Stories for April 18th 2013

Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 22:11 UTC
Falklands’ referendum and self-determination receive support from US Congress

United States Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart released a statement after introducing a House Resolution recognizing the Falkland Islands referendum which was held March 10/11 with an overwhelming turnout and result.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 21:39 UTC
“Democracy in Paraguay is here to stay: Mercosur and Unasur have become irrelevant”

“We’re optimistic about Sunday’s election and the future of Paraguay if we can agree on long term state policies, but something is for certain: democracy in Paraguay is here to stay” said Ricardo Caballero Aquino, Chargé d’affaires of the Paraguayan embassy in Montevideo who was also positive about future relations with Unasur and Mercosur.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 16:51 UTC
Brazil increases benchmark rate to fight inflation, but markets feel it’s not enough

Brazil’s central bank on Wednesday raised its benchmark rate for the first time since July 2011 as policy makers seek to slow inflation levels. The bank’s board, led by President Alexandre Tombini, voted 6-to-2 to increase the Selic rate 25 basis points to 7.50% from a record low.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 15:26 UTC
US researchers develop super powerful micro-batteries

United States researchers claim to have developed the world's most powerful batteries that can jump-start a dead car and recharge your phone in the blink of an eye.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 10:19 UTC
Urgent meeting of Unasur in Lima to express support for Venezuela’s Maduro

Argentine President Cristina Fernández will travel to Lima for a UNASUR meeting on Thursday in which regional countries are expected to express their support for the elections results in Venezuela and President elect Nicolas Maduro.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 05:39 UTC
Paraguay elects president on Sunday but return to Unasur still distant

Paraguay will be electing a new president on Sunday and its re-incorporation to the Union of South American Nations, Unasur could happen under the new government anticipated Salomon Lerner, chief observer of the regional group.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 05:30 UTC
Cartes and Alegre with best chances of becoming Paraguayan president on Sunday

On Thursday evening all of Paraguayan presidential candidates will be holding their final rallies after which begins a 48-hour ban of all electoral activities ahead of Sunday’s general election. Two candidates outstand in the dispute, Horacio Cartes from the Colorado party and Efrain Alegre from the ruling coalition headed by the Liberals.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 02:47 UTC
IMF admits price-asset bubbles tells Latam financial sector ‘to keep their guard up’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated on Wednesday that both financial and banking sectors in Latin America “should keep their guards up” before the recent and fast growth of the credit, though the lender doesn’t see any overheat of the region’s economy.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 02:24 UTC
London Marathon is on next Sunday: 36.000 runners including UK Olympic champion

The London Marathon will go ahead as planned in the British capital this Sunday despite the bomb attack on the Boston race which killed three people and wounded more than 100, police and officials said.
Thursday, April 18th 2013 - 02:07 UTC
Thousands turn out to pay their last respects to Baroness Thatcher in London

Queen Elizabeth led mourners on Wednesday in St Paul's Cathedral at the funeral of Baroness Thatcher Britain's longest serving prime minister of modern times. More than 2,000 guests from around the world paid their last respects at the biggest such occasion since the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002.