The administration of Uruguayan president Jose Mujica suffered a major setback over the weekend and could experience a further showdown on Thursday when members of the ruling coalition vote in Parliament the annulment of an Amnesty or Crimes expiration law which impedes the investigation of human rights violations committed during the country’s military dictatorship (1973/1985).
China Trade Minister Chen Deming promised to further increase bilateral trade with Argentina which last year reached 13.5 billion US dollars but also asked for reciprocity regarding China’s exports.
French president Nicholas Sarkozy stressed over the weekend he would not accept an European Union-Mercosur trade agreement that could mean a loss of income for European farmers.
The mayor of Buenos Aires City Mauricio Macri blasted Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and assured that despite her recent criticism towards CGT Labour Confederation leader Hugo Moyano “the Government and him have been partners since day one”.
China will be able to avoid a financial crisis that is due to hit other developing countries over the next five to 10 years a central bank adviser was quoted as saying on Saturday.
Inflation in the United States slowed in April, mainly due to smaller price rises in fuel and food. Consumer prices rose 0.4% in April, having risen 0.5% in March, according to figures from the Labour Department.
In an attempt to cool inflation China’s Central bank raised banks’ reserve requirements for the fifth time this year. The half-point increase takes effect May 18 and will boost levels for China’s biggest lenders to a record 21%.
An effort to declassify US documents on Argentina’s dictatorship failed Friday in the US Congress, disappointing rights activists in the Argentine capital who believe the secret files could help them identify young people stolen as babies by the military junta.
With the US government about to hit its 14.3 trillion US dollars debt limit, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has warned of “catastrophic” consequences and a new recession if Washington is not able to borrow more.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner following medical advice was absent on Saturday from Paraguay’ official celebrations for the Bicentenary of the country’s independence. She was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Héctor Timerman.