Stories for October 4th 2014

Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 10:44 UTC
Obama and Cameron condemn brutal murder of British captive Alan Henning

President Barack Obama condemned on Friday the “brutal” murder of British captive Alan Henning on Friday, saying the United States would bring those responsible to justice.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 10:38 UTC
Investors on edge waiting for the results of Sunday's voting in Brazil

Latin American currencies weakened on Friday after strong U.S. jobs data was seen as increasing the likelihood of higher interest rates in the world's largest economy, while Brazil markets fluttered in the last trading session before Oct. 5 elections.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 10:29 UTC
US trade deficit down, while oil imports fall to their lowest in four years

The U.S. trade deficit slipped 0.5% in August to 40.1 billion, the lowest since January, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Oil imports fell to their lowest level in four years.U.S. exports increased 0.2% in August to a record 198.5 billion, while imports grew 0.1% to 238 billion. After a 40.3 deficit in July, analysts expected a 40.9 billion trade gap in August.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 10:06 UTC
US unemployment falls to 5.9%, the lowest since July 2008

The US unemployment rate dipped to 5.9% in September, a six-year low, official figure has shown. The rate fell from 6.1% in August and is the lowest recorded since July 2008. US Labor Department also said that employers added 248,000 jobs last month, and the job growth figures for August and July were revised upwards.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 09:41 UTC
“Don't abandon refugees at sea” MSF calls on Europe and Italy

One year after the tragic shipwreck off the island of Lampedusa in Italy, wars such as in Syria, protracted crises and chaos in Libya continue to push an unprecedented number of refugees to Europe.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 08:25 UTC
Pacific Alliance and Mercosur will attempt convergence, sponsored by Chile

A first meeting to assess opportunities for accords between the Alliance of the Pacific and Mercosur will take place next November in Santiago de Chile confirmed, confirmed Chilean foreign minister Heraldo Muñoz.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 08:15 UTC
Veteran career officer new chief of UK Secret Intelligence Service

With the agreement of Prime Minister David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary announced on Friday that Alex Younger has been appointed as successor to Sir John Sawers as Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Alex will take up his appointment next month.
Saturday, October 4th 2014 - 05:39 UTC
Mobbing by Argentine officials forces BBC Top Gear team to flee to Chile

Hooliganism and mobbing by government officials seem to be the norm in Argentina following on the experience of two incidents, one involving a BBC crew forced out of the country for their alleged 'disrespectful attitude' towards the Falklands/Malvinas conflict memory, and a second calling on hecklers to impede a conference in Buenos Aires of a former minister.