Stories for March 12th 2013

Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 14:52 UTC
Britain and Argentina share stringent environmental duties in Antarctica

Divers from Royal Navy ice patrol ship HMS Protector have been exploring beneath the waves of the Antarctic to ensure stringent environmental guidelines are being followed in the region. In the process the diving team on board HMS Protector has been busy capturing rare underwater footage of the Antarctic.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 14:25 UTC
Hague calls on all countries to accept results of Falklands’ referendum and support the Islanders

All countries should accept the results of the Falklands’ referendum and support the Islanders as they continue to develop their home and their economy, said on Tuesday Foreign Secretary William Hague following on the overwhelming weekend vote to remain as a British Overseas Territory.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 07:50 UTC
Clear message to Argentina: 99.8% of Falkland Islanders want to stay British

Despite frequent snow showers and zero temperatures, the celebratory party had already started on Arch Green in the centre of Port Stanley as the result of the Falklands’ referendum was a foregone conclusion, but the loud cheer that went up from the assembled gathering could be heard all over the town as the news filtered through that only 3 persons had voted against the Falklands remaining a self-governing dependent territory of Great Britain.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 07:46 UTC
“I’m not Chavez, but I’m his son” Maduro tells his followers

“I’m not (Hugo) Chavez, but I’m his son”, Venezuelan acting president Nicolas Maduro said on Monday on making official his candidacy before the Electoral Tribunal for the April 14 snap election to choose a successor to the deceased charismatic leader.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 07:40 UTC
Cardinals’ conclave to elect new pope begins; a first non-European in the cards

Roman Catholic Church cardinals will file into the 15th-century Sistine Chapel on Tuesday to begin their secret election of a successor to retired Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinals under the voting-age limit of 80, totaling 115 are scheduled to begin their conclave at 4:30 p.m. in Rome after asking for God’s guidance at a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 07:29 UTC
Observation mission praises Falklanders on referendum process and their democratic will

The International Observation Mission (RIOM) congratulated the Falklands for the ‘free and fair referendum process’ reflecting the democratic will of the Falkland Islanders voters, and for its execution in accordance with international standards and local laws.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 01:52 UTC
Overwhelming turnout and YES vote in the Falklands referendum

As was anticipated 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to maintain the current political status of the Islands as a British Overseas Territory, it was announced late Monday evening by the local electoral authorities.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 01:10 UTC
Uruguayan political system coincide in their disappointment with Mercosur ‘in a state of lethargy’

Uruguayan Vice president Danilo Astori and members of the opposition ratified the country’s increasing concern about Mercosur which is “full of obstacles and problems” and is described as “sleepy and in state of lethargy”.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 00:12 UTC
”Absolute confidence” of the Cuban regime in Nicolas Maduro

President Raul Castro expressed “absolute confidence” in Hugo Chavez's successors, after returning from the populist leader's funeral in Caracas, the Cuban press reported Sunday.
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 - 00:04 UTC
Chavez, the best friend of the Cuban people in their history, says Fidel Castro

Cuba's Fidel Castro praised the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a champion of the poor and said Cubans had lost their best friend ever, in his first comments on the death last week of his socialist ally. Castro said the news, although not unexpected, had been a hard blow.