Stories for December 2007

Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
The FARC guerrillas demand resignation of Colombian leader

The Colombian Marxist-oriented guerilla group FARC has demanded the resignation of the country's president, Alvaro Uribe, to secure the release of hostages, among them the French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt. The guerilla commander released the demand in a statement carried on the internet.
Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
W. Bank “downsized” India's economy to fifth world largest

The World Bank says India and China are not what they are pumped up to be. The Bank has “downsized” the economies of the two Asian giants by nearly 40% under new metrics, which it says are more reliable and accurate than previous estimates
Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
NYT on Bali: “No real breakthroughs in climate change”

Earlier this week we published an article from the United Nations which expressed satisfaction with the recent Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. Basically the UN said that after “the successful conclusion of the landmark conference” in Bali, “developed and developing countries alike must continue to build on the momentum generated by the meeting”.
Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Gibraltar Government House moves to 150 Strand

The Gibraltar Government has signed contracts for the purchase of a £3.4 million freehold property in London to house the Gibraltar Government Office.
Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Chile among the world's main mussel producers

With exports valued at 70 million US dollars a year, Chile is now the world's fourth largest producer of mussels. The country currently has 63 seed beds, 1,132 growing centres and 40 processing plants, 90 percent of which are in the south of the country.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Colombian rebels announce liberation of three hostages

Colombian rebels announced Tuesday they will release three hostages, including Clara Rojas, kidnapped in 2002 alongside French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, and her son born in captivity, a Cuban news agency said.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falklands outlines Plan 2008-12 with nine key “themes”

A draft Islands Plan 2008-12, setting out the Falkland Islands government's ambitions and promises for the next five years, has been issued for consultation with the community and stakeholders.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UN announces global standards for internet television services

The lead United Nations agency for information and communication technology (ICT) announced Tuesday the first set of global standards for providing television services over the Internet, a move that is expected to fuel innovation and competition in an emerging field.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US Congress approves “historic” energy efficiency bill

The U.S. Congress has approved a “historic” energy bill that increases U.S. fuel efficiency standards in cars and trucks. President George Bush is expected to sign the measure into law.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
EU Central Bank ready to pump 348 billion Euro liquidity

The European Central Bank has allocated 348.7 billion Euros, (502 billion US dollars) to banks at a below-market rate in a refinancing move to ease tightened credit markets.