ACC Changes - Chechnya - East Timor - Ernest Adams Jobs Go - Northshore Liquor - Banks

ACC CHANGES: Cullen bound to get ACC legislation wrong says Murray McCully. He says the new PM given an undertaking to do it properly. Michael Cullen however says he is not moving too fast and says he appreciates that two bills may be necessary to complete the job.

CHECHNYA: Chechen President says he is willing to talk to the Russian Government if the OSCE talks too. Meanwhile Russian PM Vladimir Putin is angrily accusing the West of using inappropriate language in its criticisms of Russia's campaign in Chechnya.

EAST TIMOR: UN Secretary General says he will appoint a commander from the Philippines to lead the peace-keeping effort in East Timor. An Australian will be the deputy.

ERNEST ADAMS JOBS GO: The National Distribution Union wants to audit plans made for the closure of Ernest Adams plants in Christchurch costing 139 jobs. The plan has been announced by the baking company's new owner Goodman Fielder.

NORTHSHORE LIQUOR: Northshore City Council is cracking down on liquor outlets caught selling liquor to minors. Two outlets have been closed.

BANKS: Banks are prepared for a possible run of cash inspite of their confidence that they can deal with the Y2k computer bug.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

CONTACT ALASTAIR THOMPSON

• Mobile - 021707044
• Twitter - @althecat
• Google+

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz