Stories for October 1st 2008

Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine farmers back on the roads for six-day protest

Argentine farmers announced on Tuesday they will take to the roads again temporarily suspending grain exports and limiting beef exports to protest scant progress in talks with the government on how to help small- and medium-scale producers who are suffering financially.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
S. American leaders blame financial crisis on US irresponsibility

Four of South America's leaders meeting in the Amazon accused the United States on Tuesday of “irresponsibility” in its handling of a financial crisis that has dried up credit markets and threatens economies around the world.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Milk scandal: Chinese dairy industry on the verge of collapse

Chinese police have arrested 22 people suspected of producing melamine - the chemical found in milk products which have made thousands of babies ill. The arrests took place on 17 September, but were only reported widely on Monday evening.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US freezes assets of FARC representatives in the region

The United States Treasury Department on Tuesday froze the US assets of eight members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which it has deemed a narco-terrorist organization.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US Senate expected to approve revamped rescue package

The United States Treasury Department on Tuesday froze the US assets of eight members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which it has deemed a narco-terrorist organization.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ireland implements stand-by rescue plan of 400 billion Euro

Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen defended a radical 400 billion Euro state move to shore up its financial system and in the continent France, Belgium and Luxembourg bailed out a second bank .
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ecuador calls on Europe to reform migration policies

Ecuador spoke out against the European Union's policy on migration during the General Assembly's annual high-level debate Tuesday, stressing the need to protect the right of people to move freely.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil cautions Europe on the Immigration Pact

Brazil said the recent deision by Justice Ministers to support the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum reinforces a negative predisposition and allows forms of control that when applied “may probe arbitrary or contrary to human rights”.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay's 12 month fiscal deficit to August: 0.4% of GDP

Uruguay's consolidated fiscal deficit in the twelve months to August was 0.8% of GDP, which means it has remained relatively stable (July 0.9%), according to official data from the Ministry of Economy.
Wednesday, October 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay's total debt equivalent to 68% of GDP

Uruguay's overall debt at the close of the second quarter was 18.2 billion US dollars, having increased 779 million US dollars over the first quarter, thus totalling the equivalent to 68% of GDP. At the end of March the debt/GDP ratio was 70%.