Stories for August 17th 2015

Monday, August 17th 2015 - 08:16 UTC
Nine banks agree to pay US$2bn to investors over rigged foreign exchange rates

Nine banks have agreed to pay 2 billion dollars in settlements to US investors over claims they rigged foreign exchange rates, according to lawyers. They are taking action on behalf of investors, including hedge funds and pension funds, who accuse banks of conspiring to manipulate rates.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 08:07 UTC
Ecuador declares state of emergency as volcano Cotopaxi becomes active

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency Saturday after increased activity the day before at the giant Cotopaxi volcano, giving the government greater leeway to mobilize financial resources in the event of an eruption.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 07:54 UTC
Ecuador hits back at the UK over the Assange asylum case in London

Ecuador has hit back at the UK government over who is to blame for the deadlock in the case of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The 44-year-old Australian has been living in Ecuador's embassy in London for more than three years to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces sexual assault allegations.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 07:28 UTC
UK offers funds for development of Science and Innovation projects in Uruguay

The British Embassy in Montevideo offers funds to collaborate with the development of Science and Innovation in Uruguay through financing cooperation projects between Uruguayan and British researchers and institutions.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 07:18 UTC
Formal farewell for Argentine Malvinas Mirage aircraft, after 40 years service

Last week the Argentine Air Force formally bid farewell to the remaining French built Mirage jet fighters, which saw combat during the Falkland Islands conflict in 1982, since in three months time they will be decommissioned after four decades service. The occasion was the 103 anniversary of the Air Force (10th August but celebrated on the 13th).
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 06:59 UTC
Argentine Air Force virtually grounded following drastic spending cuts

Difficult times for the Argentine Air Force, not only was the Minister of Defense Agustín Rossi caught asleep during the celebration of the service's anniversary, but also as of next Tuesday administrative staff at the headquarters Edificio Condor will be working a shorter shift, from 08:00 in the morning to 13:00 hours with the purpose of savings in power and other supplies as well as rationing catering.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 06:52 UTC
Suriname leader Bouterse takes office for another five-year term

Suriname former military ruler Desi Bouterse officially began a second consecutive five-year term in office after being sworn in, promising to diversify the country’s economy and make the country less dependent on bauxite, gold and oil exports.
Monday, August 17th 2015 - 06:21 UTC
“Dilma Out”, was voiced by hundreds of thousands across Brazil

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Brazil to call for the impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff, whom they blame for a vast corruption scandal and the economy's worst slump in a quarter-century. Less than a year into her tumultuous second term, the president's support has dwindled to single digits in recent polls, while two in three support calls for her impeachment.