Stories for June 2012

Sunday, June 24th 2012 - 02:27 UTC
Franco: “no coup, a change of leadership”; Germany admits new government

“There is no coup here,” assured the new president of Paraguay Federico Franco on Saturday, who acted confidently before the international press following the ousting of Fernando Lugo on Friday.
Sunday, June 24th 2012 - 02:22 UTC
Argentina withdraws ambassador from Paraguay: Mercosur decides next week

Argentina is withdrawing its ambassador to Paraguay because of the rapid impeachment of former Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Sunday, June 24th 2012 - 02:19 UTC
Bad day for Jennifer Lopez in Argentina: terrible pain back and her staff robbed

Jennifer Lopez, who is in Argentina as part of her 'Dance Again' tour, was robbed just hours after she left a clinic after being treated for a stabbing pain in her lower back.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 07:53 UTC
US demands Argentina “immediately” ends the import licensing regime

The United States demanded on Friday that Argentina “immediately” end an import licensing regime and other curbs that have frustrated foreign suppliers while also expressing concerns about a “sweeping new import restriction” that Indonesia has imposed.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 07:50 UTC
Moody’s downgrades ratings of 15 big banks; Citigroup strongly criticizes decision

Ratings agency Moody's downgraded 15 of the world's biggest banks, lowering credit ratings by one to three notches to reflect the risk of losses they face from volatile capital markets activities, but banks criticized the move as backward looking.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 07:39 UTC
EU leaders agree growth measures but remain divided on mutualized bonds issue

The leaders of Germany, France, Italy and Spain agreed Friday on a 130 billion Euros package to try to revive economic growth in Europe but differed over whether and how to launch joint bonds to combat the Euro zone's debt crisis.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 03:48 UTC
Franco promises to uphold democracy and honour international agreements

Paraguayan vice-president Federico Franco, 49, was sworn-in on Friday afternoon as president following Fernando Lugo’s impeachment that had him removed in less than two days.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 03:43 UTC
“A coup against democracy” organized by the political class and mafia claims Lugo

Ousted Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo addressed thousands of citizens outside the presidential palace and assured there had been a “coup against democracy” but also said he would respect the formality of the Senate’s decision and called on followers to march peacefully.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 03:35 UTC
Uruguay hosts highest Chinese official to ever visit the country

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Uruguay Friday, his first stop on a multi-nation visit to South America. Wen's arrival marks the first time a Chinese premier has visited Uruguay since diplomatic ties were established in 1988.
Saturday, June 23rd 2012 - 03:25 UTC
Mercosur/Unasur anticipate “appropriate measures” against coup in Paraguay

President Cristina Fernández assured on Friday night that “Argentina does not condone the coup in Paraguay” and anticipated that “appropriate measures” will be taken at next week’s Mercosur Summit, scheduled to take place in Mendoza.