Stories for 2008

Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN Food Program warns on soaring grain and energy prices

The head of the UN World Food Programme has warned that the rise in basic food costs could continue until 2010. Josette Sheeran blamed soaring energy and grain prices, the effects of climate change and demand for bio-fuels.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina/Venezuela complement “food and energy” axis

Argentina and Venezuela are countries of “absolute and necessary complementation in the context of the main axis of the XXI century, food and energy” said Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner on Thursday following the signing of food for energy agreements with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Andean Indians coca leaves chewing habit in UN controversy

Bolivia and Peru have defended the continued, traditional use of coca leaves which have been chewed by indigenous populations for centuries, after they were criticized by a UN drugs agency report.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Forbes: Buffett dethrones Bill Gates as world's richest

After thirteen years on top, Bill Gates is no longer the richest man in the world. That honor now belongs to his friend and sometimes bridge partner Warren Buffett, according to a report from Forbes magazine.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Mrs. Kirchner calls for peace and end to unilateral actions

Argentina and Venezuela strongly rejected the violation of Ecuadorian sovereignty by Colombian troops and made a strong call for peace in the region during the signing on Thursday of trade and political agreements in Caracas.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Baby Nick's poor health means no return home; SSL launches scholarship; Men overboard; Westers talk rates; Deportation applications contested.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Kirchner's plea 'comical if not so sad' says Summers

Comical if it were not so sad for those involved” is how a Falklands councillor has described the Argentine President's call upon Britain to allow Argentine next of kin to visit the Falklands by charter flight rather than by sea.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazilian officials optimistic in spite of US recession

Brazil economy grew more than 5% in 2007 on high global demand for agricultural products, ethanol and iron ore and a booming domestic market, Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Friday in a press conference.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Virulent wheat fungus spreading in Asian grain areas says FAO

The United Nations food agency has asked wheat-producing nations in Asia, including India and Pakistan to be on high alert following a report that a new virulent wheat fungus has moved to major wheat-growing areas in Iran.
Friday, March 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falklands' conflict Foreign Secretary Lord Pym dies

Former British Conservative Foreign Secretary Lord Pym died Friday at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness, his family has said. He served in the role during the 1982 Falklands War following the resignation of Lord Carrington, reports BBC.