News, July 2007

July, general news roundup.

The second half of the month was one of winding down towards the holdiays in most areas of life. New regional governments took their places, just in time to close for another month! More presumed ETA terrorists were arrested in a variety of places. A member of the CNI (State Security Agency) was arrested: having been apparently under cover in ETA, he had then sold secrets to a foreign power, presumably Russia. Illegal migration in small boats led to more needless deaths, but Catalonia saw first temporary agricultural harvest workers arriving from Senegal in attempt to redirect the flow through legal means. Power was cut for 3 days in Barcelona due to a power line falling on a transformer, while fire in an affected sub-station caused a domino effect. Much of western Mallorca also had cuts for a day due to a fire. Forest fires in the Canary islands destroyed one third of the woodland on Grand Canary as well as large tracts of Tenerife. Andalusia was also hit by fires. Temperatures were about 'normal' for the time of year, meaning very hot, but not as bad as the past few years.

Other recent news includes: 10th ETA terrorist Aritz Arginzoniz Zubiarre arrested in Santander bus station - he had just placed bag with gun and bomb material in 'left luggage' - 12th arrest worldwide since end of 'ceasefire'; opposition leader Rajoy promises lower taxes in early pre-election round and 3 days after 'losing' State of Nation debate; Catalan government lowers to 80kmh (50 mph) speed limit on all freeways close to Barcelona - to reduce its terrible contamination; women demand their own San Fermin run in Pamplona, but with cows instead of bulls! 7th: Zapatero announces cabinet reshuffle; San Fermín bull running week in Pamplona; 3rd: 7 killed, 6 injured in attack on Spanish tourists in Yemen; 2 ETA suspects arrested close to Paris; State of the Nation debate in Congress; unemployment down 37,000 on last year; 3-11 trial ready for sentencing; June 30th: Ibiza airport closed due to ETA bomb scare as Glasgow al-Qaeda attack hits holiday flights from Britain.

Earlier news headlines: click here.