Stories for August 1st 2013

Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 04:09 UTC
“Not even the Pope could bring Brazil and Paraguay together”, said O’Globo

Influential Latin American newspapers have been extremely critical of Brazilian diplomacy in its unsuccessful attempts to ‘subdue Paraguay’, while at the same praising the landlocked country’s dignity in demanding from Mercosur respect and compliance with the rule of the law.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 04:04 UTC
Cristina Fernandez says unemployment is down to 7.2% but calls for more job creation

Argentina's unemployment rate fell to 7.2% in the second quarter of 2013 compared with 7.9% in the first quarter of the year, President Cristina Fernandez announced during a speech praising her government’s industrialization and added-value policies.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 03:56 UTC
Uruguay passes bill legalizing marijuana split on party lines; Senate discussion next October

Uruguay's lower house passed a marijuana legalization bill on Wednesday which now must be discussed by the Senate, most probably in October. The vote brings Uruguay one step closer to becoming the first country to legally regulate production, distribution and sale of the drug.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 03:50 UTC
Brazilian airport workers on strike but “only 15% of flights cancelled or delayed”

Thousands of Brazilian airport workers went on strike on Wednesday to demand higher wages, although contingency plans kept flights running on time, according to state airport agency Infraero. The workers' union is pressing for a roughly 16% salary bump along with improved benefits such as childcare.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 03:33 UTC
South Georgia company sponsors research on toothfish sustainability

Georgia Seafood is sponsoring pioneering research into the reproductive behaviour of the Patagonian Toothfish in South Georgia. Director of Georgia Seafood Stuart Wallace explained that in a market that demands sustainability it is important to the company that they support the science underpinning that aim.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 03:19 UTC
Obama propose political consultant and elite fund-raiser as next ambassador in Argentina

The White House has confirmed that US president Barack Obama has proposed fellow Democratic Party member Noah Mamet as the new ambassador in Buenos Aires, to replace outgoing incumbent Vilma Martínez.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 03:08 UTC
Gibraltar’s artificial reef anticipates tougher times ahead for relations with Spain

The Spanish Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Environment has filed a complaint over Gibraltar’s artificial reef at the office of Spain’s environmental prosecutor, a section of the state’s prosecution service that specialises in investigating environmental offences.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 02:59 UTC
Brazil criticizes IMF for latest aid to Greece: worst fears could be confirmed

A group of Latin American countries refused to back an IMF move this week to keep bankrolling Greece, citing risks of non-repayment, and the Fund itself said Athens might need faster debt relief from Europe.
Thursday, August 1st 2013 - 02:52 UTC
Falklands’ war: UK deployed laser weapon to ‘dazzle’ enemy pilots, say released documents

The United Kingdom deployed a laser weapon during the Falkland Islands 1982 war with Argentina designed to “dazzle” enemy pilots who were attacking British warships, according to secret documents released Wednesday.