the Cuban 5. Brazilian President Lula de Silva spoke at the United Nations about reforming international financial policies.

From RUSSIA- The Georgian opposition leader has accused the US Ambassador of meddling with domestic affairs. The Russian President Medvedev encouraged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to exchange local currencies and move to creating a common reserve currency.

--"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic."
--John F Kennedy