Stories for July 6th 2012

Friday, July 6th 2012 - 06:56 UTC
Former Argentine dictator and other officers convicted for baby thefts

An Argentine court has sentenced former dictator General Jorge Videla to 50 years in jail for stealing babies from political prisoners. There were also heavy penalties for other military officers involved in the practice.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 06:39 UTC
Uruguay’s flag carrier Pluna “indefinitely grounded” and most staff redundant

Uruguay’s flagship carrier Pluna said on Thursday that is was “suspending all flights indefinitely” and announced that 720 of the 900 staff would be sent on unemployment pay until a new associate for the company is found or the airline is definitively sold.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 02:02 UTC
Romney’s vice-presidential pick is crucial next decision of White House race

By Andrew Hammond (*) - With polls indicating this year’s race for the White House will be highly competitive, the key decision Mitt Romney has to make before the Republican presidential convention in August is his choice of running mate.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 01:55 UTC
FAO food price index down in June but rebound anticipated for July

FAO Food Price Index fell for the third consecutive month in June 2012, dipping 1.8% from May to its lowest level since September 2010. The four-point drop in June brought the index to 201 points from a revised level of 205 points in May 2012.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 01:48 UTC
Brazil’s use of installed industrial capacity falls for a fourth consecutive month

Brazil's use of installed industrial capacity fell for a fourth consecutive month in May, alongside a decline in industrial sales during the period, Brazil's National Confederation of Industries, or CNI, said Thursday.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 01:47 UTC
Singapore sovereign-wealth fund increasing investments in Brazil and Mexico

Temasek Holdings, Singapore's sovereign-wealth fund, is increasing its exposure to Brazil and the rest of Latin America because of the region's strong long-term growth prospects, the company said Thursday in a press release.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 01:32 UTC
“Leaving the Euro; a practical guide” wins the 2012 Wolfson Economics Prize

Economic research company Capital Economics has won the 2012 Wolfson Economics Prize, which is the second biggest prize in economics after the Nobel Prize.
Friday, July 6th 2012 - 01:28 UTC
Big moves in Brazilian cement market to prevent further industry concentration

Brazil’ competition regulator Cade approved Brazilian industrial group Camargo Correa's June purchase of a controlling stake in Portuguese cement maker Cimpor, subject to several conditions.