Stories for August 8th 2012

Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 21:38 UTC
Can the Olympics re-brand Britain?

By Andrew Hammond (*) With London 2012 proving a once-in-a-generation global showcase for Britain, a key uncertainty nonetheless remains over whether a substantial, meaningful legacy can be secured in future years from hosting the games. Given that the official public cost of the Olympics is some 9.3 billion pounds (a figure Parliament believes is nearer 11 billion pounds, and Sky News estimates to be a staggering 24 billion pounds) this is a key question, especially as Britain languishes in a double dip recession.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 19:41 UTC
In carefully worded statement British bank rejects money laundering claims by US regulator

As British bank denies accusations it hid 250 billion dollars in transactions with Iranian banks, its share price falls sharply. Standard Chartered has rejected a US regulator's claim that it hid 250 billion dollars in transactions with Iranian banks in violation of US sanctions.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:58 UTC
Chaos in Buenos Aires City as subway service strike enters sixth day

Chaos in Buenos Aires City traffic as the 600.000 daily subway commuters were again left on Wednesday with no service for the fifth day running and no prospects of a solution in sight as a mediation effort with striking workers collapsed.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:46 UTC
Organized pickets in Andalusia raid supermarkets for food to distribute among the needy

Pickets of unemployed and union members in the south of Spain took over supermarkets and took food produce which they then delivered to social organizations and needy families to protest and warn of the consequences of the tough measures implemented by the government.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:36 UTC
Brazilian Federal Police on strike; delays at airports and border crossings

The strike declared by the Brazilian Federal Police on Tuesday is beginning to cause difficulties at international airports, delaying the crossing of visitors to neighbouring countries and some organized pickets have been marching in front of federal government offices.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:28 UTC
Continental animal virus reached UK and spreads throughout the country

The Schmallenberg virus reached the UK this summer and could spread throughout the country, scientists say. Staff from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Institute for Animal Health (IAH) found the virus in animals on the RVC farm in Hertfordshire in June.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:21 UTC
Paraguay to appeal Mercosur sanctions before the The Hague Court of Justice

The Paraguayan government had decided to appeal before the International Court of Justice in The Hague the suspension imposed on Paraguay by the governments of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay as a sanction for the removal of Fernando Lugo as president of the country, last June 22.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 18:16 UTC
Panama Canal unveils new tolls structure and increases some categories

Following the recommendation from the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the Panamanian government approved this week the proposal to restructure the Panama Canal's pricing system.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 07:12 UTC
Unasur special committee presents this week report on Paraguay’s political situation

The special Unasur commission that is monitoring and following political events in Paraguay since the removal of Fernando Lugo as president and his replacement by Federico Franco, is expected to make a first presentation next Thursday said Peruvian Foreign affairs minister Rafael Roncagliolo.
Wednesday, August 8th 2012 - 07:06 UTC
Argentina complains involvement of Texas company in Falklands’ oil activities

President Cristina Fernandez government expressed its deep disappointment directly to the State Department following the announcement that the Texan oil company Noble Energy would become involved in hydrocarbons activities in the Falkland Islands.