Stories for May 2011

Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:52 UTC
Controversial questions on Ecuadorian referendum falling short of approval

The latest official data from Ecuador's referendum vote shows a slim margin in favor of the 'No' vote on two of the most controversial questions which relate to the judicial system and the media. Critics say the questions seek to curb press freedom and judicial independence.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:46 UTC
Pilots linked to Argentina’s “death flights” and killing of French nuns arrested

Three former Argentine Coast Guard officers, a former sailor and a solicitor were arrested this week on charges of involvement in the so called ‘death flights’ and the killing of a French-born nun and four other women during the 1976-1983 military dictatorship, according to a federal court report.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:44 UTC
International tourists visiting Rio do Janeiro increased 8% to 1.49 million in 2010

The number of international tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro increased by 8% in 2010 compared with the previous year, according to a study conducted by Embratur, the Brazilian Tourism Board.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:32 UTC
BP ups its stake in Brazil’s oil industry and will participate in September’s round

British Petroleum is negotiating opportunities to buy stakes in oil fields in Brazil to accelerate production increases, the head of the company's Brazil division said on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:28 UTC
Cuban blacks and mulattos the main victims of Raul Castro’s reforms

Cuban blacks and mulattos will suffer the most with the elimination of a million government jobs, which could easily become a racial problem, consequence of the radical reforms imposed, and ‘must be addressed as a priority’, points out a report from Cuban academic Esteban Morales.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:24 UTC
EC plans awarding vessels fishing quotas for 15 years; critics say it ‘privatizes oceans’

The European Commission is planning to reform the EU fishing industry by giving vessels quota shares guaranteed for periods of at least 15 years. The commission will issue a proposal on reforming the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, in July, to take effect in 2013.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:19 UTC
One third of world food production for humans gets lost or wasted, says FAO

Roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tons — gets lost or wasted, according to an FAO-commissioned study.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:09 UTC
World Cups 2018/2022 corruption claims widens; FIFA asks for evidence

FIFA has requested evidence from England's Football Association following claims from its former chairman of corruption by four top-level members of world soccer's governing body.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:04 UTC
South America experienced a 15% jump in tourist arrivals in 2010

South America and South Asia saw the greatest jump, 15%, in international tourist arrivals during the first months of 2011 in an overall positive global scenario according to the April interim update of the UN World Tourism Organization, World Tourism Barometer.
Thursday, May 12th 2011 - 06:02 UTC
Uruguay raises banks reserve requirements to contain inflation

In an effort to contain inflation and cool an overheated economy Uruguay will raise reserve requirements for banks “given the domestic prices increase and the international context” advanced Central Bank president Mario Bergara.