Stories for May 9th 2007
UN cautions on drawbacks and benefits of bio-fuels
As the demand for biofuels surges with over one billion people living without access to electricity, a new United Nations report released this week cautions that the world's energy needs must be met in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner.
Tony Blair ready to tell the Queen he's quitting
Tony Blair may choose Wednesday to tell the Queen that he intends to stand down as Labour leader and end a decade as her Prime Minister.
Chile: ASEXMA urges government to act on low dollar
After the U.S. dollar hit a new low last Friday, Patricia Pérez, president of the Export Manufacturing Association (Asexma), warned of the serious threat posed to Chile's exporters and manufacturers.
EU threatens total ban on imports of Brazilian beef
Animal health authorities in Brazil have been told in no uncertain terms that the EU will impose a total ban on imports of beef by the end of the year unless standards of welfare, traceability and residue testing match those of Europe.
Recovery of the “Irizar” could take more than two years
Damages suffered by the Argentine icebreaker “Almirante Irizar” when fire broke out on board, are far more serious than originally announced and full repairs could take more than the estimated two years revealed this week the Buenos Aires press.
Mrs. Kirchner tipped as candidate for October 28 presidential elections
Argentina formally announced this week that elections for president and Congress would be held on October 28. A presidential run off between the two most voted candidates, if needed, is scheduled for November 25.
Thomson makes offer for British news group
Canadian publisher Thomson Corp is in talks to buy Reuters Group Plc for about 8.8 billion pounds (US$17.6 billion) to create the world's biggest news and financial data company, the two firms said yesterday.
Massive flooding in Uruguay forces 12.000 people from homes
An estimated 12.000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Uruguay where record rainfall has caused extensive flooding leaving several counties with no electricity or drinking water.
Pulp mill dispute “technical talks” will resume in New York
Uruguayan and Argentine officials are scheduled to continue talks at the end of the month in an effort to defuse the Fray Bentos, Uruguay pulp mill conflict, as a follow up to last month's talks in Madrid after a year without negotiations.
Petrobras/Bolivia refineries dispute escalates
President Evo Morales said Bolivia would respond in the coming hours to a proposal from Brazil's state-run oil company, Petrobras, regarding compensation for its two refineries in Bolivia recently nationalized.
