Stories for October 17th 2013

Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 21:19 UTC
Uruguay ambassador in Buenos Aires blames Minister Almagro for rough relations with Argentina

“There are no relations, diplomatic relations (between Argentina and Uruguay) are managed by Zanini and me” confessed Uruguayan ambassador in Buenos Aires Guillermo Pomi to Argentine opposition lawmaker Elisa Carrió.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 21:09 UTC
New highway in clogged-Brazil opens more possibilities for grain exports

A highway, decades in the making, will finally open in Brazil offering a shortcut through the Amazon jungle to north-eastern waterways for the growing corn and soybean trade. The BR-163 highway connecting Mato Grosso state's soy belt to two key river ports will boost grain exports by some 3 million tons next year, offering a bit of relief to congested ports in the southeast, where most shipments originate.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 20:59 UTC
Toothfish licensing provides 70% of South Georgia revenue, but patrolling absorbs 80% of the amount

In a new initiative the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has published their first Annual Report. The report, which is designed to keep people informed about Government activities on and off the island, was published on this website on September 2nd and has been distributed to stakeholders, according to the latest South Georgia Newsletter edition.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 20:52 UTC
Uruguay signs Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the UK

United Kingdom and Uruguay have signed in London a Tax Information Exchange Agreement, TIEA. The Agreement will come into effect as soon as each government has completed the necessary procedures to give effect to it under its domestic laws.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 20:28 UTC
“God willing” Cristina Fernandez will be back very soon, say close aides

“God willing” Argentine president Cristina Fernandez will be back in full strength anticipated Buenos Aires province governor Daniel Scioli on Thursday unveiling the secrecy that surrounds the head of state since she underwent surgery a week ago to extract a cranium blood clot and has been recovering at the Olivos presidential residency.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 20:24 UTC
Paraguay’s economy roaring ahead is estimated to expand 13.6% this year

Paraguay’s central bank increased the country’s growth estimate for 2013 from 13% to 13.6%, the highest for Latinamerica. Estimates have been on the increase since October last year, 9.5%; December, 10.5%; April 13% and now, 13.6% which compares to the 0.9% contraction of 2012, when drought and Foot and Mouth Disease hit Paraguay’s main export items, soybeans and beef.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 20:12 UTC
Russia making inroads as defence and technology supplier to Brazil

Brazil is pushing ahead with a planned one billion dollars purchase of anti-aircraft missile batteries from Russia in a deal that will cement a strategic defence partnership between the two BRICS nations, the Brazilian Defence Ministry said.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 19:49 UTC
UK sets out its Arctic policy with “legitimate interests in the region” and priorities

The United Kingdom government set out its approach and policy on the Arctic in a paper released on Thursday and titled: Arctic Policy Framework - Adapting To Change: UK policy towards the Arctic.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 12:39 UTC
Falkland Islands: General Election with a difference

Preparations are under way in the Falkland Islands for a General Election to be held on November 7 this year and 4.30pm on October 17th marks the last moments for would be Members of the Islands Legislative Council to announce their candidacy. This year the list of candidates will be subject to particular scrutiny.
Thursday, October 17th 2013 - 05:52 UTC
Congress agreement saves US from shutdown for three months; Republicans seriously divided

US Congress has passed a bill to reopen the government and raise the federal debt limit, with hours to spare before the nation risked default. The Democratic-controlled Senate's bipartisan compromise won approval by 81 votes to 18.