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/ 12 January 2007

Labour Department to ‘blitz’ Free State

South Africa’s Department of Labour has warned employers in the northern Free State to ”brace themselves” for intensive workplace inspections to check compliance with the country’s labour laws. Sectors which would be targeted for inspections would include private security, contract cleaning, wholesale and retail, manufacturing and construction.

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/ 12 January 2007

Russia risks losing EU contracts for energy supply

The European Union on Thursday warned Russia that it must guarantee the reliability of all future oil and gas supplies to Europe or risk the loss of energy contracts and a scaling-down of political contacts. "We have told them [Moscow] that the disruptions to oil supplies we have seen in the last few days must never, never happen again," said Andris Piebalgs, EU energy commissioner.

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/ 12 January 2007

Right-wing fury at first Arab in Israeli Cabinet

Amir Peretz, the Israeli defence minister and leader of the Labour party, on Thursday appointed Israel’s first Arab Cabinet minister — and was accused of dealing a "lethal blow to Zionism" by right-wingers. Raleb Majadele was appointed minister for science and technology, but critics believe that Peretz made the appointment to ensure that Arab support him in a forthcoming leadership election.

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/ 12 January 2007

World markets give JSE a boost

The JSE was roaring ahead in noon trade on Friday fuelled by stronger world markets. Gains were widespread and advancers outnumbered decliners on the all share index by four to one. By 11.57am, the all share index added 1,05%. Industrials and financials firmed 0,99% and 0,73% respectively, while the banks index was 0,25% better.

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/ 12 January 2007

Eritrea warns of ‘consequences’ for US

Eritrea warned the United States on Friday that its involvement in Somalia would ”incur dangerous consequences” following a US air strike in the Horn of Africa nation targeting al-Qaeda suspects. Eritrea has, in a matter of years, gone from being a US ally to one of its staunchest opponents, analysts say.

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/ 12 January 2007

All eyes on Mbeki at keynote ANC speech

President Thabo Mbeki will on Saturday deliver a keynote speech during celebrations to mark the African National Congress’s (ANC) 95th anniversary as South Africa’s ruling party prepares to elect a new leader later this year. The speech should be the last anniversary address made by Mbeki as president of the ANC unless he seeks an unprecedented third term.

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/ 12 January 2007

Buthelezi: Answer to crime a decentralised state

It is critical to win the political argument that a decentralised state is more effective than a unitary state in delivering essential services, including crime fighting, says Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Buthelezi, noting that the South African state’s number one obligation is to protect its citizens, argued that policing in South Africa remains highly centralised.