Stories for May 2013

Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 02:41 UTC
Freedom of the press in the America exposed to violence and intimidation from governments

Violence, intimidation and polarization still obstruct reporting in Americas says the 2013 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index which was released in anticipation of the World Press Freedom Day, May 3 (*). The report states that the ranking of most countries is no longer attributable to dramatic political developments and this year’s index is a better reflection of the attitudes and intentions of governments towards media freedom in the medium or long term.
Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 02:34 UTC
Rousseff insists oil royalties should be invested in education; divided Congress disagrees

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said she has sent to Congress another proposal to earmark all oil royalties collected by the state for public education after lawmakers shelved an earlier effort. Rousseff made the announcement in a televised Labour Day speech in which she said improving education was vital for Brazil's development in a highly competitive world.
Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 02:31 UTC
Brazil with trade deficit for third month running; government blames change in fuel tax accounting

Brazil recorded in April its third trade deficit in four months, trade ministry data showed on Thursday, another weak result that reflects the deterioration of the country's trade balance due to a sluggish global economy and struggling local industry.
Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 02:27 UTC
Bank of Canada names long term bureaucrat and economist as new head

The Bank of Canada has named long-term bureaucrat and economist Stephen Poloz as its new head, replacing Mark Carney who is going to run the Bank of England. Mr Poloz was a surprise choice as many observers expected Mr Carney's senior deputy, Tiff Macklem, to succeed him.
Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 02:24 UTC
EU “nightmare of unemployment” debate reaches ECB, which cuts rates to record low 0.5%

The European Central Bank cut interest rates to a new record low on Thursday amid a chorus of calls for the Euro zone to focus on growth to end a “nightmare of unemployment” in the bloc. It was the first cut in ten months.
Thursday, May 2nd 2013 - 08:18 UTC
Obama begins fourth visit to strategic Mexico with a full agenda of critical issues

President Barack Obama leaves on Thursday for Mexico and Costa Rica, on a strategic mission to deepen trade ties and jobs’ creation but also hoping to discuss US immigration reform, security threats and drug wars.
Thursday, May 2nd 2013 - 08:03 UTC
Where is Uruguay’s economy headed?

Fitch Ratings in March joined two other major ratings agencies in giving Uruguay its coveted investment grade, a move that lowers the nation’s borrowing costs and opens up opportunities for new investors.
Thursday, May 2nd 2013 - 07:56 UTC
British tax havens will have to open their banking systems to UK and EU scrutiny

Tax havens such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands will work more closely with Britain and other European countries to fight tax evasion, British finance minister George Osborne said.
Thursday, May 2nd 2013 - 07:50 UTC
Argentina’s seafood exports in two months: 48.418 tons; lower prices for hake, squid and shrimp

Argentina reported exports of 48.418 tons of seafood in the first two months of the year equivalent to 140.8 million dollars, which is 8.2% less than the same period a year ago, mainly because of lower prices.
Thursday, May 2nd 2013 - 07:45 UTC
Brazil leads meeting of Amazon basin Cooperation Treaty in Ecuador

Brazilian Foreign minister Antonio Patriota arrives Thursday in Ecuador for bilateral talks on trade, investment and immigration, and to attend a day later the Amazon group summit of ministers, reports Itamaraty palace.