Stories for March 2014

Monday, March 10th 2014 - 06:12 UTC
Atlantic patrol HMS Portland conducted joint exercises with Nigerian navy

Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Portland on Atlantic patrol is visiting Western Africa and conducted training with the Nigerian Navy, hosted a Security Forum in support of United Kingdom Trade and Industry and a maritime security conference.
Monday, March 10th 2014 - 06:04 UTC
Pope Francis names finance personalities to the Vatican Economy Council

Pope Francis named top laymen from the worlds of finance and economics to a new Vatican Council for the Economy, intended to improve scrutiny of the Holy See's scandal-plagued accounts.The creation of the 15-member council is a major step in bringing lay people into the Vatican, and reflects a drive by Francis to make changes to an establishment often seen as murky and secretive.
Monday, March 10th 2014 - 05:57 UTC
Alejandro Zaffaroni, Uruguayan biochemist developer of the birth control pill, dies at 91

The following is an obituary published in The New York Times to honor a Uruguayan born scientist, graduated in Montevideo's Medicine School, who in his long career in the US is credited with having developed the birth control pill and the nicotine patches among other biotechnological advances.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:53 UTC
US Vice-president Biden expected to address Venezuelan situation while in Chile

US Vice President Joe Biden will hold talks with Latin American leaders about protest-hit Venezuela during his trip to Chile from Sunday for the inauguration of President Michelle Bachelet scheduled for Tuesday and which is expected to convene regional leaders.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:47 UTC
Brazil's trade deficit soars in February: 6.3bn dollars if first two months of 2014

Brazil recorded its largest February trade deficit ever, deepening a trade gap this year that underscores the lack of competitiveness from local industry. The deficit reached 2.125 billion dollars the trade ministry announced.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:37 UTC
US unemployment rises slightly in February despite a boost in new jobs

The US economy added 175,000 new jobs in February, but the unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.7%. The jobs figures, from the US Labor Department, were better than many had been expecting and marked a rebound from two weak months.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:32 UTC
Unasur meets to address the Venezuelan situation next Tuesday in Chile

Latin American foreign ministers and most probably presidents, will meet next week to discuss the unrest in Venezuela that has left at least 21 dead and hundreds injured and arrested following weeks of protests and clashes, according to the Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:19 UTC
Military personnel in Falkland Islands totals 1.060, says MoD

There are currently 1,060 military personnel stationed in the Falkland Islands, confirmed the Minister of State for the Ministry of Defense Mark Francois on Wednesday, according to a report from the latest edition of the Falklands' Penguin News.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 06:02 UTC
February experienced a sharp increase in FAO Food Prices Index

Weather-related events and increased demand came into play as the FAO Food Price Index registered its sharpest increase since mid-2012, averaging 208.1 points in February 2014. The new level is 5.2 points, or 2.6%, above a slightly revised index for January, but is still 2.1% lower than last year at the same time.
Saturday, March 8th 2014 - 05:54 UTC
OAS agrees on declaration calling for peace and an end to violence in Venezuela

The Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council approved late Friday night after a whole day of discussions and by an ample majority, a statement in support of peace and an end to violence in Venezuela, where street protests and clashes have left at least 22 dead and hundreds injured and arrested.