Stories for December 7th 2007

Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Euro-zone rates unchanged in spite of inflation pressure

The European Central Bank left on Thursday interest rates unchanged at 4%, in line with analysts' expectations and in spite of strong short term upward pressure on inflation.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Referendum challenge to the opposition from Bolivia's Morales

Bolivian President Evo Morales has called for a referendum on whether he and the country's nine regional governors should stay in office. Mr Morales said the vote should provide the final word on his reform program, which several governors oppose.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina's Executive economic emergency powers on hold

The Argentine Senate this week passed into law the 2008 budget and the Ministries bill, but delayed for next week's session the vote on the extension of the Economic Emergency bill and other tax bills.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Lesson One: how do you say Panama Canal in Chinese?

Panama is moving to make the teaching of Mandarin compulsory in all schools, in recognition of China's growing importance in the world economy. The Panamanian National Assembly has given conditional approval to the bill in the first of three debates.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines: Frankenstein and Dracula in love duel? It must be panto season!; 'FIG needs economic rethink' Former Economic Advisor urges: 'Take a longer term view; ' Fishing company's application fails; Battle Day parade and holiday.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Islander and former Bs. Aires resident in Falkland's election

A FALKLANDS artist who has spent three years of his life living in Buenos Aires is to stand for election to Falkland Islands government.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UN watchdog agency praises Brazil's nuclear program

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency this week praised Brazil's nuclear energy programme while visiting a uranium enrichment plant capable of producing fuel for nuclear reactors.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
China's booming economy running out of spare capacity

China should let its currency rise faster to help it counter overheating in its booming economy, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suggested in a report this week.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US Congress discusses rise in vehicle fuel efficiency

An energy bill that would require the first rise in vehicle fuel efficiency in more than 30 years was passed this week by the United States House of Representatives.
Friday, December 7th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil discovers huge offshore natural gas and light oil field

Brazil's government owned Petrobras confirmed this week the discovery of new natural gas reservoirs to the north of the Camarupim field, in the Espírito Santo Basin, off the southeastern coast of the country.