Stories for December 2007

Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Federal Reserve tough new rules for mortgage lenders

The US Federal Reserve approved Tuesday measures to give mortgage holders far more protection to prevent the current housing crisis from worsening further. Tough new regulations will ensure lenders take into account a borrower's ability to repay a loan and would not penalize those making early repayments.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Australia to monitor by air and sea Japanese whalers

Australia urged Japanese whalers and environmental activists heading for a showdown in the Southern Ocean to act with restraint, warning deaths could occur if anything went wrong.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands praises British Foreign Office

Falklands'Councillor Mike Summers has praised the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their “unwavering message” on sovereignty.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
EU debates fisheries 2008 TAC, quotas (cuts and bans)

The European Union (EU) Council of Fisheries Ministers began negotiations this week that would determine fisheries TAC and quotas for next year.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Russia's Putin named “Person of the Year” by Time magazine

Time magazine named President Vladimir Putin its person of the year Wednesday, in recognition of the Russian leader's role in making Moscow “a critical linchpin of the 21st century.”
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Néstor Kirchner's debut as former Argentine president

Former Argentine president Néstor Kirchner spoke yesterday at a rally organized by workers of state-run water company Aysa of the death of former coast guard officer Héctor Febres, the suitcase-gate scandal and Argentina's relationship with the United States. This is his first public appearance since leaving office on December 10.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
France willing to take in Colombian FARC prisoners

France is willing to admit imprisoned Colombian guerrillas as part of a deal to secure the release of hostages held in the South American country, the French prime minister said Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mexico and Chile most expensive countries in Latam

Chile is the second most expensive country in Latin America, according to a preliminary report released Monday by the World Bank's International Comparison Program (ICP). Of the 11 Latin American countries included in the study, only Mexico was found to be more expensive than Chile.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
North Sea cod quota 11% hike leaves most EU satisfied

European Union fisheries ministers decided Wednesday in Brussels to allow fishermen to catch more threatened fish like cod in 2008 against the recommendations of scientists and environmentalists.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
RFA Gold Rover in mid Atlantic medical rescue operation

Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Gold Rover has been involved in the urgent re-supply of drugs and medical stores to the isolated volcanic island of Tristan Da Cunha after having been earlier re-tasked from her maritime Security and support duties in the Atlantic to provide assistance.