Stories for October 24th 2016

Monday, October 24th 2016 - 22:42 UTC
Japan and South Atlantic sanctuary main contentions at the Whaling Commission meeting in Slovenia

Representatives from more than 80 nations will square off in Slovenia this week over the fate of the world’s remaining whales as hunters, ship strikes and fishing gear threaten their survival. The stage is set for heated debate, as the 88 members of the International Whaling Commission are deeply divided along pro- and anti-hunting lines.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 18:11 UTC
First Mercosur test for Uruguay´s free trade agreement negotiations with China

Uruguay and Argentina, and their cabinets will be meeting this Monday in Buenos Aires to address a bilateral agenda, which was agreed long before hand, but the real issue will not necessarily be trade, dredging canals, pulp mills, customs or facilitating people's movement, but rather the negotiations for a free trade agreement which supposedly Uruguay is about to begin discussing with China.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 17:55 UTC
Brazil congressional police arrested accused of obstruction of justice

Authorities say they have arrested four Congressional police agents posted inside Brazil's Senate for allegedly obstructing an investigation into lawmakers' suspected involvement in the corruption-kickback scheme at state-owned oil company Petrobras. Federal police said in a statement that those arrested Friday include Pedro Carvalho, head of the Senate police, which is a distinct agency.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 17:43 UTC
Billions pour in to buy Argentine bonds, “sign of growing investor confidence”

Argentina’s international currency reserves rose above the landmark US$40 billion for the first time in three and a half years last Friday, as a huge inflow of dollars from government-issued debt and some exports over the last few days caused some dramatic increases this week. The milestone, according to Central Bank chief Federico Sturzenegger, was “a sign of growing investor confidence in the country.”
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 11:51 UTC
Spaniards flock to Gibraltar for shopping taking advantage of the weak pound

The fall in the pound has boosted trade in Gibraltar as neighbouring Spaniards flock to the Rock territory where their Euros buy them more, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has said. Gibraltar’s stores and supermarkets are filled with Spanish people picking up their weekly shop.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 11:42 UTC
Catholic Church and Macri have a 'mature relation of autonomy and cooperation'

The relation between the Catholic church and the administration of president Mauricio Macri is “a mature relation” and “links are as they should be”, and this is based on “autonomy and cooperation which is good for both sides”, according to Monsignor Jose Maria Arancedo, head of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, CEA.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 11:20 UTC
Airbnb sues New York State for imposing costly fines on online rentals

After New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Friday imposing costly fines onto people who advertise illegal rentals online, the housing site Airbnb sued, contending that the law violates freedom of speech and is unconstitutional.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 11:08 UTC
US lawmakers, and Trump, question US$ 85.4bn ATT purchase of Time Warner

The telecom-media giant that would be formed if United States federal regulators approve AT&T Inc’s US$85.4 billion purchase of Time Warner Inc raises antitrust issues, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine and several U.S. lawmakers said on Sunday.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 10:50 UTC
Venezuela opposition claims Maduro has committed a coup d'état and calls for active defense of the constitution

Venezuela's opposition-majority legislature declared on Sunday that President Nicolas Maduro's government had committed a coup d'etat by blocking a referendum on removing him from power, vowing mass protests and international pressure.
Monday, October 24th 2016 - 10:43 UTC
Rajoy on course to a minority government; Socialists decide to abstain in confidence vote

Spain’s conservative leader Mariano Rajoy was on course to secure a second term in power for his People’s Party (PP) on Sunday after his Socialist rivals agreed to abstain in a looming confidence vote, ending 10 months of political deadlock. Spain has been stuck in political limbo following national elections in December and June which left no single party with a majority, paralyzing institutions and threatening to derail an economic recovery.