Official: Donations, relief funds to be used effectively WATCH VIDEO Source: CCTV.com | 05-20-2008 19:00 Special Report: Strong quake jolts SW China The Ministry of Civil Affairs has briefed the media on the central government efforts to resettle the survivors. The Ministry says it will ensure the effective and transparent use of donations and allocated relief funds. It will also provide long-term help for rebuilding homes. The Ministry of Civil Affairs says more than 360000 people in the quake zone have now been saved or relocated. And with over 5-million locals displaced, the ministry is considering short-term and long-term plans for resettlement. Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Jiang Li said, “We encourage these people first to go to live in homes of relatives and friends, who are not affected by the disaster. Second, All safe public facilities, such as gymnasiums and government buildings are open to displaced people. Third, we are setting up more settlement spots for them. We are trying to ensure homeless people have basic places to live as well as food, drink and other basic necessities. For the next step, we will work hard to solve the problem of post-disaster reconstruction. ” The Ministry will also allocate 600 yuan a month per person for those children, disabled or elderly who lost their means of support in the earthquake. The ministry also described the adoption measures for orphans. Li Bo, Dir. of Social Welfare of Ministry of Civil Affairs, said, “Local …
An event featuring a red kangaroo goaded into fighting a human clown at a festival in the US, designed to celebrate all things Australian, has been cancelled. The borderfest festival in Hidalgo, Texas, features an event called Rocky Show Circus, involving two kangaroos and their owner, Javier Martinez, who dons the clownsuit. Martinez baits the kangaroo by pushing it and poking it before placing it in a headlock. If Rocky fights back too much, Martinez’s wife Sandra restrains it using a heavy tether attached to a harness around the animal’s chest. The American arm of Kraft – the owners of Vegemite – was sponsoring the show, which claimed to be a celebration of all things Australian. Kraft Foods Australia says it is pleased that the show was cancelled. “We understand the borderfest Association, which organises this annual cultural celebration, has apologised for offending anyone, particularly the people of Australia, with the kangaroo boxing display,” said Kraft spokesman Simon Talbot. “That portion of the event has been cancelled. “Kraft Foods is pleased they’ve taken this proactive stance.” Martinez has defended the show, saying the kangaroos are in control at all times. “You cannot force a kangaroo to do nothing,” he said. “(Kangaroos) only do what they want to do so we don’t make them work, you work around them.” But Martinez is known to US animal welfare authorities, having been on their watch list since 2003, when two kangaroos he was caring for died within four …
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