Stories for November 5th 2008
Obama's historic win promises new dawn of US leadership
Barack Obama promised “a new dawn of American leadership” as he delivered his victory address in front of 100,000 people in Chicago's Grant Park after being elected as America's first black president.
Dramatic drop in maritime transport of commodities, says UNCTAD
A United Nations report released Tuesday shows that international seaborne trade surged to record levels last year but has since declined because of the financial crisis, jeopardizing the health of many developing countries, especially those that depend on commodities.
Ex Paraguay leader accused of public funds squander
Former Paraguayan president Nicanor Duarte authorized payments equivalent to 13 million US dollars to media and journalists during the last twenty months of his term in a desperate effort to boost the campaign of the incumbent presidential candidate and his own candidacy to a Senate seat.
Killings of civilians, forces Colombia's top general to resign
Colombia's top army commander resigned following allegations that soldiers killed civilians in an effort to inflate military successes in a war against rebel groups.
Pascal Lamy wants a second term as head of WTO
The World Trade Organization's French director-general Pascal Lamy will seek another four-year term heading the body that sets rules for global commerce.
China, Taiwan sign landmark trade and transport agreements
China and Taiwan signed this week landmark agreements to improve direct trade and transport links, following the highest-level Chinese visit in decades. The agreements are set to triple the number of weekly direct passenger flights and allow cargo shipments between ports in China and Taiwan. They also aim to improve the postal service and food safety.
Patagonian fungi produces “myco-diesel” from cellulose
A unique fungus that makes diesel compounds directly from cellulose has been discovered living in trees in the Patagonian rainforest. “These are the first organisms that have been found that make many of the ingredients of diesel,” said Professor Gary Strobel from Montana State University. “This is a major discovery.”
Suitcase scandal moves from Miami back to Buenos Aires
US-Venezuelan citizen Guido Alejandro Antonini Wilson was paid to testify that a cash-stuffed suitcase he smuggled into Argentina from Venezuela was for the successful presidential campaign of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, alleged a top Argentine Cabinet minister.
Uruguay resumes sales of live cattle and sheep to Egypt
Uruguay has resumed live animal sales to Egypt with a first shipment of 12.000 cattle and 40.000 sheep in late October. Egypt for years was an important client of Uruguayan beef and live animals but for several years the market had remained closed.
Puerto Madryn has scheduled 43 cruise calls and 45.000 pax
Puerto Madryn in the Argentine Patagonia province of Chubut is expecting 43 cruise vessel calls this coming season, --which will extend until April 17, 2009--, totalling an estimated 45.000 visitors, according to reports in the local press.
