Stories for May 2009

Monday, May 18th 2009 - 11:29 UTC
Uruguay’s leading poet and Latinamerican writer dies in Montevideo

Mario Benedetti, Uruguay’s leading poet and one of Latinamerica’s most read authors died Sunday in Montevideo at the age of 88. He became famous in the Spanish speaking world in 1960 with his landmark novel La Tregua (The truce) which years later served as the script for a much praised film.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 11:05 UTC
New UK Chief of Joint Operations visits Falklands

The United Kingdom newly appointed Chief of Joint Operations (UK) Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach KCB CBE has enjoyed a busy, week long visit to the Falkland Islands.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 11:02 UTC
IMF head forecasts global economy recovery at end of 2009

The turnaround in the global economic slowdown could come in October or November this year, but an economic recovery depends on many factors and isn't likely to start for another year, the head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Khan, warned Friday.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 10:54 UTC
First visit of a Brazilian president to Saudi Arabia

Brazil and Saudi Arabia signed Sunday an agreement to expand cooperation in oil, mining, infrastructure, science and increase bilateral trade said the Brazilian Foreign Affairs Ministry said. The agreement was signed in presence of King Abdullah and visiting Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 08:39 UTC
Sixth death of dengue disease in Argentina

A sixth person has died of the mosquito transmitted dengue disease in Argentina. The Bolivian born victim died in the northern province of Salta of “dengue-shock syndrome”, which is a consequence of the more lethal form of the disease haemorrhagic dengue, reported the local daily “El Tribuno”.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 08:37 UTC
Crucial WHO assembly to decide on A/H1N1 flu vaccine production

The spread of swine flu and possible vaccine production dominate the agenda of the World Health Organization assembly which begins Monday in Geneva until May 22.
Monday, May 18th 2009 - 08:30 UTC
Thousands of Guatemalans demand resignation of President Colom

Thousands of Guatemalans have marched through the capital to demand the resignation of President Alvaro Colom over the killing of a lawyer. Before his death lawyer Rodrigo Rosenberg recorded a video saying that if he was found dead the President and his aides would be responsible.
Sunday, May 17th 2009 - 13:26 UTC
Peru army to quell Amazon protests

The government “authorises for 30 days the intervention of the armed forces to ensure the continued functioning of essential services in select districts” of the Amazon rainforest region, a statement from the ministry of defence said on Saturday.
Sunday, May 17th 2009 - 13:12 UTC
Private sector economists say Argentina is in recession

Argentina's industrial production in April plunged 9.1% on the year, economic think tank Orlando J Ferreres & Asociados reported this week. The April drop follows a 9% decline during the first quarter of 2009 and a 5.6% drop during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to the report.
Sunday, May 17th 2009 - 13:06 UTC
Chavez promises to combat the “terrorist” press of Venezuela

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez anticipated that the “terrorist” media of his country will face the full consequences of the law for their insistence in allegedly manipulating, misleading or fabricating the president’s statements.