As the editor of the International Legal News & Executive Director of the International Lawyers Network, I would be happy to hear your comments or answer any questions about our group, please contact me: email alangriffiths@iln.com or telephone 201.594.9985 - Alan Griffiths

New US/NL Tax Treaty Regulations by Peter Kirpensteijn Recent treaty negotiations between the United States and The Netherlands resulted in a new protocol to the existing US/NL tax treaty. This protocol makes certain regulations already effective in 2004. Others become effective as from 1 January 2005.  [FULL STORY]   New Legal Regulation of Public Procurement - CZECH REPUBLIC by Pavla Prikrylova As of 1 May 2004, the new Act on Public Procurement, No. 40/2004 Coll., took effect, which replaced the previous legislation on public procurement based on the model legislation on the procurement of goods, buildings and services, as adopted by the UN Commission for International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). [FULL STORY]   Proposal to Encourage the Development of Florida as an International Insurance Center - USA by Bowman Brown Most variable annuity and life insurance products sold in the international market now contain imbedded investment elements. Often these products are customized. Non-U.S. residents generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to returns related to the investment elements of these products. The same variable annuity and life insurance products issued by offshore insurers are not subject to U.S. withholding tax. Consequently, products issued by U.S. insurers are not generally tax efficient for non-resident purchasers. [FULL STORY]