Politics

Saturday, February 1st 2020 - 07:53 UTC
Trump lifts restrictions on deployment of landmines, the “non persistent” models

President Donald Trump on Friday lifted US restrictions on the deployment of landmines, saying a new generation of high-tech explosives would improve security for US forces. In the latest reversal of a policy of his predecessor Barack Obama, Trump gave the green light to so-called “non-persistent” landmines that can be switched off remotely rather than staying in the ground forever.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 20:55 UTC
Man convicted for trying to steal the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral

A man who tried steal an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, considered to be one of the most important documents in the history of democracy, from an English cathedral was found guilty on Thursday of criminal damage and attempted theft.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 10:59 UTC
Argentine president meets Pope Francis, and later Italian premier and president

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez is in Italy, the first leg of his tour of Europe, which begins Friday with an official visit to Pope Francis, and Italian leadership, after which he will concentrate on trying to renegotiate the country's burdensome national debt.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 10:26 UTC
Debate triggers in EU as to how the €12-billion hole left by UK will be filled

When Britain leaves the European Union at midnight on Friday (Jan 31) the bloc loses the second-biggest net contributor to its budget, leaving a €12-billion (US$13-billion) hole in its finances.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 10:10 UTC
Bitterly divided Britain abandons European Union; Johnson message calling for unity expected

Britain this Friday, 31 January ends almost half a century of integration with its closest neighbours and leaves the European Union, starting a new - but still uncertain - chapter in its long history.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:58 UTC
Brazilian Executive and Congress pledge to pass “administrative reform” bill

Brazil’s government will submit a bill that would reduce public sector costs and benefits and make it easier to fire workers to Congress “in a week or two,” Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said on Thursday.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:52 UTC
Coronavirus: US warns its citizens not to travel to China, listed at same level as Afghanistan and Iraq

The U.S. government warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new coronavirus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Petrobras asks Sao Paulo stock exchange to withdraw it from good governance certification

Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras said it has asked to withdraw its participation in a program certifying good governance and limited political interference in state companies set up by the Sao Paulo stock exchange.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:35 UTC
Mexican economy contracted in 2019, first time in a decade; 2020 prospects weak

Mexico’s economy contracted last year for the first time in a decade, data showed on Thursday, as businesses curbed investment due to concern over the economic management of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and forecasts for 2020 are also weak.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:02 UTC
Brazil streamlines trade team to ensure gains in the Chinese market

A Mandarin speaking trade specialist has been appointed by the Brazilian Agriculture ministry to boost exports to China, the world’s largest commodities market. Larissa Wachholz, 36, who holds a masters degree from the Renmin University of China, was tapped in December by the Brazilian agriculture ministry to lead a trade unit dedicated to the Asian country, the first of its kind in Brazil.