Stories for March 11th 2010
US February budget deficit was the largest in history: 221 billion USD
The US government recorded a budget deficit of 221 billion US dollars in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history. The total deficit since the beginning of the fiscal year in October now stands at 651.6 billon according to US Treasury figures.
China’s exports, imports soar in February, in spite of New Year festivities
China's exports jumped by 46% in February compared with a year ago, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade. The increase was higher than analysts' expectations of a rise of between 35% and 40%.
EU Parliament condemns “avoidable and cruel” death of Cuban political prisoner
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday strongly condemning the “avoidable and cruel” death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata and voicing its concern at the “alarming state” of another prisoner, Guillermo Fariñas.
Many governments use internet “to curtail freedom of expression”
Many governments have used the internet to curtail freedom of expression at home, the US state department says in its latest annual human rights report.
Conservative Piñera takes office with 59% of Chileans hopeful
Chilean president elect Sebastián Piñera who takes office Thursday said the moment has come “to dry tears” and face the emergency in reference to the quake and tsunami follow-up which last Saturday devastated central Chile.
Lula da Silva entangled in controversy over Cuban political prisoners
Brazilian president Lula da Silva has become entangled in a controversy for having compared Cuban political prisoners with jailed criminals and was even severely criticized by members of his own party.
Lloyd’s Register, Maersk on program to test bio-diesel for marine engines
Lloyd's Register is to play a major role in a two year program to test the suitability of bio-diesel for use in powering marine engines. The feasibility study will take place on board the Maersk Line container ship, Maersk Kalmar.
Cristina Kirchner’s government has become an “embarrassment” for Argentina
Former Argentine president Eduardo Duhalde (2002/03) accused the government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of being an “embarrassment” for Argentina and called for a drastic change of policies from “confrontation to one of understandings”.
More oil in Brazil’s Santos Basin; Petrobras investment plan: 45 billion USD
Brazilian government managed corporation Petrobras, Repsol-YPF and BG Group found more evidence of oil in the same offshore Brazilian sub-salt block where the companies’ Guara field holds as much as 2 billion barrels of crude.
Argentine government blames Shell and Petrobras for gasoline shortage
Argentina's government accused energy companies Royal Dutch Shell and Petrobras on Wednesday of deliberately causing gasoline shortages in order to force rival YPF to raise its prices.
