Stories for 2013

Friday, May 17th 2013 - 06:40 UTC
Pope Francis condemned the global ‘cult of money’ and the ‘new idols’

Pope Francis has condemned the global “cult of money” and urged world leaders to do more for the poor. In his first major speech on finance and the economy, the pontiff said money should be made to “serve” people, not to “rule” them.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 06:33 UTC
Bolivian congress confirms President Morales can run for re-re-election

Bolivia’s Lower House passed a bill this week which would allow President Evo Morales to run for a third mandate in next years’ elections. The bill passed in an 84 to 33 vote, following a decision by the country’s Constitutional Court — whose judges were appointed by Morales — saying the re-re-election bill does not violate Bolivia’s Constitution.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 06:26 UTC
Uruguay’s José Mujica lauds booming Brazil ties

By Jude Webber in Montevideo - The Financial Times has published a piece on Uruguayan president Jose Mujica and his view on the future and his government’s policy towards two powerful neighbors, Argentina and Brazil.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 06:05 UTC
Criticized Peruvian foreign minister steps down and is replaced by a female

Peru's Foreign minister has resigned, the government said on Wednesday, days after he was criticized for contributing to a diplomatic spat with Venezuela. The office of President Ollanta Humala said in a statement that Rafael Roncagliolo resigned ”strictly because of health reasons”.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 02:38 UTC
Prince Harry and PM Cameron launch in New York global campaign to promote Britain

HRH Prince Harry and UK Prime Minister David Cameron this week kicked off a global tour promoting Britain as a world class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education as part of the GREAT Britain campaign.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 02:03 UTC
The Arctic eight-member Council has accepted China and India as ‘observer states’

New emerging powers including China and India have been accepted as “observer” states in the eight-nation Arctic Council and a new deal was signed to improve oil spill response to safeguard the fragile eco-system of the region, as Canada begun its chairmanship.
Friday, May 17th 2013 - 00:19 UTC
IAATO Search and Rescue workshop in Punta Arenas underlines importance of good communications

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Chilean Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) provided on Thursday details on a joint Search and Rescue Workshop conducted last month in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 22:18 UTC
OAS praises Ecuador ‘civic spirit’ and suggests regulating use of public resources for electoral purposes

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) received this week the oral report of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) that accompanied the process of general elections in Ecuador on February 17, which was presented by the Chief of Mission Rafael Alburquerque, who stressed the “great civic spirit” of Ecuadorians.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 19:39 UTC
Falklands’ lawmakers meet Chaco human rights group following formal Argentine request

On request from a group of human rights representatives from Chaco, Argentina, Falkland Islands lawmakers met and listened to their views on a number of issues resulting from the 1982 war. The meeting followed a formal request from the group directly to the Falklands elected Legislative Assembly.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 19:34 UTC
Solar activity at its 11-year peak; major flares could impact Earth over the weekend

Between Sunday and Monday, and within a 24 hour period, the sun has let lose three major flares, all in the X range. Solar flares are rated on a scale with X flares being among the largest possible. The latest flare erupted Monday night and registered as an X3.2, which is so far the most powerful solar flare of 2013.