Stories for December 2012

Friday, December 28th 2012 - 07:39 UTC
CFK blames looting and violence on political and union groups interested in destabilization

Argentine President Cristina Fernández said on Thursday evening that the looting and ransacking of supermarkets that killed four people last week were provoked by “political and union sectors” to destabilize her Government.
Friday, December 28th 2012 - 05:03 UTC
PM Thatcher “never, never expected” Argentina to invade the Falklands; “it was such a stupid thing to do”

The 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina caught PM Margaret Thatcher by surprise, newly released government papers have shown. The then-prime minister only saw it was likely after getting “raw intelligence” two days before the Argentines landed.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 20:18 UTC
Setback for Cristina Fernandez: Supreme Court rejects two appeals on the Media Law

The Argentine Supreme Court rejected on Thursday the Government’s ‘per saltum’ request to debate the constitutionality of two articles in the controversial Media Law which has the administration of President Cristina Fernandez clashing with the powerful Clarin group.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 19:57 UTC
First Kirchnerite minister to be sentenced to four years in prison

Argentine former Economy Minister Felisa Miceli was sentenced to 4 years in prison after being found guilty of hiding and destroying evidence after a bag full of cash was found in her office in 2007; an incident which ended with her resigning from office.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 19:49 UTC
Maduro with more power on economic affairs; devaluation of the Bolivar in the agenda

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez delegated certain responsibilities in economic affairs to Vice-President Nicolas Maduro including the right to authorize debt sales and seize assets. The announcement comes at a moment when significant economic decisions must be taken following the profligate spending leading to last October’s election.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 06:11 UTC
Cristina Fernandez recommended to ease intensity and will cut short visit to Asia

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez has been recommended by her medical team to ease the ‘intensity’ of her activities and thus will leave Vietnam out of a tour which is planned for next month and includes the Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 06:05 UTC
Argentine labour leader files complaint against officials for last week’s extended looting

The head of Argentina’s organized labour, Hugo Moyano filed a complaint before a federal criminal court against cabinet chief Juan Manuel Abal Medina and Security Secretary Sergio Berni who openly and repeatedly accused the teamsters leader of being behind the extended rioting and looting of last week when four people were killed, hundreds injured and arrested and left millions of dollars in damages.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 06:01 UTC
Xmas rainstorms and soggy soil delaying soy and corn planting in Argentina

Christmas rainstorms across Argentina further delayed soy and corn planting, keeping markets guessing about whether the grains powerhouse can produce enough this season to help bring high-flying global food prices down to earth.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 05:49 UTC
China’s Industrial and Commercial bank, authorized to open a branch in Brazil

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd, the world's largest lender by market value, got the green light from Brazilian regulators to operate a subsidiary in the Latin America's largest economy, the lender said on Wednesday. Brazil's central bank approved the license on Dec 19.
Thursday, December 27th 2012 - 05:45 UTC
Venezuela opposition leader says Chavez not obliged to take the oath 10 January

The Venezuelan government and opposition coincide that it is possible to postpone the oath taking ceremony of President Hugo Chavez, which according to the constitution should take place on 10 January, if the re-elected leader is still in Cuba recovering from his fourth cancer operation.