Stories for February 16th 2012

Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 21:13 UTC
UK Science minister calls in the Falklands en route to Antarctica tour

Science and Universities Minister David Willetts has become the latest UK politician to visit the Falklands. A spokesman for Mr Willetts said he would make on Thursday a “transiting visit” en route to an engagement in Antarctica.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 21:00 UTC
UN postal union acquires world’s first postage stamp issued in 1840

The United Nations postal union reported this week it has acquired what is probably the world’s best-known stamp – the Penny Black – which was issued 172 years ago and shows a profile image of United Kingdom’s Queen Victoria on a black background.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 20:51 UTC
Sean Penn should return his Malibu estate to the Mexicans

By Dr Tim Stanley - During his recent tour of Argentina and Uruguay as UN ambassador at large for Haiti made some unfortunate statements regarding the Falklands/Malvinas diplomatic dispute arguing that “It would be nothing short of bullying, to not sit down and diplomatically negotiate a fair sharing of any resources discovered between Argentina and the United Kingdom”.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 20:43 UTC
Controversy in Nicaragua over contribution for ALBA development bank

Nicaragua’s Central Bank President Antenor Rosales quit following a disagreement with President Daniel Ortega over the use of foreign currency reserves to fund a regional bank for the Venezuelan-led bloc of eight nations known as Alba, (Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas).
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 20:12 UTC
Moody warning on credit ratings of 17 global banks and 114 European financial institutions

Moody's warned Thursday it may cut the credit ratings of 17 global and 114 European financial institutions in another sign the impact of the Euro zone government debt crisis is spreading throughout the global financial system.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islanders have the right to choose their future

By Dr. Barry Elsby - The Falkland Islands are home to a thriving community. In the face of escalating rhetoric, that community must have the right to determine its own future, argues Dr Barry Elsby MLA
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 19:56 UTC
Copy of telex with Argentine surrender and end of Falklands conflict June 1982, to be auctioned

One of three copies of the telex signaling the end of the conflict between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands and other South Atlantic islands will be auctioned by Bonhams on the conflict’s 30th anniversary.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 07:22 UTC
Brazil cuts 2012 spending to meet budget surplus and allow interest rates to fall

Brazil will cut 55 billion Reais (32 billion dollars) from this year’s budget to allow interest rates to fall, while increasing investment to boost growth in the world’s second-biggest emerging market.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 07:19 UTC
Mining projects debate heats up in Argentina as provinces unite to defend industry

The Argentine government faced with growing resistance to mining projects without the proper environment and resources assurances, which has led to demonstrations and sometimes violent clashes with police, has sponsored the creation of the Federal Mining Organization which brings together all those provinces with mining interests.
Thursday, February 16th 2012 - 07:16 UTC
Brazil wants open selection process when Zoellick leaves World Bank presidency

Brazil urged the World Bank on Wednesday to give proper consideration to developing country candidates to replace outgoing president Robert Zoellick and not just go with an American.