Stories for March 14th 2024

Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 19:52 UTC
Brazil and Argentina agree on reciprocal open skies policy

The governments of Brazil and Argentina agreed this week to a reciprocal open skies policy, Itamaraty Palace sources in Brasilia confirmed. Under the new legal frame, there will be no restrictions to carriers -both passenger and cargo- to open as many routes as they wish.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 19:29 UTC
S&P downgrades Argentina's rating in local currency

Despite Argentine President Javier Milei's stringent measures to curb inflation, his country took another slump Wednesday after the international credit rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) declared it in “Selective Default” following a domestic debt swap worth some U$S 55.3 billion in pesos with local creditors.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 19:01 UTC
Israel's actions in Gaza violate international humanitarian law, Brazil's FM says

Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told his country's Senate Thursday that Israel's “blockade of humanitarian aid in the current context of famine and lack of medical supplies in Gaza is a violation of international law,” Agencia Brasil reported. The administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “continues to systematically hinder the entry of trucks with humanitarian aid at the borders with Gaza,” Vieira denounced.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 16:28 UTC
Argentina: Catamarca court orders halt to lithium extraction following environmental complaint

The Court of Justice in Catamarca (Northern Argentina) has issued a divided ruling ordering a suspension of mining activity in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, impacting lithium production projects. The decision stems from an environmental protection action filed by cacique Román Elías Guitian, urging a comprehensive environmental impact study before new permits are granted.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 16:16 UTC
Uruguay: Alleged “operation” against Yamandú Orsi sparks controversy amid assault allegations

The campaign manager for Frente Amplio presidential pre-candidate Yamandú Orsi, Francisco Legnani, has raised concerns over what he calls an orchestrated “operation” against the Uruguayan politician following an alleged assault that occurred in 2014 against a trans woman who filled a complaint this week.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:59 UTC
Rift between Milei and Villarruel goes public over DNU Senate debate

Argentine President Javier Milei Wednesday cautioned Vice President Victoria Villarruel and a group of Senators as they were about to debate the most encompassing emergency decree (DNU) 70/2023 which liberalizes the economy but needs Parliamentarian approval (or silence) to remain in force.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:46 UTC
New guidelines on use of firearms issued to tackle violence in Rosario

Argentine authorities issued a new set of guidelines regarding the use of firearms by federal law enforcement forces deployed to curb gang violence in the city of Rosario, it was reported Wednesday in Buenos Aires as the measure was to be released in Thursday's edition of the Official Gazette.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:40 UTC
Brazil: Non-pregnant mothers in same-sex unions entitled to “paternity” leave

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruled that non-pregnant women in same-sex unions are entitled to “paternity” leave, Agencia Brasil reported Wednesday. The rationale is to be applied to all similar cases, it was also determined.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 09:00 UTC
Further mines clearance plan begins in the Falkland Islands

Following the initial on-site examination of the area, where a number of mines were discovered in November 2023 at Hell’s Kitchen, located on the Murrell Peninsula, north of Stanley, Guy Marot OBE, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Advisor on behalf of Fenix Insight Limited presented a comprehensive Clearance Plan which has been agreed by the Falkland Islands Government, FIG.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 08:51 UTC
European Parliament approves Media Freedom Act, limiting governments' interference

The European Media Freedom Act passed by the European Parliament is designed to protect the editorial independence and journalistic sources across the European Union. States will also have to spend publicity expenditure using “public, proportionate and non-discriminatory criteria.”