Stories for October 2017

Thursday, October 12th 2017 - 11:57 UTC
UK and Europe closely watching Venezuelan State Governors' elections

British Minister Sir Alan Duncan expressed his concern at the deteriorating situation in Venezuela during a meeting in London on Wednesday with Venezuelan foreign minister Jorge Arreaza in London. Sir Duncan said that together with Europeans partners, they are closely watching the management of the 15 October Venezuelan State Governors’ elections closely.
Thursday, October 12th 2017 - 11:50 UTC
PM May: UK will spend whatever necessary to prepare for Brexit, including a no-deal scenario

The British government will spend whatever is necessary to make sure the UK is ready for Brexit, Downing Street has said. A No 10 spokesman said £250m of new money had been allocated this year to prepare for leaving the EU, “including the possibility of a no-deal scenario.”
Thursday, October 12th 2017 - 11:46 UTC
Royals in transition: Prince Charles will take the Queen's place at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday

The Queen will not lay a wreath at the Cenotaph this year as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony. She will watch the event on 12 November in Whitehall from the balcony of the Foreign Office with Prince Philip.
Thursday, October 12th 2017 - 11:39 UTC
Five days countdown for Catalonia as Spain readies an impressive national unity day celebration

Spain is preparing to celebrate its National Day, 12th October, amid a continuing political crisis sparked by Catalonia's disputed independence referendum. The public display of unity comes a day after PM Mariano Rajoy told parliament the country was facing the most serious threat to its 40-year-old democracy.
Thursday, October 12th 2017 - 11:30 UTC
Peru and Colombia players deny any agreement during Tuesday night's qualifier

Peru's Renato Tapia admitted discussing World Cup qualification with Colombia captain Radamel Falcao during their match on Tuesday night but denied making a pact. Falcao, who plays his club football for French Ligue 1 side Monaco, was seen in discussion with Peruvian players with his hand covering his mouth towards the end of the 1-1 draw in Lima.
Wednesday, October 11th 2017 - 16:02 UTC
Auto industry in Brazil picking up: 10% sales and output growth forecasted in 2018

Auto industry leaders projected sales and output growth of more than 10% in Brazil next year at an industry event on Monday, underscoring hopes for a rebounding market as Mercedes-Benz announced new investments in bus and truck plants.
Wednesday, October 11th 2017 - 15:56 UTC
Brazilian Congress seems prepared to again save Temer from Justice charges

A Brazilian congressional report recommended on Tuesday that President Michel Temer should not face trial for obstruction of justice and membership in a criminal organization, arguing that the charges against him were unfounded.
Wednesday, October 11th 2017 - 15:39 UTC
Qatar Airways named “Best Airline” at the Business Travelers Awards

Qatar Airways has been named ‘Best Airline’ at the highly-respected 2017 Business Traveler Awards, held on Monday 9 October at London’s Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. In addition to being voted ‘Best Airline’ by travelers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Long Haul Airline.’
Wednesday, October 11th 2017 - 15:28 UTC
Messi qualifies Argentina to the World Cup and Brazil KOs Chile

Lionel Messi fired Argentina into the World Cup with a brilliant hat-trick on Tuesday as South American champions Chile suffered a shock elimination. Messi single-handedly resurrected Argentina’s hopes in a 3-1 win over Ecuador in Quito that drew a line under a chaotic campaign that had left the two-time champions in danger of failing to qualify.
Wednesday, October 11th 2017 - 15:17 UTC
UK reaffirms commitment to Falklands sovereignty; Argentina insists self-determination not applicable to Malvinas

The United Kingdom had no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, and there could be no dialogue on sovereignty over them unless its people so wished, the UK representative Stephen Hickey said at the United Nations Fourth Committee meetings this week.