
Two World Cup sponsors, Coca Cola and Budweiser launched activation events in Brazil on Monday and joined Adidas, Sony and Visa in demanding FIFA deal effectively with the corruption allegations swirling around Qatar’s World Cup bid.

There is no sense in holding discussions if both sides are not ready and there are no dates for a meeting of European Union and Mercosur negotiators, revealed the EU External Action Service Director Christian Leffler who nevertheless expects a positive result in the near future.

At least eleven heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance at the opening ceremony of the World Cup, next Thursday (12th), in São Paulo, and a total of 20 leaders will be watching World Cup matches.

Police in Sao Paulo fired tear gas Monday to disperse protesters supporting a subway strike that has unleashed transport chaos three days before the Brazilian mega-city hosts the World Cup kick-off.

New York judge Thomas Griesa rejected last week a request by hedge fund investor Paul Singer to chide Argentina over its apparent “best option” plan to default on all its debt should it lose its last-chance appeal later this week before the US Supreme Court.

A book with a collection of documents and historic background under the heading of The International Community and the Malvinas Question, both in English and Spanish was presented on Monday by Argentine Foreign minister Hector Timerman and top officials from his office.

British naval officer in charge of the UK’s submarine fleet has been appointed as the new Commander British Forces in Gibraltar, with effect from August 5. Commodore Ian McGhrie will succeed Commodore John Clink, who will be promoted to Rear Admiral and will take on the 2-Star appointment of Flag Officer Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England and Flag Officer Reserves.

Argentina's claim campaign over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands will have another milestone this week when President Cristina Fernandez opens the Malvinas Museum, which is located on the grounds of the former Navy's Mechanics School, famous for being a torture and disappearance center during the last Argentine military dictatorship and now a Space for Memory.

The FAO Food Price Index was down for the second consecutive month in May, continuing its retreat from the 10-month high it experienced in March. Prices fell as generally ample supplies weighed on international prices for most commodities included in the Index.

The United States Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy In Buenos Aires Kevin Sullivan, who is in charge of the embassy on an interim basis, praised Argentina’s agreement with Paris Club, ICSID and YPF-Repsol deal, saying “the situation is changing, in a good way” and pointing out a change in investment climate.