Stories for August 2010

Tuesday, August 10th 2010 - 00:54 UTC
World Bank pouring 11 billion to build 211 dams with impact on tribal people

To mark the UN Day of Indigenous People, Survival International has released a new report highlighting the devastating impact on tribal people of a massive boom in dam-building for hydropower.
Tuesday, August 10th 2010 - 00:51 UTC
UN urges greater protection of the world’s indigenous communities

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world to step up efforts to improve living conditions of the planet’s indigenous communities and to protect them, saying they continued to suffer discrimination and poverty despite a United Nations declaration that aims to promote their rights.
Monday, August 9th 2010 - 07:46 UTC
Argentina's warning to would-be Euro deserters

The tensions between the eurozone's north and south, and the complex and politically costly transfers of money required to dampen the euro crisis, have led many people to think the unthinkable: saving Europe's common currency may require that some countries abandon it.
Monday, August 9th 2010 - 07:36 UTC
To spend or not to spend: Is that the main question?

The debate over fiscal policy has reached a fork in the road. One way leads to maintaining or increasing the fiscal stimulus. This column argues that policymakers should take the other path. This would mean phasing out government expenditure while phasing in social protection programmes at the risk of a double-dip recession but potentially resulting in a more vibrant economy.
Monday, August 9th 2010 - 07:26 UTC
Gibraltar: Between a Rock and a hard place

La Linea de la Conception is a small Spanish town on the North side of the border with Gibraltar. The fascist dictator Francisco Franco sealed the frontier in 1969 to punish Gibraltar for rejecting his offer of becoming part of Spain.
Monday, August 9th 2010 - 07:18 UTC
Chavez to meet with Colombia's new president tomorrow

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his new Colombian counterpart, Juan Manuel Santos, will meet this week as the first step toward restoring diplomatic relations between the South American neighbours, officials said Sunday.
Sunday, August 8th 2010 - 07:34 UTC
Fidel surprises everybody and only speaks to the Assembly for 10 minutes

Fidel Castro, the former Cuban leader delivered Saturday his first speech to the national assembly since resigning over ill health four years ago. The chamber erupted into applause at the sight of Mr Castro, dressed in his familiar olive-green fatigues but without his comandante's insignia.
Sunday, August 8th 2010 - 07:29 UTC
Chavez promises new start and willing to meet President Santos

President Hugo Chávez offered to meet with Colombia's new President Juan Manuel Santos to restore diplomatic relations broken over allegations that Venezuela was tolerating the presence of guerrillas in its territory.
Sunday, August 8th 2010 - 07:23 UTC
Punta Arenas anticipates drastic 33% fall in cruise visitors this season

Less than a month for the beginning of the official cruise season 2010/11, prospects for Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile are not at all encouraging with an anticipated activity contraction of 33% over last year, according to the Empresa Portuaria Austral, EPA, which manages local port activities.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 23:11 UTC
Santos called for understanding in spite of ideological differences

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos took office Saturday with a pledge to create jobs, end rebel violence and foster economic growth while seeking to mend ties with neighbouring countries in spite of “ideological differences”.