Politics

Friday, August 10th 2018 - 06:51 UTC
Brazil and Argentina markets hit by domestic and overseas uncertainties

Major Latin American currencies fell against the dollar on Thursday as global trade tensions strengthened the greenback and political uncertainty in Brazil and Argentina. Latin America's largest economy heads into a presidential election in two months time and in Argentina a major corruption scandal is unfolding.
Friday, August 10th 2018 - 06:36 UTC
Another record year of murders in Brazil: 63.880 in 2017

Brazil had a record number of murders last year, with homicides rising 3.7% from 2016 to 63,880 according to a study released on Thursday, just months before a presidential election in which violence has become a key issue.
Friday, August 10th 2018 - 06:11 UTC
Brazilian round of presidential candidates debate takes off...without Lula da Silva

Brazil is staging its first presidential election debate with eight of the crowded field locking horns but also one notable absentee – jailed frontrunner ex president Lula da Silva. Thirteen candidates have officially entered the election, which starts with a first round October 7 and is almost sure to go to a run-off two weeks later.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 13:14 UTC
Justice denies request to close a northern state border with Venezuela

A judge on the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil denied a request by the regional government of Roraima to close the nation’s border with Venezuela. Roraima is Brazil’s northernmost state and its authorities claimed the persistent influx of Venezuelan immigrants has overburdened the state’s public services.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 12:50 UTC
Ex Chilean president Bachelet chosen as next UN human rights chief

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has chosen former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to be the world body’s new human rights chief, the United Nations said on Wednesday. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly is due to meet on Friday to approve Bachelet’s appointment.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 12:08 UTC
Allies commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Amiens in France

Members of the Armed Forces have led the UK and its allies in commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Amiens at an event in France on Wednesday. The Battle of Amiens was a major engagement in the First World War.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 11:38 UTC
Argentina: abortion bill rejected but reforms could be introduced to the Criminal Code

The Argentine Senate as was anticipated finally rejected a divisive bill that would have legalized elective abortion for pregnancies of up to 14 weeks. Thirty-eight senators voted against the legislation on Thursday following a debate that lasted more than 15 hours.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 08:15 UTC
Cuban private farmers given more incentives to increase production

Cuba said this week it was doubling the amount of land it granted would-be farmers and the lengths of their leases in an effort to increase stagnating agricultural output. The state owns 80% of the land and leases most of that to farmers and cooperatives. The remainder is owned by some 400,000 private family farmers and their cooperatives.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 07:46 UTC
Scotland challenges Mrs. May to set out a “Plan B” for Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May has been challenged to set out a “plan B” for Brexit during talks with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh. Mrs. May was in Scotland to mark the signing of a “city deal” investment package for the south east region.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 06:55 UTC
UK law enforcement agencies express concern over a “no-deal Brexit”

A no-deal Brexit poses a risk to the public because the UK would lose access to EU-wide security powers and databases, police leaders have warned. Police and crime commissioners say law enforcement agencies “face a significant loss of operational capacity” if the arrangements stop.