Stories for June 24th 2011

Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:02 UTC
Upgraded HMS Illustrious is converted to helicopter and commando carrier

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious has begun sea trials following a £40m maintenance and upgrade program. 'Lusty' left Rosyth after 16 months during which she was converted into a helicopter and commando carrier, and should return to the fleet at the end of July.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 18:33 UTC
China readies its first carrier, “a symbol of a great nation”

Chinese military officials have confirmed that the country is completing work on its first aircraft carrier, based on the hull of Russian carrier Varyag.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 18:19 UTC
HMS Protector formally commissioned as the Royal Navy new Ice patrol

HMS Protector the Royal Navy's new Ice patrol ship has been formally commissioned into the fleet on Thursday, 23 June, the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty at Portsmouth naval base.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 11:32 UTC
Chile’s largest indigenous group, Mapuches celebrate New Year

When the sun began to set on Thursday evening, the Mapuche people prepared for one of the most ancient celebrations in their history: the We-tripantu, or the New Year.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 11:07 UTC
Britain says Brazil has the best science base outside the G8

The UK said that Brazil has the best science base outside the G8, and Brazil’s state-controlled oil and gas giant Petrobras CEO Jose Sergio Gabrielli predicted that his country will shortly become the world's largest market for deep offshore oceanic hydrocarbon exploration equipment.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 10:59 UTC
Brazil and Spain, leading candidates for next head of FAO

Brazilian and Spanish candidates are leading the field for the Sunday June 26 upcoming election for the next head of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, the UN agency leading the struggle against global hunger.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 10:45 UTC
Chilean officials fear Bolivia’s car amnesty program will encourage more thefts

Bolivia’s government estimates that 85,000 cars will benefit from its new amnesty program that allows undocumented vehicles to register without prior paperwork. Chileans are not pleased about the path to immunity.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 02:41 UTC
Summers wins Falklands MLA seat: favours strong response to Argentina and north-south links

Former member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, Mike Summers has been voted back into the government by a substantial margin. Voting took place in Stanley on Thursday in a by-election, which saw 51% of the electorate going to the polls.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 02:17 UTC
To contain inflation Uruguay raises benchmark rate 50 points to 8%

As anticipated, Uruguay's central bank raised its benchmark lending rate 50 basis points to 8% on Thursday in an effort to keep inflation within its target range. Uruguay’s consumer price index rose 8.53% in the 12 months through May, far above the official target range of between 4% and 6% set for the 12 months ending June 2012.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 00:02 UTC
Russian meats market paralyzed; Uruguay and Brazil exports affected

The Russian market which has been the main buyer of Uruguayan beef helping to boost cattle prices has virtually ceased operations according to Uruguayan exporters who claim deals are limited to small shipments of livers and tongues.