Stories for October 13th 2011

Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 06:00 UTC
US Congress approves free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and S Korea

The United States Congress voted Wednesday on a bipartisan basis to pass long delayed free-trade bills with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:57 UTC
US informs of alleged foiled Iranian plot that could have included Argentina

United States Deputy Secretary of State William Burns called the Argentine authorities on Wednesday in order to provide them with details regarding the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Department of State Victoria Nuland confirmed.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:56 UTC
Argentina calls on Mercosur to promote inter-trade and cut out of region imports

Argentina called on Latin America to promote inter-trade among the region’s countries replacing the almost 460 billion dollars of manufactured goods from the rest of the world imported in 2010.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:54 UTC
Massive demonstration in Brasilia against corruption and impunity

Over 200.000 people took to the streets of the Brazilian capital to protest against corruption and impunity. The Wednesday rally was convened through the social networks and responds to citizens’ organizations with no political affiliation.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:53 UTC
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania becomes first US state capital to file for bankruptcy

The US city of Harrisburg - capital of the state of Pennsylvania - has filed for bankruptcy, making it the first state capital to do so. Harrisburg faces debts of 300 million dollars and has struggled to pay for services.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:51 UTC
Jewish community concern with alleged Iranian plans to commit attacks in Buenos Aires

After the US announced Iran’s alleged plans to commit terrorist attacks on Washington which could have involved consequent attacks in Buenos Aires, both the Israeli and Jewish communities in Argentina expressed their “concern” over the reports, maintaining that the news “did not surprise” them.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:50 UTC
Obama celebrates contributions of Latinos to US culture and heritage

United States President Barack Obama celebrated the contributions of Latinos to American culture and heritage Wednesday in an event that paid tribute to the US Hispanic leaders, scholars and soldiers, including those from Texas.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:43 UTC
Massive car crash in Chile involves 51 vehicles kills 5 and injures over 50

In Chile a massive car crash involving 23 trucks, 17 smaller vehicles and 11 buses left at least five dead and many others injured Wednesday morning, local authorities report. The accident occurred just past 7 a.m. at the turnoff for Algarrobo on the eastbound side of Route 68, which connects coastal Valparaíso to Santiago.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:40 UTC
Chile ranks last for income and education in OECD report

Chile was ranked last for income, education and the quality of environment, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or OECD report on well-being released Oct. 12.
Thursday, October 13th 2011 - 05:39 UTC
Rio’s iconic “Christ the Redeemer” statue celebrates 80th anniversary

On the same day that Brazilian Catholics honour their patroness, Our Lady of Aparecida, the country is celebrating Oct. 12, 2011 as the 80th anniversary of Rio’s famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue.