Stories for December 6th 2017

Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 21:31 UTC
Peruvian construction companies accused of colluding with Brazil's Odebrecht

Four former and current executives of Peruvian construction companies were detained pending trial, accused of colluding with Brazilian builder Odebrecht to bribe a former president.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 16:33 UTC
Europe makes official a blacklist of 17 non-EU it describes as tax havens

The European Union has put 17 non-EU countries on a blacklist of those it deems guilty of unfairly offering tax avoidance schemes, prompting protest from Panama's president. EU vice president Valdis Dombrovskis said after a meeting of the bloc's finance ministers that beyond the 17 nations, over 40 more were put on a “grey list” to be monitored until they are fully committed to reforms.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 16:20 UTC
Saudi Prince released after agreeing “acceptable settlement” of more than US$ 1bn

Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah has been released more than three weeks after he was detained on allegations of corruption, officials have said. Prince Miteb, once seen as a contender to the throne, was freed after agreeing an “acceptable settlement” with authorities of more than US$1bn (£750m).
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 16:14 UTC
Brazil services activity in November shrinks the most in nine months

Brazilian services activity in November shrank the most in nine months, a private survey showed on Tuesday, highlighting the nation's uneven recovery from the deepest recession in a century. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the Brazilian services sector compiled by research firm Markit fell to 46.9 from 48.8 in October. Readings below 50 indicate contraction in activity.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 13:47 UTC
Brazil and US scientists discover molecule that has destroyed millions of citrus groves

Researchers have identified the molecule that attracts the insect that transmits citrus greening disease, a development expected to help farmers control a plague that has destroyed trees in growing regions of Brazil and the United States. The scientific breakthrough is the result of six years of research on Diaphorina citri, the vector of citrus greening disease.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 10:23 UTC
Poll shows that 49% of Irish republic favor a united Ireland

A new poll has found just under half of the Republic's voters want a united Ireland. The results revealed on Irish television Live on Monday night showed 49% in favor, 29% against, and 22% of respondents saying they 'Don't Know'.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 10:15 UTC
No elections until “vulgar sanctions” against Venezuela are lifted, warns Maduro

Venezuela said future elections in the country would only take place once U.S. sanctions against top ranking officials and its finances are lifted, in a sign from the government that next year’s presidential vote is at risk.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 09:56 UTC
Several members of Temer's party charged with money laundering and criminal association

Brazil’s prosecutor general officially presented money laundering and criminal association charges against six people, including a former federal minister and a congressman, Brazilian media reported on Monday evening.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 09:19 UTC
Honduran electoral authorities agree to a recount of 5.000 polling stations

Honduran electoral authorities on Tuesday agreed to opposition demands for a recount of returns from more than 5,000 polling places, representing almost 30% of all voting sites in last week’s disputed presidential election.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 09:12 UTC
Two men charged in London with terror offenses including a plot to kill PM May

Two men were charged Tuesday in London with terror offenses over an alleged plot to kill British Prime Minister Theresa May, according to British government officials. Both will appear before a court Wednesday in the British capital in connection with what officials say was a conspiracy to launch a suicide-knife attack on Downing Street, the official home of the prime minister.