Stories for July 2009

Friday, July 10th 2009 - 07:38 UTC
Another record wheat year is forecasted for Uruguay

Uruguay could be heading for another record of farmland dedicated to wheat and although it is too early to have the exact data, estimates are above 500.000 hectares. Good climate and lower input costs, mainly from fertilizers, could be anticipating a record harvest next December overtaking the 480.000 hectares and 1.2 million tons of the 2008 crop, according to reports in the Montevideo press based on official and private estimates.
Friday, July 10th 2009 - 07:33 UTC
New constitution for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Britain’s Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant welcomed on Thursday the new St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, which among other things includes a Bill of Rights, better defines the role of the Governor and has separate chapters for each of the three islands.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 13:01 UTC
“Special powers” in Chile to drive down cases of A/H1N1 virus influenza

In the face of increasing numbers of hospitalizations and consultations relating to breathing problems related to flu, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet issued a decree this week giving the Health Ministry additional powers to address Chile’s current problems relating to the AH1N1 virus.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:56 UTC
G8 concerned with “exit strategies” from stimulus packages

The leaders of G8 believe the world economy still faces “significant risks” and may need further help, but macro-economic stimulus “must be consistent with price stability and medium-term fiscal sustainability” according to summit documents that also reflect failure to agree climate change goals for 2050.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:51 UTC
Hillary Clinton speaks out for freedom of expression and of the press

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in favour of an adequate protection to the media in Venezuela, as well as in other countries. The US top diplomat considered that the freedom of expression and freedom of the press are fundamental values for democracy.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:46 UTC
New mix of hogs and seasonal flu detected in Canadian farm

Two farm workers in Western Canada have become infected with a new flu virus, health officials said this week, emphasizing the strain, described as non-pandemic influenza A virus, was not related to the H1N1 pandemic.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:37 UTC
Colombian Church openly against third period for President Uribe

The Colombian Catholic Church said that two consecutive mandates for President Alvaro Uribe “have been and are too much”, and recommended the leader takes a well earned rest and clear all uncertainties about his possible re-election again in 2010.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:34 UTC
IMF forecasts 2.6% contraction for Latam economy

The Latinamerican economy is forecasted to contract 2.6% this year according to the latest estimates from the International Monetary Fund, with Mexico showing the worst performance plummeting 7.3% in 2009.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:32 UTC
US regulators target speculation in the energy markets

A United States regulator is to hold hearings to decide whether it should clamp down on speculation in the energy market.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 - 12:25 UTC
Bank of England to pump extra £ 25 billion to UK economy

The Bank of England is set to pump an extra £25 billion into the recession-blighted UK economy. The rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to vote to step up its quantitative easing programme - effectively printing more money - while holding interest rates at their record low of 0.5%.