Stories for February 18th 2014

Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 21:33 UTC
Mujica exposed 'to contempt of justice' for refusing to pay Judiciary branch budget increase

The Uruguayan Judiciary branch warned President Jose Mujica that he is in contempt of justice for ignoring a budget bill that contemplates salary increases for judges and other members of independent government bodies.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 20:50 UTC
Drug-trafficking controversy in Argentina involves several ministers

As the debate over drug-trafficking in Argentina heats up, a leading official from the government of President Cristina Fernandez Security has said he supports Uruguay’s decriminalizing model that recently legalized the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 20:39 UTC
Spain battles Sub-Saharan migrants who managed to break into Melilla

About 150 sub-Saharan migrants managed to enter Spain’s north African enclave of Melilla on Monday after a group of 250 stormed a barbed-wire border fence, the Spanish Interior Ministry said. Spanish media showed video of those who got over the fence running down the streets of Melilla shouting “Barca, Barca!” as they headed toward a detention centre.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 20:30 UTC
Scotland independence leads to debate on the pound and EU membership

Separatist leader Alex Salmond insisted that Scotland would keep the pound if it left the UK and accused British politicians of bluffing by ruling out a currency union in a campaign of fear that would provoke a backlash from Scots.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 20:25 UTC
In the midst of a huge turnout, Venezuelan opposition leader hands himself to security forces

Hard-line opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has handed himself over to Venezuelan security forces answering an arrest warrant placed on the figure following last week's fatal protests against the regime of President Nicolas Maduro. The government formally accused Lopez of instigating the protests and conspiring for a right-wing coup.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 08:41 UTC
Brazilian industry wants to change Mercosur rules and demands an urgent trade accord with the EU

Brazil's National Confederation of Industries, CNI, supports a review of Mercosur rules such as the current impediment for member countries to negotiate trade agreements with third countries, and fervently backs an urgent full trade and cooperation agreement with the European Union.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 06:09 UTC
Hague in Brazil for a three-day visit to reaffirm close links and Strategic Dialogue

Foreign Secretary William Hague arrived in Brazil for a three-day visit to further the strong and growing partnership between the UK and Latin Americas leading economy. This is Mr. Hague's second visit for a series of meetings and events which started at Manaus where he visited the Arena Amazonia stadium, host of England's first 2014 World Cup match against Italy on June 14.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 05:58 UTC
“Extremely difficult, if not impossible” for an independent Scotland to join the EU, says Barroso

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said it would be “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for an independent Scotland to join the European Union. Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr he said an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership and get the approval of all current member states.
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 05:53 UTC
Falklands: three crewmembers from a Taiwanese jigger have gone missing

Three crewmen from a Taiwanese jigger operating in Falkland Islands who were reported missing over the weekend have not been located. The first news of the incident was received in the early hours of Saturday February 15, when the Department of Fisheries Operations Sections notified the Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP).
Tuesday, February 18th 2014 - 05:34 UTC
Hague in Brazil for a three-day visit; includes the Manaus stadium where England will play its first Cup match

Foreign Secretary William Hague, currently on a three-day visit to Brazil, joined on Tuesday with England manager Roy Hodgson in Manaus to promote the Foreign Office’s ‘Be on the Ball’ campaign and FCO's preparations for World Cup 2014.