Stories for February 2008

Tuesday, February 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
World Bank Appoints Chinese Academic as Top Economist

The World Bank appointed Chinese national Justin Lin as its chief economist, the first time the post has gone to a candidate outside Europe and the U.S.
Tuesday, February 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Humans' rights: Argentine dirty war trial opens

The last army chief from Argentina's dictatorship and five other retired officers went on trial Tuesday for their alleged roles in the illegal detentions and torture of dissidents during military rule.
Tuesday, February 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil seeks to modernize submarine Force

Brazil's dreams of becoming the first Latin American country to operate a nuclear submarine were reportedly discussed during a late January visit by defense minister Nelson Jobim to France.

Long-dormant plans to enter the nuclear submarine club were recently revived by Brazil, which already has a modest submarine-building capability.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay's “double risk”: inflation or exports incentive loss

Uruguay's consumer prices index, CPI increased 0.78% in January, below expectations but the largest monthly rise since last August, 1.73%. January's CPI a year ago was 1.77% and in 2006, 1.37%. The last twelve months CPI now stands at 7.44%, still above the 3 to 7% Central Bank target.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cheap US dollar, strong imports erode Brazil's trade surplus

Brazil's trade surplus narrowed to a 5 and a half year low in January as a cheaper dollar and rising consumer demand pushed imports to a record high. Imports increased to 12.3 billion US dollars in January from 10.6 billion in December.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil launch the biggest part of Rio's five-day dances

Brazilian beauties wearing only sequins led carnival parades lasting until dawn Sunday as second-division samba groups used a kaleidoscope of colorful dancers and floats to launch the biggest part of Rio's five-day bash.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK: concerns about wind farms threat to MoD radar

Concerns about wind turbines interfering with military radar are threatening ambitious Government plans of £ 200 million windfarm development.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuelan military 'on alert' for possible Colombian threat

President Hugo Chavez said Venezuela's military is on alert for possible threats from Colombia, warning the neighbouring government not to try to stir up an armed conflict.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay keeps consolidated budget deficit on target

In spite of a surge in expenditure in the last quarter Uruguay managed to keep to its fiscal target in 2007 with a budget deficit equivalent to 0.34% of GDP, below the 0.5% established in the Central Bank financial program.
Monday, February 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Bahamas accedes to two UN marine pollution treaties

The Bahamas, home to the world's third-largest registered fleet of ships, has acceded to two key International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions that aim to discourage environmental pollution on the high seas, the United Nations agency announced today.