Stories for February 17th 2015

Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 19:30 UTC
“EU tired of waiting” for Mercosur to sign a trade agreement; Paraguay a trusted partner

The European Union is tired of waiting for Mercosur to sign a free trade agreement, according to a delegation of Euro members of Parliament visiting Paraguay, a country which they consider a trusted 'ally' in trying to establish closer links with Europe.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 19:24 UTC
Mercosur intra-zone trade continues to slide; represents 14% for the block

Trade among Mercosur partners contracted 12.3% during the third quarter of last year in annual terms, despite the fact overall trade of its members increased and despite the greater integration commitment of the group's original charter, points out the Argentine Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 07:09 UTC
France ends HSBC Swiss private bank investigation; trials set to begin

French investigation into HSBC's Swiss private bank over a suspected tax-dodging scheme for wealthy customers has ended, bringing it a step closer to a possible trial, a judicial source said.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 06:00 UTC
Caribbean is anticipating 5% increase in tourist arrivals after a record 2014

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization, CTO, is projecting a 5% increase in tourist arrivals in 2015 after the region recorded its best year ever in 2014. CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley told reporters a record 26.3 million visitors came to the Caribbean last year, spending a record US$29.2 billion.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 05:49 UTC
Chilean city delegation visits UK to explore energy efficiency and new technologies

A Chilean delegation representing the city of Antofagasta visited the UK to explore energy efficiency best practices and new technologies. The visit was an essential component of the “Action Plan for the city of Antofagasta´s Sustainable Energy Strategy” project that the British Embassy Santiago is currently supporting through the Prosperity Fund.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 05:40 UTC
Peru asks Argentine oil company to leave conflict zone while it reassesses contract

Peru will evaluate a natural gas contract it signed with Pluspetrol in 2005 and is asking the Argentine company to leave a restive Amazonian town following deadly protests, the government said on Thursday. Pluspetrol started exploratory activities in natural gas block 108 last year, upsetting locals in the town of Pichanaki who fear it will lead to pollution and hurt farming.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 05:27 UTC
Lord Prescott strongly supports the return of Chagossians to Diego Garcia

British ex Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has made a powerful intervention in the campaign to grant Chagossians the right to return to their homeland, reports the UK Chagos Support Association.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 05:13 UTC
Brazil and Argentina agree accords signed with China will not affect Mercosur

Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira discarded that the recent agreements reached by Argentina with China can interfere with Mercosur, while his Argentine counterpart Hector Timerman said that the package of accords with Beijing will “actually benefit Mercosur”.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 05:09 UTC
Rolls-Royce allegedly caught in the Petrobras bribery scandal

Rolls-Royce has said it does not “tolerate improper business” after the Financial Times reported that the firm had been accused of being caught up in a bribery scandal in Brazil. Ft reported allegations that the company paid bribes for a contract with Brazilian oil firm Petrobras.
Tuesday, February 17th 2015 - 04:19 UTC
Cristina Fernandez pledges to continue despite mounting political pressure

In her first appearance after being charged over the alleged cover-up of the AMIA terrorist attack, Argentine president Cristina Fernández, who has taken refuge at her home in Patagonia, was politically active participating in several public works inaugurations, but in no moment made reference to the case and promised to keep fighting.