Stories for March 18th 2010
Lula da Silva fined for “anticipated” electoral campaigning
Brazilian Electoral Justice announced it had fined President Lula da Silva for having “anticipated” the campaign for next October presidential election, thus favouring the incumbent candidate and cabinet chief Dilma Rousseff.
Brazil leaves basic rate unchanged at 8.75%, in divided decision
The Brazilian central bank kept its benchmark Selic interest rate at a record low 8.75% in a less-than-unanimous decision, signaling that borrowing costs may rise as soon as next month.
Policies to protect tigers have “failed miserably…and are continuing to fail”
Governments across the world have “failed miserably and… are continuing to fail” to halt the growth of illegal poaching and trade in tiger body parts, said Willem Wijnstekers, Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Total ban on polar bears’ products trade rejected at UN wildlife meeting
Polar bears have lost out on increased protection under international law after a US led bid for a total ban on trade in products made from the animals, such as furs and rugs, was rejected at a UN wildlife meeting in Doha, Qatar, Thursday.
Chile’s quake death toll, 700 and economic damage: 18% of GDP
The Chilean government has updated the death toll from the Feb. 27 earthquake, saying 700 people lost their lives during or following the quake. Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter said just over 500 are confirmed dead, with another 200 missing.
Piñera’s first international visit Washington, next month
Chile’s new president Sebastián Piñera will make his first international visit next month when he attends the Nuclear Safety Summit in Washington, responding to an invitation from U.S. President Barack Obama.
World Bank, IMF and IDB resume links (and loans) with Honduras
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) member countries this week agreed to resume lending to Honduras, the latest development institution to recognize the new government of President Porfirio Lobo.
Chilean Professor chairs Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
The Inter-American Commission On Human Rights (CIDH) from the Organization of American States, OAS, this week elected Chilean human rights attorney Felipe Gonzalez as its new president.
Faklands implements second plan to reduce seabird mortality in trawling fishery
The Falkland Islands recently adopted their second Plan of Action to reduce seabird mortality due to trawling activity. The first plan of action was approved in 2004 following the work of SAST (Seabird at Sea Team), a collaborative project between Falklands Conservation and RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
Argentine public opinion growingly disenchanted with political leadership
To everybody’s surprise Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her husband and former president Nestor Kirchner have experienced a recovery in their public opinion standing, according to a poll from a “most respected consultant” which does not work for the Argentine government.
