Stories for August 2009

Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 14:00 UTC
Brazil and Peru considering building five hydroelectric dams

Brazil and Peru are considering five hydroelectric projects that would cost as much as 15 billion US dollars, revealed Brazilian Energy Minister Edison Lobao.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:51 UTC
Prostitution ring recruited 15-year old girls at school doors

A Brazilian woman accused of heading a prostitution ring that recruited only 15-year-old and younger girls which were later distributed around the country has been detained by the police of Brazil.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:46 UTC
“We are a bunch of crooks, with no credibility” admits Brazilian senator

“We are but a bunch of crooks that have lost all credibility with our citizens” following months of claims of corruption practices in the Upper House, said Brazilian Senator Demostenes Torres during a rowdy congressional debate.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:40 UTC
US job losses soften and fall to 9.4%, first drop since April 2008

The United States economy lost 247,000 jobs in July, far fewer than analysts had expected, official figures show. With fewer workers being laid off, the unemployment rate fell to 9.4%, down from 9.5% in the previous month, the first drop since April 2008.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:35 UTC
UK reasserts authority over Gibraltar’s waters

Defra, the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has reasserted UK’s authority over Gibraltar waters and objects to Spain’s designation. The statement of position comes as the Foreign Office is expected to announce its position in relation to Gibraltar’s lawsuit against the European Commission in this respect.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:50 UTC
Mercosur works if Brazil makes it work, said Uruguayan presidential hopeful

The Uruguayan ruling coalition presidential candidate Jose Mujica said Brazilian president Lula da Silva promised to help speed power inter-connection between the two neighbouring countries, in the framework of Mercosur, in spite of Argentina’s non supportive attitude. He also underlined Mercosur depends on Brazil’s willingness.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:41 UTC
Paraguayan Senate not interested in having Venezuela in Mercosur

The Paraguayan Congress is not interested in considering the protocol for Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur said Senator Miguel Carrioza, president of the Upper house.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:38 UTC
US forces in Colombia controversy: Uribe’s tour considered “positive”

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe three day visit to seven South American countries to explain to his peers the extent of the military understanding with Washington, which includes deployment of US forces in seven Colombian bases, concluded with descriptions of “positive”, “cordial” and “very important”.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:02 UTC
Falklands: Cruise numbers to slump as major operator pulls the plug

Retailers in Stanley are being urged to work smarter for the tourist dollar as future domestic cruise seasons face potentially devastating losses.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 11:49 UTC
Following months of dispute Kirchner easing its grip on agriculture markets

Officials from the administration of Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner have announced a set of measures toward the liberalization of meat and grains exports -following demands made by farming organizations- in a move to resolve the ongoing conflict with farming leaders.