Stories for July 9th 2009
“Special powers” in Chile to drive down cases of A/H1N1 virus influenza
In the face of increasing numbers of hospitalizations and consultations relating to breathing problems related to flu, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet issued a decree this week giving the Health Ministry additional powers to address Chile’s current problems relating to the AH1N1 virus.
G8 concerned with “exit strategies” from stimulus packages
The leaders of G8 believe the world economy still faces “significant risks” and may need further help, but macro-economic stimulus “must be consistent with price stability and medium-term fiscal sustainability” according to summit documents that also reflect failure to agree climate change goals for 2050.
Hillary Clinton speaks out for freedom of expression and of the press
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in favour of an adequate protection to the media in Venezuela, as well as in other countries. The US top diplomat considered that the freedom of expression and freedom of the press are fundamental values for democracy.
New mix of hogs and seasonal flu detected in Canadian farm
Two farm workers in Western Canada have become infected with a new flu virus, health officials said this week, emphasizing the strain, described as non-pandemic influenza A virus, was not related to the H1N1 pandemic.
Colombian Church openly against third period for President Uribe
The Colombian Catholic Church said that two consecutive mandates for President Alvaro Uribe “have been and are too much”, and recommended the leader takes a well earned rest and clear all uncertainties about his possible re-election again in 2010.
IMF forecasts 2.6% contraction for Latam economy
The Latinamerican economy is forecasted to contract 2.6% this year according to the latest estimates from the International Monetary Fund, with Mexico showing the worst performance plummeting 7.3% in 2009.
US regulators target speculation in the energy markets
A United States regulator is to hold hearings to decide whether it should clamp down on speculation in the energy market.
Bank of England to pump extra £ 25 billion to UK economy
The Bank of England is set to pump an extra £25 billion into the recession-blighted UK economy. The rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to vote to step up its quantitative easing programme - effectively printing more money - while holding interest rates at their record low of 0.5%.
Falklands’ Bishop appointed Bishop to the British Forces
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has announced the appointment of the Rt Rev Dr Stephen Venner as Bishop to the British Forces. Dr Venner, Bishop of Dover, succeeds the Rt Rev David Conner, the Dean of Windsor, who has served in this role since 2001.
Repsol in the process of selling YPF to China, says Beijing press
Chinese media based on reliable sources from the country’s giant oil corporation CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation) report the almost certain sale by Spain’s Repsol of 75% of its subsidiary YPF, an operation involving 14.5 billion US dollars
