Stories for December 18th 2014

Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 23:04 UTC
US sanctions against Venezuela officials signed into law

The United States will now be able to impose punitive measures on Venezuelan government officials involved in a crackdown on protesters against the Maduro administration, or on those who have carried out acts of violence or violated the human rights of political opponents.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil's trade balance to benefit from oil price drop

Central Bank President Alexandre Tombini sees the bright side of the international trend that is causing many others a headache, because the country is a net petroleum importer.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 19:58 UTC
Mujica's role in US-Cuba understanding praised worldwide

The role played by Uruguay's President in the process which led to Wednesday's announcements that the United States and Cuba are to restore full diplomatic ties, was praised by Presidents Barack Obama, Raul Castro and international analysts.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 18:17 UTC
'Falklands Legend Don Bonner dies aged 87'

It is with regret that the Falkland Islands Government learned that Donald ‘Don’ Bonner passed away on the morning of Tuesday 16th December 2014, aged 87.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 18:12 UTC
Oil price tumbles after OPEC releases 2015 forecast

The demand for oil in 2015 will drop to its lowest level since 2002 because of an oversupply of crude and stagnant economies in China and Europe, according to OPEC's latest forecast. And that's just one of several sour estimates.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 12:53 UTC
Prime Minister Cameron announces Falkland Islanders to receive medal

Collective South Atlantic accolade to be presented next year for 'serious and grave threat' to sovereignty. Baroness Thatcher statue also to be unveiled.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 09:36 UTC
Colombia Farc rebels declare indefinite unilateral truce

Colombia's Farc rebels have declared a unilateral ceasefire for an indefinite period, starting from Saturday.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 04:45 UTC
Holdout funds, Malvinas: Mercosur presidents back Argentina

Full support also expressed for Venezuela against sanctions from the administration of United States President Barack Obama.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 04:25 UTC
Paraguay's objections prevent Bolivia from full Mercosur membership

CFK says regional integration not a problem for worldwide integration, labels marketplace a euphemism as the decline in oil price conceals geopolitical interests of other countries
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 02:53 UTC
Deported Uruguayan murderer defies ban, returns to Argentina

A convicted murderer and robber of Uruguayan nationality sentenced to life imprisonment and deported back to his country in 2008, ends up arrested one again in Argentina. Should he be sent back home yet again or go back to jail? Judges silent.