Stories for December 11th 2013

Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 23:17 UTC
Argentina will unveil new inflation and GDP stats in February and March

Argentina will unveil its new consumer price index (CPI) in February and a revised GDP index in March, Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich announced. The dates effectively comply with the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that had extended a deadline for Argentina to improve the quality of its economic data.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 22:56 UTC
The humble Pope Francis named “Person of the Year” by Time magazine

Time magazine named Pope Francis as its Person of the Year on Wednesday, crediting him with shifting the message of the Catholic Church while capturing the “imaginations of millions” who had become disillusioned with the Vatican.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 22:53 UTC
First obstacle for Uruguay's marijuana bill: it violates international convention on drug control

Uruguay's decision to legalize marijuana is in violation of an international convention on drug control, the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board, INCB, which monitors government compliance with such treaties said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 22:45 UTC
Cristina Fernandez completes all medical exams and prepares for her first flight in almost three months

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez underwent this week several medical exams which have revealed “normal results”, announced presidential spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro at a press conference in Government House in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 06:23 UTC
Paraguayan Senate accepts Venezuela as full member of Mercosur; praise from Brazil

The Paraguayan Senate finally passed on Tuesday afternoon, with a large majority a protocol for including Venezuela as full member of Mercosur. The protocol, which was submitted to Congress by President Horacio Cartes, was supported 29-10.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 04:31 UTC
Uruguay becomes first country to oversee production and sale of marijuana

Uruguay's Senate has approved ground-breaking legislation legalizing marijuana, becoming the first nation in the world to oversee the production and sale of the drug. After a marathon debate, the 16 senators from the ruling coalition out of 29 lawmakers voted Tuesday in favor of the legislation championed by President Jose Mujica, who must now sign it into law.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 04:09 UTC
Alejandro Betts, technical advisor of Tierra del Fuego Malvinas Observatory

The Tierra del Fuego Malvinas Question Provincial Observatory Advisory Council held its last meeting of the year at the Malvinas Foundation building and among other issues named former Falklands Islander Alejandro Betts as Technical Advisor to the Observatory.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 04:01 UTC
Cristina Fernandez blasts police: “I don't believe in coincidence nor in contagious events”

Marking the 30th anniversary of the return of democracy to Argentina, President Cristina Fernández referred to the wave of lootings across the country and police force protests, and stated that “they were no coincidence”, during a rally from the Government House in Buenos Aires on Tuesday evening.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 03:58 UTC
IAATO names Amanda Lynnes part-time Operations and Communications Assistant

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has announced the appointment of Amanda Lynnes to the part-time position of Operations and Communications Assistant. Amanda is responsible for communicating IAATO’s key messages and will assist in the development of the environmental and operational components of the Association.
Wednesday, December 11th 2013 - 00:06 UTC
Beijing virtually 'takes over' the Caribbean island of Dominica

Dominica and China have signed a new 300 million dollars cooperation agreement that includes the construction of a hotel, construction of an international airport and building a new hospital. The sum involved is equivalent to a third of the small Caribbean island GDP, which could mean Beijing virtually is 'purchasing' the small territory.