PROGRAM NOTES 07/02/10- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia.

From CHINA- At the G20 summit Chinese President Hu Jintao called for a new international financial order that is fair and equitable. Heavy rains and floods continued to raise the death toll in China. Google agreed to quit rerouting Chinese internet users in order to keep its license to operate there. More drug dealers were executed in China in the ongoing crackdown, and the government stated its concerns about youth and drug abuse. The Prime Minister of Nepal resigned to save a peace process with Maoist rebels.

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.

Human Rights Watch accused Germany, France and Britain of using intelligence obtained through torture in the so-called "war on terror." The European Union passed new laws preventing bankers and traders from excessive bonuses. The Italian government wants to overturn a ban on crucifixes is the classroom. Manuel Noriega's trial on money laundering was held this week in France.

From CUBA- The US and Afghan forces launched a major assault along the Pakistan border, and at least 10 died in Pakistan from another US drone attack. Turkey closed its airspace to some Israeli air traffic in protest of the Gaza flotilla raids. Fidel Castro warned that very soon the US and Israel will attack Iran launching a new war. Leaders at the G20 summit announced a goal of cutting government deficits in half , but failed to create rules to control big banks. The US will continue to control the South Korean military until 2015. Then a review of the one year anniversary of the coup in Honduras.

From RUSSIA- A commentary on the arrest in the US of 10 people accused of being Russian spies. An observation on statement by British military and political leaders that the Taliban in Afghanistan cannot be beaten by military force.

--"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."
--Krishnamurti