Stories for 2014

Monday, May 26th 2014 - 06:33 UTC
Brazil: Furious Dilma fires back at World Cup criticism from soccer star Ronaldo

President Dilma Rousseff hit back over the weekend at criticism voiced by former soccer star Ronaldo over mishandled preparations for the World Cup. In an interview with Reuters Ronaldo lamented that many infrastructure projects promised for the tournament were significantly delayed, scaled-down, or canceled, while some stadiums remain unfinished just over two weeks from kick-off.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 06:20 UTC
Israel and Palestine presidents accept Francis invitation to pray at the Vatican

Pope Francis inserted himself directly into the collapsed Middle East peace process on Sunday, issuing an invitation to host the Israeli and Palestinian presidents for a prayer summit meeting at his apartment in the Vatican.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:31 UTC
All is ready for the OAS General Assembly in Paraguay, June 3 to 5

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved the submission of several draft resolutions to the General Assembly of the institution, which will take place from June 3 to 5 in Asunción, Paraguay.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:23 UTC
Dutch exit polls don't anticipate a 'political earthquake' in EU elections

Dutch Eurosceptic Geert Wilders had predicted a political “earthquake” in the European Union’s marathon parliamentary election that kicked off on Thursday, but at least in the Netherlands the tremors weren’t nearly as strong as polls had forecast.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:13 UTC
UN urges Vatican to live up to Pope's Francis vow to stamp out child sex abuse

A UN watchdog urged the Vatican on Friday to live up to Pope Francis' vow to stamp out child sex abuse by priests, calling on the Church to ensure violators face justice. Three weeks after grilling the Vatican at a public hearing, the UN Committee Against Torture said the Roman Catholic Church had made progress, but said there are still failings of major concern.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:05 UTC
Vatican-Casa Rosada controversy: the Pope's missive, a letter or a telegram?

Argentina's Secretary to the Presidency Oscar Parrilli said on Friday that the letter sent to President Cristina Fernandez and which caused a controversy with local Church officials, is “authentic”. Argentine ambassador to the Vatican Juan Pablo Cafiero was contacted by Pope Francis to confirm the situation.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:59 UTC
Relief: airports could soon have devices to screen liquids and gels

Taking baby foods through airport security is a major headache for parents travelling with young children. But now there's a potential solution: the Insight100 scanner which can analyze liquids within five seconds, without the need to open containers.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:52 UTC
FAO challenge: insects to feed sustainably a world population of 9 billion

Insects can provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for animal feed, in addition to already being a mainstay of human diets for 2 billion people worldwide, FAO Assistant Director-General Eduardo Rojas-Briales told an international gathering of researchers in The Netherlands.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:41 UTC
OIE world assembly begins on Sunday with representatives from 178 members

The 82nd General Session of the World Assembly of OIE (Animal Health Organization) Delegates will be held from 25 to 30 May 2014, bringing together representatives of 178 OIE Members and observers from international organizations that have signed an official agreement with the OIE, as well as other international and regional organizations and invited guests.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:34 UTC
Reducing fisheries wastage, harmful practices and improving traceability

An estimated 1.3 billion tons of food are lost per year, which is up to about one-third of all food produced. This figure includes post-harvest fish losses, which tend to be greater in small-scale fisheries, according to the latest edition of FAO’s The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture.