Stories for March 30th 2012

Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:42 UTC
US Judge criticizes Argentine ‘continued intransigence’ in refusing to honour lawful debts

A US judge threw out claims by bondholders on up to 2.21 billion dollars of Argentine funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, but criticized the country’s “continued intransigence” in refusing to pay creditors holding defaulted debt.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:39 UTC
Brazil monetary authorities suggest benchmark rate could fall to 9% (from 9.75%)

Brazil's Central Bank Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) reaffirmed the likelihood it will continue to cut rates and at the same time perhaps put into question its commitment to the 4.5% inflation target for 2013, according to the quarterly inflation report released Thursday morning.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:31 UTC
YPF announces discovery of huge unconventional shale oil deposits in Mendoza

Argentina's biggest energy company YPF, has found unconventional shale oil and natural gas in Mendoza province, confirming the extension of the massive Vaca Muerta area, officials said on Thursday.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:25 UTC
Close links with Latam and steadfast commitment to Falklands, announced Hague

The UK is determined to strengthen relations with Latin America and equally committed to the Falkland Islands right to self-determination, said Foreign Secretary William Hague during a major foreign policy speech at banquet.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:11 UTC
Inflation notoriously above the target range, admits Uruguay’s central bank

The Central Bank of Uruguay left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 8.75% on Thursday, saying the current level is consistent with a restrictive monetary policy as Uruguayan authorities stubbornly battle high inflation.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 07:05 UTC
Brazil’s union files lawsuit against Chevron and Transocean over oil spill

Brazil's largest oil workers union filed a lawsuit against US oil company Chevron and drilling firm Transocean that seeks to cancel their rights to operate in the country as the result of an offshore oil spill last November.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 06:58 UTC
Nine companies submit 19 bids to explore for oil offshore Uruguay

Nine oil and gas companies have submitted 19 bids to explore for hydrocarbons off the coast of Uruguay, the state energy company Ancap said on Thursday.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 06:47 UTC
Uruguay against any Falklands’ blockade; supports trade with the Islands

Foreign Affairs minister Luis Almagro said that the Uruguayan government does not oppose trade with the Falkland Islands and any undertaking to that effect by the private sector is welcome since “Uruguay does not agree with any commercial or economic blockade of the Islands”.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 06:41 UTC
Brazil’s 1964/85 military blackout on human rights abuses up for review

Rio do Janeiro riot police used pepper spray and tear gas on Thursday to chase protesters away from a celebration by retired soldiers marking the March 1964 coup that established Brazil's long military dictatorship.
Friday, March 30th 2012 - 06:39 UTC
Argentina promises to reopen book imports: ‘lead poisoning ink argument too heavy’

Argentina’s restrictions on books imports based on the ‘lead content of the ink in which they are published’ and the fact the Argentine government described the implementation as a “safeguard for human health” echoed worldwide, and official sources have now promised the situation will “be back to normal” in a few weeks.