Stories for April 28th 2009
Kirchner admits government could loose June mid term election
Former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner and head of the country’s largest Justicialista party called on voters to support the ruling coalition in the coming mid term elections of next June 28 to avoid a collapse back into the 2001/02 scenario
Swine flu could hit 40% of UK population says British WHO expert
The deadly swine flu virus could infect up to 40% of the United Kingdom population in the next six months if the outbreak becomes a pandemic, world health officials said. Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) taskforce which decided to raise its alert over the virus to level four, said four in 10 people could be infected if the country is hit by a pandemic.
Religious cross-border procession unites Gibraltar and Spain’s La Linea
Hundreds of faithful from Gibraltar and neighbouring Spanish location La Linea expressed their devotion to Our Lady of Europe on Monday in the first time ever cross-border procession, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Output of world’s main iron ore producer plunges 37%
Brazilian mining giant Vale do Rio Doce, the world’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, revealed Tuesday its output plunged 37% in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same period a year ago, amid a sharp decline in demand.
Chavez recalls ambassador to Peru and escalates diplomatic dispute
Venezuela recalled its ambassador to protest Peru's decision to grant political asylum to a prominent opponent of President Hugo Chavez, calling it a mockery of international law and escalating a diplomatic dispute.
Swine flu two steps short from a full pandemic, warns WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its alert level over swine flu from three to four, two steps short of declaring a full pandemic. WHO Assistant Director General Dr Keiji Fukuda said it signalled a “significant step towards pandemic influenza”, but added “we are not there yet”.
Global crisis brings China and Taiwan closer
The global crisis has its positive effects: Taiwan and China signed a set of new agreements on financial services and new direct flights on Sunday to facilitate business between the two sides, and allowing direct investment from China in recession-hit Taiwan.
Peru grants political asylum to Venezuela’s main opposition leader
Peru confirmed Monday it had granted political asylum to Manuel Rosales, the mayor of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Rosales, a leading political opponent who lost the 2006 presidential race to Hugo Chavez, faces corruption charges in Venezuela.
US confirms follow up on thaw talks with Cuba
United States diplomats are holding talks with officials of Cuba's diplomatic mission in Washington on possible follow-up measures to steps President Barack Obama took earlier this month to ease restrictions on the island nation.
Venezuela’s access to Mercosur should be cleared by May 26
Venezuela agreed to comply with Mercosur intra-trade conditions so that its stalled incorporation request can be finally approved by the Brazilian Congress. Hopefully the issue will be finalized for when President Hugo Chavez makes a state visit to Brazil next May 26, according to Brazilian Foreign Secretary Celso Amorim quoted by the Sao Paulo press.
