Stories for October 1st 2008
Argentine farmers back on the roads for six-day protest
Argentine farmers announced on Tuesday they will take to the roads again temporarily suspending grain exports and limiting beef exports to protest scant progress in talks with the government on how to help small- and medium-scale producers who are suffering financially.
S. American leaders blame financial crisis on US irresponsibility
Four of South America's leaders meeting in the Amazon accused the United States on Tuesday of “irresponsibility” in its handling of a financial crisis that has dried up credit markets and threatens economies around the world.
Milk scandal: Chinese dairy industry on the verge of collapse
Chinese police have arrested 22 people suspected of producing melamine - the chemical found in milk products which have made thousands of babies ill. The arrests took place on 17 September, but were only reported widely on Monday evening.
US freezes assets of FARC representatives in the region
The United States Treasury Department on Tuesday froze the US assets of eight members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which it has deemed a narco-terrorist organization.
US Senate expected to approve revamped rescue package
The United States Treasury Department on Tuesday froze the US assets of eight members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which it has deemed a narco-terrorist organization.
Ireland implements stand-by rescue plan of 400 billion Euro
Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen defended a radical 400 billion Euro state move to shore up its financial system and in the continent France, Belgium and Luxembourg bailed out a second bank .
Ecuador calls on Europe to reform migration policies
Ecuador spoke out against the European Union's policy on migration during the General Assembly's annual high-level debate Tuesday, stressing the need to protect the right of people to move freely.
Brazil cautions Europe on the Immigration Pact
Brazil said the recent deision by Justice Ministers to support the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum reinforces a negative predisposition and allows forms of control that when applied “may probe arbitrary or contrary to human rights”.
Uruguay's 12 month fiscal deficit to August: 0.4% of GDP
Uruguay's consolidated fiscal deficit in the twelve months to August was 0.8% of GDP, which means it has remained relatively stable (July 0.9%), according to official data from the Ministry of Economy.
Uruguay's total debt equivalent to 68% of GDP
Uruguay's overall debt at the close of the second quarter was 18.2 billion US dollars, having increased 779 million US dollars over the first quarter, thus totalling the equivalent to 68% of GDP. At the end of March the debt/GDP ratio was 70%.
