New:

• NBAA Welcomes Proposal to Create LASP Rulemaking Committee
• House Passes Legislation to Reduce Carbon-based Emissions
• FAA Discusses European Environmental Policy With NBAA
• NBAA's Letter Balances Journal's One-Sided Look at Business Aviation
• NBAA Fights to Protect BARR Program
• Now Available: New NBAA2009 Light Business Airplane Sessions

In Effect:

• NBAA Welcomes Study Concluding GA Security Threat 'Limited, Mostly Hypothetical'
• NBAA's Bolen Challenges Journal's One-Sided View of Industry
• FAA Issues SAFO on Dangers of Improperly Inflated Tires
• Coming Soon: Light Business Airplane Sessions for NBAA Convention

New UVair® Fuel Card Member Locations

Low / No Fuel Announcements

Airport Information & Scheduled Closings

Upcoming Aviation Shows, Conventions and Events

New:

• Saudi Arabia Travel Warning - 26 June
• Yemen Travel Warning - 26 June
• Sri Lanka Travel Warning - 26 June
• Honduras Travel Alert - 29 June

New:

• Mexico (Capital: Mexico City)
• Venezuela (Capital: Caracas)
• Thailand (Capital: Bangkok)
• Denmark (Capital: Copenhagen)

In Effect:

• Universal: More significant weather services than any other weather company in the world
• Weather Access Options
• This Week's Global Forecast

NBAA Welcomes Proposal to Create LASP Rulemaking Committee

From NBAA (#09-26)

"NBAA today welcomed a congressional proposal that would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to work more closely with the general aviation industry on its controversial proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) and other security initiatives. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-15-PA) introduced legislation that would require the TSA to create a rulemaking committee with general aviation (GA) industry stakeholders when developing security measures for the industry. The bill was cosponsored by eight other House members. 'This legislation shows that Congress understands that we can accomplish more good if we work together rather than separately,' said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. In the time since the TSA introduced the LASP last October, Bolen has repeatedly called for a rulemaking committee like the one envisioned in the legislation introduced today. View NBAA's release at http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2009/20090629-051.php"

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House Passes Legislation to Reduce Carbon-based Emissions

From NBAA (#09-26)

"Last week, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The bill creates a 'cap-and-trade' system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. The bill would require refiners and manufacturers to acquire carbon allowances. Aviation is not addressed in the bill, but the industry would be impacted when refiners and manufacturers pass along the costs to end users. The legislation recognizes the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the appropriate forum to develop an integrated international policy on the regulation of civil aircraft greenhouse gas emissions. No date has been set for Senate consideration of climate change legislation. To learn more about NBAA's work with other aviation stakeholders on climate change, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/issues/"

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FAA Discusses European Environmental Policy With NBAA

From NBAA (#09-26)

"The European Union continues development of its own cap-and-trade emissions policy, called the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, or 'EU-ETS.' This week, the NBAA Flight Plan podcast includes an interview with Carl Burleson, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) acting deputy assistant administrator for policy, planning and environment, about where the agency stands on emissions trading in Europe, and what the developments on the EU-ETS mean for NBAA Members. To listen to this and other NBAA Flight Plan podcasts, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/flight-plan/"

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NBAA's Letter Balances Journal's One-Sided Look at Business Aviation

From NBAA (#09-26)

"As NBAA Members know, NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association have been working to correct misperceptions about business aviation through the No Plane No Gain program, so NBAA responded when a recent article in The Wall Street Journal failed to note the many benefits of business aviation. Portions of a letter from Association President and CEO Ed Bolen were published in the June 24 edition of the paper. The letter can be reviewed at: http://www.noplanenogain.org/index.php?m=51&s=340&id=106"

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NBAA Fights to Protect BARR Program

From NBAA (#09-26)

"NBAA has taken action to protect the Association's Blocked Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program, in light of a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain Member aircraft data submitted to the FAA as part of the program. This month, NBAA filed a motion before the U.S. Federal District Court to obtain an injunction against releasing the data and requesting the court to further rule the data is not subject to FOIA releases. As a result of NBAA's filing, the government has agreed not to release the information until a ruling can be made on whether a permanent injunction would be appropriate. That ruling is expected in September; in the meantime, NBAA will keep Members advised as the case progresses and will continue to support the BARR Program. For more information about the BARR Program, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/barr/"

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Now Available: New NBAA2009 Light Business Airplane Sessions

From NBAA (#09-26)

"For the first time, the NBAA 62nd Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2009) will offer two days of Education Sessions tailored to light business airplane (LBA) owners, pilots and entrepreneurs who may be considering the value an airplane can provide to their business. Sessions will identify the top five things that aspiring LBA operators should know; considerations for entrepreneurs wishing to upgrade their aircraft; and technologies available to help owners make the least expensive and most effective use of these aircraft. The agenda for the LBA sessions – which will include a Single-Pilot Safety Standdown – is now available online via NBAA's interactive Education Sessions Guide at: http://www.nbaa.org/events/amc/2009/sessions/"

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NBAA Welcomes Study Concluding GA Security Threat 'Limited, Mostly Hypothetical'

From NBAA (#09-25)

"NBAA last week welcomed a recent report conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General concluding that 'general aviation presents only limited and mostly hypothetical threats to security.' 'The report validates what the general aviation community has said before: General aviation does not represent a significant security threat,' said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. 'The industry has always emphasized security, and in the years since the 9/11 attacks, we have remained diligent and adopted numerous measures to ensure that our aircraft, crews and passengers are safe and secure.' To review NBAA's full statement on the report, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2009/20090619-048.php"

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NBAA's Bolen Challenges Journal's One-Sided View of Industry

From NBAA (#09-25)

"NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen last week challenged a one-sided view of business aviation put forward in a front-page story by The Wall Street Journal. In a statement sent to the newspaper and made available through social networking web sites like Twitter, Bolen said the story 'greatly mischaracterized business aviation and did a disservice to tens of thousands of American companies of all sizes that rely on business aircraft to succeed, especially in these tough economic times.' Although Bolen had an extensive interview with the Journal reporter before the story was filed, none of his comments appeared in the article. To review Bolen's full statement, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/news/letters/wall-street-journal-20090619.php"

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FAA Issues SAFO on Dangers of Improperly Inflated Tires

From NBAA (#09-25)

"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety alert for operators (SAFO) to emphasize the importance of maintaining correct aircraft tire pressure. Pressure checks can be accomplished by measuring cold tire pressure at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. They are most effective when tires have been at rest for at least two hours since their last use. Aircraft tires are designed to carry heavy loads at high speeds, meaning that problems caused by incorrect tire pressure can lead to catastrophic failures. Over inflation of a tire can cause uneven wear, reduced traction and increased stress on aircraft wheels. Under inflation can increase stress on the tire, which shortens its life and can lead to tire blowouts. Following the guidance in this SAFO is important, as the FAA has identified a number of aircraft accidents where malfunctioning tires may have been a factor. For more information, review the SAFO: http://www.nbaa.org/ops/part135/faa-alerts/"

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Coming Soon: Light Business Airplane Sessions for NBAA Convention

From NBAA (#09-25)

"For the first time, NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention (AM&C) will incorporate a full schedule of programs for light business airplane (LBA) operators. Entrepreneurs and pilots who rely on small business airplanes, as well as those considering how to fit these aircraft into their business models, will have opportunities to participate in two full days of Education Sessions - including the Cessna Single-Pilot Safety Standdown - and still have an additional day to see all of the general aviation products and services on display at the AM&C. The agenda for the LBA sessions will be posted to the Association's web site in the coming weeks, and additional announcements will be forthcoming; in the meantime, those wanting to attend the event can register and make hotel reservations online by visiting: http://www.nbaa.org/2009/"

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UVair welcomes new domestic (U.S.) FBO locations that have recently joined the UVair Fueling Program. Visit any of the UVair fuel member locations to receive negotiated savings and streamlined custom billing.

Call Worldwide (713) 378-2727 or N. America (866) 882-4737, or visit uvair.com, to learn more about UVair, obtain a fuel price quote, or find a UVair location near your home base or destination.

• AeroPremier Jet Center (KNEW) - New Orleans, LA
• Bristow Air Center (KTIX) - Titusville, FL
• City Terminal New Braunfels (KBAZ) - New Braunfels, TX
• Destin Jet (KDTS) - Destin, FL
• Dixie Air Service (KTCL) - Tuscaloosa, AL
• Falcon Executive Aviation (KFFZ) - Mesa, AZ
• Front Range Airport (KFTG) - Denver, CO
• Galaxy Aviation (KCXO) - Conroe, TX
• GFK Flight Support (KGFK) - Grand Forks, ND
• Hangar Ten (KMKC) - Kansas City, MO
• Heritage Aviation (KBTV) - Burlington, VT
• Jet West (KRNO) - Reno, NV
• Key Air Treasure Coast (KFPR) - Ft. Pierce, FL
• Key Air Twin Cities (KANE) - Minneapolis, MN (Anoka Cty - Blaine)
• Lux Air Jet Centers (KGYR) - Goodyear, AZ
• Million Air Tucson (KTUS) - Tucson, AZ
• Pacific Aviation (KSWF) - Newburgh, NY
• SheltAir Aviation Services (KSAV) - Savannah, GA
• Testa Aviation d/b/a Northeast Executive Jet (KLWM) - Lawrence, MA
• Tucson Jet Center (KTUS) - Tucson, AZ
• XJet, LLC (KAPA) - Denver (Centennial), CO

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Note: All times are UTC/Zulu unless otherwise indicated.

• (ALL - Czech Republic) VAT will be charged to any operator purchasing fuel through a reseller. Those who can prove exemption will avoid excise duties.
• (DNPO) Port Harcourt, Nigeria has a limited fuel supply available. Confirm availability upon submitting a release.
• (EGNT) Newcastle, UK - ChevronTexaco is available on both main and GA ramps (must clarify which).
• (FTTJ) N'Djamena, Chad - fuel supply has returned to normal.
• (GBYD) Banjul, Gambia - fuel supply has returned to normal.
• (HADR) Dire Dawa, Ethiopia has no fuel available until further notice.
• (HAGN) Gondar, Ethiopia has no fuel available until further notice.
• (HCMM) Mogadishu, Somalia has no fuel available until further notice.
• (HHAS) Asmara, Eritrea has no fuel available until further notice.
• (HTZA) Zanzibar Island, Tanzania has an unreliable fuel supply. Advise fuel volume requirements on your fuel request and confirm availability.
• (LEBL) Barcelona, Spain - 24 hours prior notice is required to obtain fuel; or by Thursday evening for weekend fueling.
• (LRBS) Bucharest-Vlaicu, Romania has low fuel supplies. Advise volumes required and confirm availability.
• (LROP) Bucharest-Coanda, Romania has low fuel supplies. Advise volumes required and confirm availability.
• (MDCY) El Catey, Dominican Republic advises high traffic could exhaust fuel supplies. Follow up by fax and/or phone to confirm availability through 14 August.
• (MYCB) Cat Island, Bahamas has no fuel available until further notice.
• (OMDB) Dubai, United Arab Emirates - UVair fuel supplier Air BP requires prior notice for fueling. Fueling on arrival is recommended, as lengthy fueling delays are standard due to the logistics of transporting fuel across this large airport. Commercial operations take first priority, especially during the peak hours of 0430-0900. If fueling during these hours, delays will be extreme.
• (SLCO) Cobija, Bolivia has no fuel available through 5 July.
• (SPIM) Lima, Peru has possible fuel quality issues. Confirm availability prior to fueling or run the risk of no fuel.
• (SMJP) Zandery-Paramaribo, Suriname - fuel is available as normal, but due to high season, periodic outages are possible.
• (TLPL) Vieux Fort, St Lucia has limited fuel availability due to a delayed shipment. Supplies should be replenished by 3 July.

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Note: All times are UTC/Zulu unless otherwise indicated.

• (ALL - Argentina) All flights originating from the U.S. or countries south of the U.S. (Central and South America) must land at SAEZ, SABE, or SACO. All aircraft, commercial or private, must fumigate cabin prior to arrival and must show empty canister on arrival.
• (ALL - Italy) Country will restore the internal Schengen Border Controls from 28 June-15 July. Crew and passengers aboard all flights to and from Italy and any other country (including Schengen member states) will be subject to passport/border controls; non-compliance may result in fines.
• (ALL - Nepal) Airspace is open for air traffic daily between 0030-1800 ONLY, per CAA.
• (ALL - Poland) All flight crews are obliged by international law to inform the destination airport authorities if any passengers on board have symptoms of swine flu.
• (EGSS) London-Stansted will be closed between 0200-0430 on 6 July.
• (EHRD) Rotterdam will be closed daily between 2200-0400 from 6-11 July.
• (LFMN) Nice will be closed between 1045-1145 on 5 July.
• (LIML) Milan will be closed daily between 2215-0400 from 3-5 July.
• (LIPH) Treviso will be closed daily between 2100-0500 from 22 June-31 August.
• (LLBG) Tel Aviv will be closed daily (Sunday through Thursday) between 0450-0800 and 1400-1800 from 29 March-24 September and 29 September-22 Oct.
• (LFTH) Hyeres-Toulon will be closed daily between 1000-1130, and on Saturdays between 1610-1700, from 29 June-6 September.
• (MMUN) Cancun will be closed between 0730 -1130 on 5 July; 0600-1130 on 6 July, 10 July, and 13 July; and 0540-1130 on 7 July.
• (SKCG) Cartagena will be closed daily between 0500-1100 from 14-21 September and 16-30 November.
• (SPIM) Lima, Peru will be closed daily between 0650-0840 from 7-13 July.
• (TNCA) Oranjestad will be closed daily between 0300-1100 through 24 August.
• (UNNT) Novosibirsk will be closed daily between 0700-0900 through 24 October.

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(Note: Some events may require parking slots/requests. All dates are 2008 unless otherwise noted.)

13-15 August LABACE Sao Paulo, Brazil http://www.labace.aero/ 10 September NBAA Regional Forums 3/3 Las Vegas, NV http://www.nbaa.com/forums/

20-22 October NBAA Annual Meeting Orlando, FL http://www.nbaa.org/events/amc/2009/

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Partial duplication from http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_932.html

"The last major terrorist attack directed against the civilian population was an attack against French nationals in 2007. Significant improvements in the capacity and capability of Saudi security and intelligence forces have greatly improved the security environment. Although much improved, the improvements remain fragile and reversible.

"The Department of State has authorized the return of all family members to the U.S. Consulate General Dhahran and the return of adult family members and non-school age children to the U.S. Embassy Riyadh. The U.S. Consulate General Jeddah remains an unaccompanied post. While these changes reflect the continued improvement in the security climate in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, it is important to note that there remains an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas and other facilities where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may employ a wide variety of tactics and also may target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom. American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and also are advised to be aware of their surroundings when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles, and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.

"American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and also are advised to be aware of their surroundings when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles, and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.

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Partial duplication from http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_936.html

"The security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in Yemen. On the morning of September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. A number of explosions occurred in the vicinity of the Embassy's main gate. Several Yemeni security personnel and one Embassy security guard were killed, as were a few individuals waiting to gain entry to the Embassy, one of whom was a U.S. citizen.

"U.S. Embassy employees have been advised to exercise caution when choosing restaurants, hotels or visiting tourist areas in Sanaa in order to avoid large gatherings of foreigners and expatriates. Only limited travel outside of the capital is authorized at this time.

"U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Yemen despite this warning should exercise caution and take prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current. American citizens in Yemen are advised to exercise particular caution at locations frequented by foreigners countrywide, including restaurants and hotels frequented by expatriates. From time to time, the Embassy may restrict official Americans from restaurants, hotels, or shopping areas. The Department of State strongly encourages American citizens to consult the most recent Warden Messages on the U.S. Embassy website to get up-to-date information on security conditions. Americans who believe they are being followed or threatened while driving in urban centers should proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest police station or major intersection and request assistance from the officers in the blue-and-white police cars stationed there.

"The Department remains concerned about possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived interests. On March 15, 2009, four South Korean tourists were killed in a suicide bomb attack in the city of Shibam in southern Hadramout province. On March 18, 2009, a South Korean motorcade was attacked by a suicide bomber near Sana'a International Airport. On January 17, 2008, suspected al-Qa'ida operatives ambushed a tourist convoy in the eastern Hadramout Governorate, killing two Belgians. On July 2, 2007, suspected al-Qa'ida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Belquis Temple in Marib, which resulted in the deaths of eight Spanish tourists and two Yemenis. The targeting of tourist sites by al-Qa'ida may represent an escalation in terror tactics in Yemen. On February 3, 2006, 23 convicts, including known affiliates of al-Qa'ida, escaped from a high-security prison in Sanaa, some of whom remain at large. Two of the escapees were killed in vehicle-based suicide attacks on oil facilities near Mukalla and Marib on September 15, 2006. Those attacks were followed by the arrest the next day in Sanaa of four suspected al Qa'ida operatives, who had stockpiled explosives and weapons.

"The Government of Yemen has been battling al Houthi rebels in and around the northern governorate of Saada intermittently since 2004. In June 2009, a group of foreigners was attacked in Saada, resulting in three confirmed deaths. There have been no claims of responsibility in this incident and the investigation is ongoing.

"U.S. citizens traveling in Yemen should be aware that local authorities occasionally place restrictions on the travel of foreigners to parts of the country experiencing unrest. In addition, the U.S. Embassy itself often restricts travel of official personnel to the tribal areas north and east of Sanaa, such as the governorates of Amran, Al Jawf, Hajja, Marib, Saada, and Shabwa. Travelers should be in contact with the Embassy for up-to-date information on such restrictions.

"Travel by boat through the Red Sea or near the Socotra Islands in the Gulf of Aden presents the risk of pirate attacks. Since the beginning of 2009, 40 vessels reportedly have been attacked and 23 vessels seized in the area. In some cases, crew members were held for ransom. Following the April 2009 hijacking of a U.S. cargo vessel and the subsequent rescue of the vessel's captain, resulting in the deaths of three pirates, Somali pirates threatened to retaliate against American citizens transiting the region. The threat of piracy extends into the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa as well. See our International Maritime Piracy Fact Sheet. If travel to any of these areas is unavoidable, travelers may reduce the risk to personal security if such travel is undertaken by air or with an armed escort provided by a local tour company."

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Partial duplication from http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3011.html

"On May 19, 2009, the Sri Lankan government announced that it had achieved victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an armed insurgent group, after more than 25 years of civil conflict. Despite the conclusion of hostilities, remnants of the insurgency group remain. The Government of Sri Lanka's security posture remains heightened.

"The Department of State urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Sri Lanka and specifically warns Americans against travel to the Northern Province and most of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka due to the presence of uncleared land mines and the possibility of renewed insurgency. Armed paramilitaries remain active in the Eastern Province. Consular assistance to American citizens detained in the north and east may be significantly delayed. Travel to all of the Northern Province remains potentially unsafe, in particular travel to the following areas: Anuradhapura District of the North Central Province; the areas north of Medawachchiya; the A14 road; and the road from Medawachchiya and Horowupatna. Non-official travel by U.S. Government personnel to the Eastern Province, other than the A6 road corridor and Trincomalee Town in Trincomalee District and areas in Ampara District south of the A4 road and west of Maha Oya, is prohibited. Travel in some parts of the country remains highly restricted by the Sri Lankan government, with particular sensitivity concerning the large number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps.

"American citizens of Sri Lankan origin may be subject to additional scrutiny upon arrival and while in the country. In some cases, foreigners of Sri Lankan origin may be detained without their embassy being notified. The activities of journalists, researchers, aid workers, and volunteers receive particular attention. The Government of Sri Lanka encourages Sri Lankan citizens to report foreigners who are suspected of carrying out activities not consistent with the national interest and/or their visa category.

"Although no terrorist incidents have taken place since the government's declaration of military victory over the LTTE in May 2009, there remains the possibility that remnants of the organization may attempt to carry out attacks. In 2008 and early 2009, bomb explosions in densely populated areas killed dozens of civilians, including some areas frequented by foreign tourists. Although there is no specific indication that American citizens or institutions have been targeted, American citizens risk becoming victims of violence by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. American citizens who decide to travel to Sri Lanka should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow prudent security practices. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings and should particularly avoid political rallies, military bases, government and military vehicle convoys, and high security zones, which have been frequent targets of LTTE attacks. Americans are also advised against traveling by bus within Sri Lanka, as civilian buses have often been the target of past terrorist bomb attacks. American personnel in the U.S. Mission are currently prohibited from traveling by public bus.

"Recent incidents include a suicide bomb attack on January 2, 2009, near the Air Force Headquarters in Colombo which killed two and injured 32. On October 9, 2008, a suicide bomb attack on the convoy of a government minister killed one and injured six in the suburbs of Colombo. On October 6, 2008, 28 civilians were killed and 80 injured in a suicide attack on the opening of a political party office in Anuradhapura. Foreign tourists were not specifically targeted in these attacks and none were injured."

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Partial duplication from http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4526.html

"On Sunday June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. There are military or police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of sporadic demonstrations.

"The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras remain close to their homes or hotels unless their travel is of a life or death nature, or a scheduled departure from Honduras, and that U.S. citizens restrict travel within the country to necessary trips. The Government of Honduras has imposed a curfew for June 29 and June 30 from 9:00 p.m through 6:00 a.m. The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends American citizens to abide by such curfews and to check the Embassy's website for the latest information on curfews. The U.S. Embassy has restricted the travel of its staff within Honduras to necessary trips. The decision to lift or continue those restrictions will be made on a day-to-day basis.

"There have been regular demonstrations at the Presidential palace in central Tegucigalpa, and streets in the vicinity of many government offices are blocked by police or military. In general, the streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are quiet. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails, although there have been cases of occasional roadblocks."

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Mexican police on Tuesday found the remains of six people tortured and shot to death in a western state that is a focus of the government's war against drug cartels. Police found the bodies in a hole on a remote dirt road near the city of Apatzingan, Michoacan, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement. The bodies were blindfolded, gagged and showed signs of torture and multiple gunshot wounds - trademarks of drug-related homicides. Authorities said they also found a severed head - drug traffickers frequently decapitate their victims - belonging to a sixth person and bullet casings from assault rifles. None of the bodies has been identified. More than 10,800 people have been killed by drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a nationwide crackdown on organized crime in late 2006. Michoacan has been a major focus of the crackdown.

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The member-states of the Venezuelan-led ALBA bloc - Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Venezuela - on Monday ordered their ambassadors to leave Honduras until President Mel Zelaya, who was forced out by the military over the weekend, is reinstated. “In view of the categorical rejection that the international community has shown in the face of the dictatorial government that is trying to impose itself (in Honduras), we member countries of ALBA have decided to withdraw our ambassadors” from Tegucigalpa, they agreed in the Managua declaration, read by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Fander Falconi. In the declaration, signed by Presidents Evo Morales of Bolivia, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, the ALBA nations demanded that “President Zelaya be unconditionally (restored) to his legitimate duties.”

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Thai premier Abhisit Vejjajiva says he will invoke a harsh internal security act to prevent protests at a regional summit in Phuket which US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to attend. The move comes after an incident in April when anti-government protesters loyal to ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra forced the chaotic cancellation of a major Asian summit in the Thai resort of Pattaya. Abhisit said the cabinet had agreed to declare the internal security act on Phuket and 5km around the tourist island from July 10 to 24 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum. The declaration will allow the military to assist the police at the meeting, which groups foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN members plus 16 dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan and South Korea. "The cabinet has endorsed in principle the invocation of the security law during the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Phuket and surroundings," Abhisit said on Tuesday after the cabinet meeting. "We don't want a situation similar to Pattaya reoccur. This law will be used to control any incidents," he said. "All foreign countries wanted to see that security operations are our top priority. If the July meeting in Phuket goes smoothly it will give a positive image that the country has returned to normalcy.

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Escalating gang conflict in Odense has resulted in gangs stopping and searching random people on city streets. Police tape, sniffer dogs and crime scene technicians have become an all too familiar sight in the Funen city of Odense recently, as the escalating gang conflict saw seven innocent people targeted in the last two weeks. The conflict between Hells Angels support group AK81 and criminal immigrant gangs has spilled over into daylight stabbings and shootings against innocent people, reports Fyens Stiftstidende newspaper. The latest episode saw two men boxed in by two cars, before seven or eight shots were fired at their vehicle on Sunday afternoon. The men escaped unharmed and a man was later arrested in connection with the incident. Police are reporting that the gangs have stepped up their efforts against each other and civilians are getting caught in the middle. 'We have several reports of completely ordinary people being stopped and body searched on the streets of Odense by some of these people because the thought they were connected to the conflict,' said Torben Schultz-Pedersen of Funen Police.

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Access weather 24/7 with a customized Web page from ImpactWeather. This service is cost-effective, convenient, and tailored specifically to your specific needs.

To learn more about all ImpactWeather services, call toll-free (877) 792-3220 or e-mail impact@universalweather.com. You may also find us online at impactweather.com.

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TROPICAL

There are no tropical systems at this time.

VOLCANOES

Etna, Italy has an ash cloud from 12,000 to 6,000 feet moving toward the southeast at 15 knots. Batu Tara, Lesser Sunda Island, Indonesia has an ash cloud from 7,000 feet to the surface moving toward the northwest at 15 knots. Sakura-Jima, Kyushu Island, has an ash cloud from 7,000 feet to the surface moving toward the southeast at 05 knots.

NORTH AMERICA

An area of low pressure approaching New England will bring rain and thunderstorms to the region. Additional thunderstorms are likely over the central and Great Lakes region in association with an upper level low, and along Florida and the Gulf Coast due to a lingering trough. Patchy early morning fog is likely along portions of the west coast.

ATLANTIC/EUROPE

Low pressure off the southern tip of Greenland will produce rain with isolated thunderstorms expected along the associated cold front. A cold front in the eastern north Atlantic will bring rainshowers and thunderstorms to the region. Another area of thunderstorms will be associated with a low that extends into the western Atlantic. A trough of low pressure over eastern Europe will produce isolated thunderstorms along with rainshowers. An area of low pressure nearing the UK and northern Europe will also produce rainshowers with isolated thunderstorms.

ASIA

A frontal system over central Russia will produce rainshowers. Patchy morning fog is likely over portions of central and eastern Russia where high pressure dominates.

SE ASIA/PACIFIC

A cold front pushing into eastern China and Japan will produce isolated thunderstorms and rainshowers. Additional thunderstorms are likely over southeastern Asia, especially during the afternoon and evening. Low pressure and its associated cold front over the western North Pacific will produce rainshowers, isolated thunderstorms and moderate turbulence. A more complex area of low pressure over the central North Pacific will produce rainshowers and moderate low level turbulence.

SOUTH AMERICA

Clusters of thunderstorms will continue over central and northern portions of the continent. A frontal boundary over southeastern Brazil will bring rainshowers and moderate low level turbulence to the region. Patchy morning fog is likely across portions of eastern Brazil.

AFRICA

Thunderstorms are likely over central and southern Africa. Patchy morning fog is likely over portions of the Ivory Coast.

AUSTRALIA/SOUTH PACIFIC

A cold front approaching southern Australia will bring rainshowers across the region. Low pressure over New Zealand will bring rain and isolated thunderstorms to the area. Patchy morning fog is likely over portions of northeastern Australia.

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