Stories for March 2011
Hispanics become US second largest group with 50.5 million; up 43% since 2000
The growing Hispanic population in the United States has reached a new milestone, topping 50 million, or 16.3%, officially solidifying its position as the country's second-largest group, U.S. Census Bureau officials said this week.
IMF recommends ending fiscal stimulus before turning to capital controls
Latin American policy makers should withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus to prevent their economies from overheating before turning to capital controls to limit foreign currency inflows, said Nicolas Eyzaguirre, the International Monetary Fund Western Hemisphere director.
Fukushima thrashes Merkel; German Greens to appoint their first state premier ever
The Fukushima syndrome hit hard in Germany for Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition that suffered bruising losses in two state legislative elections Sunday, losing control of the main prize, Baden-Wuerttemberg state.
Chavez begins South American tour; praises Syria’s Assad as a humanist
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez begins Monday a tour of four South American countries to strengthen ties and to analyze existing accords, the Bolivarian revolution leader said on Sunday.
Libya: As you sow, so shall you reap
The west has already scripted the ouster of the Libyan strongman Colonel Muammar Qadhafi. Coalition forces have given a severe blow to the Libyan Air Force and Army. Now, NATO has taken over the military command. Qadhafi’s one son has reportedly been killed. Qadhafi can be dethroned anytime.
Colombia and Peru closer to implementing the free trade agreement with the EU
Negotiators from the European Union, Colombia and Peru have signed the final texts on an association agreement with a free trade chapter designed to increase commerce between the Andean countries and the European bloc, it was reported Friday.
Paraguayan economy expands an all time record of 15.3% in 2010
Boosted by agriculture Paraguay's economy grew an all time record of 15,3% in 2010, following on a 3.8% contraction in 2009, according to the latest release from the Central bank.
Radioactivity levels 1.250 times higher than normal in sea water at Fukushima
Radioactivity levels are soaring in seawater near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, Japan's nuclear safety agency said, two weeks after the nuclear power plant was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami.
Yemen president negotiating terms of transfer of power
Agreement is close on a transfer of power from Yemen's veteran President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, a government minister says. After six weeks of protests, Mr Saleh has said he is willing to step down this year. But the demonstrators want him to go immediately
Ending BBC Caribbean Service considered politically unwise for region’s public opinion
BBC Caribbean Service has made its final broadcast, ending seven decades of programming for the region. The service is being shut as part of budget cuts announced by the BBC World Service in January.


