Stories for June 2011

Tuesday, June 14th 2011 - 15:09 UTC
China hikes bank reserves to contain inflation; food costs up 11.7% in May

China's central bank raised bank reserve ratios on Tuesday for the ninth time since October to try to curb inflation, which is running at its fastest pace in almost three years.
Tuesday, June 14th 2011 - 14:04 UTC
Nepal designated landmine free country; UK main contributor to the milestone

The UK Government congratulated Nepal for the successful clearance of its last remaining minefields and its designation as a landmine free country. On the culmination of the task, the Foreign Office called on the Nepalese government to join the Ottawa Convention
Tuesday, June 14th 2011 - 13:49 UTC
Antarctica visitors drop 8.3% in 2010/11 and 25% fall for 2011/12 season, forecasts IAATO

The total number of visitors to Antarctica during the 2010/11 season, and traveling with IAATO member-operators, was 33,824. This includes those traveling on traditional expedition ships, yachts, larger cruise-only vessels as well visitors participating in land programs. The overall seasonal results reflect a decrease of 8.3% last year’s total of 36,875 passengers.
Tuesday, June 14th 2011 - 02:48 UTC
Peru’s Humala interested in joining “political” mechanisms of Mercosur

Peru is interested in regional integration, security, education, combating narcotics but full membership of Mercosur is “distant” said president elect Ollanta Humala during a one day visit to Uruguay, before leaving late Monday for Argentina.
Tuesday, June 14th 2011 - 02:46 UTC
Venezuelan president recovering in Cuba says he is in “full capacities”

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday he had his “full faculties” after an operation in Cuba and was still managing government affairs despite being ordered to rest for several days more.
Monday, June 13th 2011 - 23:55 UTC
Falklands’ tourist spend average was up 53% last season, shows official data

Tourist expenditure in the Falkland Islands has enjoyed a record rise – up 53% - according to new data released by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
Monday, June 13th 2011 - 23:37 UTC
Millions of farm-salmon in south Chile moved because of the volcanic eruption

Chile’s National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) authorized the transfer of more than five million salmon from three farms in the south of the country. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure because of the eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic range and possible pollution of rivers and lakes.
Monday, June 13th 2011 - 22:55 UTC
Falklands/UK airbridge remains on hold because of the ash cloud

The next UK/Falkland Islands airbridge flight remains uncertain, following the recent disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Chile it was reported by the Falklands radio station.
Monday, June 13th 2011 - 22:40 UTC
River Plate airports with no air traffic until Tuesday morning

A remnant of volcanic ashes spewed by the Chilean volcano Puyehue over a week ago and which continues to hover over the River Plate again interrupted Monday activities in the three main airports, Carrasco in Montevideo and Ezeiza and Aeroparque in the city of Buenos Aires.
Monday, June 13th 2011 - 22:02 UTC
Ban Ki-moon celebrates birthday on an Argentine coach and with ‘alfajores’

On the day of his 67th birthday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his delegation arrived in Buenos Aires by coach after having landed in the northern city of Cordoba.