Stories for May 30th 2008

Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ten states of Brazil to be declared free of FAM with vaccine

The Animal Health Organization, OIE, with seat in Paris is expected to declare ten states of Brazil including the Federal District of Brasilia free of foot and mouth disease with vaccination.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
China: “alternative sources” for Argentine soybeans

China is looking for “alternative sources” for the purchase of soy since Argentina is rapidly becoming a “non reliable” supplier, according to the Financial Times.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“Meaningless” tax changes rejected by Argentine farmers

The Argentine government unilaterally modified on Thursday the controversial soy and grain export tax system, which has sparked a serious almost 80 days conflict with farmers and a serious political crisis.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Where was FIG action on oil spill asks Falklands Conservation?;Balancing budget is 'ever more difficult'; Ferry sails south; Holiday credit going?; TV/radio no charge.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
First time photos of “uncontacted” tribe in Amazon jungle

One of the world's few un-contacted Amazonian tribes has been photographed from the air with images released on Thursday showing members in striking red body paint holding bows and arrows.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil powerhouse: Fitch hikes debt to investment grade

Fitch Ratings became this Thursday the second large rating agency in less than a month to up Brazil credit ratings to investment grade. Fitch said in a statement that the upgrade “reflects the dramatic improvement in Brazil's external and public sector balance sheet”.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN praises adoption of convention on cluster munitions

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Friday the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Dublin, and encouraged States to ratify the new agreement.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU steel lobby rejects BHP Billiton Rio Tinto takeover bid

Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. formally filed Friday with the European Commission to take over rival Rio Tinto, triggering an antitrust review of the hostile takeover. The EC confirmed the notification and will reach a decision by July 4 when it can approve the deal, open an in-depth investigation or permit a short extension.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
European fishermen up in arms over fuel prices

Thousands of fishermen in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Belgium are on strike protesting rising fuel prices. Union leaders said on Thursday Portugal's entire coastal fleet stayed in port on Friday, while in Spain, 7,000 fishermen held protests at the agriculture ministry.
Friday, May 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Unemployment in Punta Arenas remains stable at 2.6%

Unemployment in Magallanes Region in the extreme south of Chile was 2.6% in the three months period, February, March, April, compared to a national average of 7.6%, according to the latest release from the Statistics Office.