Politics

Friday, June 24th 2011 - 22:23 UTC
FIFA slams Brazil’s slow pace of preparation for the 2014 World Cup

Brazil's slow pace of preparation for the 2014 World Cup has come under attack from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke. Stadium development plus work on airports and the transport system are lagging well behind schedule.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 21:58 UTC
Croatia become the European Union 28th member; final ratification June 2013

European Union leaders said Croatia is ready to become the bloc’s 28th member, signalling peace in the Balkan region.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 21:50 UTC
Mercosur summit in Paraguay; Uruguay takes the chair for the next 6 months

Presidents from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador have confirmed they will be attending the Mercosur summit in Paraguay next June 28/29, when the rotating chair of the group for the next six months will pass on to Uruguay.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:59 UTC
Venezuela’s Chavez health and prolonged recovery turns into political controversy

Two weeks after surgery in Cuba, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is “stronger than ever” but will not rush home until he is ready, announced Defence minister General Carlos Mata Figueroa.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 19:02 UTC
Upgraded HMS Illustrious is converted to helicopter and commando carrier

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious has begun sea trials following a £40m maintenance and upgrade program. 'Lusty' left Rosyth after 16 months during which she was converted into a helicopter and commando carrier, and should return to the fleet at the end of July.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 18:33 UTC
China readies its first carrier, “a symbol of a great nation”

Chinese military officials have confirmed that the country is completing work on its first aircraft carrier, based on the hull of Russian carrier Varyag.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 11:32 UTC
Chile’s largest indigenous group, Mapuches celebrate New Year

When the sun began to set on Thursday evening, the Mapuche people prepared for one of the most ancient celebrations in their history: the We-tripantu, or the New Year.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 10:59 UTC
Brazil and Spain, leading candidates for next head of FAO

Brazilian and Spanish candidates are leading the field for the Sunday June 26 upcoming election for the next head of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, the UN agency leading the struggle against global hunger.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 10:45 UTC
Chilean officials fear Bolivia’s car amnesty program will encourage more thefts

Bolivia’s government estimates that 85,000 cars will benefit from its new amnesty program that allows undocumented vehicles to register without prior paperwork. Chileans are not pleased about the path to immunity.
Friday, June 24th 2011 - 02:41 UTC
Summers wins Falklands MLA seat: favours strong response to Argentina and north-south links

Former member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, Mike Summers has been voted back into the government by a substantial margin. Voting took place in Stanley on Thursday in a by-election, which saw 51% of the electorate going to the polls.