Portugal

Former Portuguese minister wins damages in child abuse case

Paulo PedrosoLisbon - Former Portuguese labour minister Paulo Pedroso has won damages worth 100,000 euros (145,000 dollars) for having been jailed preventatively in connection with a paedophilia scandal, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Pedroso was jailed for nearly five months in 2003 on 23 counts of child abuse. An investigating judge later deemed the evidence inconclusive and shelved the case against the Socialist politician.

A Lisbon court said the detention of Pedroso had been a "gross error," granting him financial compensation for moral damage and judicial negligence.

Polish, Portuguese presidents discuss Lisbon Treaty, Georgia

Warsaw  - Polish President Lech Kaczynski met with his Portuguese counterpart on Tuesday to discuss Georgia, Ukraine and the European Union's Lisbon Treaty.

Kaczynski said he was optimistic, along with Anibal Cavaco Silva, about the Lisbon Treaty's future, but stressed that Ireland must solve "its problem" on its own. Kaczynski added that his signature wasn't hindering the treaty's ratification, but it's the Irish no vote in a June referendum that's a hindrance.

Kaczynski also reaffirmed he was happy with the conclusions reached at Monday's EU summit on Georgia.

"I think either Nicolas Sarkozy's success in Moscow awaits us," Kaczynski said, "or the necessity to act further."

Suzlon Energy acquires 30% stake in REpower System for €270 million

Tourist plane makes emergency landing in Portugal

Tourist plane makes emergency landing in Portugal Lisbon  - A Thomas Cook Boeing 757 taking British holidaymakers to Spain's Canary Islands on Wednesday made an emergency landing in Faro, southern Portugal, airport sources said.

The sources described the landing as a part of "normal airport activity," saying it was usual for captains to land at the nearest airport when facing an "unforeseen situation."

The plane was carrying 210 passengers who had boarded it in London.

Portugal's new security laws blasted as "totalitarian"

Portugal's new security laws blasted as "totalitarian"

Alleged sighting of Madeleine in Netherlands last year probed again

London - Private detectives are investigating reports that a little girl calling herself "Maddy" was seen in the Netherlands just a few days after British toddler Madeleine McCann vanished during a

Pages