Stories for January 16th 2015

Friday, January 16th 2015 - 07:10 UTC
Timerman accuses Nisman of 'investigating the president clandestinely'

Argentina's government called a leading prosecutor a 'despicable liar' on Thursday for accusing President Cristina Fernandez of secretly negotiating with Iran to avoid punishing those responsible for the country's worst terrorist attack, and insisted the whole thing was a 'media show'.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:54 UTC
Prosecutor Nisman confirms case against Cristina Fernandez and reveals further evidence

Argentina's AMIA special prosecutor Alberto Nisman confirmed his complaint against President Cristina Fernandez and several other officials over an alleged “criminal deal of impunity” with Iran and explained the role of every one of those he accused for “covering up” Teheran’s involvement in the attack against the Jewish centre in 1994 in Buenos Aires.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:49 UTC
Bilateral trade between Mercosur main partners dropped 21.2% in 2014

Bilateral trade between Mercosur two main partners, Brazil and Argentina (first and third largest economies in Latin America) dropped 21.2% last year and with a 139 million dollars deficit for Argentina, according to the Argentine Commerce Chamber, CAC.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:37 UTC
Pope Francis: “You can't make a toy out of the religions of others”

Pope Francis, speaking of last week's deadly attacks by Islamist militants in Paris, has defended freedom of expression, but said it was wrong to provoke others by insulting their religion and that one could “expect” a reaction to such abuse.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:24 UTC
Hollande admits Muslims are “the first victims of fanaticism, fundamentalism and intolerance”.

President Francois Hollande assured Muslims in France and abroad that his country respected them and their religion but would not compromise its commitment to freedom and democracy.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:15 UTC
In a surprise move Swiss central bank abandons Euro peg: frank soars 30%

The Swiss franc soared as much as 30% in chaotic trade after the central bank abandoned the cap on the currency's value against the Euro. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) said the cap, introduced in September 2011, was no longer justified. It also cut a key interest rate from -0.25% to -0.75%, raising the amount investors pay to hold Swiss deposits.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 06:10 UTC
US, EU and Japan win case at WTO against Argentine import restrictions

The World Trade Organization on Thursday rejected Argentina’s bid to overturn a ruling in favour of the United States, the European Union and Japan against the Buenos Aires licensing rules used to restrict imports.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 05:58 UTC
We won't let the voice of freedom be muzzled

By David Cameron and Barack Obama - Two hundred years ago this month, Britain and the United States fought each other at the Battle of New Orleans. It was the last major battle where our nations met as enemies. In modern times, our special relationship as allies and partners has been the firm foundation of our shared security and prosperity.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 05:23 UTC
YPF increased output during 2014; refinery strike threatens supply of fuel

YPF's oil and natural gas production rose in 2014 for the second year running, Argentina's state-run energy company said on Thursday. Oil production rose 8.7% last year, while gas output was up 12.5%, YPF said, although the company did not publish annual output volume.
Friday, January 16th 2015 - 05:15 UTC
Chile votes to eliminate the Pinochet electoral system, 25 years later

Chile's Senate has voted to end a dictatorship-era electoral system that has squeezed out independent candidates and guaranteed an outsized presence in Congress for the centre-right and conservative blocs.