Thu, Jan 09, 2003 page3

• Taiwan quick take

  • STAFF WRITER, WITH AGENCIES
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  ■Justice

  Sex book leads to indictment

  A prosecutor has indicted a Japanese man for importing a controversial guidebook for sex-tourists in Taiwan's two biggest cities, officials said yesterday. Prosecutor Chen Hung-ta (陳宏達) from the Taipei District Court told reporters the guidebook was imported by Daisuke Sekine, the former chief of Japan's Kinokuniya bookstore in Taipei. Graphic photos in the book contravened Taiwanese obscenity laws, Chen told reporters. He said Sekine had defended himself by claiming the book simply depicted Taiwan nightlife and was not aware it was illegal. Sekine is since believed to have been transferred by his employers to Sydney and any punishment will be handed out in absentia. Under Taiwanese law, Sekine could be sentenced to up to three years in jail but legal experts said he is likely to be fined or given a probation. The book, which was published by a Japanese publishing house, sparked an outcry here last year. Since then the Japanese publisher has recalled the books after a protest from the Taiwanese government.

  ■ Globalization

  Taiwan slips in ranking

  A study by A.T. Kearney and Foreign Policy magazine published yesterday ranks Taiwan as the world's 34th most globalized nation, two positions behind its ranking last year. The study said that the 10 top countries meeting its annual globalization index are, in order: Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Austria, the UK and Finland. The US ranked 11th, followed by France, Norway, Portugal, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Germany, Malaysia, Israel and Spain. China ranked 51st. Ireland is the "most global nation" for the second year in a row, thanks to its ability to socially integrate and maintain robust trade and investment with the rest of the world. According to A.T. Kearney, a global management firm, and Foreign Policy magazine, the globalization index measures economic, social, political and technological integration in 62 countries that represent 85 percent of the world's population and are responsible for 95 percent of the world's economic output.

  ■ Justice

  Lo allowed to leave country

  The Taipei District Court granted former legislator Lo Fu-chu (羅福助) permission to leave the country conditionally two days ago, despite the fact that the court is still preparing cases accusing him of fraud, breach of trust and other charges. According to a CNA report, Lo's lawyer, Chung Yung-sheng (鐘永盛) was reported as saying yesterday that Lo is traveling to Hong Kong to handle matters related to the extension of a bank loan.

  ■ Weather

  Cold front expected

  While rainy weather let up yesterday and temperatures rose, forecasters from the Central Weather Bureau said another cold front is expected to reach Taiwan tomorrow. According to the bureau, Tamsui was the coldest place in Taiwan early yesterday morning at 11.1°C, followed by Chiayi at 12.1°C, Taichung at 12.3°C and Taipei at 13.1°C. In the day-time, temperatures rose to 19°C in northern Taiwan, 23°C in Central Taiwan and 24°C in the southern areas. The bureau forecasts improved conditions for today, but it is expected the cold front will move south tomorrow. The front will not bring as cold weather as the previous front, and the lowest temperatures will probably hover around 12°C. The front, which will bring dry weather, will remain for approximately two days. Another cold front is forecast to arrive on Jan. 15.
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