Stories for December 2018

Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 10:29 UTC
Otto Sonnenholzner becomes Ecuador's new vicepresident with 94 Assembly votes

The Guayaquil-born Otto Sonnenholzner Sper took office on Tuesday as Vice-president of Ecuador, after being chosen by the National Assembly from a shortlist put forward by President Lenin Moreno.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 10:15 UTC
Falklands people have decided to name Extra Care Facility, “Tussac House”

The Falkland Islands Government has announced that following an extensive public engagement process the name of the new Extra Care Facility in Stanley will be ‘Tussac House’.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 10:12 UTC
Gunman kills at least six at Brazilian church, then commits suicide

A gunman later identified as 49-year-old Euler Fernando Grandolpho opened fire Tuesday against parishioners during midday mass at the Campinas Cathedral (95 km northwest of Sao Paulo), killing at least six of them and wounding several others, it was reported. The assailant eventually took his own life.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 08:42 UTC
Former Argentine VP Boudou released from prison on bail, must wear anklet

The release of former Argentine Vicepresident Amado Boudou was ordered Tuesday by a three-member court on condition that he posts bail in the amount of one million pesos (around US$ 26,500) and wears a GPS tracking device around his ankle.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 08:41 UTC
China prepared to cut tariffs on US-made cars to 15%, reports Bloomberg

China has reportedly proposed cutting tariffs on US-made cars to 15%, the same tax levied on car imports from other countries. Bloomberg reported that China's cabinet will review the plans, which would undo the 40% import duty China imposed on US cars this summer.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 08:36 UTC
Russian strategic bombers land in Venezuela; Maduro applauds, Washington furious

Two Russian strategic bomber aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons have landed in ally Venezuela, a show of support for Venezuela’s socialist government that has infuriated Washington
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 08:29 UTC
Brazil's future environment minister favors remaining in Paris Agreement but with country autonomy

Brazil’s future environment minister under President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said that the country should stay in the Paris Agreement on climate change, but the world must also respect its autonomy to set its environmental policies.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 08:21 UTC
Tory Brexiteers confident they can force a no confidence vote in Theresa May

Tory Brexiteers are increasingly confident they have enough support to trigger a no-confidence vote in Theresa May as party leader. If 48 Conservative MPs submit letters to say they no longer support her, a leadership challenge will be launched. There is no confirmation but sources, including a cabinet minister, have said they believe 48 letters have been sent.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 07:19 UTC
Huawei conflict: Trump intervenes; Ms Meng granted bail in Canadian court

Donald Trump says he could intervene in the case of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou if it helps to avoid a further decline in US relations with China. “Whatever's good for this country, I would do,” the US president said.
Wednesday, December 12th 2018 - 07:14 UTC
Jail sentences for ex Ford executives for collaborating with Argentine military regime

Two former Ford executives in Argentina have been given long jail sentences for collaborating with the country's brutal military regime in 1976-83. Factory manager Pedro Muller was sentenced to 10 years and ex-security chief Hector Sibilla given 12 years.