AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, Aug 25

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2001
AAP National News Wire Round-Up for Breakfast, Aug 25
Breakfast Round-Up: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AAP RTV FILE AT 0430

US Microsoft court (WASHINGTON)

A federal appeals court has sent Microsoft's antitrust case back to a lower court to
decide what remedies should be imposed for the software firm's illegal use of its monopoly
in personal computer operating systems.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia announced the return of the case
to the District Court on its web site.

The development comes at a crucial time for Microsoft, which plans to begin shipping
its new Windows XP operating system to computer makers today, ahead of a widespread retail
release planned for October 25.



Tax MacFarlane(SYDNEY)

The future of Small Business Minister IAN MACFARLANE is in doubt after he conceded
last night he knew of concerns about a claim for a GST rebate by his local Liberal Party
branch as early as December.

The Australian newspaper says the admission is in contrast to Mr MACFARLANE's statements
in parliament and interviews earlier this week in which he said he knew nothing until
March of the Groom electorate council's concerns about claiming a rebate on a fund-raising
dinner.

The Opposition has called for Mr MACFARLANE to resign or be sacked for misleading parliament.

The Australian says Mr MACFARLANE said last night he had never discussed the matter
with Treasurer PETER COSTELLO or any of his staff, in contrast to his statement in an
interview on Thursday night.



Maintrain end (SYDNEY)

The long-running Maintrain rail maintenance dispute has been resolved, with the company
agreeing to protect workers' entitlements.

New South Wales Transport Minister CARL SCULLY has welcomed news that an agreement's
been reached between the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Maintrain.

Mr SCULLY says the protection of entitlements is a fundamental principle and he's pleased
the company and union have agreed to a solution.



Kayak (MELBOURNE)

The man allegedly behind one of Australia's biggest known drug importations has appeared
in a Melbourne court following a $2 billion haul.

ANTONIOS MOKBEL, aged 36, of Pascoe Vale in Melbourne, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates
Court on 11 charges resulting from an early morning drug bust.

MOKBEL is accused of trafficking in a variety of illegal drugs including methamphetamine,
amphetamine, LSD, cocaine, and other hallucinogenics.



Power (SYDNEY)

Urgent talks are under way between the New South Wales government and unions to protect
1,200 mining jobs after the state government announced it will sell off six coal mines.

Treasurer MICHAEL EGAN has confirmed the government has begun the process of selling
Powercoal, which operates the underground mines in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and
Lithgow areas.

He says the government will continue discussions with unions about employment issues
arising in the event of a sale.



Airport sale (SYDNEY)

The sale of Sydney airport may reap the federal government nearly $5 billion, but it
could also mean more noise for Sydney residents.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the top bid for the airport is believed to be
about $4.8 billion.

The bid exceeds the original expectations of between $3 billion and $4 billion for the sale.

Helping to boost the price have been dramatic increases in landing fees and a push
to have airlines operate only bigger aircraft at the airport -- increasing flight frequency
and noise.



Fiji Aust (CANBERRA)

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says three Australians will take part in observer
missions for the Fiji general elections which begin tomorrow.

Mr DOWNER says providing observers to the multilateral observer missions shows Australia
shares the international community's desire for Fiji to return to democracy and constitutionality.

Fiji's elections run until September 1.



Mideast Bush (CRAWFORD)

US President GEORGE W BUSH says Palestinian leader YASSER ARAFAT must make a 100 per
cent effort to halt terrorism before he can expect a dialogue with Israel.

The president has also called on Israeli Prime Minister ARIEL SHARON to show restraint
in dealing with the Palestinians.

But he made it clear that ARAFAT shoulders more of the burden, saying the Palestinian
leader can do a better job of cracking down on the violence.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has blown up two houses used by gunmen in a deep thrust
into a Palestinian-ruled area of the West Bank city of Hebron.



US tyres (McALLEN)

Bridgestone/Firestone has reached a reported $A14 million settlement in a lawsuit filed
by a Texas family after an accident that left a woman paralysed.

The amount was not announced, but two sources familiar with the settlement say it is
worth $A14 million.

The lawsuit was brought by Dr JOEL RODRIGUEZ, a physician whose 39-year-old wife, MARISA,
is paralysed and must use a wheelchair after the crash of a Ford Explorer with Firestone
tyres on a Mexican road in March last year.

RODRIGUEZ says the family is pleased with the settlement.



BRIEFLY...




The Federal Government has given permission for the body of the so-called unknown sailor
to be exhumed from it's Christmas Island burial place.




A new study has found that the Spanish siesta encourages worker productivity, lowers
stress and reduces mental saturation.



AND IN SPORT...



Cricket Aust (LONDON)

England is one for 80 in reply to Australia's four declared for 641 at stumps on day
two of the fifth and final cricket Test at The Oval In London.

MARCUS TRESCOTHICK on 55 and MARK BUTCHER 10 guided England through to stumps after
SHANE WARNE bowled MICHAEL ATHERTON for 13 to end a 58 run opening stand.

Earlier, Australian captain STEVE WAUGH scored 157 not out and added 197 for the third
wicket with his brother MARK, who made 120.

He also added an unbroken stand of 107 with DAMIEN MARTYN, who finished unbeaten on 64.

STEVE WAUGH notched his 27th Test century and MARK WAUGH his 20th, while first day
century maker JUSTIN LANGER did not resume after retiring hurt yesterday on 102.



League Bulldogs (SYDNEY)

The Bulldogs have snatched a thrilling 16-14 victory over the Sharks to secure second
spot on the National Rugby League ladder.

The Sharks led 14-8 at halftime at the Sydney Showground but the Dogs produced a sensational
and controversial try in the 66th minute to lock up the scores.

WILLIE TALAU scored after a couple of kicks and quick hands but the video referee needed
several replays to award the touchdown.

Six minutes later, Sharks prop JASON STEVENS went on report for a tackle on CRAIG POLLA-MOUNTER
and HASEM EL MASRI kicked the penalty to give the Bulldogs the win.



Rugby Bribe (LONDON)

Welsh rugby centre ALLAN BATEMAN claims he was offered more than $A13,000 to deliberately
throw a Five Nations match in Ireland 11 years ago.

BATEMAN has made the allegation in his autobiography which is due to be released in September.

His claim follows a revelation from international colleague MARK RING who claims to
have been offered more than $A80,000 to influence the result of the same match.

For legal reasons, BATEMAN has refused to reveal the identity of the man who approached
him but says he is not a former player.



ENDS BREAKFAST ROUND-UP





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