National Radio 8am Bulletin
PM and Chile – Mothers With AIDS – Fishing Rescue – US Primary Elections – DNA Testing – Israel – Polytechnics – Legal Aid – Wine Rare
PM AND CHILE: The PM is preparing to negotiate international political tensions as she heads towards Chile. Helen Clark says that everybody will be talking about Pinochet at the Presidential inauguration.
MOTHERS WITH AIDS: Medical professionals urged to ask pregnant mothers whether they are at any risk of having AIDs. Routine testing for pregnant women could reduce the risk of passing the illness on to their children.
FISHING RESCUE: Help is close at hand for 18 people aboard a fishing boat floundering 40km north of the Chatham Islands.
US PRIMARY ELECTIONS: John McCain has announced he is no longer an active candidate in the primary race to become the republican candidate in the upcoming Presidential elections. Barring unforseen circumstances McCain’s suspension probably means an end. Meanwhile Bill Bradley has withdrawn from the Democratic race.
DNA TESTING: Doubts about the reliability of DNA evidence have been raised by two inquiries into the mix-up of DNA evidence in two cases. Police remain keen on DNA testing.
ISRAEL: Egyptian President says prospects of Middle East peace are brightening following a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
POLYTECHNICS: The Association of Polytechnics is predicting that more institutions will be seeking government assistance following a bailout granted to Wairarapa’s polytech.
LEGAL AID: In the 7 months to the end of January legal aid claims have fallen $9 million under the sum expected.
WINE RARE: The millennium harvest of sauvignon blanc is expected to be significantly down this year. The wine will be of high quality however.