Stories for March 11th 2010

Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 23:59 UTC
US February budget deficit was the largest in history: 221 billion USD

The US government recorded a budget deficit of 221 billion US dollars in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history. The total deficit since the beginning of the fiscal year in October now stands at 651.6 billon according to US Treasury figures.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 23:45 UTC
China’s exports, imports soar in February, in spite of New Year festivities

China's exports jumped by 46% in February compared with a year ago, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade. The increase was higher than analysts' expectations of a rise of between 35% and 40%.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 23:41 UTC
EU Parliament condemns “avoidable and cruel” death of Cuban political prisoner

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday strongly condemning the “avoidable and cruel” death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata and voicing its concern at the “alarming state” of another prisoner, Guillermo Fariñas.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 23:33 UTC
Many governments use internet “to curtail freedom of expression”

Many governments have used the internet to curtail freedom of expression at home, the US state department says in its latest annual human rights report.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 04:46 UTC
Conservative Piñera takes office with 59% of Chileans hopeful

Chilean president elect Sebastián Piñera who takes office Thursday said the moment has come “to dry tears” and face the emergency in reference to the quake and tsunami follow-up which last Saturday devastated central Chile.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 04:42 UTC
Lula da Silva entangled in controversy over Cuban political prisoners

Brazilian president Lula da Silva has become entangled in a controversy for having compared Cuban political prisoners with jailed criminals and was even severely criticized by members of his own party.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 04:34 UTC
Lloyd’s Register, Maersk on program to test bio-diesel for marine engines

Lloyd's Register is to play a major role in a two year program to test the suitability of bio-diesel for use in powering marine engines. The feasibility study will take place on board the Maersk Line container ship, Maersk Kalmar.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 00:46 UTC
Cristina Kirchner’s government has become an “embarrassment” for Argentina

Former Argentine president Eduardo Duhalde (2002/03) accused the government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of being an “embarrassment” for Argentina and called for a drastic change of policies from “confrontation to one of understandings”.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 00:43 UTC
More oil in Brazil’s Santos Basin; Petrobras investment plan: 45 billion USD

Brazilian government managed corporation Petrobras, Repsol-YPF and BG Group found more evidence of oil in the same offshore Brazilian sub-salt block where the companies’ Guara field holds as much as 2 billion barrels of crude.
Thursday, March 11th 2010 - 00:37 UTC
Argentine government blames Shell and Petrobras for gasoline shortage

Argentina's government accused energy companies Royal Dutch Shell and Petrobras on Wednesday of deliberately causing gasoline shortages in order to force rival YPF to raise its prices.