Stories for June 3rd 2010
Buffett defends credit rating agencies in Congressional hearings
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has defended credit rating agencies for failing to spot the US mortgage bubble that sparked the financial crisis. Giving testimony in New York, Mr Buffett said the agencies “made the wrong call,” but added that so did everyone else, including himself.
Security, mutual trust and migration in Unasur dialogue with Washington
The need for a mutual-trust environment, which helps avoid situations of possible conflicts inside the region, is one of the main points the Union of South American Nations, Unasur, will be discussing with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to Ecuadorian diplomatic sources.
Falkland Islands De-mining Pilot Project – Completion of Phase 1
Completion of the Falkland Islands Programme phase 1 is now a reality. The De-mining Contractor, BACTEC International Ltd, has persevered through one of the coldest and wettest summers to deliver a successful project within the single austral summer period that was demanded within the contract. Like all demanding programmes, many lessons have been learned but only a few will be elaborated in this article.
Falklands Rockhopper oil company shares drop in spite of recent discovery
Rockhopper Exploration said Wednesday there’s no reason to believe that oil discovered in the Falkland Islands will not comply with quality expectations as originally stated.
Mujica and CFK agree to implement bilateral monitoring of the River Uruguay
Uruguay and Argentina pledged Wednesday to advance in a wide ranging 27-point agenda but most important to work within a 60-day scheme to perform a bilateral monitoring of the shared river Uruguay, where the construction of a pulp mill on the Uruguayan side soured bilateral relations for several years.
Argentina unable to lift Chinese ban on soy-oil imports in first round of talks
The Argentine trade mission sent to Beijing was unable to lift the ban on soy-oil imports imposed by China on Argentina. The Argentine delegation returned with the promise that further talks will be taking place but no dates were revealed.
Evo Morales hopeful of restabilising full relations with Washington
Bolivian president Evo Morales said he was hopeful an agreement could be reached for the full reestablishment of diplomatic, trade and investment relations with Washington.
Oliver Stone and film “South of the Border” greeted by thousands of Bolivians
Noted US political firebrand and film director Oliver Stone attended the Bolivian premiere of his documentary “South of the Border” Tuesday night at El Coliseo La Coronilla, an enormous indoor sports stadium in Cochabamba.
Spanish unemployment slightly down at start of summer season
Spanish registered unemployment declined for a second month in May as the start of the tourist season spurred hiring. The number of people registering for unemployment benefits fell by 76,223, or 1.84%, from April to 4.07 million, the Labor Ministry said Wednesday.
Cuban political prisoners’ families hopeful of further positive signs
The families of Cuban political prisoners expressed their hope Wednesday that those who are sick may be released. On Tuesday, Cuban authorities began the first transfers of political prisoners to jails near their homes, Catholic Church officials and the opposition said.
