International

Wednesday, February 5th 2014 - 22:59 UTC
US, the world's largest producer of oil approves licenses to export crude to Europe

The United States government has approved at least four licenses to export crude oil to Europe, for the first time in years, showing how companies are breaking through the limits of the export ban established in the 1970s, according to Reuters which learned about the fact from a Freedom of Information Act request.
Wednesday, February 5th 2014 - 22:53 UTC
UK obesity costs NHS £5.1 billion per year but overall the figure is closer to £ 16bn

Obesity costs the United Kingdom National Health Service, NHS £5.1 billion per year, according to latest estimates. But National Audit Office (NAO) figures suggest obesity is not solely a burden on the NHS.
Wednesday, February 5th 2014 - 08:54 UTC
Pacific Alliance summit will remove tariffs from 92% of goods and services

The four presidents of the Pacific Alliance are scheduled to sign next Monday the trade group's Additional Protocol which will remove tariffs on 92% of goods and services, effective immediately, announced Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos who will be hosting the summit in Cartagena.
Wednesday, February 5th 2014 - 08:47 UTC
WHO: Cancer growing at 'an alarming pace', particularly in developing countries

The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said cancer was growing “at an alarming pace” worldwide and new strategies were needed to curb the sometimes fatal and often costly disease.
Tuesday, February 4th 2014 - 23:09 UTC
Deputy PM Nick Clegg in Colombia calls for new drugs policy in the UK

The UK should abandon its current drugs policy because the war on drugs is not being won, Nick Clegg has said. Speaking on a visit to Colombia, the deputy prime minister said different approaches were needed although he did not back full legalization. He also praised President Juan Manuel Santos commitment to the peace process with FARC and welcomed the human rights' policy.
Tuesday, February 4th 2014 - 21:39 UTC
Microsoft names Satya Nadella as new CEO; Gates becomes technology advisor

Microsoft Corp named company veteran Satya Nadella as its next chief executive officer, ending a longer-than-expected search for a new leader after Steve Ballmer announced his intention to retire in August.
Tuesday, February 4th 2014 - 09:03 UTC
Brazilian police challenge Rousseff and threaten to strike during the World Cup

Only four weeks away from the World Cup and in a climate of growing social unrest Brazil police unions are threatening the government of President Dilma Rousseff with a national strike. For Rousseff it also means an additional challenge since on February 10 the ruling Workers Party will be launching her re-election bid for next October's presidential election.
Tuesday, February 4th 2014 - 08:56 UTC
China became Uruguay's main trade partner in 2013

China became Uruguay's main trade partner in 2013 totaling 20.9% of all trade according to the latest stats from the Central bank. This leaves China three percentage points ahead of Brazil, 18.8% (traditionally the main partner) and almost four ahead of Argentina with 18.1%.
Tuesday, February 4th 2014 - 08:37 UTC
Extent of corruption in Europe is 'breathtaking' and costs at least 120bn Euros

The extent of corruption in Europe is “breathtaking” and it costs the EU economy at least 120bn Euros annually, the European Commission says. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem has presented a full report on the problem. She said the true cost of corruption was “probably much higher” than 120bn.
Monday, February 3rd 2014 - 19:54 UTC
Spain's El Mundo editor steps down; Rajoy's administration denies any involvement

The influential founding editor of Spain’s second-biggest newspaper, El Mundo, stepped down on Thursday after a decline in circulation and a series of revelations of alleged corruption in the ruling party.