Stories for March 2013

Monday, March 11th 2013 - 20:25 UTC
Uruguayan observer in Falklands’ referendum: “voting is a human right that supports freedom of expression”

“Voting is a human right and electoral observation does not validate a thing, it is a simple act of analyzing if those conditions people have proposed for the ballot event, are fully complied” said Uruguayan lawmaker Jaime Trobo currently in the Falklands for the referendum on the Islands political status and future.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 18:35 UTC
“The Falklands: a vote with no purpose”, says Ambassador Alicia Castro

The following opinion column from Argentine ambassador Alicia Castro in UK was published Monday in The Guardian.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 18:27 UTC
Commonwealth first formal Charter outlines institution’s core values

For the first time in its sixty-four year history, the Commonwealth will have a formal Charter setting out its core values.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 18:20 UTC
Queen Elizabeth cancels Monday engagement: “no serious concern about her health”

Britain's Queen Elizabeth cancelled an official engagement on Monday due to illness following her recent hospitalization with symptoms of gastroenteritis but there is no serious concern about her health, officials said.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 18:16 UTC
Commonwealth message: unlocking potential with innovation and excellence'.

“What lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach is individuals and communities finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is beneficial for all” said the official Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth message celebrated on Monday.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 08:29 UTC
“Free association”, an option for the current Falklands’ dispute at UN

There is no doubt that the Falkland Islanders have the right to self-determination, a visiting professor of politics told a public meeting held in the capital Stanley at the Chamber of Commerce last Friday.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 08:24 UTC
Cameron pledges protection for the Falklands from Argentine intimidation and threats

British Prime Minister David Cameron warned that Britain “will protect” the people of the Falkland Islands from the “intimidation and threats” of Argentina, which claims sovereignty of the South Atlantic archipelago
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 08:20 UTC
Head of Argentine Lower House insists Falklands’ referendum has no international value

The head of Argentina’s Lower House, Julián Domínguez, assured on Sunday that the referendum being carried out in the Falklands/Malvinas Islands is “another move by the English empire to continue justifying the illegal usurpation of land”.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 08:15 UTC
China’s February inflation and exports with positive messages for the economy

China's inflation rate hit a 10-month high in February, as Lunar New Year festivities drove up food prices. Consumer prices rose 3.2% from a year earlier, with food prices up by 6%. Likewise exports rose more than expected in February, probably indicating that the Chinese economy could be in an upturn.
Monday, March 11th 2013 - 08:04 UTC
Falklands and South Atlantic environment and geography information management system

The South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) announced a new program: the South Atlantic Information Management System and GIS Centre, which officially brings together the UK South Atlantic Overseas Territories in SAERI’s South Atlantic scope that ranges from the equator down to the ice. The Centre is funded by the FCO via the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee.