Stories for March 2010

Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 23:45 UTC
Brazil leaves basic rate unchanged at 8.75%, in divided decision

The Brazilian central bank kept its benchmark Selic interest rate at a record low 8.75% in a less-than-unanimous decision, signaling that borrowing costs may rise as soon as next month.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 21:43 UTC
Policies to protect tigers have “failed miserably…and are continuing to fail”

Governments across the world have “failed miserably and… are continuing to fail” to halt the growth of illegal poaching and trade in tiger body parts, said Willem Wijnstekers, Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 21:36 UTC
Total ban on polar bears’ products trade rejected at UN wildlife meeting

Polar bears have lost out on increased protection under international law after a US led bid for a total ban on trade in products made from the animals, such as furs and rugs, was rejected at a UN wildlife meeting in Doha, Qatar, Thursday.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 21:30 UTC
Chile’s quake death toll, 700 and economic damage: 18% of GDP

The Chilean government has updated the death toll from the Feb. 27 earthquake, saying 700 people lost their lives during or following the quake. Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter said just over 500 are confirmed dead, with another 200 missing.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 21:26 UTC
Piñera’s first international visit Washington, next month

Chile’s new president Sebastián Piñera will make his first international visit next month when he attends the Nuclear Safety Summit in Washington, responding to an invitation from U.S. President Barack Obama.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 21:23 UTC
World Bank, IMF and IDB resume links (and loans) with Honduras

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) member countries this week agreed to resume lending to Honduras, the latest development institution to recognize the new government of President Porfirio Lobo.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 02:19 UTC
Chilean Professor chairs Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

The Inter-American Commission On Human Rights (CIDH) from the Organization of American States, OAS, this week elected Chilean human rights attorney Felipe Gonzalez as its new president.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 02:15 UTC
Faklands implements second plan to reduce seabird mortality in trawling fishery

The Falkland Islands recently adopted their second Plan of Action to reduce seabird mortality due to trawling activity. The first plan of action was approved in 2004 following the work of SAST (Seabird at Sea Team), a collaborative project between Falklands Conservation and RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 02:10 UTC
Argentine public opinion growingly disenchanted with political leadership

To everybody’s surprise Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her husband and former president Nestor Kirchner have experienced a recovery in their public opinion standing, according to a poll from a “most respected consultant” which does not work for the Argentine government.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 - 02:02 UTC
Lula da Silva laid a wreath at Arafat’s mausoleum and ready “to talk to Hamas”

Brazil's president criticised Israeli policies towards the Palestinians, warning that Israel's separation barrier, its blockade of Gaza and its continued settlement building was extinguishing “the candle of hope”.