Germany in Brief

Summer fires hit Germany

As forest fires elsewhere in Europe blazed out of control, Germany, too, has been struck in recent days. After weeks of unprecedented temperatures, fires broke out in several areas: the worst, by far, in South Brandenburg and the Harz Mountains, claiming 100 hectars and 7 hectars respectively. The most recent fire in South Brandenburg has been concentrated around the town of Jüterbog, where 130 firefighters with more than 30 trucks and two special helicopters were still battling the flames on Tuesday morning. Elsewhere in Germany, smaller fires burned in Sachsen Anhalt and near Braunschweig and Gütersloh -- the fires in Sachsen Anhalt interrupted train services between Berlin and Halle. Fortunately, firefighters in those areas were able to get the flames under control quickly.

Human trafficking continues

According to a recent study released by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) at their headquarters in Wiesbaden on Friday, human trafficking continues uninterrupted in Germany. The study, entitled "The State of Human Trafficking 2002", reports that the number of victims fell by 20 percent from last year, and the number of alleged traffickers has grown by 10 percent. It would seem, however, that the BKA is having better luck tracking down the perpetrators, as criminal proceedings against traffickers rose by 6 percent. Two-out-of three of the victims claim that they were forced into prostitution through physical violence, and many -- 40 percent -- say they were tricked into leaving their homeland, often promised other types of jobs and legal papers. Overwhelmingly, the number of victims still comes from Russia, at 17,6 percent.

Man's bid for state sanctioned Viagra goes limp

The district of Main-Taun in Hessen denied a recipient of social assistance access to the potency drug Viagra, according to a decision by the Frankfurt Administrative Court. A lawyer in the case claimed that Viagra could be categorized as medication or a remedy and it should be underwritten by the state. Thus, according to the decision, the district must re-examine this particular case. This case -- and the decision -- are unique in Germany and may well bring change, as other courts and the national doctor and insurer's organization have categorized viagra as a "lifestyle drug".

Youth unemployment to "skyrocket"

Youth unemployment could skyrocket this Fall if enough trainee positions are not found to accommodate graduating students. It is estimated the gap between candidates and the number of available positions could be as high 70,000. "Call me", is the response of Germany's Economic Minister Wolfgang Clement to the growing crisis. Well maybe not him literally, but a member of his staff manning the phones at a newly created hotline for apprentice positions, which went into operation on Tuesday. According to a spokesperson for the ministry, Friedrich Fehling, there as been an overwhelming response, with both candidates and potential employers calling to find out more. The number: 01888-6157777.

Compiled by DW Staff from newswires and other sources.