Stories for December 2014

Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 01:17 UTC
Francis instrumental in US-Cuba relationship process

The first Latin American pope in history sent letters to Obama, Raúl Castro and brokered negotiations which ended up in Wednesday's announcement that both countries are to resume full ties.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 01:04 UTC
Tango dance at St Peter’s Square to celebrate Pope's birthday

Buenos Aires-born Pontiff offered out-of-the-ordinary milonga in his honour. He also receives cakes and other gifts from children and seminarists, but doesn't forget the atrocities taking place in Australia, Pakistan and Yemen.
Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 01:00 UTC
US, Cuba to resume full diplomatic ties

Presidents Obama and Castro finalize details over the telephone, make announcement. US restrictions require Congressional approval to be fully lifted. Alan Gross released. Other swaps ensue.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 20:21 UTC
OAS Celebrates “Historic Announcement” of Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Cuba

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today welcomed the “historic announcement” made by the Presidents of Cuba and the United States, Raúl Castro and Barack Obama, of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the re-opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, the lifting of certain commercial restrictions and the beginning of new paths for cooperation on issues of mutual interest, among other measures.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 19:41 UTC
Falklands has a new Director of Health; Mr Bainbridge takes his position next January

The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ian Bainbridge as Director of Health and Social Care, taking up post from 28th January 2015.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 13:19 UTC
Brazilian economy remains flat with similar forecast for 2015

Brazil's economy contracted 0.26% in October, ending a three-month growth streak and coming in below analysts' expectations of a 0.30% expansion, reported the Central Bank.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 13:11 UTC
US Court of Appeals will hear Argentine case on assets disclosure

US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan this Wednesday morning will hear Argentina’s appeal against US Judge Thomas Griesa’s order to Argentine banks to provide information on the state’s assets.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 12:59 UTC
Uruguay receives IDB credit to boost investment in renewable energies

As part of Uruguay long term plan to promote investment in infrastructure and finance investment in electric power plants using renewable energy resources, essentially wind and solar so as to diversify the country energy mix and cut CO2 emissions, the country will be receiving a 250 million dollar credit line from the Inter American Development Bank, IDB.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 12:40 UTC
FAO forecasts record world cereal production buoyed by bumper crops in Europe and US

Latest indications confirm that world cereal production will reach an all-time record of more than 2.5 billion tonnes in 2014. Buoyed by bumper crops in Europe and a record maize output in the United States this year's cereal output should reach 2.532 billion tonnes, including rice in milled terms, or 0.3% higher than 2013, according to FAO's latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 12:22 UTC
Latin America exports stagnant for third year running, says IDB

Exports from Latin America will drop by about 1.4% in 2014, the first decline in exports since the collapse of international commerce during the 2009 financial crisis, according to a study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).