Stories for June 2011

Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:59 UTC
Venezuela’s Chavez health and prolonged recovery turns into political controversy

Two weeks after surgery in Cuba, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is “stronger than ever” but will not rush home until he is ready, announced Defence minister General Carlos Mata Figueroa.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:46 UTC
Potassium mining project that could make Argentina top exporter is suspended

The government of the Argentine province of Mendoza is studying documents presented by Vale that could allow the Brazilian miner to continue with a 4.6 billion US dollars potassium project, said an official in Mendoza.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:08 UTC
Argentina’s trade surplus in May rose 29%; imports soared 39%

Argentina's trade surplus in May rose 29% from the previous month, thanks to high prices for the country's exports of grains and manufactured goods, the national statistics agency said Thursday.
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.