Stories for March 3rd 2011

Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 22:00 UTC
The US Secretary of State recommends Al Jazeera if you want “real news”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that Al Jazeera is gaining more prominence in the US because it offers “real news”--something she said American media were falling far short of doing.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 21:56 UTC
FIFA announces 631 million USD profit in 2007/2010

Football's governing body FIFA said Thursday that they had achieved a profit of 631 million US dollars over a four year period starting 2007. FIFA revenue during this period was 4.189 billion USD, while the expenses amounted to 3.558 billion USD, the organisation said in a statement.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 21:48 UTC
Venezuela, Mercosur, Unasur top of the agenda for Paraguay’s Congress

The Paraguayan government announced Thursday it will insist with the Congressional approval of Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur, which remains stalled at the country’s Legislative branch.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 19:14 UTC
Prepare for a “possible” interest rise in Euro zone warns ECB President Trichet

The president of the European Central Bank has said that a rise in Euro zone interest rates was “possible” at its next policy meeting in April. Jean-Claude Trichet said the ECB was “in a posture of strong vigilance” against rising inflation.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 19:02 UTC
Bolivian top anti-drugs intelligence advisor jailed in Miami for narcotics smuggling

A top Bolivian security official pled not guilty in a Miami federal court Wednesday on charges of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the U.S., in a scandal that has rocked the government of Evo Morales and provoked a wide-ranging police crackdown.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 18:54 UTC
Brazil’s basic interest rate forecasted to increase 50 points to 12.25% in April

Brazil Wednesday central bank decision to raise interest rates by 50bps to 11.75% was widely expected but significant for two reasons, according to a report from Capital Economics .
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 18:50 UTC
Food prices increase in February for eighth consecutive month, says FAO report

Global food prices increased for the eighth consecutive month in February, with prices of all commodity groups monitored rising again, except for sugar, FAO said on Thursday. FAO expects a tightening of the global cereal supply and demand balance in 2010/11
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 18:46 UTC
Brazilian economy expanded 7.5% in 2010; government applies ‘cooling’ measures

Brazil grew at its fastest pace in 24 years in 2010, expanding 7.5% on strong consumer demand but other complementary data also showed the economy is feeling the strains of overheating.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 18:36 UTC
Antarctic tour operators support prosecution of Berserk yacht owner

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, (IAATO) in a statement released Thursday called the incident of the Norwegian yacht Berserk that went missing in Antarctic waters last week ‘tragic’ but also underlines the vessel did not have proper authorization or permits for their expedition and fully supports Norwegian prosecuting authorities for their investigation into the case.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011 - 06:25 UTC
Latam must prepare for ‘major prices’ fluctuations warn food organizations

Food price volatility has increased in recent months and will remain high for the time being, according to a joint bulletin launched today by ECLAC, FAO and IICA.