Stories for January 26th 2009
Brazilian-made oil semi-sub platform begins production
Brazil's government managed oil and corporation Petrobras announced that the first semi-submersible platform built entirely in Brazil, went on stream Sunday, beginning the production of well MLS-99, in the Marlim Sul field, in the Campos Basin.
UK recession “predictor” warns of 3 m unemployment
The economist whose recession warnings and calls for interest rate cuts were snubbed by Bank of England colleagues warned in an interview he feared UK unemployment could hit three million in a year's time.
Exit polls show Bolivians approved new constitution
Bolivian voters approved a new constitution on Sunday to give the indigenous majority more power, let President Evo Morales (first elected indigenous president) run for re-election and give him a tighter control over the economy.
Falklands air link Defence contractor back on profit course
Scotland's biggest airline Flyglobespan, which has contract for the Falklands/UK air link is back on profit course after a successful 2008 which included the restructuring of destinations and limiting operations to services it could provide with its won planes.
Cuba calls for “a first step” from the Obama administration
Cuba has again urged the new US administration of President Barack Obama to act fast towards improving relations between Washington and Havana according to press reports from Guatemala City at the meeting of Non-Aligned Movement foreign affairs ministers meeting.
Brazilian helicopters for the release of Colombian hostages
The Brazilian army will provide support to groups working on the planned release of six hostages (two politicians, three policemen and a soldier) by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, guerrilla group, Defence Minister Nelson Jobim said Sunday.
UN Human Rights Commissioner warns of genocide threat
Cautioning that the threat of genocide still remains over half a century after millions of lives were brutally cut short by the Holocaust, the United Nations human rights chief said the memory of its victims should serve as a reminder of the need to act quickly and decisively at the first signs of such crimes.
Four Lords involved in alleged cash-for-influence row
Britain's Leader of the Lords has pledged to toughen up anti-sleaze rules after four peers were engulfed in a cash-for-influence row. Baroness Royall launched two parliamentary inquiries in the wake of “deeply shocking” allegations that Labour members were ready to change legislation in return for money.
Pfizer-Wyeth defy stress and merge into pharmaceutical giant
A pharmaceutical giant was created Monday after US drug maker Pfizer announced it would be acquiring Wyeth in a 68 billion US dollars merger deal that could spark hopes of further consolidation across the industry.
After victory Bolivian government calls on opposition
The government of Bolivia called on the opposition to accept the results of Sunday's constitutional referendum which are considered a huge victory for President Evo Morales, although the first official results (18% vote count) indicate a similar number of Ayes and Nays.
