Stories for 2009

Monday, January 26th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Pfizer-Wyeth defy stress and merge into pharmaceutical giant

A pharmaceutical giant was created Monday after US drug maker Pfizer announced it would be acquiring Wyeth in a 68 billion US dollars merger deal that could spark hopes of further consolidation across the industry.
Monday, January 26th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
After victory Bolivian government calls on opposition

The government of Bolivia called on the opposition to accept the results of Sunday's constitutional referendum which are considered a huge victory for President Evo Morales, although the first official results (18% vote count) indicate a similar number of Ayes and Nays.
Monday, January 26th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Obama pledges closer political and trade links with Brazil

United States President Barack Obama wants to work with Brazil on bio-fuels and global trade talks as a way to strengthen bilateral relations and address the international economic crisis, President Lula da Silva's spokesman said on Monday.
Monday, January 26th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Geithner sworn in to the toughest job: Treasury Secretary

Timothy Geithner was sworn in as US Treasury Secretary within hours of the Senate approving his nomination on Monday. The confirmation by 60 votes to 34 was delayed due to concerns Mr Geithner had failed to pay previous taxes on time.
Monday, January 26th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Petrobras/Repsol strike gas in Santos basin shallow waters

The Consortium formed by Brazil's government managed oil and gas corporation Petrobras and Spain's Repsol announced the discovery of a “thick column of natural gas” in the offshore Santos basin, southeast of Brazil.
Sunday, January 25th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Chavez, Uribe team up to face world slowdown

The presidents of Colombia Alvaro Uribe and Venezuela Hugo Chavez pledged this weekend to invest 100 million US dollars each in a special fund in hopes of boosting cross-border trade during a meeting held in Cartagena, Colombia.
Sunday, January 25th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
“Low intensity” dengue epidemics in Paraguay

The Paraguayan government admitted a “low intensity” dengue epidemics following 360 cases reported in hospital emergencies of which 179 remain highly “suspicious” of having been contaminated by the mosquito transmitted disease.
Sunday, January 25th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Petrobras ignores crisis and increases investments 55%

At a time when large raw materials companies around the world are cutting back budgets in the face of falling prices and demand Brazil's government managed oil and gas corporation Petrobras announced a 55% increase in its five year investment plan.
Sunday, January 25th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Low-oxygen areas in oceans linked to global warming

Unchecked global warming would leave ocean dwellers gasping for breath according to an article in the latest edition of Nature Geoscience. Dead zones are low-oxygen areas in the ocean where higher life forms such as fish, crabs and clams are not able to live. In shallow coastal regions, these zones can be caused by runoff of excess fertilizers from farming.
Sunday, January 25th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
UN prepares to remember Victims of Holocaust Day

The Holocaust provides important lessons for the present, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Saturday, stressing the necessity to bolster the forces of harmony and dialogue.