Stories for October 7th 2009
IAATO members’ passenger ships will be fitted with satellite tracking devices
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has approved a resolution requiring members' passenger ships to be fitted with satellite tracking devices based on Iridium (Iridium Communications Inc.). The devices will report ships' positions at least once per hour when cruising in Antarctic waters.
Ex Argentine president de la Rúa admits is was a mistake to resign in 2001
Argentina’s ex-president Fernando de la Rúa admitted he made a mistake when he resigned to the presidency amid growing social unrest in 2001. On Wednesday De la Rúa was questioned in court over the killings which occurred during those hectic days in December 2001.
Spanish Central bank warns about bulging budget deficit and unemployment
Controversy sparked between Spain’s government and the governor of the Central Bank over the magnitude of the budget deficit and rising unemployment which threatens loans and consumers’ repayments plus the stability of some Spanish banks.
Santander Brazil successfully completes biggest share offering
The Brazilian unit of Spanish banking giant Santander has raised 14.1 billion Reais, approximately 8.1 billion US dollars) in the country's biggest share offering.
Ex UK Army chief critical of Afghanistan policy to join Tories
David Cameron is to unveil ex-army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt as the latest recruit to his team. Sir Richard - who has been embroiled in a bitter row with Downing Street over troop levels in Afghanistan - is expected to become an adviser to the party on defence issues.
Carrefour denies considering exiting Latinamerican “lucrative markets”
French retailer Carrefour is seriously considering exiting Latin America, one of its most lucrative markets, under pressure from top shareholders, Le Monde newspaper reported in a preview of its Thursday edition.
Argentina discussing details of IMF technical mission visit to the country
Following his forty minutes Tuesday meeting with IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Argentine Economy Minister Amado Boudou said that ”the new relationship (Argentina is) building with the IMF is purely technical and numbers-related, but by no means does it mean an interference with Argentine policy.”
Prospects of another record grains crop for Brazil: 141.1 million tons
Brazil expects the coming 2009/2010 grains crop to reach 141.1 million tons, which represents an increase in the range of 2.9% to 4.8% over the 2008/09 record harvest of 135.16 million tons, according to the country’s National Supply Corportion, Conab.
What Happened to Argentina? NY Times
(*) A century ago, there were only seven countries in the world that were more prosperous than Argentina (Belgium, Switzerland, Britain and four former English colonies including the United States), according to Angus Maddison’s historic income database.
Late bookings are making Gibraltar cruise season unexpected success
The cruise sector in Europe seems to have shrugged off the economic crisis and Gibraltar, in common with many key Mediterranean passenger ports, is reaping the benefit, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
