Stories for April 5th 2011
Ulster farmers against any EU/Mercosur deal that includes beef and lamb
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has raised concerns over the current trade deal being discussed between the European Union and Mercosur. UFU beef and lamb chairman Ray Elkin said: “The potential for a Mercosur trade deal is of great concern to the UFU, and could have a devastating impact on Northern Ireland’s beef sector in particular.”
Pickets’ leader demanding extortion sum from Clarin captured on video
Argentina’s most important daily Clarin has filed an extortion complaint against the leader of the pickets that have prevented the circulation of the newspaper by blocking distribution at the press plant and who was recorded in a tape asking for the equivalent of 2.2 million US dollars to end the attacks.
China anticipating higher inflation hikes interest rate by 25 basis points
China’s central bank announced Tuesday it would raise the benchmark one-year borrowing and lending interest rates by 25 basis points beginning Wednesday. This is the second time that The People’s Bank of China raises the benchmark interest rate this year and the fourth such increase since the start of last year.
Pop singer Michel Martelly wins Haiti presidency by a landslide
Pop singer Michel Martelly better known as “Sweet Micky”, is Haiti's new president-elect. Preliminary results, released by the country's electoral council yesterday, show that Martelly won 68% of the vote in March 20 run-off election to beat former Haitian first lady, Mirlande Manigat.
EU official optimistic about the next round of trade negotiations with Mercosur
The European Union and Mercosur have a clear commitment to advance trade negotiations and conclude a deal, if possible, by the end of the year, if not at the beginning of next year when Argentina will again hold the rotating chair of the South American group.
Obama launches his 2012 re-election campaign with a video titled “It Begins With Us”
President Barack Obama launched on Monday his 2012 re-election campaign, framing his final stint as a candidate as an effort to cement and expand the policies he has enacted from the White House.
Venezuelan business community concerned about full Mercosur integration
The potential full membership of Venezuela in Mercosur, before formalizing its departure from the Andean Community (CAN) has Venezuelan entrepreneurs and several parties linked to integration “awaiting and in uncertainty” since they are not in touch with government actions on the issue.
Uruguay has no plans to issue new debt: 2011 obligations comfortably covered
Uruguay's economy minister said the country had no concrete plan to issue new debt because it had already covered 2011 obligations and debt servicing costs will fall in 2012. Nevertheless he complained about the “poor treatment” of Uruguay by the risk rating agencies.
Based on signs of greater fiscal restraint, Fitch raises Brazil’s credit rating to BBB
Brazil’s credit rating was raised one level by Fitch Ratings, which cited the economy’s growth prospects and budget policy under President Dilma Rousseff.
Nazi criminal Eichmann tapes: the mistake was “we didn't do our job properly”
Tapes revealed by Germany’s Der Spiegel shed light on the life of a fugitive Nazi criminal in Argentina after the Second World War (1939/1945). Contrary to his claim during his trial in Israel that he was only following orders, Adolf Eichmann boasted to his friends that he was part of decision making process.
