Stories for February 2012

Thursday, February 23rd 2012 - 04:30 UTC
Wife of former PM Blair began legal action over hacking of her private phone

The wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has begun legal action over the alleged interception of her private phone messages, her lawyer said on Wednesday, making her the latest public figure to be drawn into a hacking scandal that has shaken the country's media.
Thursday, February 23rd 2012 - 04:25 UTC
Doubts about Chavez true health condition re-surface as he leaves for surgery in Cuba

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez imminent departure for more cancer surgery in Cuba has thrown his re-election campaign into uncertainty and once again shaken the populist leader's passionate supporters.
Thursday, February 23rd 2012 - 04:13 UTC
LAN slashes Chile-South America fares to promote tourism and air travel

Chile’s flag-carrier LAN announced that as of Wednesday it will cut Chile-South America fares as much as 40%. For years LAN has used what is known as the low-cost carrier model on its domestic flights, which has greatly reduced fares on its domestic flights and increased traffic.
Thursday, February 23rd 2012 - 04:01 UTC
Japanese nationals planning to travel to Antarctica must notify Environment Ministry

In an effort to assist travel agents and tour operators with Antarctica travel planning for their Japanese clients and foreign residents of Japan, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is making new information available from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.
Thursday, February 23rd 2012 - 03:53 UTC
IAATO public awareness campaign for Antarctica bound yachts

Following a good response to its public awareness campaign focusing on yacht operators, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has continued its efforts during the current 2011-12 season to educate those bound for Antarctica aboard sailing or motor vessels.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 - 20:39 UTC
British subs to provide under-the-ice data to help with Arctic climate change

Data collected by Royal Navy vessels, as part of standard operations, is set to provide clues on Arctic climate change. Little is known about the areas of water underneath the Arctic ice, as sensors are difficult to place for long term deployment. Now UK environmental researchers are to be presented with previously unavailable information provided by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 - 18:19 UTC
Train crash in Buenos Aires leaves 49 dead and at least 600 injured

At least 49 people were killed and 600 injured after a train crashed early Wednesday morning while pulling into one of Buenos Aires main railway stations, city officials confirmed.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 - 17:33 UTC
Brazil and Uruguay with the most expensive per capita Legislative branch

Uruguay has the second most expensive per capita Legislative branch and also as a percentage of the government’s overall expenditure, although Uruguayan lawmakers earn half their best paid neighbours in Brazil, according to reports in the Montevideo press.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 - 17:21 UTC
Royal Navy orders four 37.000 tons tankers to support renewed surface fleet and attack submarines

A new generation of 37.000-tons tankers has been ordered for the Royal Navy fleet, the MoD announced Wednesday. The new Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers will maintain the Royal Navy’s ability to refuel at sea and will provide fuel to warships and task groups.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 - 16:39 UTC
Argentine health authorities cleared MSC Armonia: “there is no risk”

Argentine Health Minister Juan Manzur confirmed Wednesday morning that the situation on the MSC Armonía cruise ship, which lost a crew member last Friday to a possible flu virus, “was under control” and “normal” after it arrived to Buenos Aires port to be inspected by customs and health authorities.