Stories for April 2012

Thursday, April 19th 2012 - 05:08 UTC
YPF nationalization allegedly killed Repsol’s Chinese option to leave Argentina

China's state-owned Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec) spokesman Huang Wensheng came on stage to play down rumours indicating that Argentina's move to nationalize local oil company YPF, controlled by Spain's Repsol, has spoiled years of planning by Sinopec to buy the energy giant.
“We don't comment on market rumours,” Wensheng said.
Thursday, April 19th 2012 - 04:59 UTC
Brazil lowers basic rate to 9%, sixth straight reduction and more could come

Brazil lowered its benchmark interest rate to a near-historic low of 9% on Wednesday, as expected, but the central bank surprised with hints that more cuts may follow to revive Latin America's largest economy.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 22:56 UTC
EC and Italy call on Argentina to fulfil its international commitments

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani addressed Argentina's plan to expropriate 51% of the 57.43% share-package Spanish ran Oil Company Repsol owns, during a speech at the European Parliament on Wednesday. From Rome Italy also voiced its concern with events regarding YPF and trade restrictions.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 22:49 UTC
Repsol shares plunge 32.7% in Wall Street after three days of trading suspension

Shares of Argentina’s biggest energy company Repsol-YPF plunged 32.7% on Wednesday in Wall Street after transactions resumed following three days of suspension.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 22:44 UTC
Colombia protests before WTO Argentina’s trade restrictions

Colombia has sent a letter to the World Trade Organization protesting Argentina's import restrictions on its products, the government announced Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 22:34 UTC
Brazil feels YPF dispute will not interfere with Petrobras operations in Argentina

Brazil’s Mines and Energy minister Edison Lobao discarded that operations of Petrobras in Argentina could be affected by the decision from the administration of President Cristina Fernandez to expropriate YPF from Spain’s Repsol.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 22:22 UTC
Uruguay’s Mujica supports Argentina in the YPF dispute, but opposition blasts the president

Uruguayan president Jose Mujica expressed solidarity with the Argentine government decision to nationalize the oil company YPF belonging to Spain’s Repsol and said he does not like the “arrogance of rich Europe”. His position however was strongly criticized by the opposition.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 18:47 UTC
HMS Plymouth where the Argentine surrendered South Georgia in 1982, to be scrapped

The Royal Navy warship which hosted the Argentine surrender of South Georgia in 1982 is to be scrapped despite an intensive campaign to save it from extinction, reports the UK media.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 17:58 UTC
Ice patrol HMS Protector prepares to return after a first successful deployment

The Navy’s Antarctic patrol ship HMS Protector this week ventured further south than ever before on her maiden deployment as she delivered vital supplies to polar scientists.
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 - 17:52 UTC
IAATO increasingly concerned on recent yacht related incidents in Antarctic waters

Recent incidents and sightings involving yachts in Antarctic waters have generated considerable interest and concern among the members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).