Stories for July 2nd 2012
Libor rates abuses: major shake up at Barclays’ and wider government inquiry into banking
British Barclays’ group has promised a “root and branch review” of its business practices and announced the resignation of its chairman Marcus Agius. This follows Barclays' attempts to manipulate inter-bank lending rates, for which it was fined £290m.
Uruguay says it was Brazil that forced the incorporation to Mercosur of Venezuela
The Uruguayan government revealed on Monday its disagreement with the way Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur was decided last Friday at the summit held in Mendoza, Argentina, and said “it was not the last word” since the process must be reviewed from a juridical point of view.
Jeremy Browne alerts Argentina against Falklands’ politicization of London Olympics
In an interview to British newspaper Financial Times, United Kingdom’s Foreign Office Minister for South America, Jeremy Browne, alerted Argentina against the politicization of the London Olympics, set to begin on July 27th by bringing up claims over the Falklands.
Peña Nieto, the new face of the old PRI, next Mexican president
Enrique Peña Nieto leads his rivals in exit polls of Mexico’s presidential election as he seeks to return the once-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party to power after a 12-year hiatus.
PM Cameron suggests referendum on UK’s conditions and EU membership
British Prime minister David Cameron has indicated that a referendum on the United Kingdom’s conditions of European Union membership is increasingly likely, but ruled out one that offers voters a straight “in or out” choice.
Cristina Fernandez calls on regional unit to neutralize the global crisis
President Cristina Fernández took to her Twitter account to say that “the fundamental goal in the unity of the region must be to make sure that the global crisis has the less kind of possible impact in the development of our nations.”
Spain economy shrinks in second quarter; forecasted to contract 1.7% this year
Spain's economy shrank further in the second quarter but looks set to stabilise over the rest of the year while the government continues to push structural reforms and budget austerity, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said.
OAS fact-finding mission on the Paraguayan situation arrives in Asuncion
The Paraguayan government named a special committee of military, police and diplomatic officials to help avoid possible incidents of violence when the fact-finding delegation from the Organization of American States, arrives in Asuncion.
New World Bank president pledges to help emerging markets keep expanding
Jim Yong Kim, who took over as World Bank president said his first task will be to help emerging markets keep expanding at a time of stress for the world economy.
Rio do Janeiro and its spectacular landscape declared world heritage site
Rio do Janeiro's iconic landscape, marked by soaring granite facades that drop into the ocean and white-sand beaches that go on for miles, is now an official world heritage site.
