PROGRAM NOTES 07/03/09- This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia

From CHINA- China had delayed the installation of mandatory software that filters out access to pornography and violence on the internet. There has been a large increase in the number of weather-related disasters in China since the 1990s. China's central bank has reiterated its call for a new super-sovereign reserve currency, to counteract the instability of the dollar. China is working to reopen 6-party talks with North Korea, saying that it is the best way to denuclearize the peninsula. Venezuelan President Chavez says he is strengthening his military for defense against the US. US President Obama hailed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraqi cities.

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.

An analysis of the US troop withdrawal from Iraqi cities by Phyllis Bennis from the Institute For Policy Studies in Washington DC. A report on the growing influence of lobbyists on European politics- is the European Union a democracy or a lobbyocracy?

From CUBA- A report on the demonstrations Monday in Honduras, the day after the President was kidnapped in the course of a military coup. By Wednesday the military was accused of trying to create the conditions of civil unrest that would justify their occupation- President Zelaya says he will return to Honduras this Saturday in the company of other Latin American leaders. 10,000 Pakistanis rallied Sunday to protest the continuing attacks by US military drones. The Israeli government announced plans to expropriate a new swath of the occupied West Bank, 54 square miles of territory.

From RUSSIA- All casinos in Russia closed permanently on July 1st, with the exception of 4 remaining in remote regions. The Guardian newspaper has launched a contest to get citizens to investigate elected officials expenses. The reality of a hydrogen powered car may be closer than was thought, according to the manufacturer of the Riverside Urban Car.

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