Fed: Main stories in today s AM program

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2001
Fed: Main stories in today s AM program

SYDNEY, April 10 AAP - The main stories in today's 0800 (AEST) edition of the ABC's AM program:

* US diplomats meet spy plane crew held in China. President George W Bush says the
longer the crew are not returned the more relations are jeopardised. Interview with White
House spokesman. Interview with former Indiana congressman Lee Hamilton.

* Australia steps up diplomatic pressure on Laos to return two Australians imprisoned
on suspicion of involvement in disappearance of gemstones. Interview with Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer who says it's disgraceful that the couple have been held in prison for
four months without being charged.

* Civil Aviation Safety Authority says it will take immediate action to investigation
ongoing problems with Ansett planes. CASA spokesman Peter Gibson says the problems are
very serious this time. National secretary of the Australian Manufacturers Union Doug
Cameron says the deregulation of the industry has created a cost cutting culture. Ansett
spokesman Jeff Linch.

* John Howard in Kalgoorlie in West Australia where major mine was closed.

* MPs, workers, union leaders and neighbours of the Bradmill plant in Melbourne met
to plead for the government to help keep the textile giant in the country. Interview with
Textile Clothing & Footwear Union spokeswoman.

* Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad leadership is under criticism. Interview
with Malaysian political analyst.

* National Foods Manufacturing director says dairy deregulation has pushed prices in
the milk market to an unsustainable level.

* Teachers are considering striking at South Australia's Oak Valley school to protest
against lack of resources. The government has failed to fulfil its promise of a new school.

Interview with Stan Farmer from the teachers' union.

AAP kn/mb/br

KEYWORD: AM SUMMARY

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