Stories for February 2012

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.
Friday, February 17th 2012 - 01:18 UTC
HMS Protector meets RRS Ernest Shackleton in Antarctica

Newly commissioned Royal Navy Ice patrol vessel HMS Protector met up with her sister ship, the RRS Ernest Shackleton, in Antarctica recently. Her role as Ice Patrol Ship is to: conduct hydrographical surveys; assist the British Antarctic Survey; conduct base inspections to support the Antarctic Treaty and patrol for unlicensed fishing and visitors
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.