Politics

Monday, May 26th 2014 - 07:26 UTC
Farage and the UKIP in course for a 'shockwave' victory in European elections

The UK Independent Party, UKIP, is course for an emphatic victory in the European elections in the UK - with leader Nigel Farage promising to use it as a springboard for next year's general election.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 07:17 UTC
UN praises Mujica's initiative to provide home for Syrian orphanded children

The United Nations' refugee commission expressed gratitude that Uruguay is preparing to provide a new home for 100 children orphaned by Syria's civil war. Senior regional UNHCR official Michelle Alfaro said there are more than 2 million Syrian refugees in all, and Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan can't handle them all, so the agency hopes to relocate 30,000 this year.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 06:50 UTC
Argentina: CFK returns to the fold: attends Tedeum and read Francis de Assisi Peace prayer

President Cristina Fernández, CFK, addressed on Sunday the crowd which had gathered in the historic Buenos Aires Plaza de Mayo to mark the anniversary of Argentina's May Revolution, calling on those present to remember all the people who helped create an independent nation.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 06:33 UTC
Brazil: Furious Dilma fires back at World Cup criticism from soccer star Ronaldo

President Dilma Rousseff hit back over the weekend at criticism voiced by former soccer star Ronaldo over mishandled preparations for the World Cup. In an interview with Reuters Ronaldo lamented that many infrastructure projects promised for the tournament were significantly delayed, scaled-down, or canceled, while some stadiums remain unfinished just over two weeks from kick-off.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 06:20 UTC
Israel and Palestine presidents accept Francis invitation to pray at the Vatican

Pope Francis inserted himself directly into the collapsed Middle East peace process on Sunday, issuing an invitation to host the Israeli and Palestinian presidents for a prayer summit meeting at his apartment in the Vatican.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:31 UTC
All is ready for the OAS General Assembly in Paraguay, June 3 to 5

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved the submission of several draft resolutions to the General Assembly of the institution, which will take place from June 3 to 5 in Asunción, Paraguay.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:23 UTC
Dutch exit polls don't anticipate a 'political earthquake' in EU elections

Dutch Eurosceptic Geert Wilders had predicted a political “earthquake” in the European Union’s marathon parliamentary election that kicked off on Thursday, but at least in the Netherlands the tremors weren’t nearly as strong as polls had forecast.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:13 UTC
UN urges Vatican to live up to Pope's Francis vow to stamp out child sex abuse

A UN watchdog urged the Vatican on Friday to live up to Pope Francis' vow to stamp out child sex abuse by priests, calling on the Church to ensure violators face justice. Three weeks after grilling the Vatican at a public hearing, the UN Committee Against Torture said the Roman Catholic Church had made progress, but said there are still failings of major concern.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 10:05 UTC
Vatican-Casa Rosada controversy: the Pope's missive, a letter or a telegram?

Argentina's Secretary to the Presidency Oscar Parrilli said on Friday that the letter sent to President Cristina Fernandez and which caused a controversy with local Church officials, is “authentic”. Argentine ambassador to the Vatican Juan Pablo Cafiero was contacted by Pope Francis to confirm the situation.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:59 UTC
Relief: airports could soon have devices to screen liquids and gels

Taking baby foods through airport security is a major headache for parents travelling with young children. But now there's a potential solution: the Insight100 scanner which can analyze liquids within five seconds, without the need to open containers.