Stories for April 2009

Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 12:17 UTC
Water levels in the world’s main rivers is declining, say meteorologists

Water levels in some of the world's most important rivers have declined significantly over the past 50 years, US researchers say. They say the reduced flows are linked to climate change and will have a major impact as the human population grows.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 12:15 UTC
Criminal probe into sudden death of 21 polo horses in Florida

A criminal probe has been opened into the death of 21 polo horses that died over the weekend during preparations for a match of the sport’s top championship in Wellington, Florida. An investigation has first to determine whether they died from a toxin, a virus, drugs reaction, a contagious disease or a combination of any of the open options.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 12:04 UTC
Venezuela’s main opposition leader in Peru seeking asylum

Peru’s Foreign Affairs minister José Antonio García Belaúnde, confirmed on Tuesday that Manuel Rosales, the mayor of Maracaibo, and one of the leaders of the Venezuelan opposition, is in Lima, capital of Peru supposedly seeking asymlum.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 12:02 UTC
Protectionism debate heats up among Argentine manufacturers

Argentine manufacturers are openly divided over “protectionist practices” to face the current global slowdown. While a member of the board of the powerful Argentine Industrial Union, UIA argued that Argentina is ignoring the lessons of the 1929 crisis, other organizations claim ensuring domestic industry and employment must be priorities.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 03:34 UTC
Open government files: Chile inaugurates public scrutiny bill

Chile’s new Transparency Law, obligating the government to divulge millions of documents for public scrutiny, including how much each politician earns, came into effect on Sunday.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 03:14 UTC
Argentina continental shelf presentation includes Falklands

Argentina officially presented this week before United Nations its continental shelf claims which if approved will extend the country’s sovereign limit on the sea bed from 200 to 350 miles. The request includes all those areas claimed by Argentina: Falklands/Malvinas, South Atlantic islands and the so called Argentine Antarctic Territory.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 02:10 UTC
Argentine fish and shellfish exports pick up in first quarter

Argentina exported 88.987 tons of fish and shellfish valued at 209.3 million US dollars in the first three months of 2009, according to the latest statistics from the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA).
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 02:00 UTC
British government set to cut MPs “second home allowance”

The controversial second home allowance for British members of Parliament could be axed within days after Prime Minister Gordon Brown demanded an urgent Commons vote on reforms.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 01:58 UTC
Dengue infested Paraguay admits “isolated” cholera cases

Health authorities in Paraguay acknowledged this week the existence of an outbreak of cholera in an isolated Indian settlement in the western region of Chaco. Paraguay, as well as neighbouring Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina are also suffering a serious outbreak of the mosquito transmitted dengue
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 - 01:44 UTC
Paraguayan president, former bishop, accused of “raping a minor”

A Paraguayan leading opposition senator filed a “ravish claim” before the country’s Prosecution Office involving President Fernando Lugo and Viviana Carrillo who was a minor when allegedly she had sexual relations with the then bishop of San Pedro. Lugo publicly admitted last week having fathered a child, now two year old and named Fernando, with Viviana.