Stories for 2011

Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 06:35 UTC
Chavez celebrates 12 years in office and anticipates six more

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez celebrated Wednesday his twelfth anniversary in power saying he is ready to battle for six more years in elections next year. Chavez said in a televised speech that “the battle has begun” for his 2012 re-election.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 06:31 UTC
Cairo’s Tahir Square battle rages on; snipers shooting on protestors

Gunfire has rung out in the early hours of Thursday around Cairo's Tahrir Square, where Egyptian anti-government protesters are camping out. At least two people are reported dead. On Wednesday three died in clashes with supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:53 UTC
Spain’s second biggest bank boosted by strong Latin American profits

BBVA, Spain's second-biggest bank, reported on Wednesday a full year 9.4% net profit increase in 2010 as solid results from Latin America offset continued weakness in its domestic market.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:50 UTC
Spain celebrates 20th anniversary of Cervantes Institute in 44 countries

Spain’s Cervantes Institute to promote Spanish language and culture is marking its 20th anniversary with more than 6,500 activities at the 77 centres is has opened in 44 countries and among this year’s plans is the inauguration of a centre in Gibraltar.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:47 UTC
Major scientific feat: reactor turns solar energy into storable hydrocarbon fuel

Researchers have unveiled a prototype reactor which mimics plant life, turning the Sun’s energy to make hydrocarbon fuel, according to an article published in the latest edition of Science.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:45 UTC
Catholic Church admits values of Liberation theology, “free of ideological influences”

The values of the Liberation Theology remain valid but the task of decoupling the option for the poor from ideological influences remains incomplete, said Brazilian Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz of Brasilia, head of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 - 21:23 UTC
Uruguay will officially recognize a Palestinian state next March

Uruguay will officially recognize a Palestinian sovereign state next March but will not announce position regarding borders said Foreign Affairs minister Luis Almagro addressing the Legislative standing committee.
Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 - 18:06 UTC
In spite of 100 years of production, Venezuela claims world’s largest proven oil reserves

Venezuela holds 297 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, most of it in tar sands but sufficient to be ahead of Saudi Arabia considered by world experts the number one country in reserves.
Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 - 16:43 UTC
Suriname recognizes a Palestinian state on 1967 borders

The Republic of Suriname on Tuesday became the latest South American country to officially recognize a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, Palestinian Authority Foreign Affairs Minister Riad Al-Malki said.
Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 - 16:39 UTC
‘Lex Duvalier’ enables Switzerland to confiscate and repatriate illicit dictator assets

Switzerland has moved to confiscate frozen assets linked to former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. The Swiss cabinet asked Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to begin proceedings to seize around 6.2 million US dollars that has been frozen in Swiss bank accounts since 1986, with a view to returning the funds to the Haitian people.