International

• Tuesday, April 6th 2010 - 02:23 UTC

  US concerned about impact of Venezuelan purchase of Russian arms in Latam

  

  The United States Department is questioning Venezuela's need to buy billions of dollars in weapons from Russia, voicing concern the arms may end up elsewhere in Latin America.

• Monday, April 5th 2010 - 23:57 UTC

  Oil prices reach an 18-month high following on US encouraging data

  

  Oil prices have reached an 18-month high as analysts predict the recovery of the US economy and a rising demand for fuel. Crude oil for May delivery hit a high of 85.89 USD a barrel at one point in New York trading - the dearest since the peak of the financial crisis in October 2008.

• Friday, April 2nd 2010 - 23:03 UTC

  Putin consolidates Russian partnership with Venezuela

  

  Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived Friday in Venezuela for his first visit to the OPEC nation as he prepared to sign energy, defense, and financial agreements with President Hugo Chavez.

• Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 19:38 UTC

  Putin’s visits Venezuela Friday, sets alarm bells ringing in Washington

  

  Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will pay his first visit to Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chavez on April 2, a government source told RIA Novosti in Moscow on Wednesday.

• Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 18:30 UTC

  Euro zone Feb unemployment at its highest, 10%; Spain at record 19%

  

  Unemployment rates reach double digits in February in the Euro zone to hit an 11-year high in the 16-nation bloc. The February unemployment rate stood at 10% — the highest level to hit European nations since August 1998 — tipping the unemployment rate into double digits for the first time in 2010.

• Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 02:14 UTC

  Main traders agree on quarterly contracts for iron ore, but no mention of China

  

  Two of the world's biggest mining companies have agreed landmark deals with Asian steel mills to buy iron ore on quarterly contracts. The deals could mark the end of annual contracts that have formed the basis for pricing in the steel industry for decades.
  Vale and BHP Billiton said the new system was fairer and more transparent.

• Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 02:08 UTC

  US criticizes Canada over its Arctic policy

  

  Hillary Clinton has criticised Canada for failing to invite indigenous groups and Scandinavian countries to talks on the future of the Arctic.

• Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 02:04 UTC

  UK economy recovery in fourth quarter revised upwards

  

  The United Kingdom economy grew faster than previously thought in the last quarter of 2009, the Office for National Statistics says. It revised October to December's growth to 0.4%, up from the previous estimate of 0.3%.

• Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:34 UTC

  Rio Tinto executives sentenced to lengthy jail terms for bribery by Chinese court

  

  Four Rio Tinto executives have been found guilty of bribery and stealing secrets by a Chinese court and have all been handed lengthy jail terms. Australian Stern Hu was handed a 10-year sentence. Wang Yong was given 14 years, Liu Caikui seven years and Ge Minqiang eight years.

• Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:26 UTC

  Aftermath of scandal: strict expenses rules and safeguards for British MPs

  

  British Members of Parliament will not be allowed to buy taxpayer-funded second homes under new expenses rules after the election. Those with seats at least 20 miles or an hour from Westminster will be able to claim rent up to £1,450 a month - equivalent to a one-bed flat.