Stories for February 10th 2011
FAO admits illegal fishing remains major threat; calls for a global record of fishing vessels
Countries are making progress in implementing the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, which is now 15 years old, but still extremely relevant. However, additional efforts are needed, declared participants at the close of the 29th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries.
Bank of England at a crossroad leaves interest rates on hold at 0.5%
Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept UK interest rates on hold at 0.5%, and unveiled no new quantitative easing (QE) measures.
Easter Island Rapa Niu peoples’ land claims’ turns international
The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR), a body within the Organization of American States, has issued Precautionary Measures to protect the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island.
Japan’s public debt and fiscal deficit “unsustainable” warns IMF
The weight of Japan's public debt, the highest in the world, is unsustainable in the medium and long term warned this week Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund.
Another green revolution in the making with the “Green Super Rice”
The world appears to be on the threshold of another green revolution in rice production as a result of an intensive, 12-year partnership between the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing and the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
Unasur becomes fully in force March 11, following on Uruguay’s ratification vote
The Uruguayan government officially delivered this week the formal ratification of the UNASUR (Union of South American Nations) founding charter thus turning the political project into juridical reality.
“Currencies war”, new challenge for EU/Mercosur trade agreement
The European Union Trade Commissioner Karen De Gucht anticipates a full trade agreement with Mercosur will be reached in a “short time” given the negotiations “unusual” speed but also cautioned about new challenges such as currencies over or under appreciation.
Chile prepares for energy rationing; insufficient rainfall caused by La Niña
The strongest La Niña weather cycle in 35 years has reduced rainfall by up to 46% in some areas of Chile. The dry season began last March and is expected to continue through May.
Brazil poised for another record crop of soybeans: 69/70 million tons
Brazil could harvest a record crop of 70 million tons of soybeans in 2011 because of improved climate conditions and expansion of the area planted according to Hamburg based Oil World consultants.
WikiLeaks: US believes former Chilean leader death “to remain a mystery”
An embassy cable published this week by WikiLeaks revealed a 2009 email in which then-U.S ambassador to Chile, Paul Simons, predicted that former President Eduardo Frei Montalva’s controversial 1982 death would never be fully understood. “The tragic recent history of Chile continues to divide its people, and the death of this emblematic President seems destined to remain a mystery.”
