Stories for February 6th 2017

Monday, February 6th 2017 - 23:00 UTC
Crop destroying caterpillar rapidly spreading across Africa; maize production endangered

New research announced by scientists at CABI (Center for Agriculture and Bioscience Information) confirms that a recently introduced crop-destroying armyworm caterpillar is now spreading rapidly across Mainland Africa and could spread to tropical Asia and the Mediterranean in the next few years, becoming a major threat to agricultural trade worldwide.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 22:42 UTC
Crime and violence cost Latin America and the Caribbean 3.55% of GDP

A study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates the direct annual cost of crime and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean at US$261 billion or 3.55% of GDP, roughly what the region invests on infrastructure and double the average cost for developed countries. It is also the equivalent income for 30% of the poorest population, underscoring the grave development impact violence has on the region.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 22:08 UTC
Uruguayan president and business delegation begin tour of Germany, Finland and Russia

Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez, six cabinet ministers and a numerous business delegation begin on Monday a two weeks official tour of Germany, Finland and Russia to increase political and trade links, particularly in the “new international scenario” and hopefully advancing in locking the long delayed accord between the European Union and Mercosur.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 10:17 UTC
Judge rejects Trump's travel ban appeal; new hearing on Monday

Donald Trump has ramped up his criticism of the federal judges who suspended his travel ban. It comes after other judges rejected his appeal to have his executive order immediately reinstated.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 10:06 UTC
First informal contacts of Trump administration with the Argentine government

Argentina's vice president Gabriela Michetti was unexpectedly greeted by president Donald Trump and held a brief meeting with her peer Mike Pence last week in Washington during the National Prayer Breakfast, a traditional ceremony held in Washington's Hilton. Michetti later shared lunch with members of the State Department Western Hemisphere Desk at the Argentine embassy.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 09:50 UTC
Post-Brexit UK citizens rights: Rajoy supports reciprocal arrangements for Britons

Theresa May’s hopes for an early deal on the post-Brexit rights of British citizens living in the EU were given a boost as Spain’s Mariano Rajoy backed the plan. The Prime Minister has refused to guarantee the status of EU citizens in the UK unless reciprocal arrangements are made for Britons living on the continent.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 08:19 UTC
Queen portrait to mark Sapphire Jubilee, 65 years on the throne

A portrait of the Queen by British photographer David Bailey has been re-issued for her Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne. In the photo, the Queen wears sapphire jewellery given to her by King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947.
Monday, February 6th 2017 - 08:08 UTC
Argentine lawmakers UK visit “very positive”; all bilateral agenda issues, and Falklands were addressed

The speaker of the Argentine Senate, Federico Pinedo, described the multi-party lawmakers delegation visit to the UK as “very positive” since issues of the bilateral agenda were addressed, including Argentina's historic claim over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands sovereignty.