Stories for April 17th 2015

Friday, April 17th 2015 - 22:35 UTC
Falklands says Argentina continues “to ignore out right to determine our future and develop our economy”

The Argentine government continues disrespectfully to ignore “our inalienable right to determine our own future” and “develop our economy”, said the elected government of the Falkland Islands in a release responding to Argentine determination to impede the Islands right to develop the hydrocarbons industry and claims about 'militarization' of the South Atlantic.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 04:40 UTC
Unasur opens Defense School to elaborate a shared doctrine of peace and stability

The Union of South American Nations, Unasur will celebrate this Friday its eighth anniversary with the official opening of the South American Defense School (Esude) created to instruct on defense and security issues, both at civil and military level, following 'the principles of a regional strategic vision'.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 04:32 UTC
Pope Francis to visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay next July

Pope Francis will make his first visit as pontiff to Spanish-speaking Latin America in July, stopping in Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, the Vatican said Thursday. The pope will kick off his trip in Ecuador on July 6, then travel to Bolivia on July 8 and wrap up his tour in Paraguay from July 10 to 12.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 04:12 UTC
Malvinas Secretary Filmus to talk about Falklands and oil in London

Argentina's Secretary for Malvinas Islands Affairs, Daniel Filmus will be giving a conference on Friday in London on the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute with the UK and the current round of oil drilling offshore the Islands, in what Argentina considers its territory.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 03:39 UTC
Mercosur must exhaust efforts to advance in trade talks with EU, insists Uruguay

Mercosur must exhaust efforts with determination to advance in trade negotiations with the European Union, said Uruguay's Deputy foreign minister Jose Luis Cancela confirming the country's commitment with the block, but also demanding 'sincerity' in addressing the challenges and agreeing on an international insertion strategy.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 03:35 UTC
Punta Arenas cruise visitors numbers up 30% during the 2014/15 season

Cruise visitors to Punta Arenas, extreme south of Chile during this last 2014/15 season increased by 30%, with 48 vessel calls between last October and April this year, according to Chilean migration and international police records. This represents 78.872 cruise passengers, and is an increase over the 35 calls from the previous season 2013/2014.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 03:26 UTC
Former IMF director and Spanish minister detained accused of fraud

The former director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Spaniard Rodrigo Rato, has been detained by police in Madrid. Rato, who has also been Economy Minister during Spanish President José María Aznar’s administration, is accused of money laundering and fraud.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 03:16 UTC
World Medical Association supports growing moves for plain tobacco packaging

The World Medical Association has supported the increasing number of countries planning to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products, including Australia and France. This week it joined the Norwegian Medical Association in supporting proposals to introduce plain packaging in Norway.
Friday, April 17th 2015 - 03:08 UTC
Sir Simon steps down after five years as FCO Permanent Under-Secretary

The Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon Fraser, will step down after five years in the role and leave HM Diplomatic Service at the end of July 2015. He was appointed PUS, taking over from Sir Peter Ricketts, in August 2010.