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May
20
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Rhubarb Stew
Watch an audio slideshow of how traditional Icelandic rhubarb stew is made. Rhubarb is one of the few vegetables that grows effortlessly in Iceland and for that reason it used to be a highly-valued addition to the traditional diet of fish and lamb.
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01.03.2012 | 19:03
Financial Supervisory Authority Chief Booted
In a surprise turn of even the board of the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) decided to fire Gunnar Andersen, the Director General. He had already been served with a notice that the board wanted to fire him, but as a state employee, he had the right to write a report in defense of himself.
In a statement this morning the FSA board said: “The Board of Directors of the Financial Supervisory Authority (FME) has today given notice to Gunnar Þ. Andersen, the Authority's Director General, of its decision to terminate his contract of employment. This step is taken after careful consideration and following the Board's detailed examination of documentation and arguments in the case.
The reason for the dismissal is the failed premises for Gunnar Andersen's fulfilment of his duties, as his eligibility is insufficient. This arises from events in his past as one of the managing directors of Landsbanki Íslands hf.
Added to this is the fact that FME received indications yesterday that Gunnar may have committed an offence in the course of duty by obtaining confidential information from the banking system unlawfully. The Board of Directors of FME reported the matter to the police this morning and Gunnar has ceased work, effective immediately. FME's Chief Legal Counsel, Unnur Gunnarsdóttir, has provisionally assumed the position of Director General.
During his employment with Landsbanki Íslands hf., Gunnar served as Chairman of the Board of two offshore companies of Landsbanki and participated in providing FME with misleading or actually incorrect information on the existence of these companies. For this reason the Board of Directors of FME considers him to be ineligible to serve as Director General of FME. Ineligibility of this sort could, for instance, arise when FME assesses the conduct of regulated entities suspected of failing to provide the Authority with satisfactory information. Ineligibility of this sort could also be tested when FME assesses the eligibility of individuals to serve as board members of regulated entities, to serve as their directors or to exercise qualifying holdings in them. In addition, the position taken by Gunnar Þ. Andersen sends a wrong and damaging message to market actors and the FME employees working under his direction.
The outgoing Director General has himself stated publicly that he carried out information disclosure to FME properly. His position, as reflected in this statement, is contrary to the policy laid down by FME following the collapse of the Icelandic financial system, of enforcing stringently demands for honest and normal business practices in the financial sector. The eligibility and credibility of the Director General of FME must be beyond any doubt.”
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The exchange of power in Iceland took place yesterday when the government of Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson formally took over from that of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and ministers exchange keys.
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Mountaineer Leifur Örn Svavarsson became the first Icelander to reach the peak of Everest, the world’s highest mountain, by the North Face from Tibet just before sunrise yesterday morning.
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May
23
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Photos: Iceland’s New Government
Iceland’s new government formally took power today following a state council meeting at Bessastaðir, the presidential residence.
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One of the last tasks of Steingrímur J. Sigfússon while in office as minister of industries and innovation was to issue a regulation on Monday extending the reserve for whales in Faxaflói bay, off Reykjavík in Southwest Iceland. The regulation took affect at midnight.
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May
21
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Oldest Icelander to Conquer Everest
May
21
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Iceland’s Highest Peak Popular
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The 2013 April-May issue of Iceland Review & Atlantica has been released. Packed with informative and entertaining stories, highlights include an interview with outgoing Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and the people who know her best, a photo essay of ice caves in Europe’s largest glacier and a colorful feature on life in the West Fjords.
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REVIEWS
May
15
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Shorts & Docs Galore
The 11th Reykjavík Shorts & Docs. Catch it while it lasts!
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May
13
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Nurturing Your Own Nature
Fida Abu Libdeh moved to Iceland from East Jerusalem at 16, made her way through the Icelandic education system and now runs a promising startup company.
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May
20
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Reykjavík Queer Choir Spring Concert
Reykjavík Queer Choir’s annual spring concert takes place on Friday, May 24.
 decided to fire Gunnar Andersen, the Director General. He had already been served with a notice that the board wanted to fire him, but as a state employee, he had the right to write a report in defense of himself. </DIV>')){kind=link}