Stories for December 2011

Thursday, December 15th 2011 - 03:45 UTC
Uruguayan president and Vice-president publicly clash over education policy

The Uruguayan president and Vice president have again openly clashed this time over education reform. First Lady and Senator Lucia Topolansky described Vice-president Danilo Astori’s comments on the issue as “negative” and praised the attitude of teachers’ unions involved in the reform effort.
Thursday, December 15th 2011 - 00:50 UTC
China imposes punitive duties on large cars exported from US

China will impose punitive duties of up to 22% on large cars and SUVs exported from the United States, China's Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday, the latest in a series of trade disputes between the world's two largest economies.
Thursday, December 15th 2011 - 00:45 UTC
Hong Kong world’s most developed financial market; Brazil in Latam

Hong Kong became the world’s most developed financial market, overtaking the US and the UK for the first time, according to the Financial Development Report 2011 published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 23:07 UTC
Credit ratings remain reluctant to award Uruguay ‘investment grade’

Credit rating agencies believe that in spite of the successful management of its sovereign debt Uruguay still has some issues to improve before investment grade is awarded. Moody’s has promised to visit Uruguay at the beginning of next year to assess those conditions.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 18:17 UTC
In summer take your ties off and help save power, says Chilean government

As has happened in other countries, Chilean Energy minister Rodrigo Alvarez has officially launched the campaign, “in summer, no ties” to help save with the use of air conditioners mainly in government offices.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 18:05 UTC
China questions safety of Brazil’s dry bulk carriers, the world’s largest

China should be in no rush to allow Brazil’s new Valemax ships, the world's largest dry bulk carriers, into its ports, as they have not been thoroughly tested and any oil leak from one could be catastrophic, an influential Chinese industry group warned on Tuesday.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 17:48 UTC
Mexican president criticizes the US on its financial misbalances

President Felipe Calderon criticized its powerful neighbour, United States during a speech in which he outlined the G20 agenda for the next twelve months, including the summit, which is under the presidency of Mexico.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 17:26 UTC
Korea invites China and Japan to help reduce illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea

South Korea will try to reach an agreement with Japan and China to help reduce illegal fishing in its waters following the death of a South Korean Coast Guard this week during a fight with Chinese fishermen who were caught red-handed operating in the Yellow Sea.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 17:15 UTC
“The Protester” named Time magazine’s Person of the Year

From the Arab Spring to the Occupy Wall Street movement, “The Protester” was named Time magazine's 2011 Person of the Year. Time defines the Person of the Year as someone who, for better or for worse, influences the events of the year.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 17:04 UTC
October marks UK highest unemployment level in 17 years

The number of Britons out of work rose to its highest level in more than 17 years in October, and these jobless figures look set to rise further as firms facing the threat of a renewed recession cut back on staff.