Stories for December 2018

Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:48 UTC
UN seeking US$ 738m to help neighboring countries receiving inflow of millions of Venezuelan refuges

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was seeking US$ 738 million in 2019 to help neighboring countries cope with the inflow of millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who have “no prospect for return in the short to medium term”.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:40 UTC
Current, former Argentine Defense Ministers exchange accusations in Congress over ARA San Juan

Argentine Defense Minister Oscar Aguad Tuesday said the causes of the ARA San Juan submarine's fate are closer to become known, but he pointed a finger at faulty maintenance between 2008 and 2015 under President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (CFK).
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:40 UTC
Will Bolsonaro be able to overcome the traditional “horse trading” of Congress

Traditionally leaders of Brazil have had to offer ministerial posts to allied parties to form a working majority in a Congress that has more than two dozen parties. But following years of corruption scandals that pummeled trust in Brazil’s political establishment, president-elect Jair Bolsonaro has chosen his cabinet ignoring powerful party bosses.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:37 UTC
Weakened Theresa May suffers three defeats in Commons

Theresa May has suffered three Brexit defeats in the Commons as she set out to sell her EU deal to skeptical MPs. Ministers have agreed to publish the government's full legal advice on the deal after MPs found them in contempt of Parliament for issuing a summary. And MPs backed calls for the Commons to have a direct say in what happens if the PM's deal is rejected next Tuesday.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:33 UTC
China confident in implementing trade commitments to US “as soon as possible”

Chinese officials have said they are “confident in implementing” trade commitments made to the US “as soon as possible”, without giving details. An ongoing trade war has seen both countries impose duties on billions of dollars of one another's goods.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:24 UTC
Ecuadorean vice president resigns following allegations of illegal funding

Ecuador's Vice President Maria Vicuna announced her resignation on Tuesday, one day after President Lenin Moreno relieved her of duties amid an investigation into payments she received as a legislator years ago.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:20 UTC
Bolsonaro's chief of staff investigated over allegations of illegal campaign funding

Brazil's Supreme Court said on Tuesday it had authorized a federal investigation into allegations that the incoming chief of staff for far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro had taken illegal campaign donations.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:17 UTC
Norway pays Brazil US$ 70m for deforestation reduction in the Amazon in 2017

Norway will pay Brazil US$ 70 million for reducing deforestation in the Amazon in 2017 but is concerned over a more recent surge in the destruction of the world's largest tropical rainforest, according to a Norwegian government statement.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:12 UTC
Bolsonaro begins political contacts to address pensions scheme with piecemeal reforms

Right-wing President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday he plans to tackle the overhaul of Brazil's fiscally burdensome pension system with piecemeal reforms that can pass Congress, starting with an increase in the minimum age of retirement. He said reforms should start with the public social security system and advance gradually to make sure they pass Congress.
Wednesday, December 5th 2018 - 09:06 UTC
Madrid bans old petrol and diesel vehicles to combat pollution

Madrid has activated an anti-pollution order that significantly restricts private vehicles in the city center, including a total ban on the most polluting cars.