Stories for December 14th 2010
Brazil has become “unavoidable partner” in the global decision-making process
Brazil has the necessary conditions, and authority, to actively participate in the current international transformations as the world moves away from the “traditional governance mechanisms”, and for which Brazil, India and South Africa have become “unavoidable partners” in the decision making process.
US/Swedish expedition to explore Amundsen Sea ecology and potential ‘polynyas’
In a complex example of “science diplomacy,” teams of U.S. and Swedish scientists are sailing this month aboard two research vessels to study the ecology of the Amundsen Sea, one of the least-explored and most productive bodies in Antarctic waters, and to gauge the potential effects of a changing climate on the Southern Ocean.
Uribe confirms Wikileaks: he was prepared to cross into Venezuela territory
Former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010) confirmed the contents of a confidential US State Department confidential cable exposed by Wikileaks, according to which he contemplated sending troops across into Venezuelan territory to capture and arrest FARC guerrilla leaders.
Colombia’s Ecopetrol announces seventh technical oil discovery in 2010
Colombia’s Ecopetrol has reported oil shows from a second stratigraphic well on the Cano Sur block, where Shell holds a 50% stake. Ecopetrol said that it completed drilling of the Draco-1 well, located in the southeastern province of Meta.
Airlines profits for 2010 and 2011 up but “margins remain pathetic” says IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revised its industry outlook for 2010 to a net profit of 15.1 billion USD (up from the 8.9 billion forecast in September). Similarly IATA revised upwards its projections for 2011 to a net industry profit of 9.1 billion (up from the 5.3 billion forecast in September). However net margins remain weak at 2.7% for 2010 and falling to 1.5% in 2011.
Brazilian president-elect will work for stronger Mercosur institutions
Brazilian president-elect Dilma Rousseff will attempt to strengthen Mercosur institutions and establish a protagonist dialogue with United States, according to the presidential advisor on international affaire Marco Aurelio García who has been confirmed in his post.
Bolivia’s first (Chinese built) telecommunications satellite operational by 2014
The Bolivian Space Agency (ABE) and the Chinese Great Wall Industry Corporation signed a commercial contract for the construction and launching of the first Bolivian telecommunications satellite, which has been baptized Tupac Katari.
Whaling and non-whaling countries call for restrain ahead of new hunting season
Four countries, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and United States have jointly expressed concern over confrontations between Japanese whaling ships and anti-whaling activists in Antarctic waters and called for responsible behavior by the two sides.
Billions in Venezuelan infrastructure projects for Brazilian corporations
Bridges, highways, petrochemical, steel and power plants, aqueducts, agriculture, livestock and abattoirs, shipyards and even simple cable cars are among Brazilian major corporations’ contribution to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez construction of “Socialism XXI century”, according to Fernando Portela president of the Brazilian/Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
South Korea reports outbreak of FMD; officials say 147.173 livestock destroyed
South Korea reported on Monday a further case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the south-eastern part of the country, according to Seoul's Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
