Stories for April 2013

Friday, April 19th 2013 - 05:33 UTC
Argentine Catholic Church criticism of judicial reform triggers ironic statements from Senator

The Cristina Fernandez administration renewed relations with the Catholic Church, since the naming of Cardinal Bergoglio from Buenos Aires Pope Francis could be facing their first challenge because of the controversial judicial reform the Argentine president is pushing through congress.
Friday, April 19th 2013 - 05:03 UTC
Two million Argentines across the country join the biggest anti-government protest in years

Almost two million Argentines marched on Thursday evening across the country’s cities and towns in one of the biggest anti-government protests in years highlighting public anger over a deteriorating economy, corruption, street crime and President Cristina Fernandez efforts to reform the media, the courts and the constitution so she can bid for a third consecutive four year mandate.
Friday, April 19th 2013 - 03:14 UTC
May peace prevail: Cristina and Mujica fly together to Peru on Tango 01

Sooner than expected Argentine President Cristina Fernandez seems to have accepted her Uruguayan peer Jose Mujica’s apologies following his coarse words: “this old lady is worse than the one-eyed man” to refer to the Argentine leader and her late husband Nestor Kirchner.
Friday, April 19th 2013 - 02:51 UTC
Argentine international reserves fall below the 40bn dollars benchmark, 8% so far this year

Argentina’s Central bank international reserves have fallen below the 40bn dollars benchmark, which is the lowest in six years, according to the bank’s official data. So far this year the drain has been 3.48bn dollars and 12.84bn from the record 52.6bn of January 2011.
Friday, April 19th 2013 - 02:38 UTC
France conditions EU/US trade talks to the exclusion of cultural items

France said it would block proposed negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States unless cultural sectors, such as television and radio, were excluded from the talks.
Friday, April 19th 2013 - 02:35 UTC
Italy’s political stalemate extends to the election of a new president

Italy's parliament failed to elect a new state president in the first two votes on Thursday with a centre-left rebellion against leader Pier Luigi Bersani torpedoing his official candidate and prolonging a political stalemate.
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.