Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News.
**Government Extends Import Duty Reduction on 75%-Alcohol Product Materials **
The Customs Administration says the reduced import duty on materials used to
produce 75-per cent alcohol products used as sanitizers or disinfectants has
been extended (延長) for another six months.
The import duty was first cut from 20 to 10-per cent in February 2020 at the
start of the the coronavirus pandemic and it has since been extended several
times.
According to Customs Administration, the decision to extend the reduction is
aimed at ensuring sufficient supplies of sanitizers and disinfectants due to
the on-going coronavirus situation here in Taiwan.
The reduced import duty will remain in place until August 26.
Figures show that as of January 31 of this year, 45.47-million liters of raw
materials have been imported since the duty was first reduced, resulting in
tax relief of 118-million N-T.
**Average Hotel Room Rate Hit Record High in 2022 **
The Tourism Bureau says the average daily room rate at international hotels
in Taiwan hit a record high last year, despite relatively low occupancy due
to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the bureau, data shows that the occupancy rate at international
hotels averaged 48.06-per cent in 2022.
That was the fourth-lowest in history.
However, the average room rate increased for a third consecutive year to
stand at a record setting 4,195 N-T.
**EU Circulates Resolution on Russian Invasion of Ukraine **
The European Union is circulating the resolution to be voted on by the U.N.
General Assembly on the eve of next week’s first anniversary of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine.
It calls for a cessation (停止) of hostilities and a peace that ensures
Ukraine’s “sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”
There are no vetoes in the 193-member world body, so the resolution is
certain to be adopted at the end of a high-level emergency special session of
the assembly Feb. 23.
The assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine
because the Security Council is paralyzed as a result of Russia’s veto
power.
While the assembly’s five previous resolutions on Ukraine are not legally
binding — as council resolutions are — they are important as a reflection
of world opinion.
**Berlusconi Acquitted in 'Bunga-Bunga' Party Case **
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been acquitted of bribing
witnesses to lie about his notorious "bunga-bunga" parties.
The 86-year old media tycoon had been accused of paying young showgirls and
others to give false testimony about the allegedly raunchy (色情的) parties.
The other 28 defendants have also been acquitted.
Berlusconi has faced many court cases.
However, he has denied any wrongdoing in all cases and accused prosecutors of
pursuing a political vendetta against him.
**Raquel Welch Dead at 82 **
And finally,
Hollywood star Raquel Welch has died after a brief (短暫的) illness.
She was 82.
The A-P's Margie Szaroleta looks back at her career.
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That was the I.C.R.T. news,
Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded
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Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.
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