1. EUROPEAN BEACHES
The cleanest beaches in Europe are in Cyprus and Greece, according to a report released by the EU May 31. Cyprus had a score of 99 percent compliance with the EU’s strictest standards, and Greece scored 96 percent. Spain’s ocean beaches scored 92.7 percent, while at the bottom of the list were Luxembourg and Poland. Luxembourg’s inland beaches scored only 35 percent, while Poland’s inland beaches rated 83 percent and its Baltic Sea beaches scored 85.7 percent.
2. FIJI
The state of emergency imposed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama after a bloodless military coup in December 2006 was scheduled to be lifted June 7.
3. ITALY
Strikes could affect air and rail service in Italy later this month. Alitalia technicians plan to strike for four hours June 18, and Italy’s air traffic controllers have called a four-hour strike for June 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Italian State Railroad workers intend to walk out for 24 hours June 21-22.
4. SPAIN
The Basque separatist group ETA ended its “permanent cease-fire” June 6, claiming that the minimum conditions for continuing negotiations with the government did not exist. The government halted peace talks in December after an ETA bombing at Madrid airport killed two, an incident ETA claimed did not mean the cease-fire was over. Officials are concerned that the move by ETA may mean another attack is imminent.
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Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
