Politics

Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 05:32 UTC
US says Chavez succession is an issue for Venezuelans to decide and must include all voices

The United States is concerned for the health of President Hugo Chavez and wishing a speedy recovery, but the succession situation in Venezuela “is an issue for Venezuelans to decide” and it should be done in a manner “that includes all the voices in the discussion”, said State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland on Tuesday.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 05:26 UTC
Mujica flies to Caracas “to support the government and people of Venezuela”

Uruguayan president Jose Mujica leaves for Caracas “to support the government and people of Venezuela” on Thursday 10 January, the date in which convalescent re-re-elected president Hugo Chavez is supposed to take the oath of office.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 05:12 UTC
The 2012/13 cruise season: a new case of Argentine intolerance towards Malvinas

Most probably this cruise season 2012/2013 will be remembered not for the record number of calls or visitors (estimated in half a million) but as a new case of Argentine intolerance with the Malvinas Islands in centre stage, writes La Nacion columnist Emiliano Galli.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 05:07 UTC
Ms Nahón confirmed as Argentine ambassador in the US; takes office in February

The US government approved the designation of Cecilia Nahón as the next Argentine Ambassador to the US, leading to her official appointment in the post, according to a release from the Foreign Ministry in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 05:02 UTC
Argentina rapidly changing oil/gas industry levies to attract foreign investment

Argentina unveiled a new system of export duties on oil shipments that will cut levies as the government seeks to attract investment to revive stagnant production. The change means energy companies will receive 70 dollars per barrel of exported oil, up from 42 previously. Argentina controls the price of oil exports in order to guarantee domestic supply.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 02:41 UTC
Indigenous 12-year old beaten to death in north-east Argentina

The death by beating of a 12 year old indigenous Qom child in the north of Argentina had shocked public opinion following on another incident less than a month ago when a gendarme run over an indigenous grandmother and a ten month old baby girl.
Wednesday, January 9th 2013 - 00:09 UTC
Paper on Falklands’ full-time lawmakers should be ready before November election

With general elections scheduled in November, Falkland Island politicians are anxiously awaiting the recommendations of a Commission advising on the full-time or part-time status of elected representatives going forward, according to a piece published by the Jamaica Observer.
Tuesday, January 8th 2013 - 21:13 UTC
Sub-prime mortgage scandal: several US banks agree compensations totalling 20bn

Bank of America has agreed to pay US government mortgage agency Fannie Mae 11.6bn dollars to settle claims relating to residential home loans. The bank will pay 10.3bn to settle claims relating to the loans and 1.3bn in compensation to the agency.
Tuesday, January 8th 2013 - 20:41 UTC
Euro-zone unemployment up for 19th month running; Spain with record 26.6%

The unemployment rate across the troubled Euro zone hit 11.8% in November, up from 11.7% in October, with the number of people out of work in the 17-nation single currency area now nudging 19 million. Spain again recorded the highest with 26.6% and 57% for the under-25s.
Tuesday, January 8th 2013 - 20:12 UTC
Cristina at the helm for ARA Libertad grand welcome party in Mar del Plata

The frigate ARA Libertad is already in Argentine waters and is scheduled to arrive Wednesday to the port of Mar del Plata, escorted by dozens of yachts and other vessels, to a huge reception ceremony headed by President Cristina Fernandez, ministers and top officials.