Stories for April 21st 2009
Open government files: Chile inaugurates public scrutiny bill
Chile’s new Transparency Law, obligating the government to divulge millions of documents for public scrutiny, including how much each politician earns, came into effect on Sunday.
Argentina continental shelf presentation includes Falklands
Argentina officially presented this week before United Nations its continental shelf claims which if approved will extend the country’s sovereign limit on the sea bed from 200 to 350 miles. The request includes all those areas claimed by Argentina: Falklands/Malvinas, South Atlantic islands and the so called Argentine Antarctic Territory.
Argentine fish and shellfish exports pick up in first quarter
Argentina exported 88.987 tons of fish and shellfish valued at 209.3 million US dollars in the first three months of 2009, according to the latest statistics from the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA).
British government set to cut MPs “second home allowance”
The controversial second home allowance for British members of Parliament could be axed within days after Prime Minister Gordon Brown demanded an urgent Commons vote on reforms.
Dengue infested Paraguay admits “isolated” cholera cases
Health authorities in Paraguay acknowledged this week the existence of an outbreak of cholera in an isolated Indian settlement in the western region of Chaco. Paraguay, as well as neighbouring Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina are also suffering a serious outbreak of the mosquito transmitted dengue
Paraguayan president, former bishop, accused of “raping a minor”
A Paraguayan leading opposition senator filed a “ravish claim” before the country’s Prosecution Office involving President Fernando Lugo and Viviana Carrillo who was a minor when allegedly she had sexual relations with the then bishop of San Pedro. Lugo publicly admitted last week having fathered a child, now two year old and named Fernando, with Viviana.
Latinamerican praise for Obama’s performance at the summit
Although “deeds must follow words”, the world’s “honey moon” with President Obama has extended to Latinamerica following his display at the Summit of the Americas where he managed to modify substantially the emphasis of the region’s leaders towards the new administration, according to different analysts.
Spain calls on EU partners for greater interest in Latinamerica
Spain’s Foreign Affairs minister Miguel Angel Moratinos has called on other members of the European Union to follow the example of United States and leave aside the lack of interest on having an intense relation with Latinamerica.
Negative inflation in UK; first time since March 1960
The UK has experienced its first period of deflation in almost 50 years. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation fell to minus 0.4% last month, down from 0% in February, the first negative reading since March 1960.
Chavez not only gave Obama a book...but also an Island in New Jersey
Last Sunday, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, announced during the Summit of the Americas that the Venezuelan Government will donate to United States, through CITGO Petroleum company, the Petty's Island located in New Jersey state.
