Stories for June 2009
Argentina ready to impose flu pandemic “sanitary emergency”
Health authorities confirmed that this week Argentina will be declaring a “sanitary emergency” in the whole country given the advance of the A/H1N1 virus influenza that so far has killed 27 people and infected at least 1.800. Another victim of the pandemic is forecasted to be Public Health minister Graciela Ocaña.
Victorious Argentine opposition calls on Cristina to begin negotiations
“With all respect to our President, (Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner) I hope you have heard the message of the Argentines in the polls and beginning tomorrow (Monday) you will convene us to dialogue”, said the Mayor of the City of Buenos Aires, Mauricio Macri who emerged from Sunday’s mid term election as one of the strongest 2011 presidential hopefuls.
UN and OAS will address Monday the Honduras coup
The United Nations and the Organization of American States will be addressing Monday the Honduras situation following the military coup which on early Sunday morning ousted constitutionally elected president Jose Manuel Zelaya.
Uruguayan opposition seals presidential ticket in surprising vote turnout
Jose Mujica from the ruling coalition, Luis Alberto Lacalle and Pedro Bordaberry from the opposition are the three candidates that will be disputing Uruguay’s presidency next October following their comfortable victories on Sunday’s political parties’ primaries. The “picture” resulting from June 28th results also helped to visualize what could happen in October and if a November run-off will be needed.
Whaling Commission could discuss ending commercial hunting ban
The Whaling Commission (IWC) has suggested whale conservation could benefit from ending the commercial hunting ban. Dr William Hogarth's remarks came at the end of this year's IWC meeting in Madeira, Portugal, which saw pro- and anti-whaling nations agree to further compromise talks. A Greenpeace spokesman said the moratorium had to stay intact.
Falklands’ unpredictable squid catches paint bleak budget and tough times
Falkland Islands Treasury officials painted a bleak and arguably inevitable picture of tough times ahead at last week’s public meeting on the recently announced Budget.
Punta Arenas expects 30% drop in cruise 2009/2010 activity
The Maritime Chamber from Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile estimates that the number of visitors for the coming 2009/2010 cruise season could drop up to 30% which is equivalent to 29.000 people less.
World condemnation of the military coup in Honduras
The removal early Sunday by the military of Honduras elected President Jose Manuel Zelaya and his forced exile to neighbouring Costa Rica has received world condemnation.
President Zelaya voted in as Liberal turned into ally of Chavez’ ALBA
Jose Manuel Zelaya was elected Honduran president in November 2005 running as the Liberal Party candidate. Despite his centre-right credentials, the former businessman and civil engineer with logging and ranching interests moved Honduras away from its traditional ally the US, winning the support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and other left-leaning leaders.
Soldiers arrest Honduran president on day of disputed referendum
Soldiers have arrested the Honduran president and taken him to an air force base just before voting was to begin on a disputed constitutional election.
