International

Monday, August 26th 2013 - 02:38 UTC
Germany top of the class in budget surplus and sustained economic growth

Official figures show Germany's budget surplus rose to 0.6% of GDP in the first half of the year, boosted by higher tax income. The government pulled in 321.4bn Euros in taxes, 3.8% more than a year ago thanks to its steady employment rate. The German Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, said the surplus was 8.5bn Euros in the period between January and June.
Monday, August 26th 2013 - 02:30 UTC
First gay couple, Sergio and Rodolfo officially married in Uruguay

The first gay couple to register to marry in Uruguay when a new equal marriage law took effect on 5 August, have married as gay rights activists celebrate in the country. Sergio Miranda and Rodrigo Borda married in Montevideo last Thursday accompanied by 30 friends and family, US Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and around a hundred members of the media.
Saturday, August 24th 2013 - 18:28 UTC
Gibraltar criticizes latest incident at artificial reef; Picardo opens window for talks

Gibraltar has strongly criticised Spanish police for sending divers to inspect an artificial reef in waters claimed by the British territory. Governor Sir Adrian Johns said the action constituted a serious violation of UK sovereignty over Gibraltar.
Friday, August 23rd 2013 - 23:22 UTC
Falklands reviewing tax returns from oil industry but confident ‘an acceptable outcome can be reached’

The Falkland Islands government is reviewing a tax return submitted by one of the oil companies currently operating off-shore the Islands and is confident a mutually acceptable outcome can be reached.
Friday, August 23rd 2013 - 23:15 UTC
“Uniquely recalcitrant debtor” Argentina loses bonds’ appeal: next step US Supreme Court

Argentina lost on Friday its appeal of a ruling that would force it to pay in full holders of 1.3 billion dollars in defaulted debt when it makes a payment to investors who took discounted restructured bonds, opening the prospect for a US Supreme Court appeal, which if it happens will push the litigation into 2014.
Friday, August 23rd 2013 - 23:12 UTC
Falklands’ oil companies banned 20 years from operating in Argentina by Cristina Fernandez

Four London AIM listed oil companies carrying out exploration work in Falkland Islands waters have been barred from operating in Argentina. The measure affects Borders & Southern Petroleum, Desire Petroleum, Argos Resources and Falkland Oil and Gas.
Friday, August 23rd 2013 - 03:30 UTC
Malvinas alleged ‘militarization’ again the obsession of Cristina Fernandez at anti-nuclear conference

During an anti-nuclear weapon conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentine President Cristina Fernández criticised the right to veto used by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council which she described as an “out of time” instrument and again attacked the UK for ‘sending nuclear submarines’ to the Falkland Islands and called for a region of peace in the South Atlantic.
Thursday, August 22nd 2013 - 23:43 UTC
China will build and finance two dams in Patagonia equivalent to 10% of Argentine power demand

Argentina's government this week awarded a 4 billion dollars contract for the construction of two hydroelectric dams to a consortium led by China Gezhouba (Group) Co. and which includes Argentine firms Electroingenieria SA and Hidrocuyo SA.
Thursday, August 22nd 2013 - 23:37 UTC
A ‘sustainable’ exchange rate for Brazil is 2.2 to 2.35 Reais to the US dollar

Brazil's development bank BNDES chief Luciano Coutinho said on Thursday that a “sustainable” exchange rate for the country would be between 2.2 and 2.35 Reais to the US dollar, which is currently trading at around 2.44.
Thursday, August 22nd 2013 - 23:22 UTC
Leaker Manning reveals he is a female and should be addressed as Chelsea

Bradley Manning, sentenced to 35 years in military prison for the biggest breach of classified US documents in US history, said in a statement he is female and wants to live as a woman named Chelsea.