
The Organization of American States Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza is sceptical about a possible mediation from Pope Francis between Argentina and the UK over the Falklands/Malvinas sovereignty dispute as was requested by President Cristina Fernandez.

Iranian Foreign Affairs minister Ali Akbar Salehi criticized Interpol for having stated that the existing red notices (international arrest warrants) on six Iranians suspected of involvement in the terrorist attack on a Buenos Aires Jewish organization remain active.

Muslim and Western nations late Friday overcame deep divisions to agree a landmark United Nations declaration setting out a code of conduct for combating violence against women and girls. Iran, Libya, Sudan and other Muslim nations ended threats to block the declaration and agreed to language stating that violence against women could not be justified by any custom, tradition or religious consideration.

Finance ministers from the Euro-zone have asked Cyprus to reduce the burden on small investors from a proposed levy on savings, linked to a bailout. Plans for a one-off tax of 6.75% on savings up to 100,000 Euros have outraged Cypriots.

Argentina’s tax agency formally accused the local unit of British banking giant HSBC Holdings Plc. of conspiracy to hide bank accounts, thereby helping private companies evade tax payments and launder money.

The United Kingdom played down the request made by Argentine President Cristina Fernández to Pope Francis to intervene in the Falklands/Malvinas Islands sovereignty dispute and recalled the recent referendum with an overwhelming support from Islanders to remain a British overseas territory.

Former Argentine dictator Jorge Rafael Videla, came on stage to once again question the Government of President Cristina Fernandez. In an interview with the Spanish media, the dictator said that in case the Kirchnerites try to “perpetuate in power, the armed and security forces along with the people will prevent it.”

Writing for Penguin News its Deputy Editor, John Fowler, takes stock in the wake of the recent referendum in the Falkland Islands which resulted in a 92%turn out and 99.8% of voters opting to maintain the Islands current status as an overseas territory of Great Britain.

Only 28 countries, covering 7% of the world’s population, have comprehensive road safety laws on all five key risk factors: drinking and driving, speeding, and failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints.

The World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria said on Monday that strains of tuberculosis with resistance to multiple drugs could spread widely and highlight an annual need of at least 1.6 billion dollars in international funding for treatment and prevention of the disease.