Stories for March 2016

Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 21:26 UTC
Macri anticipates “mature, constructive relations with the US” and pledges to strengthen Mercosur

Argentine president Mauricio Macri at the beginning of the press conference Wednesday midday in Casa Rosada (Government House), highlighted the visit of Barack Obama's to Argentina and said “a stage of mature, intelligent and constructive relations is beginning.”
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 20:29 UTC
Obama tells the world of US support for Macri and his swift pace of economic reforms

In his first press conference in Buenos Aires, United States president Barack Obama sent a strong message of support to his peer Mauricio Macri and his policies, praising him for the swift pace of reforms to create a stronger economy and said Washington was ready to work more closely with Argentina after years of tension.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 19:21 UTC
Falklands' Mare harbor will undergo a £19m upgrade to cater for larger vessels

UK Preston based VolkerStevin has won a £19m deal to improve defense infrastructure on the Falkland Islands. VolkerStevin is a contractor providing a wide range of engineering and construction services across a number of market sectors and in this case will upgrade Mare Harbor as part of a design-and-build deal for the UK Defense Infrastructure Organization.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 19:19 UTC
Doing business between Uruguay and United Kingdom

The Association of Graduates of British Universities (GBUA) together with the Association of Young Entrepreneurs (AJE Uruguay), organized a panel in which young Uruguayan entrepreneurs spoke about their experiences of doing business with the UK.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 05:48 UTC
Panel of experts will name the new UK polar research vessel

The name of a new British polar research vessel will be chosen by a panel of experts, even if the public overwhelmingly votes to call it Boaty McBoatface. Lord West, ex-First Sea Lord, said he was rather proud “silly names” had been suggested but hoped none were chosen.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 05:19 UTC
Obama and Macri are scheduled to hold a first meeting late morning in Casa Rosada

President Barack Obama kicks off on Wednesday the first visit of a US president to Argentina in twenty years, and although no great announcements are expected it will be a great boost to Mauricio Macri's three month administration, his bold economic reforms and effective efforts to reinsert Argentina in the world.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 04:07 UTC
Falklands/Malvinas not included in Obama/Macri agenda, says Malcorra

Argentine president Mauricio Macri will not bring up the issue of the Falkland/Malvinas Islands during his meetings with visiting president Barack Obama, much less request his mediation in the dispute, according to foreign minister Susana Malcorra.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 02:50 UTC
Cuban dissidents meet for almost two hours with Obama, including some critical of US policy

Leading Cuban dissidents, including some who have been critical of president Barack Obama's policy of engaging with the Cuban government, spent nearly two hours on Tuesday discussing human rights with the president at the US embassy. The frank meeting ended only when Obama’s aides ushered him out to reach the Estadio Latinoamericano in time for the first pitch of the Cuban national baseball team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Wednesday, March 23rd 2016 - 02:14 UTC
Obama magic: from Cuba next to Castro, calls for an end to US embargo and for free and democratic elections

Crowning a remarkable visit to Cuba, United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared an end to the “last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas” and openly urged the Cuban people to pursue a more democratic future for their nation 90 miles from Miami. He also sent a strong message to his critics back in the US.
Tuesday, March 22nd 2016 - 15:58 UTC
Unveiling China's power struggle: 'princeling' Xi pushing aside collective leadership

By Gwynne Dyer

Opening the National People's Congress in Beijing, Prime Minister Li Keqiang set China's growth target for the coming year at 6.5-7 per cent, the lowest in decades. Only two years ago, he said 7% was the lowest acceptable growth rate, but he has had to eat his words. He really isn't in charge of very much anymore.