Brussels, May 22 (EFE).- The heads of state and government of the European Union are holding a summit Wednesday in an effort to make more progress in fighting tax evasion and tax fraud. EU leaders are targeting tax crimes both within the borders of their countries and in foreign tax havens despite the reluctance of Austria and Luxembourg. The leaders of the EU's 27 member states are expected to give the go ahead to the European Commission to negotiate new agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino to expand exchanges of bank informaiton.

While 20 years ago Eritreans danced to celebrate their newly gained independence, on May 24 this year few have much to smile about other than fond memories of happier times. "There is so much to be proud about as a nation," said Emmanuel Tesfai, a former fighter who battled during the 30-year war to win his country's freedom from Ethiopia. "But there is no space for political freedom in the country today," he said, speaking from exile in Kenya.

By Lee Joon-sung SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's private aid to North Korea has effectively been frozen in the face of heightened inter-Korean tensions that are undermining the foundation of local help organizations and hurting mutual trust building efforts, sources said Wednesday.

Brasilia, May 21 (EFE).- Spain's development minister said here Tuesday that Spanish companies were prepared to meet all expectations for the high-speed rail Brazil wants to build. "We're able to not only do the structure, but also do the superstructure, the electrification systems, the security systems and the rail-traffic control systems," Ana Pastor said after a series of meetings with senior officials in Brazil's infrastructure sector.