Stories for May 6th 2017

Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 12:27 UTC
Macron should be next French president; En Marche could become largest party in June's legislative elections

Independent French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron extended his lead in the polls over his far-right rival Marine Le Pen on Friday, the final day of campaigning in a tumultuous election race. Sunday's election is seen as the most important in France for decades, with two diametrically opposed views of Europe and France's place in the world at stake.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 12:17 UTC
Argentina and China will sign contract to construct two nuclear powered plants

Argentina and China will sign next 17 May in Beijing a contract for the construction of two new nuclear powered plants, with an investment of US$ 12.5 billion, according to Argentina's Nuclear energy deputy secretary, Julian Gadano.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 11:48 UTC
Falklands meat export season considered “good”, 626 tons

More than 40,000 animals were processed during the last Falkland Islands Meat Company season. FIMCO Operations Manager Dave Roberts commented that the 2017 export season began with the staff arriving on January 21. A high percentage of them returned from previous seasons to the Sandy Bay plant.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 11:36 UTC
Brazil sacks head of indigenous affairs agency; the long arm of agri-business?

Brazil's government on Friday sacked the head of its agency handling indigenous issues, a week after 13 members of one tribe were wounded in a bloody attack by ranchers in a land dispute.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 08:56 UTC
FIFA's magic ways: Messi's four-game ban lifted, helping Argentina to reach Moscow

Argentina's hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup were given a huge boost on Friday after FIFA overturned Lionel Messi’s four-game ban for swearing at an assistant referee, but is not good news for Uruguay and Ecuador, Argentina's next rivals and with chances of qualifying.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 08:35 UTC
Brexit talks would be easier if EC officials “kept their views to themselves”

Brexit talks would be easier if European Commission officials “kept their views to themselves”, Sir Michael Fallon has said amid claims that the EU is seeking to bully British voters. Defence Secretary bemoaned “one-sided leaking” from commission officials as he defended Prime Minister Theresa May’s scathing attack on Brussels in the wake of negative press stories about the negotiations on Britain’s exit from the EU.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 08:04 UTC
Venezuela death toll climbs to 40; some military refuse to repress; statue of Chavez destroyed

A 20-year-old Venezuelan protester died on Friday after being shot in the head, authorities said, taking fatalities from a month of anti-government unrest to at least 40 as the opposition geared up for more demonstrations. Hecder Lugo was hurt during fighting between demonstrators and security forces in Valencia on Thursday that also injured four others, the local opposition Mayor Enzo Scarano said in a series of tweets.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 07:50 UTC
Mercosur resumes trade talks with Australia and New Zealand

Mercosur and CER (Closer Economic Relations), with includes Australia and New Zealand, resumed trade talks this week in Buenos Aires, with Argentina currently holding the South American block presidency chairing the meeting.
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 07:44 UTC
Reefer in distress heading for the Falklands; scheduled to arrive Saturday morning

A Panama flagged merchant vessel with a crew of 42 sailing in the South Atlantic sent a distress call following “a massive intake of water” in one of its holds, but will attempt to reach the Falkland Islands on its own means, according to a Friday report from the Argentine navy.