Stories for March 2009

Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 15:49 UTC
Unexpected embarrassment for PM Brown from Chilean president

British Primer Minister Gordon Brown was left embarrassed Friday when host Chilean Michelle Bachelet inadvertently echoed the Conservatives' attack on his command of the economy.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 15:38 UTC
Argentina in February recovers trade surplus, but exports plunge 24%

The impact of the world recession continues to be felt in Argentina with exports plunging 24% in February compared to a year ago, while imports dropped 37%, according to the country’s Statistics and Census Office, Indec.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 08:37 UTC
The Economist: what happens if the Kirchners don’t make it on June?

Although the article from The Economist was published before the Senate vote which advanced Argentine mid term elections from October to June, the context gives a full idea of events and the Kirchner couple attempts to hold on to power, be it at all costs, thus the headline, “Hoping it’s not the exit”, “The Kirchners make a dash for it”.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 08:31 UTC
Paraguay-Brazil Itaipú energy dispute is “like Panama Canal negotiation”

Paraguay rejected this week Brazil’s proposals regarding the non renegotiation of the Itaipú treaty which regulates energy production from South America’s largest hydroelectric dam shared by the neighbouring countries.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 08:01 UTC
Biden advances President Obama’s Latinamerican approach

United States Vice President Joe Biden is on a four-day trip to Central and South America for meetings he said represent a “new day” for partnerships in the Americas.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 04:59 UTC
UN Secretary General Urges Citizens To Join WWF's Earth Hour

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged citizens around the world to join WWF's Earth Hour to demand action on climate change.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 04:07 UTC
Argentine squid catches “very poor”: half last year’s season

Illex squid catches and landings in Argentine ports are considerably less than last season claims the Argentine industry, which is corroborated by official statistics from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery, and Food (SAGP&A).
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 03:51 UTC
Russia confirms Arctic ambitions and plans for military force

Russia has announced plans to set up a military force to protect its interests in the Arctic. In a document published on its national security council's website, Moscow says it expects the Arctic to become its main resource base by 2020.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 03:50 UTC
A week of protests in London to mark the G20 summit

Thousands of people are preparing to take part in a huge march for “jobs, justice and climate” ahead of a week of protests in London to mark the G20 summit amid anger at the £19 million cost of staging the conference.
Saturday, March 28th 2009 - 03:34 UTC
US economy at its worst in fourth quarter but could be bottoming out

The United States economy contracted at a stunning pace of 6.3% in the fourth quarter of 2008, the most in 26 years, as consumers cut down on spending and exports weakened.