Stories for 2012
US April jobless figure drops to lowest since July 2008; unemployment, 8.1%
The number of Americans submitting new applications for jobless benefits edged down last week, easing concerns the labour market was deteriorating after April's weak employment growth.
The Olympic torch with the blessing from Apolo is en route to London
The flame that will burn during the London Games was lit on Thursday at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics on Thursday, heralding the start of a torch relay that will culminate with the opening ceremony on July 27.
Argentine government re-activates national committee of Malvinas combatants
The Argentine government reactivated the National Committee of former Malvinas combatants which will support legal actions against crimes committed by Argentine officers during the 1982 conflict and demand DNA tests to identify the 123 remains buried in the Darwin cemetery in the Falklands.
Spain takes over fourth largest bank to try and calm markets
Spain took over Bankia, the country's fourth biggest lender, on Wednesday, trying to dispel concerns over the government's ability to clean up the financial sector four years after the banks were hit by a property market crash.
France’s Total awarded an oil exploration licence offshore Uruguay
France’s Total has been awarded an exploration licence for block 14 offshore Uruguay, following a second bid round staged by state-owned company ANCAP. Confirmation of the award is subject to further approval by Uruguayan authorities.
Brazilian Senate approves ‘Budweiser bill’ ending dispute with FIFA over World Cup sponsoring
The Brazilian senate approved a bill Wednesday giving FIFA the guarantees needed to organize the 2014 World Cup. The approval came just a day after the Brazilian government met with FIFA officials in Switzerland to discuss the country's preparations and resolve their differences.
Unasur members open their defence budgets and spending to peers
The twelve countries members of the Union of South American nations, Unasur have for the first time opened to their peers defence budgets and how much they spend on the military, helping confidence building, according to reports from the group’s Secretary General Office.
Warmer waters and lack of food most probable cause of pelicans’ death in Peru
The increase in water temperature to the north of Peru kept away the schools of fish on which marine birds feed causing the massive death of pelicans recorded in that area, which could extend to other parts of Peru, if conditions persist.
Major oil congress in Brazil to address challenge of pre-salt deposits development
The challenge of exploring and extracting Brazil’s massive pre-salt offshore hydrocarbons deposits will be addressed at the congress to be held in Rio do Janeiro next June with the participation of 250 delegates from international corporations, Petrobras and other Brazilian government institutions.
Argentine government and Repsol partners in YPF’s asset striping claims former minister
A former Argentine Energy and Industry secretary questioned the energy policy of President Cristina Fernandez administration but also strongly criticized Spain’s Repsol management of the recently seized YPF.
