Stories for February 19th 2014

Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 23:15 UTC
Italian prime minister designate expects a parliament confidence vote on Monday

Italian Prime Minister-designate Matteo Renzi said he expected his new government to be in place in time for a formal vote of confidence in parliament on Monday, after he wrapped up consultations with the main political parties.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 23:01 UTC
In a pre-recorded message López calls for protests against Maduro to continue

Imprisoned protest leader Leopoldo Lopez urged supporters to keep fighting for the departure of Venezuela's populist government, even as he was due in court accused of fomenting unrest that has killed at least five people.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 22:50 UTC
Majority of Argentines want Cristina Fernandez to finish her four year mandate

Over half the Argentines want president Cristina Fernandez to remain in office and to finish her four year mandate and at the same time reject conspiracy theories which pretend to force the exit of the controversial leader.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 22:45 UTC
Hague launches business and science programs to attract talented Brazilian students to UK

The business-education partnership between Brazil and the UK will benefit hundreds of talented Brazilian students aiming to study in the UK, said Foreign Secretary William Hague who is on a three-day visit to Brazil.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 22:38 UTC
Mercosur to meet 7 March to finalize the proposal to be presented to EU

In early March Mercosur will have readied its proposal to liberate trade to be presented to the European Union, the basis for a wide-ranging cooperation and trade agreement between the two blocks, announced Rubens Barbosa, head of the Trade Council from the Sao Paulo State Industries Federation, FIESP.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 22:24 UTC
Hague and Figuereido optimistic about outcome of the delayed Mercosur/EU trade pact

Brazilian and UK foreign ministers Luiz Alberto Figuereido and William Hague said that Mercosur and the European Union are concluding the tariffs' reduction proposals which they plan to exchange as part of the process leading to a wide ranging cooperation and trade agreement between the two blocks.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 22:16 UTC
YPF signs agreement with Petronas for shale development in Vaca Muerta

Argentina's state oil company YPF announced this week that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a subsidiary of Malaysia's national oil company Petronas for unconventional oil and gas resources development in Argentine Patagonia.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 05:11 UTC
Argentina appeals hedge funds case to US Supreme Court; warns of 'havoc' if lower court ruling stands

Argentina announced on Tuesday it had appealed to the US Supreme Court against a lower court order to pay off hedge fund investors in its bonds, arguing that order violated its sovereignty.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 05:04 UTC
Small meteorite bang spreads fear of mini earth tremor in central Argentina

Argentine space expert Jorge Coghlan said that the huge bang heard on Tuesday and that scared many people in central Santa Fe province was caused by a “meteorite which disintegrated on entering the atmosphere and thus caused a major vibration”. The incident was reported early mid morning.
Wednesday, February 19th 2014 - 04:58 UTC
Santos sacks Colombian top brass following exposure of corruption ring

President Juan Manuel Santos announced on Tuesday a major overhaul of Colombia's armed forces high command following revelations of corruption in military procurement.