Stories for December 22nd 2009
EU votes to extend tariffs on shoes from China and Vietnam
The European Union has voted to extend tariffs on shoes from China and Vietnam in order to help European producers compete with cheaper imports. The tariffs, which were first introduced in 2006, will last for a further 15 months.
A number of countries in the EU were opposed to the extension.
Spain vetoes Gibraltar for data protection and right to privacy convention
Spain has vetoed Gibraltar’s role as interlocutor in a 2001 European Convention of data protection, right to privacy and exchange of data between member states, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Glacier experts’ international summit next February in Chile
Chile will be the focus of international attention in February when Valdivia’s Centre for Scientific Studies (CECS) hosts an international conference of more than 150 experts on glaciers and climate change.
Spain’s Air Comet grounded leaves thousands stranded in Latinamerica
Spain's long-haul leisure carrier Air Comet stopped flying Tuesday, stranding thousands of passengers at airports in Spain and Latin America.
Brazil not pressing Paraguay on Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation
The Brazilian government is not putting pressure on the Paraguayan Congress to vote the full incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur. Paraguay is the only remaining full member which still has to vote for Venezuela to join the South American trade block, following last week’s Brazilian senate divided approval.
“Truth Commission” still divides Lula da Silva’s cabinet
Brazilian president Lula da Silva said it was “worth while” to fight against the military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. He made the statements during the launching of a Human Rights program which includes the possibility of creating a Truth Commission to investigate crimes committed under the de facto regime.
US limits airline tarmac delays; companies must provide for waiting passengers
The United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Monday a new rule that significantly strengthens protections afforded to consumers by, among other things, establishing a hard time limit (three hours) after which US airlines must allow passengers to deplane from domestic flights.
Chile promotes tourism marriage ceremonies in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
If the standard white dress wedding is too staid, and vows read by an Elvis impersonator too clichéd, don’t despair. There is a Rapa-nui wedding ceremony, complete with loincloth, awaiting you on Chile’s Easter Island.
China forecasts 11% industrial expansion and 8% for GDP in 2010
China's industrial output is expected to post an annual 11% increase in 2009 and in 2010 buoyed by the government's stimulus packages, Minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Li Yizhong said Monday. He added that industrial performance would ensure GDP growth of 8% as planned for this year and the next.
Hollywood celebrates: China looses appeal of WTO ruling on US films and books
The World Trade Organization has upheld a ruling that China is illegally restricting US imports of music, films and books. The decision, issued Monday in Geneva, could force China to liberalize imports of media in the next year or face sanctions.
“Justice, the people and God” meditating on Uribe’s re-re-election
Colombian president Alvaro Uribe remains nuclear about his future plans and whether he will run for a third period. His only public statements so far have been that he will abide by the results of the referendum which should open the way for his candidacy next May 2010.
