Stories for February 2008

Friday, February 15th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
FAO addresses fishing of fragile deep sea species and habitats

Fifty-three countries and the European Community have begun discussions in Rome on how to better protect fragile deep sea fish species and habitats from irresponsible fishing practices.
Friday, February 15th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
First WTO defeat for China over foreign made car parts

China has experienced its first defeat at the World Trade Organization (WTO), in a case referred to restrictions on the importation of foreign-made car parts. Upholding a complaint from the European Union, Canada and United States, the preliminary WTO finding agrees that current Chinese practice is protectionist.
Friday, February 15th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Euro zone growth outpaced the US; first time since 2001

An initial estimate shows that Euro zone economic growth dipped last year to 2.7%, but still easily outpaced the US economy for the first time since 2001. The rate marked only a marginal slowdown from 2006 when the Euro zone economy grew by 2.8%. The US economy slowed to 2.2% in 2007.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Spanish minister visits Argentina to talk about fisheries

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) Elena Espinosa currently visiting Argentina held a meeting with Spanish fishing companies operating in Argentina and signed a fisheries scientific research cooperation agreement which includes surveying the South Atlantic, reports the Buenos Aires press.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Rio Tinto forecasts continued bull market for metals in 2008

Mining giant Rio Tinto expects commodity prices to remain historically high in 2008 and well beyond in spite of the US economic slowdown, said on Wednesday chief economist Vivek Tulpule.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina extends energy saving plan & efficiency culture

Argentina's president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner claimed on Wednesday the government had already saved almost 600 megawatts in electricity as part of the joint Plan for Efficient Energy use.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Commonwealth support for Maldives maritime boundaries

The Commonwealth Secretariat said this week it will work alongside the Government of Maldives to establish maritime boundaries that are consistent with international law
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
President Lula da Silva visits Brazilian base in Antarctica

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected this Friday in Punta Arenas, extreme south of Chile, before his flight on Saturday to his country's Antarctic base “Comandante Ferraz”, reports the local press.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands Governors powers to be reduced

THE historically 'all-powerful' position of the Governor has been reduced considerably in the current review of the Falklands Constitution according to Councillor Mike Summers, following the latest talks with the visiting Foreign Office Constitutional Review Team.
Thursday, February 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cristina K travels to London and will press Malvinas issue

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner confirmed Thursday morning that she will be visiting London on April 4/5 to participate in a Progressive leaders meeting, while government officials and the Buenos Aires press underline that the “unflagging” Malvinas sovereignty claim will be “put on the table”.