Stories for February 2020

Friday, February 14th 2020 - 20:58 UTC
“Isolating cases and quarantining contacts is not going to stop COVIC-19”, infectious scientists warn

As the number of COVIC-19 coronavirus cases jumps dramatically in China, a top infectious-disease scientist warns that things could get far worse: Two-thirds of the world's population could catch it.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 20:46 UTC
Cristina Fernández/IMF controversy over the Fund's responsibility in Argentina' flight of capital

Argentine vice-president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner insisted in her criticism of the IMF for the alleged violation of its statutes by awarding the previous Argentine administration of president Mauricio Macri a disproportionate credit, despite the fact the Fund rejected the accusation and ratified that no debt shaving is possible under its rules.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 09:59 UTC
Fernandez/Bolsonaro summit in Montevideo in doubt, but both sides willing to meet

Argentine president Alberto Fernández said he was not sure to attend the inauguration of Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Pou, next March first, when he was expected to meet his Brazilian peer Jair Bolsonaro. Anyhow Fernandez insisted he was most willing to have an interview with Bolsonaro whenever possible.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 09:55 UTC
British forces during Falklands' war benefited from CIA Crypto AG decoded messages

The Royal Navy, RAF, and British Army benefited from the CIA's secret ownership of a code-making machine company during the Falklands' War, a new investigation has claimed.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 09:51 UTC
Brazilian base in Antarctica records a temperature peak of 20.75 degrees Celsius

Scientists in Antarctica have recorded a new record temperature of 20.75 degrees Celsius, breaking the barrier of 20 degrees for the first time on the continent, a researcher said on Thursday.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 09:50 UTC
Lula receives papal blessing at the Vatican; not a word in Francis official agenda

Former Brazilian President Lula da Silva met on Thursday with Pope Francis at the Vatican, received a papal blessing and said the two discussed prospects for a “more just and fraternal world.”
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 09:44 UTC
ICJ to hold public hearings on Venezuela/Guyana territorial dispute in March

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin holding public hearings, next month, on Venezuela’s claim for more than half of Guyana’s territory. The first round of oral arguments starts on March 23 when Guyana will present its case from 10 am to 1 pm at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 08:47 UTC
Brazil's Real among the worst performing currencies this year, shrinks 8%

Brazil’s currency fell below 4.35 reais per dollar for the first time this week, as weaker-than-expected retail sales figures gave renewed impetus to the selling that has picked up notable momentum in recent days.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 08:40 UTC
Argentine inflation drops to 2.3% in January, helped by the freeze of several items

Argentina inflation decelerated to 2.3% in January, the official statistics agency said on Thursday, well below analyst expectations for a 3.4% rise.
Friday, February 14th 2020 - 08:40 UTC
Ex head of Mexican oil firm Pemex arrested in Spain on corruption charges

Spanish police this week arrested Emilio Lozoya, the former chief executive of Mexico’s state oil firm Pemex, giving President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador his first high-profile win in his government’s anti-corruption drive.