Stories for October 2nd 2013

Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 08:12 UTC
UN recommends Spain to overturn 1977 amnesty law that ‘forgets’ Franco’s era crimes

United Nations has called for Spain to overturn a 1977 amnesty law that pardons crimes committed during the 36-year dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. Hundreds of thousands of people died or disappeared during Spain's civil war and subsequent dictatorship, but the crimes have been shielded under an amnesty law passed two years after Franco's death, protecting former members of the regime.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 08:06 UTC
Britain’s Tories will stand by the people of Gibraltar “no matter what” pledges Hague

Britain’s Conservative Party will stand by the people of Gibraltar “no matter what”. That was the pledge made by Foreign Secretary William Hague on Sunday night as he addressed the Gibraltar reception at the Conservative Conference in Manchester.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:58 UTC
Nasa plans to launch 3D printer to help astronauts manufacture spare parts

The United States space agency Nasa is planning to launch a 3D printer into space next year to help astronauts manufacture spare parts and tools in zero gravity. It will be the first time a 3D printer has been used in space and could help reduce the costs of future missions.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:54 UTC
Brazil central bank admits “a lot of work must be done” to bring down inflation

Inflation in Brazil will remain stubbornly high well into 2015 even as the economy struggles to gain steam, the central bank said in its quarterly inflation report. The bank also revised down its estimate for economic growth to 2.5% for this year from a previous 2.7% forecast. The bank sees growth keeping that pace until the second quarter of 2014.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:51 UTC
Brazil posts first August primary budget deficit in over ten years

Brazil posted its first primary budget deficit for the month of August in more than a decade, central bank data showed on Monday, pointing to a deterioration in the country's finances that is worrying investors and rating agencies.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:47 UTC
German premium automakers dispute Brazilian market: Mercedes plans factory in Sao Paulo

Germany's Daimler plans to build a new car factory in Brazil, becoming the third German premium automaker to announce such plans within the past year. The company announced it would invest around 170 million Euros to set up a shop in Iracemapolis, near Sao Paulo.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:43 UTC
Dollar drought forces Argentina to extend whitewash law until December 31

Argentina’s President Cristina Fernández has decided to extend the deadline of the whitewash law until the end of December. The recently passed project expired on Monday with 341.5 million dollars entering the country.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:39 UTC
UK reopens embassy in Asuncion which was closed since 2005

The British embassy in Paraguay which was remained closed since 2005 will be reopened this week according to Paraguayan foreign minister Eladio Loizaga. The news was confirmed following a meeting of the Paraguayan official with Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:25 UTC
Falklands Chilean residents celebrate National Day and strong links with Chile

Chilean residents of the Falkland Islands celebrated at Government House in Stanley their national day and the strong connections between the Islands and Chile.
Wednesday, October 2nd 2013 - 07:22 UTC
Divided Berlusconi party could save PM Letta’s coalition in confidence vote

Leading figures in Silvio Berlusconi's own party have defied him by calling on MPs to back the Italian coalition government in a confidence vote. Angelino Alfano, Berlusconi's deputy and secretary of People of Freedom, urged the party to unite behind Prime Minister Enrico Letta on Wednesday.