Stories for April 2010

Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 02:45 UTC
Russia prepares to receive Colombia’s Uribe with full honours

Colombian Foreign Affairs minister Jaime Bermudez visited Russia to promote bilateral cooperation and prepare the visit of President Álvaro Uribe. “The visit will coincide with the 200th anniversary of Colombia’s independence and 75 since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Colombia”, said Andrei Nesterenko, spokesperson for the Russian ministry.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 02:41 UTC
British nuclear submarines allowed to berth in South Africa

South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has approved a visit by a British nuclear submarine to Simon’s Town Naval Base, near Cape Town, despite opposition from environmental groups.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 02:38 UTC
Confirmation of Brazilian Central banker boosts currency and confidence

The Brazilian currency rose to a three-week high as central bank President Henrique Meirelles’s decision to stay in his post bolstered investor confidence in the country. The Real was trading in the range of 1.75/1.76 to the US dollar, its strongest level since March 12.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 02:13 UTC
Daimler Benz admits having bribed government officials from 22 countries

German carmaker Daimler has pleaded guilty to corruption in the US and will pay 185 million US dollars to settle the case. The charges relate to US Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations into the company's global sales practices.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 01:09 UTC
Falklands’ Desire describes Liz well as “promising”; confirms drilling campaign

Following the announcement of a gas discovery in the North Falklands Basin, Desire's Chairman Stephen Phipps describes the ‘The Liz’ well as, “complex and highly encouraging” and sufficiently promising to continue with the drilling campaign in Falklands’ waters.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 01:03 UTC
Energy, trade and cooperation in Mujica/Chavez agenda

Energy, trade and bilateral cooperation are the main issues of the agenda that Uruguayan president Jose Mujica will address with his Venezuelan peer Hugo Chavez on Wednesday in Caracas.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 00:59 UTC
Uruguay received 2.9 million overseas tourists last year

A total 2.9 million tourists arrived in Uruguay during 2009, spending an estimated 1.3 billion US dollars, according to the latest figures announced by Tourism Minister Hector Lescano.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 00:53 UTC
British top earners begin paying 50p in income tax for each pound over £ 150.000

British top earners will pay 50p in income tax on each pound of their salary over £150,000 from Tuesday April 6, the start of the new financial year. Previously, the highest rate of income tax payable was 40p on every pound for earnings above £37,400.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 00:12 UTC
Bolivia plans to launch new coca leaf energy drink, “Coca Colla”

The Bolivian government plans to help market the nation’s coca plant crops in products such as energy drinks, tea, toothpaste and flour.
Wednesday, April 7th 2010 - 00:07 UTC
UK General Election May 6; Tories lead in polls; chances of hung Parliament

Political leaders have headed off on the campaign trail after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Tuesday the UK general election would be held on 6 May. He said he would seek a “clear” mandate to continue the “road to recovery”, as Labour bids for a fourth term.