Stories for February 2021

Friday, February 19th 2021 - 07:30 UTC
Super Mario to the rescue of Italy with full support from all the political arch

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday secured final parliamentary approval for his government of national unity. The lower house, Chamber of Deputies, backed the former European Central Bank (ECB) chief and his mixed Cabinet team of technocrats and politicians with 535 votes in favor, 56 against and five abstentions.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 09:50 UTC
Bondholders criticize Argentina erratic economic policies, subordinated to politics

Creditors have criticized the current Argentine government of the country for what it describes as “erratic” economic policies claiming they are impeding growth and weighing on bond prices five months after the government restructured some US$ 65 billion in foreign bonds.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 08:50 UTC
Fearful of inflation Argentina claims consumer corporations are holding back production volumes

With inflation far from target and increasing consumer prices, Argentina is investigating firms including Danone, Procter & Gamble, Fargo, miller Cañuelas, abattoir Paledini and Unilever, along with food producers like Bunge, accusing them of deliberately holding back production.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 08:44 UTC
PAHO still uncertain about the delivery date of vaccines for the COVAX initiative to benefit 37 countries

With COVAX delivery of new vaccines expected soon in the Americas, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne called for overcoming barriers to ensure “fair and equitable access.”
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 08:38 UTC
Latin America demand rich countries stop hoarding the Covid-19 vaccines

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard during a virtual meeting of the UN Security Council called on rich countries to stop hoarding vaccines against Covid-19 impeding the poor from being inoculated.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 08:38 UTC
Blizzards and freezing temperatures leave vast areas of US without power, heat or drinking water

$Nearly 3.5 million customers around the U.S. were still without electricity, from a peak close to 100 million, and some also lost water service$

AP – Millions in the United States were preparing for another night blast of snow and ice following a day in which vast areas of states, mainly Texas has to endure frigid conditions without electricity or heat. Some thirty deaths have been reported so far.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 08:38 UTC
Google agrees to pay Australian media news content, but Facebook blocks Aussie users

Google apparently has struck deals with Australian media to pay for news content, but Facebook on Thursday blocked Australian users from sharing or viewing news content on the platform.
Thursday, February 18th 2021 - 06:59 UTC
UN Covid-19 summit: Guterres calls on G20 to implement a global immunization plan

Addressing the equitable distribution of vaccines against the coronavirus in the Security Council, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres proposed the creation of an emergency task force by the G20 countries to prepare and help implement a global immunization plan.
Wednesday, February 17th 2021 - 09:10 UTC
Scandal and frustration in Peru: 487 officials secretly received early Covid-19 vaccines

Peruvian interim president announced Monday night that 487 officials took part in the so-called “vacunagate” by taking advantage of their privileged positions to secretly receive early inoculations of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine that the government then bought for doctors and other health workers battling the pandemic. The list includes the former ministers of foreign affairs and health and the former president.
Wednesday, February 17th 2021 - 09:07 UTC
Uruguay and Paraguay presidents meet to address Mercosur issues in an open agenda

Uruguay and Paraguay presidents, Luis Lacalle Pou and Mario Abdo Benítez will be holding an “open agenda” meeting on Wednesday in the Uruguayan international seaside resort of Punta del Este, where the Paraguayan leader arrived late Tuesday.