Stories for March 2017

Tuesday, March 21st 2017 - 10:15 UTC
China, EU, Korea, Chile suspend beef and poultry imports from Brazil

The fallout from Brazil's rotten meat scandal accelerated Monday when China, a huge market, suspended imports and the European Union and South Korea demanded a partial ban. Another ban on Brazilian meat imposed by Chile sparked fears of a trade spat between the two South American partners.
Tuesday, March 21st 2017 - 10:02 UTC
Ushuaia closes down as main gas pipeline suffers accidental rupture

Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego was forced on Monday to close down government offices, suspend classes and impose a blackout rotation program following a serious leak from the natural gas pipeline which is the main source of power for the Argentine extreme south province capital.
Tuesday, March 21st 2017 - 09:51 UTC
Another RAF Falklands/Sao Paulo flight “surprises” Argentine and Brazilian diplomacy

An RAF transport aircraft last week allegedly made a two-day return trip to Sao Paulo from MPA in the Falkland Islands, according to a report from columnist Martin Dinatale, based on sources from the Argentine Defense ministry. The aircraft was an Airbus 330 which left MPA on Sunday 12 March at 22:44, and landed in Sao Paulo at 2:47 early Monday March 13. On 14 March at 23:47 the Airbus returned to the Falklands.
Tuesday, March 21st 2017 - 07:09 UTC
UK £1bn export credit for British companies planning to trade with Argentina

The British Government is re-introducing export credit financial support for UK businesses looking to trade with Argentina after an almost 20 year hiatus. The announcement was made in Buenos Aires as part of a visit to South America by International Trade Minister Greg Hands, covering Argentina, Brazil and Peru.
Tuesday, March 21st 2017 - 06:55 UTC
UK will notify withdrawal from EU on 29 March; talks expected to begin in May

British Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger EU withdrawal talks under Article 50 on March 29, Downing Street has announced. The Prime Minister’s letter officially notifying the European Council of the UK’s intention to quit will set in train a two-year negotiation process expected to lead to Britain leaving the EU on 29 March 2019.
Monday, March 20th 2017 - 12:32 UTC
French televised debate among top five presidential contenders in volatile atmosphere

France's presidential election moves into high gear this Monday when the top five contenders face off in a TV debate that could help sway legions of undecided voters, a month before they go to the polls. Centrist frontrunner Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen are expected to come under attack in the first of three debates ahead of the April 23 opening round in France's most unpredictable election in decades.
Monday, March 20th 2017 - 12:22 UTC
Tony Blair insists Labour must work to remain in the EU

Tony Blair has said Labour must back staying in the European Union to “recover its strategic grip on affairs and be competitive”. The former prime minister said he was not being disloyal, but that it is simply not credible to pretend that his party’s position is anything other than “serious”.
Monday, March 20th 2017 - 08:31 UTC
Holyrood will formally request Wednesday Westminster authority to hold a second independence referendum

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to warn Prime Minister Theresa May she will “shatter beyond repair” the notion that the UK is a partnership of equals if she turns down a request from the Scottish Parliament to hold a second independence referendum.
Monday, March 20th 2017 - 08:24 UTC
G20 Financial leaders leave out strong references to protectionism and climate change

Financial leaders of the world's biggest economies dropped a pledge to keep global trade free and open, yielding to an increasingly protectionist United States after a two-day meeting in Germany failed to yield a compromise.
Monday, March 20th 2017 - 08:12 UTC
Brazil desperate to minimize extent of “Weak Flesh”, exposing bribes and poor controls in meat industry

Brazil's President Michel Temer has sought to reassure foreign trade partners that the corruption scandal engulfing the country's meat industry does not mean its products are unsafe. Meeting ambassadors from Europe, the United States and China to share a barbeque, Temer said his government remained confident about the quality of Brazilian meat.