Stories for September 19th 2014

Friday, September 19th 2014 - 07:28 UTC
EU hopeful the free trade accord with Mercosur will be reached next year

Once the EU and Mercosur exchange their proposals for a free trade agreement, negotiations will 'move fast' and the deal should be closed sometime in 2015, according to EU ambassador in Montevideo, Juan Fernandez Trigo. But he also pointed out that he expected Mercosur proposal to be in accordance with terms established in 2010.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 07:19 UTC
Brazilian 2013/14 grains and oilseeds crop reached a record 195.46 million tons

The Brazilian production of grains in 2013/2014 has reached 195.46 million tons, according to the country’s National Supply Company, Conab. The number is a 3.6% (6.8 million tons) increase compared to the previous season.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 07:09 UTC
South Atlantic whale sanctuary rejected at the IWC meeting

The world's whaling watchdog rejected a bid to expand protection in the South Atlantic. The issue were put to a vote on the closing day of the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) 65th meeting in Slovenia.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:58 UTC
Tougher scrutiny of Japanese bids to kill whales for “scientific research”

Nations agreed on measures Thursday to toughen scrutiny of future Japanese bids to kill whales in the name of scientific research, which critics say is a cover for commercial hunts.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:53 UTC
Top marks for South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery

The South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery renewed its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the third consecutive time. The fishery, which was first MSC certified in 2004, received an average score of 96 out of 100 in the latest assessment, said the government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI).
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:44 UTC
Global tourist numbers grew 4.6% in first half of 2014, according to WTO

International tourist numbers grew 4.6% in the first half of 2014, boosted by strong growth in the Americas, Asia and parts of Europe, the World Tourism Organization said this week.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:31 UTC
Argentine participation in London’s prestigious “100%design” fair

The creativity and uniqueness of Argentine design are on show at the 100%design fair thanks to the support of the Argentine Embassy, which has its own stand at what is considered one of the most prestigious contemporary design events worldwide.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:20 UTC
Cristina Fernandez blames Griesa and US embassy for “speculative attacks” against her government

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner assured on Thursday that Argentina is under “permanent speculative attack headed by US Federal judge Thomas Griesa,” and criticized “local vultures who have amplified the offensive to the point of ridicule.”
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:11 UTC
Bad omen for Argentina and Citibank in their appeal over bond payments

U.S. appeals court signaled its displeasure with Argentina on Thursday as Citigroup warned it faces “serious and imminent hazard” if it follows a judge's order not to process an upcoming interest payment due to bondholders. The hearing ended with not resolution but a pledge to decide on the matter 48 hours before the end of the month.
Friday, September 19th 2014 - 06:02 UTC
Cristina Fernandez and Francis to discuss Argentina's political situation

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez left on Thursday evening for Rome where on Saturday she is scheduled to have lunch with Pope Francis in a meeting that according to Vatican sources has no formal timetable.