Stories for May 2009

Friday, May 29th 2009 - 08:43 UTC
Itaipú is a “political problem”, says Lula da Silva’s main advisor

Differences between Brazil and Paraguay over the world’s largest operational hydroelectric dam, Itaipú, are a “political problem” and not an energy issue according to Marco Aurelio García, international affairs advisor to the Brazilian Executive.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 05:04 UTC
Brazil discovers the benefits of efficient cook stoves.

Woodland in Brazil is being cut down, day after day. The local people say they need it to make a living. This is not the Amazon rainforest deforestation, but the woody landscape of Caatinga in the North Eastern corner of Brazil. Caatinga’s inhabitants are cutting wood for cooking.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 04:04 UTC
A Tribute to Outgoing United States Assistant Secretary of State Tom Shannon

In the coming weeks, Dr. Thomas A. Shannon, who protected a rational regional policy from the ideological knives of the Bush administration, will step down as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. By that time, President Obama’s pick for the job, Georgetown University Professor Arturo Valenzuela, will be confirmed by the Senate.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 03:49 UTC
Easter Island cruise pier could cost between 20 and 70 million USD

Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) recently announced its decision to fund construction of a new docking pier for Easter Island, near the in Rapa Nui part of the island.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 02:19 UTC
South Atlantic islands preparing invasive species strategy

A regional strategy for invasive species in the South Atlantic should be ready towards the end of the year, following the conclusion of the regional workshop on Ascension Island.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 01:58 UTC
Gibraltar reviews sea patrol procedures to contain Spanish “incursions”

In the wake of recent tense incidents at sea off Gibraltar with Spain, police and military planners have revisited the operating procedures for marine crews patrolling British waters, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 01:56 UTC
British MPs expenses scandals forces more resignations

Two more British Members of Parliament have succumbed to intense pressure over their expenses by saying they will not seek re-election. Tory backbencher Julie Kirkbride said the situation had become “unbearable” as she followed husband Andrew MacKay in announcing her departure from parliament at the next general election.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:34 UTC
Argentina denies any “nationalization wave” after mid term election

Argentina accepted on Wednesday Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' explanation about his comments on his administration’s nationalization plan that doesn't include Brazil's firms, and in a separate statement denied any “nationalization wave” was planned following June’s mid term election.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:31 UTC
“Failed” education anticipates “populist” governments in Uruguay

Education in Uruguay has “failed” and the composition of the electorate has “changed dramatically”, an ideal mix for “populist proposals” said economist Ernesto Talvi, head of the social and economics think tank Ceres based in Montevideo.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:24 UTC
Uruguay inaugurates second wind farm with 10 MW capacity

Uruguay officially inaugurated on Wednesday a 10 MW capacity wind turbine park financed and equipped by Spain. The park belonging to Uruguay’s power company UTE is one of the many different efforts to broaden and diversify energy generation in the country.