Stories for September 16th 2009
Spanish apology to Argentina for “protocol error” involving Falklands’ delegation
Argentina formally accepted Wednesday apologies from the Spanish government which admitted having committed a “protocol error” on allowing the presence of a delegation from the Falkland Islands in an international fisheries sustainability conference, reports Efe, the Spanish government news agency quoting the head of Argentina’s Fisheries Department Norberto Yauhar.
Argentina protests Falklands participation in fishing summit
FALKLANDS delegates at an important fisheries conference in Spain were infuriated this morning by an Argentine protest against their participation. The First World Summit on Fishing Sustainability is taking place in Baiona, Pontevedra.
Uruguay farm-land sales down but prices pick up again
Farm land sales in Uruguay during the first half of 2009 dropped, but the average price for the hectare actually increased 25% compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest release from the Ministry of Agriculture Statistics Office (DIEA).
Uruguay and US express concern over possible arms race in South America
Uruguay and the United States expressed concern Tuesday that recent weapons purchases could lead to an arms race in South America. In a joint appearance, Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also pledged co-operation on trade, scientific research and other fields.
Unasur could not reach consensus on regional military affairs
The Union of South American Nations, UNASUR, ministerial meeting in Ecuador ended Tuesday with no consensus on regional military issues reported Colombia’s Foreign Affairs minister Jaime Bermúdez.
US Senator introduced bill to extend trade benefits to Uruguay
United States Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill Tuesday to extend US trade benefits to Uruguay. The move he says would increase pressure on Brazil to deepen commercial ties.
Uruguayan economy recovers in the second quarter with 0.5% GDP growth
The Uruguayan economy performed better than expected in the second quarter of 2009, having advanced 0.5% over the previous quarter and 0.2% over the same period a year ago, according to the latest release from the Central Bank.
Buenos Aires optimistic about the coming cruise season
In spite of the global slowdown, the cruise industry in South America seems to be steaming ahead according to the latest estimates from Buenos Aires Port, which for the coming 2009/2010 season is expecting 143 calls.
Extension of US trade embargo on Cuba, “disappoints” Brazil and Latinamerica
President Barack Obama decision to extend for another twelve months the 47-year-long US trade embargo on Cuba has “disappointed” Brazil and Latinamerica” said President Lula da Silva’s main foreign policy advisors.
Lula da Silva supports unrestricted political campaigning in internet
Brazilian president Lula da Silva came out strongly in support of Internet for political campaigning when the Senate is ready to vote a bill which establishes serious restrictions to such a communications tool.
Chavez regime holds at least 40 political prisoners claim human rights groups
Venezuelan human rights organizations estimate the regime of President Hugo Chavez is holding at least 40 political prisoners and over 2.000 people have been sentenced for participating in rallies organized by the opposition to protest “Bolivarian revolution” legislation and initiatives.
Lula da Silva tells BBC: “rich countries to blame for the financial crisis”
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has heavily criticised the “rich countries”, the G8 and other international bodies over the global economic crisis.
UK opinion poll suggests most voters feel “anyone” is better than PM Brown
A United Kingdom public opinion poll has suggested nearly half of voters believe any Labour figure could do a better job as leader than Prime Minister Gordon Brown. According to a Populus survey for The Times, 48% think that “literally anyone” from within the party would be an improvement.
Recession for “some time” to come predicts Bank of England
Households and businesses will be hit by the recession for “some time” despite recent signs of growth, Bank of England Governor Mervyn King has warned. Mr King said the impact of dampened demand and soaring unemployment would linger long after the ailing UK economy began its slow recovery from the worst slump in almost 30 years.
Britain could be forced to bail out offshore tax havens
Britain could be forced to bail out one or more of its offshore tax havens at huge cost, according to early drafts of a Treasury report, because the economic crisis has wrecked their finances, according to The Guardian from London.
