Politics

Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 08:15 UTC
Third credit rating agency downgrades Greek sovereign bonds

A third credit ratings agency has downgraded Greek government bonds over concerns about the country's ability to reduce its high levels of debt. Moody's is the third of the three major international agencies to downgrade Greece, following similar moves by Fitch and Standard & Poor's.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 08:09 UTC
China's GDP per capita expected to climb to 4.000 USD by end of 2010

China's GDP per capita is expected to climb to 4,000 US dollars by the end of next year, according to the 2010 social blue book issued Monday, reports Global Times.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 08:07 UTC
China and Taiwan agree to closer economic ties

China and Taiwan have signed the latest in a series of economic deals, amid some disquiet on the island at their ever-closer relationship. Chen Yunlin, China's top Taiwan envoy, agreed the deals with his Taiwanese counterpart on the second day of his four-day visit to the island.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 07:53 UTC
EU votes to extend tariffs on shoes from China and Vietnam

The European Union has voted to extend tariffs on shoes from China and Vietnam in order to help European producers compete with cheaper imports. The tariffs, which were first introduced in 2006, will last for a further 15 months.
A number of countries in the EU were opposed to the extension.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 07:46 UTC
Spain vetoes Gibraltar for data protection and right to privacy convention

Spain has vetoed Gibraltar’s role as interlocutor in a 2001 European Convention of data protection, right to privacy and exchange of data between member states, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 06:13 UTC
Brazil not pressing Paraguay on Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation

The Brazilian government is not putting pressure on the Paraguayan Congress to vote the full incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur. Paraguay is the only remaining full member which still has to vote for Venezuela to join the South American trade block, following last week’s Brazilian senate divided approval.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 16:30 UTC
“Truth Commission” still divides Lula da Silva’s cabinet

Brazilian president Lula da Silva said it was “worth while” to fight against the military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. He made the statements during the launching of a Human Rights program which includes the possibility of creating a Truth Commission to investigate crimes committed under the de facto regime.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 16:26 UTC
US limits airline tarmac delays; companies must provide for waiting passengers

The United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Monday a new rule that significantly strengthens protections afforded to consumers by, among other things, establishing a hard time limit (three hours) after which US airlines must allow passengers to deplane from domestic flights.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 14:21 UTC
Hollywood celebrates: China looses appeal of WTO ruling on US films and books

The World Trade Organization has upheld a ruling that China is illegally restricting US imports of music, films and books. The decision, issued Monday in Geneva, could force China to liberalize imports of media in the next year or face sanctions.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 14:16 UTC
“Justice, the people and God” meditating on Uribe’s re-re-election

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe remains nuclear about his future plans and whether he will run for a third period. His only public statements so far have been that he will abide by the results of the referendum which should open the way for his candidacy next May 2010.