Delays were being reported this morning on several main arteries in the north as a result of another morning of protests by truckers opposed to the government closure of several quarries. The truckers clogged the roads with slow-moving convoys, resulting in serious delays, as quarry laborers staged disruptive public demonstrations, as well. However, by the afternoon, the striking workers had responded to an appeal by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that they suspend their activities and allow negotiations an opportunity to produce results today. The quarries in question were to be closed as their licenses ran out, but the quarry owners refused to take part in renewed government tenders for the right to continue mining operations.
Government statistics show that 45,000 businesses and stores closed their doors in 2002. Officials reported today that in 2001 and 2002, the number reached a total of 82,000 defunct enterprises. If immediate action is not taken to reverse the trend, the officials said, the results may be disastrous.
In positive economic news, an American investor has decided to purchase a shopping center in centrally-located Ganei Tikvah for 10 million dollars. The property purchased includes a public park and offices adjacent to the shopping center. The Africa-Israel Group and the Migdal insurance company were the previous owners of the property.
Government statistics show that 45,000 businesses and stores closed their doors in 2002. Officials reported today that in 2001 and 2002, the number reached a total of 82,000 defunct enterprises. If immediate action is not taken to reverse the trend, the officials said, the results may be disastrous.
In positive economic news, an American investor has decided to purchase a shopping center in centrally-located Ganei Tikvah for 10 million dollars. The property purchased includes a public park and offices adjacent to the shopping center. The Africa-Israel Group and the Migdal insurance company were the previous owners of the property.