Stories for August 2008

Saturday, August 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Georgia: In 'state of war' over South Ossetia

Russia and small, U.S.-allied Georgia headed toward a wider war Saturday as Russian tanks rumbled into the contested province of South Ossetia and Russian aircraft bombed a Georgian town, escalating a conflict that already has left hundreds dead.
Saturday, August 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia, Shell reach agreement in nationalization

Bolivia has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the local operations of energy company Royal Dutch Shell PLC as part of President Evo Morales' nationalization push.
Saturday, August 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil's President Lula promotes Rio 2016 in Beijing

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday in Beijing that Rio de Janeiro's bid for the 2016 Summer Games carries the ultimate seal of approval, reports the AP. He said, “when God made the world he prepared Rio for the Olympic Games.”
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bank of England leaves interest rates on hold at 5%

The Bank of England decided on Thursday to keep interest rates on hold at 5% as it struggles to deal with a slowing economy and spiraling inflation. Many reports have shown the economy heading for a significant slowdown or even a recession.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Euro zone rates unchanged; forecast of “weak mid.2008”

The European Central Bank (ECB) has kept its interest rate benchmark unchanged at 4.25% amid signs of slowing economic growth. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said growth in the 15-nation bloc had been “particularly weak” in mid-2008.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine Congress discusses Aerolineas re-nationalization

The Argentine Congress began this week to consider President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner proposal to re-nationalize Argentina's flag air carrier Aerolineas which until last month was under the control of a Spanish group.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines: Little ones take to the stage; Gallantry awards for RAF men; Jobs 'at risk' as C&W moves 181 service to St Helena; Fuel price increases leading to thefts?
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean court upholds contamination fine on Shell Oil company

A Chilean court this week upheld a decision fining Shell Oil Company US$676,000 for contaminating beaches three years ago in the northern Chilean city of Antofagasta.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN calls for peaceful recall referendum in Bolivia next Sunday

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Friday on all sides in Bolivia to ensure that Sunday's recall referendum on the President, Vice-President and regional governors is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Paraguay, “a devastated country”, says elected president

Paraguay's elected president former bishop Fernando Lugo said he receives a “devastated country with no institutions”, and claimed there is a plan to destabilize his administration which takes office next August 15.