Australia: dollar in trouble

The Australian Dollar lost value again today in reaction to the news that the government in Canberra blocked a takeover of an Australian oil and gas company Woodside Petroleum by the international giant Shell. Woodside Petroleum operates strategic gas fields in the Northwest Shelf off the coast of Western Australia. The government spokesman said today that the takeover would be 'against the national interests of Australia'. The exchange rate of the Australian Dollar fluctuates around the 49 US centsmark.

HENRY L. MARCONI PRAVDA.RU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA