Stories for January 2021

Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:50 UTC
Police/gang warfare leaves some 25 people killed in Venezuela

Some 25 people died over the weekend in a clash between police and gangs in Venezuela's capital Caracas, according to news reports and human rights activists, as the government faces international scrutiny for killings by security forces.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:45 UTC
Rich Argentines fly to Miami to get the Covid vaccinations: Florida residents complain

Residents of foreign countries have obtained COVID vaccinations in Florida, taking advantage of the state’s loose rules on who can get a shot. The list includes a prominent Argentine lawyer, business leaders, and Canadians whose home countries restrict vaccines to first-responders, medical personnel, and a few other groups.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:42 UTC
Argentina lifts ban on corn exports to a daily cap of 30.000 tons

Argentina has lifted a suspension on corn exports announced in December and will opt instead for a temporary 30,000 tons daily cap on sales abroad, its agriculture ministry said on Monday, backing off the more restrictive measure that had infuriated farmers in the South American grains powerhouse.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:40 UTC
US assesses potential losses in agricultural exports to EU if the Mercosur deal is finally ratifies

Analysis by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS / USDA) point out that the country has US$ 4 billion in agricultural exports that may be affected to some extent by the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. The agreement has yet to be ratified by national parliaments.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:40 UTC
Covid-19: Brazil reduces to zero import tariffs for syringes and needles

Brazil has reduced import taxes and tariffs to zero for products used to combat Covid-19, including syringes and needles classified under codes 9018.31.11, 9018.31.19, 9018.31.90, 9018.32.19, and 9018.39.10 of the Mercosur Common Nomenclature. The products are included in the list of temporary tariff reductions covered by Gecex (Executive Management Committee of the Chamber of Foreign Trade), Resolution 17, from 17 March 2020.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:29 UTC
Growing controversy between US and trade partners over digital service taxes

United States has decided to suspend proposed tariffs on about 1.3 billion US dollars worth of French products amid a dispute over digital service taxes (DSTs), the US Trade Representative's (USTR's) Office said.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:26 UTC
US joins the world battle to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA, has taken the initiative in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:23 UTC
The site of Jesus baptism on the River Jordan free of mines, first time in over fifty years

A shrine near the traditional site of Jesus' baptism on the River Jordan hosted an Epiphany procession for the first time in more than 50 years on Sunday after it was declared free of landmines.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:15 UTC
UN Secretary General planning a second term

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the five permanent members of the Security Council that he would like to stay on for a second term, it was reported on Sunday by Bloomberg. Guterres is likely to officially inform the president of the UN General Assembly soon, the report added.
Monday, January 11th 2021 - 09:12 UTC
Schwarzenegger confident US will get up again, “like a phoenix from the ashes”

Arnold Schwarzenegger offered his trademark parting message to Donald Trump after last week's storming of the US Capitol by the president's supporters: “You are terminated, Mr. President,” Schwarzenegger told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper.