Stories for December 2013

Thursday, December 5th 2013 - 14:44 UTC
Argentine government retains majority and initiative in new congress

The 127 Argentine Lower House members who were elected in the 27 October midterm election took the oath of office during a ceremony in Congress on Wednesday which ensures the ruling coalition of President Cristina Fernandez the necessary votes for quorum and absolute majority.
Thursday, December 5th 2013 - 05:56 UTC
Taking a positive Falklands message to Brazil

“Unthinkable, unacceptable and unsupportable” was how Joanisval Brito Goncalves, Senior Legilslative Counselor for International Affairs and Defence Issues at the Brazilian Senate, described the Argentine government’s attitude to the Falkland/ Malvinas Islands in a press conference held in Stanley on Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday, December 5th 2013 - 00:03 UTC
Economic crisis or 'greens': bicycles outsold cars in 26 of the EU 28 state members

Figures from industry bodies indicate that bicycles outsold cars in 26 of the European Union's 28 states in 2012. It is thought the trend reflects a slump in car sales brought on by the continent's economic crisis.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 23:04 UTC
Cordoba police wage strike over; conflict revealed ongoing clash of Governor with Buenos Aires

The governor of the Argentine province of Córdoba José Manuel De La Sota confirmed on Wednesday a wage deal was reached to end a conflict and protest staged by the police force on Tuesday which coincided with a wave of looting and left two people dead.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 21:47 UTC
Tory MPs want Spain pressed on the 'legal problems' of Ceuta and Melilla claimed by Morocco

A Tory MP has asked the British Government to press Spain within the European Union over “legal problems” arising from Ceuta and Melilla. Philip Hollobone, the Conservative MP for Kettering, made the request in a written parliamentary question on Gibraltar tabled in the House of Commons.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 06:18 UTC
New effort by Brazil to have Mercosur comply with the EU agreed timetable

Brazil trusts Mercosur and the European Union can exchange the proposed tariff lists for a free trade agreement keeping to the original schedule, before the end of the year, according to the country's foreign ministry.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 06:09 UTC
Message of support from US to Argentina's latest international financial decisions

United States praised Argentina for its latest commitment to the payment of a debt worth more than 600 million dollars to five companies in exchange for the ending of legal action. The message was transmitted by the US most senior representative in Argentina Kevin Sullivan, in a brief encounter with cabinet chief Jorge Capitanich, according to reports in Ambito Financiero.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 06:04 UTC
Spectacular launching of the 'brazuca', the official match ball for the 2014 Cup

The adidas brazuca, the Official Match Ball for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil was given a fittingly spectacular launch on Tuesday 3 December. The iconic Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro provided a picturesque venue, while a breathtaking 3D light projection show wowed attendees including former Netherlands international Clarence Seedorf and Brazil Cafu.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 06:00 UTC
Blackout leaves Maduro speechless; blame falls on the fascist opposition'

A huge power outage that darkened Venezuela's capital and parts of the country was a conspiracy to sabotage the Socialist government, according to Venezuela's President Nicholas Maduro. The blackout came five days ahead of Sunday's municipal elections.
Wednesday, December 4th 2013 - 05:48 UTC
Looting spreads in Argentina's third largest city as police go on strike

Looting and robbing spread to several areas of the Argentine city of Cordoba on Tuesday evening and night following a walkout from the police in the midst of a conflict over pay and other benefits.