Stories for February 17th 2012

Friday, February 17th 2012 - 23:32 UTC
US member of Congress begins one week visit to Falklands next Monday

A US member of the House of Representatives is scheduled to visit the Falkland Islands next week beginning Monday. Republican Congressman F. Jim Sensenbrenner has represented, uninterruptedly, the 5th district of the state of Wisconsin since first elected in 1978 which includes most of the state capital Madison.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 18:49 UTC
Songbird wheatear breeds in the Artic, flies across the Atlantic to spend winter in Africa

The sharp-eyed northern wheatear is a songbird that weighs a mere 25 grams, about the same as two tablespoons of flour. With its spindly legs, its muted white, brown and black colour, who would think such a lightweight capable of heroic endurance?
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 18:45 UTC
Ecuador highest-court ratifies ruling against the press; publisher granted asylum in Panama

Panama on Thursday granted asylum to Ecuadorean newspaper publisher Carlos Perez, one of three executives facing prison after losing a libel suit seen as a key test of press freedoms in Ecuador.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 18:36 UTC
German president resigns under pressure from strong corruption claims

Germany's president resigned Friday in a scandal over favors he allegedly received before becoming head of state, and Chancellor Angela Merkel moved quickly to try and head off a domestic political crisis as she grapples with Europe's debt troubles.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 03:59 UTC
UK analysts says Falklands’ oil industry could be worth 180 billion dollars in royalties and taxes

A leading UK market and investment analyst, Edison Investment Research looks at the prospects of the Falkland Islands oil industry and suggests the industry could be worth 180 billion dollars in royalties and taxes.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 03:42 UTC
Argentine Managers’ inflation estimated in 3.27% in January; 21.1% in 12 months

Another measurement of inflation in Argentina shows the annual rate sustained at two digits. In this case the CPE index, or Professional Executive Basket, during January 2012 was up 3.27%, accumulating in the last twelve months, 21.1%.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 02:41 UTC
Brazil’s Trade minister questioned by Public Ethics Committee on corruption claims

The Brazilian Executive Public Ethics Committee will investigate alleged corruption claims involving Development, Industry and Foreign Trade minister Fernando Pimentel. Jose Paulo Sepulveda Pertence said the investigation will focus on media reports that exposed Pimentel activities as business consultant for private companies in 2009 and 2010.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 01:25 UTC
On eve of Carnival, Brazilian minister warns Rio do Janeiro of dengue epidemics

Brazilian health minister Alexandre Padilha warned on Thursday that the city of Rio do Janeiro is exposed to potentially one of the worst epidemics of the mosquito transmitted dengue disease in recent history.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 01:22 UTC
Rousseff names controversial pro-abortion minister for Women’s affairs

Recently inaugurated Minister for Women policies Eleonora Menicucci has raised eyebrows in chauvinistic Brazil after having publicly admitted to two abortions and bi-sexual experiences
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 01:20 UTC
Gold demand at 14 year high in 2011; China rapidly becoming top consumer

Gold demand struck 14-year highs in 2011, driven by record investment, buying in China, which could overtake India this year as the world's top consumer, and central bank purchases, which hit their highest in at least 40 years, according to a report on Thursday.