Stories for May 4th 2009

Monday, May 4th 2009 - 11:03 UTC
Conservative businessman elected president in Panama

Panamanian opposition leader and supermarket mogul Ricardo Martinelli has won Panama's presidential election, the head of the country's electoral tribunal said Sunday. Martinelli, of the conservative Democratic Change party, edged out former Housing Minister Balbina Herrera of Panama's ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party, said Erasmo Pinilla of the electoral tribunal.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 09:19 UTC
Argentina’s 2008/09 crop exports forecasted to drop 56%

Argentina’s cereals and oil seeds exports are forecasted to drop to 13.8 billion US dollars in this 2008/09 crop which means 56% less compared to the 31.9 billion of the 2007/08 crop according to a paper from the Argentine Agrarian Federation, FAA.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 09:14 UTC
Ahead of tough week British ministers rally behind PM Gordon Brown

British senior ministers have insisted Gordon Brown is the best man to lead the Labour Party, after criticism of the government from inside the cabinet. Both Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Justice Secretary Jack Straw defended the prime minister's leadership, at the end of a tough week for the government.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 08:56 UTC
Flu outbreak becomes excuse for trade and tourism restrictions

Three countries worst hit by the global swine flu outbreak have urged economic partners not to allow it to affect international trade. Agricultural ministers from Canada, Mexico and the US said the outbreak should not be used as a reason for unnecessary trade restrictions.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 08:37 UTC
China becomes main destination of Brazilian exports ahead of US

China has become the main purchaser of Brazilian exports during the first quarter of this year displacing United States which held the position undisputed for decades, according to reports in the Sao Paulo press based on the latest statistics.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 08:33 UTC
Former US president Jimmy Carter honoured in Sao Paulo

Former US president and Nobel Peace Prize Jimmy Carter was honoured Sunday by the governor of Brazil’s powerhouse state Sao Paulo for his contributions to the development of the state.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 07:58 UTC
Unemployment in Magallanes region soars in first quarter

Unemployment in the extreme south Chilean region of Magallanes more than doubled during this year’s first quarter having reached 5.6% compared to the same period a year ago according to the latest official Statistics Office release.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 07:55 UTC
Six companies present offers for potential natural gas deposits in Uruguay

Six foreign companies have presented offers to explore a natural gas deposit off Uruguay's Atlantic coast, announced Uruguay’s government owned oil company Ancap, Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 07:45 UTC
Iranian president visits South America; US calls it “disturbing”

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad begins this week a tour of South America visiting three countries, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela, reported Iranian Foreign Affairs minister Manouchehr Mottaki.