Briefs: Taiwan aviation agreement to be enforced this year

The Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau, Lu Chang-shui, believes that the new aviation agreement between Macau and Taiwan, which was signed in February, will come into force within the year. Mr Lu said that the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan was unable to discuss the agreement in the first half of the year. However, he suggested that the agreement would be brought to the Taiwanese legislature in the second half of 2014. The office head also believes that there will not be any major controversy regarding the agreement, since both governments signed it.  Lu Chang-shui hopes that the agreement can come into force as soon as possible, because it will be beneficial for both parties. He also revealed that at least one carrier has indicated its interest in opening a new Macau-Taiwan aviation route. The agreement has removed the limit on flight capacity between Macau and Taiwan to destinations including Taipei and Kaosiung, as well as allowing charter flights to be operated between Macau and other Taiwanese cities.

Father Albino Pais passes away

The former editor-in-chief (director) of weekly Catholic newspaper “O Clarim,” Fr. Albino Pais, has passed away in Portugal. Fr. Albino Pais headed the second oldest newspaper in Macau (founded in 1948) since 1985, before returning to Portugal to undergo medical treatment during the summer of 2013. The Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) issued their condolences, stating that Fr. Albino Pais knew “how to conciliate his evangelical mission as a priest with the demands of journalism.”