Stories for November 27th 2009
Mercosur/EU trade talks to resume next Monday in Portugal
Mercosur countries are preparing a meeting with European representatives on the sidelines of the Ibero-American summit this weekend in Portugal to confirm their “interest” in reactivating trade negotiations with the EU, according to Spanish diplomatic sources.
Mujica supports Lula da Silva government style and his Iran policy
Uruguay’s incumbent presidential candidate Jose “Pepe” Mujica again supported Brazilian president Lula da Silva’s administration and policies, describing as a “genius move” the decision to receive this week in Brasilia the controversial Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Unasur calls on Europe not to recognize Honduras Sunday election
The Union of South American Nations, Unasur will not recognize Sunday’s presidential election in Honduras organized by the de facto regime, announced in Brussels Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa who called on the European Union to adopt a similar attitude.
More doubts about the US economy and fears of a “W” dip
A number of influential economists and analysts warn of a double dip recession, even as the US economy slogs toward recovery. Well-known analyst Meredith Whitney, Chief Executive Officer of the Meredith Whitney advisory group, recently expressed pessimism about the economy in an interview on CNBC, a cable TV station.
Iraq invasion of “questionable legitimacy” but “inevitable”
The invasion of Iraq was of “questionable legitimacy”, according to Britain's ambassador to the United Nations at the time. Sir Jeremy Greenstock told the official war inquiry he believed the military action was legal under international law, but it did not have majority backing in the UN.
Brazilian banker says that Dubai effect is “alert signal” for market euphoria
A possible debt default by a Dubai state-owned conglomerate is an “alert signal” to avoid market euphoria, Brazil central bank chief Henrique Meirelles said on Friday.
Brazilian economy forecasted to grow 6.1% in 2010 says Bradesco
Brazil’s economy is forecasted to grow 6.1% in 2010, bolstered by rising domestic demand, increasing exports and higher investment, according to Banco Bradesco, the country’s second-largest bank by market value.
Coconut ban in Rio beaches, but what about cans and bottles?
One of the enduring images of Rio's beaches -- coconuts opened to yield their milk -- is about to become a thing of the past. The environment secretariat of the host city of the 2014 soccer World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games says the big green fruit is an unhygienic eyesore and is banning its sale from December first.
Brazil still recovering from major outage, suffers blackout in Olympic city Rio
Brazil has endured another major blackout and officials remain unclear what is causing the problem. Higher-scale Rio de Janeiro beach neighbourhood earlier in the week suffered an outage forcing employees to be sent home as restaurants and other businesses disposed of spoiled food.
Costa Rica calls for recognition of Honduras Sunday elections results
Costa Rica president Oscar Arias, who mediated in the Honduran political crisis, announced his country would recognize the winner of next Sunday’s election and called on other countries to follow in statements to CNN.
