Stories for January 2009

Monday, January 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Doha hangover: Lamy unopposed for his second WTO mandate

The current director-general of the World Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, is the only candidate for the position. He was the only candidate when nominations closed on 31 December.
Monday, January 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Record rice crop and stabilized prices for 2009

The world can expect another record crop of rice totalling 640 million tons, equivalent to 434 million tons of the elaborate grain, according to a report from Uruguay's Rice Planters association.
Monday, January 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Record low Parana River threatens Argentine second city

The mighty Parana River, one of South America's main waterways which connect the River Plate with the heartland of Argentina, Brazil and landlocked Paraguay and Bolivia has reached a low of 1.02 meters of water just 9 centimetres from the all time record of 0.93 in 1917.
Saturday, January 3rd 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina recalls 1833; Falklands, new constitution

On the eve of the 176th anniversary of the “illegitimate occupation” of the Islas Malvinas by the United Kingdom (January 3rd.) the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner issued a statement emphasizing Argentina's sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic archipelago and described “as unjustified the British negative to address the question”.
Saturday, January 3rd 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil's 2008 trade surplus still strong but drops 38%

In spite of a record year of exports, Brazil's 2008 trade surplus reached 24.7 billion US dollars which is a significant 38% descent compared to the previous year when it totalled more than 40 billion US dollars.
Friday, January 2nd 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela slashes US dollar quota

The Venezuelan government has cut the official number of dollars Venezuelans can spend abroad with their credit cards from $5,000 to $2,500 a year.
Thursday, January 1st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
New Year begins with a new Constitution for the Falklands

January first 2009 marks an important milestone in the history of the Falkland Islands as a new constitution takes effect, providing enhanced local democracy and internal self-government and enshrining the right of self-determination.
Thursday, January 1st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Pope Says Global Crisis a Test for Future

Pope Benedict marked World Day for Peace and the feast of Mary Mother of God Thursday appealing for a reworking of the global financial system and a spiritual and moral revolution that puts solidarity for the poor in pride of place.
Thursday, January 1st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil embraces spelling reforms

Brazilians start 2009 facing the task of learning new spelling rules that have just come into effect.
Thursday, January 1st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Raul Castro marks Cuban revolution

Cuba's revolution is “stronger than ever” the country's president has said, as he led ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the overthrow of the US-backed government.