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Obama: Stimulus Plan 'On Target'
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US president Barack Obama says he expects Congress to approve massive new package within weeks to help stimulate battered US economy
President Barack Obama speaks in Oval Office of White House, 22 Jan 2009 U.S. President Barack Obama said he expects Congress to approve a
massive new package within weeks to help stimulate the battered U.S.
economy.Mr. Obama met Friday with top Congressional Democrats
and Republicans. He cautioned that the U.S. economy is facing an
"unprecedented" crisis - but said he expects his new recovery plan to
create three million to four million new jobs. And he said Congress is
"on target" to approve the stimulus package by mid-February -
President's Day weekend.The president also stressed the need
for increased accountability and transparency to ensure that government
financial "bailout" money is used appropriately.Republicans
have expressed concern about whether a proposed $825 billion stimulus
plan crafted by Democrats will accomplish its goals of creating jobs
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENTS• MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS • THEATRE AND LIVE PERFORMANCE• FILM • FAMILY ACTIVITIES • LOCAL EVENTS • FOOD
‘China in London 2009’ is a season of events celebrating Chinese culture, featuring films, exhibitions and activities for children at venues across the capital.
As well as the Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday 1 February, this year's programme includes ‘Shanghai Week’ which will focuses on China’s largest city, as it prepares to host the World Expo in 2010. Shanghai Week is organised by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Mayor of London.
Mayor Boris Johnson said:
“My very best wishes to everyone for Chinese New Year, 2009. This, I gather, is the year of the Ox - a symbol of strength, patience and fortitude. It is curiously appropriate in the current climate, and those qualities will certainly help see us through the difficult times ahead.
“I would like to thank Chinese people all over London for their huge contribution to this city and the London Chinatown Association for what I am sure will be another fabulous festival this year, enjoyed by Londoners and visitors alike.“
Shanghai Week events include Treasures from Shanghai at the British Museum; The Expo Forum at the Victoria & Albert Museum and 'Images of Shanghai' a photographic exhibition at City Hall.
China in London also includes the London Chinese Film Festival at the BFI Southbank and Odeon, Covent Garden, plus events at the Museum of London in Docklands, National Portrait Gallery, Cockpit Theatre; Broadway Theatre, Barking and Camden Town Hall.
Ends
Key events include:
· Chinese New Year Celebration 2009 'The Year of the Ox' Sunday 1 February, 12:00 – 18.00pm, FREE
Chinatown, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Shaftesbury Avenue London's celebration for the Chinese New Year of the Ox includes traditional and contemporary Chinese entertainment in Trafalgar Square with performances from artists from Qinghai and Kunming provinces in China. Plus fireworks in Leicester Square, cultural stalls, food, decorations and lion dance displays in Chinatown and performance stage with local Chinese artists in Shaftesbury Avenue. HaiBao, the mascot of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo will take part in the event. Organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association http://www.chinatownchinese.co.uk/ (PRESS IMAGES AVAILABLE)
· Images of Shanghai'- photo exhibition of Shanghai and Expo 2010
Exhibition documenting the urban look of Shanghai and planning for the Shanghai Expo Park. The Expo site, located on both sides of the Huangpu River, will house pavilions representing over 200 countries and international organisations30 January - 27 February, Monday - Friday, and open weekend, 31 January -1 February. City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA (PRESS IMAGES AVAILABLE)
· The Expo Forum: From London to Shanghai, Inheritance and Innovation - Wisdom in Urban Development
In 2010, China will hold her first registered World Exposition in Shanghai, which will explore the full potential of urban life in the 21st century, a significant period in urban evolution. This seminar brings together the custodians of the legacy of the first Great Exhibition, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the organizers of the first World Expo to be held in China.
Thursday January 29. 14:00 - 17:30
Lecture Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL Website: www.vam.ac.uk. FREE, advance booking required
· 'Treasures from Shanghai' - Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Jades.
This display brings together examples of bronzes and jades from the Shanghai Museum collection. It explores their role in ancient China as ritual objects and demonstrates their powerful legacy for later generations. Organised by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, V&A and LDA.
30 January - 27 March, Room 2, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Contact: www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk FREE, all ages
Notes to editors
1. The capital's Chinese New Year celebrations are organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association with support from the Mayor of London, Chinese Embassy in the UK, Westminster City Council, and others. Media wishing to attend must pre-register for accreditation. To register, email emmajohnston_pr@yahoo.co.uk AND communitydesk@london.gov.uk For press information contact Emma Johnson at emmajohnston_pr@yahoo.co.uk or call 07813 842 133.
2. More information about Shanghai Week and China in London can be found at www.visitlondon.com/china.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Press information is available from Rachelle Laurence or Ben McKnight on 020 7983 4499 / 4071 or email communitydesk@london.gov.uk
GENERAL PUBLIC/NON-MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Public Liaison Unit at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4100
DUTY PRESS OFFICER: For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call 020 7983 4000
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