Stories for 2013

Wednesday, June 26th 2013 - 16:02 UTC
Francis names special commission to review activities of scandal-plagued Vatican bank

Pope Francis has set up a special commission to review the activities of the scandal-plagued Vatican bank to ensure that it operated in “harmony” with the mission of the Catholic Church, the Vatican confirmed.
Wednesday, June 26th 2013 - 15:24 UTC
Preserving independence for the Falklands

By Mike Summers (*)
Published in The Washington Times

In 1776, a group of American patriots wrote a letter to their king informing him they were unhappy with their political status and had plans to change it. Americans know this story well. That letter, the Declaration of Independence, formed the United States' profound belief that we all have “certain unalienable rights,” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Wednesday, June 26th 2013 - 05:13 UTC
Brazil’s top Justice suggests trimming the influence of political parties and an end to cupola deals

The president of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal (Supreme Court) Joaquim Barbosa argued in favour of diminishing the influence of political parties in decisions referred to the Brazilian people’s interest and supports the introduction of what he called “puffs of popular expression” in the current political system.
Wednesday, June 26th 2013 - 05:07 UTC
Massive protest expected in Belo Horizonte before the Brazil/Uruguay match

Demanding better public services and angered by World Cup costs, about 100.000 people are expected at a protest Wednesday before Brazil plays Uruguay in the Confederations Cup semi-finals.
Wednesday, June 26th 2013 - 04:58 UTC
Brazil: understanding with Congress to hold a reforms’ plebiscite on 7 September

The Brazilian executive apparently has reached an understanding with the presidents of the Senate and the Lower House, Renan Calheiros and Henrique Eduardo Alves for a plebiscite with several questions referred to changes in electoral and party legislation, and eventually the Constitution relative to the political organization of South America’s largest country and powerhouse.
Tuesday, June 25th 2013 - 23:33 UTC
Argentina appeals to US Supreme Court its legal battle with ‘holdout’ creditors

Argentina took on Tuesday its legal battle with “holdout” creditors to the US Supreme Court by appealing an adverse decision handed down by a lower US court in October of last year, according to Telam the official news agency from the Argentine government.
Tuesday, June 25th 2013 - 20:52 UTC
Mercosur suspension was rather beneficial for Paraguay, reveals President Franco

Mercosur partners’ sanctions on Paraguay rather benefited than hindered the country, said President Federico Franco during a press conference in which he underlined the country had become more reliable and this was supported by a three fold increase in foreign investments.
Tuesday, June 25th 2013 - 20:25 UTC
Paraguay claims Mercosur pro-tempore chair and thanks EU for political support

President elect Horacio Cartes revealed in Spain that Paraguay is claiming the pro-tempore chair of Mercosur, argued that Venezuela is an ‘illegitimate’ member of the trade group and said Paraguay is en route to becoming full member of the Pacific Alliance.
Tuesday, June 25th 2013 - 19:49 UTC
Chinese stocks tumble as Beijing announces an end to the era of cheap credit

Chinese stocks touched a four-and-a-half-year low on Tuesday amid persistent concerns over the government's credit-tightening policy. The Shanghai Composite SSE index fell as much as 5.8% at one point, before a late rally meant it ended down 0.3%.
Tuesday, June 25th 2013 - 18:39 UTC
Repsol to consider YPF compensation offer, including stake in shale deposits

Spanish oil corporation Repsol's board is scheduled to consider on Wednesday a non-cash compensation offer from Argentina over the seizure of its majority stake in energy firm YPF, according to the Spanish government news agency EFE.