International

• Monday, July 12th 2010 - 02:48 UTC

  Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, South Africa World’s Cup top individual player

  

  Diego Forlan thumped his right boot against the advertising hoarding in Suwon. The 23-year-old striker's frustration was understandable. He had just spurned a glorious chance to score for Uruguay against Senegal. It was ultimately one that cost his country a 4-3 victory and a place in the Round of 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

• Saturday, July 10th 2010 - 07:57 UTC

  Brazil launches logo, song and campaign to promote 2014 World Cup

  

  Brazilian President Lula launched “Brazil is Calling You” campaign in Johannesburg, following South Africa officially handing over the keys to Brazil as the next host nation of the FIFA World Cup.

• Saturday, July 10th 2010 - 07:53 UTC

  African party backfires for Lula da Silva who anticipates return to Brazil

  

  Brazilian president Lula da Silva confirmed Friday he will not be present at the South Africa World Cup final on Sunday because he has urgent work in the northeast of the country ravaged by floods that has left tens dead and thousands homeless.

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 05:34 UTC

  Euro zone rates unchanged; all eyes set on 23 July EU banks’ stress-tests

  

  The European Central Bank left its key interest rate on hold for the fourteenth consecutive month in July as the region's banks face stress tests to ensure the stability of the financial system that is threatened by investor fears about debt.

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 05:29 UTC

  UK leaves rates at a record low for the 16th month running

  

  The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates on hold at a record low of 0.5% for the 16th consecutive month. The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) also decided on Thursday not to inject any more money into the economy under its policy of quantitative easing (QE).

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 04:45 UTC

  China confirms it will stick to moderately loose monetary policy

  

  China’s central bank said on Thursday it will stick to a moderately loose monetary policy as economic growth becomes better balanced between consumption, investment and exports.

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 01:58 UTC

  UK and Irish farmers’ claim Brazil’s beef exports fail to meet EU standards

  

  The UK National Farmers Union, NFU and Irish Farmers' Association have expressed concern about the reopening trade talks with the Mercosur group of South American countries because of the impact it could have on farmers.

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 00:17 UTC

  European Parliament poises two clear positions in battle for agriculture subsidies

  

  Members of the European Parliament have set out their list of demands regarding the future shape of the EU common agricultural policy (CAP), insisting that EU farm payments should not be reduced.

• Friday, July 9th 2010 - 00:12 UTC

  EU promises support for farmers in event of trade agreement with Mercosur

  

  The European Commission underlined the significance of negotiations for an association and trade agreement with Mercosur and promised EU farmers “accompanying measures” for those sectors most affected, if a deal with the South American block is finally closes.

• Thursday, July 8th 2010 - 07:59 UTC

  EU court ruling favours Argentina in dispute with Monsanto over soy-seed patent

  

  United States Monsanto Co., the world’s biggest seed company, can’t use a European patent on its Roundup Ready soybeans to block Argentinean soy meal imports, the European Union’s highest court said Wednesday.