Stories for June 27th 2008
US Supreme Court ratifies right to keep handguns
A ban on handguns in Washington DC has been ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. In a 5-4 decision, the justices upheld a lower court ruling striking down the ban. They said individuals had a right to keep handguns for lawful purposes
Oil breaks records and closer to 150 USD forecast
Oil futures shot above 140 US dollars a barrel on Thursday after OPEC's president said crude prices could rise well above 150 US dollars a barrel this year and Libya said it may cut oil production.
President Kirchner tries to cope with Congress dissidence
The administration of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is finding it increasingly difficult to retain the congressional majority which should ensure the approval of the sliding export taxes on grains and oilseeds, as sent by the Executive, and which triggered a 103 day conflict with farmers.
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update
Headlines: Million pounds cost of lost BAS air link; Councillors in New York.
Whaling meeting tries to freeze and delay divisive issues
The International Whaling Commission voted down Thursday a request by indigenous Greenland fishermen to kill 10 humpback whales a year. IWC is holding its annual assembly for the first time in Santiago de Chile.
Brazil approves the merger of Varig with low fare Gol
Brazil's Antimonopoly agency, CADE, finally approved the takeover of the once Brazilian flag carrier Varig by the low fare airline GOL, an operation which took place last year.
Pope invited to celebrate 30 years of peace in Patagonia
The Chilean Senate reiterated an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to travel to Chile for the commemoration of a crucial papal mediation in avoiding a war between Chile and Argentina in 1978.
UN calls on rich nations to lead in fighting global crises
The world's major industrialized nations must take the lead in efforts to tackle the three interrelated crises of global food insecurity, climate change and development in poor countries, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on the eve of an official trip that will include his participation in next month's G-8 summit in Japan.
Argentina's total foreign debt reaches 127 billion
Argentina reported that its total foreign debt stood at 127 billion US dollars in the first quarter of the year, continuing to rise higher than when the country negotiated a record debt swap in 2005.
Uribe wants new vote in Colombia after reelection challenge
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe told Congress to call a new presidential ballot after a court challenged the law that allowed him to seek re-election in 2006.
