Stories for June 27th 2008

Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US Supreme Court ratifies right to keep handguns

A ban on handguns in Washington DC has been ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. In a 5-4 decision, the justices upheld a lower court ruling striking down the ban. They said individuals had a right to keep handguns for lawful purposes
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Oil breaks records and closer to 150 USD forecast

Oil futures shot above 140 US dollars a barrel on Thursday after OPEC's president said crude prices could rise well above 150 US dollars a barrel this year and Libya said it may cut oil production.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
President Kirchner tries to cope with Congress dissidence

The administration of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is finding it increasingly difficult to retain the congressional majority which should ensure the approval of the sliding export taxes on grains and oilseeds, as sent by the Executive, and which triggered a 103 day conflict with farmers.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Million pounds cost of lost BAS air link; Councillors in New York.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Whaling meeting tries to freeze and delay divisive issues

The International Whaling Commission voted down Thursday a request by indigenous Greenland fishermen to kill 10 humpback whales a year. IWC is holding its annual assembly for the first time in Santiago de Chile.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil approves the merger of Varig with low fare Gol

Brazil's Antimonopoly agency, CADE, finally approved the takeover of the once Brazilian flag carrier Varig by the low fare airline GOL, an operation which took place last year.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Pope invited to celebrate 30 years of peace in Patagonia

The Chilean Senate reiterated an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to travel to Chile for the commemoration of a crucial papal mediation in avoiding a war between Chile and Argentina in 1978.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN calls on rich nations to lead in fighting global crises

The world's major industrialized nations must take the lead in efforts to tackle the three interrelated crises of global food insecurity, climate change and development in poor countries, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on the eve of an official trip that will include his participation in next month's G-8 summit in Japan.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina's total foreign debt reaches 127 billion

Argentina reported that its total foreign debt stood at 127 billion US dollars in the first quarter of the year, continuing to rise higher than when the country negotiated a record debt swap in 2005.
Friday, June 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uribe wants new vote in Colombia after reelection challenge

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe told Congress to call a new presidential ballot after a court challenged the law that allowed him to seek re-election in 2006.