Stories for January 26th 2015

Monday, January 26th 2015 - 21:39 UTC
State of the art polar vessel for BAS to be delivered in 2019

A new polar research vessel is currently being designed for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The new vessel will be an ice-capable, multi-role polar research and logistics ship which will be used to conduct science and to resupply the BAS stations such as the two in South Georgia, according to the latest South Georgia Newsletter.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 19:39 UTC
UN members agree on major policy for ocean and marine life protection

States took a major step toward urgently needed ocean protection at the United Nations over the weekend agreeing to develop a legally binding agreement to conserve marine life in the high seas. After four days of deliberations States reached consensus to begin negotiating the first UN treaty that specifically addresses the protection of marine life in an area covering half the planet – those ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 08:34 UTC
Brazil supportive of Mercosur “as long as it does not turn into a burden”

Brazil is ready to preserve the advances achieved by Mercosur but as long as the block does not turn into 'a burden' when it comes to negotiate trade agreements with third parties, according to Agriculture minister Katia Abreu.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 08:28 UTC
Iran denies any 'parallel diplomacy' between Teheran and Argentina

Iran’s charge d'affairs in Buenos Aires Ahmad Reza Kheirmand denied the existence of the “parallel diplomacy” denounced by deceased AMIA special prosecutor Alberto Nisman who accused the Kirchnerite administration of plotting to cover up the 1994 attack on the Jewish community centre.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 08:24 UTC
Journalist who first reported Nisman's death fearing for his life arrives in Israel

Journalist for the Buenos Aires Herald.com Damian Pachter, who left Argentina on Saturday morning after claiming he feared for his life, has confirmed that he has arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel after flying from Buenos Aires.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 07:34 UTC
Full support for Argentina's Malvinas claim pledges new Uruguay government

Uruguay's next ambassador to Argentina Hector Lescano said that bilateral relations have always been 'cordial', even in difficult times, and there is no doubt that when president-elect Tabare Vazquez takes office, Uruguay's full support to Argentina's claims over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands will be maintained.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 07:17 UTC
Venezuela denies authorization to former presidents to visit political prisoner

The Venezuelan government has turned down a request by former presidents of Chile and Colombia to visit opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez in jail. Chile's Sebastian Piñera and Colombia's Andres Pastrana say they are in Venezuela to support the opposition and have called for the release of Mr Lopez, who was arrested nearly a year ago.
Monday, January 26th 2015 - 05:27 UTC
Greece's anti austerity party wins election: one short of an absolute majority

Anti-austerity Syriza party has won Greece's general election, putting the country on a possible collision course with the EU over its massive bailout. With nearly 75% of the votes counted, Syriza is projected to win 149 seats, just two short of an absolute majority, though that number could change.