Politics

Thursday, February 4th 2010 - 16:11 UTC
Chile enacts bill with sweeping changes to defence policy

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet promulgated this week a bill with sweeping changes in the Defence ministry and Armed Forces structure including the creation of a post equivalent to that of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Thursday, February 4th 2010 - 15:56 UTC
UK rejects Argentine protest; supports Falklands’ hydrocarbons industry

Britain rejected on Wednesday a protest from Argentina over recent decisions from several companies licensed by the Falkland Islands government, to begin drilling in waters surrounding the South Atlantic islands.
Thursday, February 4th 2010 - 14:20 UTC
“The Kirchners, growing richer and richer”

The controversial 2 million US dollar purchase former president Néstor Kirchner made in October 2008 has already made it to the foreign press. After the controversy, Spanish newspaper El País' headlines read: “The Kirchners, growing richer and richer.”
Thursday, February 4th 2010 - 14:07 UTC
Brazil’s best known writer against Blair as Olympics advisor

Brazil's best-known writer, Paulo Coelho, is making it clear he doesn't want Britain's former Prime Minister Tony Blair involved in planning for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 13:52 UTC
Kirchner loyalist appointed new Central bank president

Mercedes Marcó Del Pont a long time ally of the Kirchners and until now head of the state-owned development bank, is known to support limited autonomy for the institution she's taking over. Her appointment closes a standoff over whether the government can overrule the central bank and tap international reserves.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 12:35 UTC
Kirchner admits 2 million USD operation for the purchase of a hotel

Former president Néstor Kirchner admitted that his 2 million US dollars purchase, taken place in October 2008, before the outbreak of the global financial crisis, was made to acquire a percentage of stock for a hotel located in El Calafate, Patagonia.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 12:25 UTC
Renowned scientists winners of the prestigious Wolf Prizes

Seven renowned scientists are the winners of the prestigious Wolf Prizes. The 100,000 US dollar prizes, which will be presented in May by Israeli President Shimon Peres during a special Knesset session, were announced Monday in Jerusalem by Israeli Minister of Education and Wolf Foundation Council Chair Gideon Sa'ar.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 12:23 UTC
Chavez former closest loyalists call for his resignation

A group of one-time loyalists and close advisors of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez called on him to resign saying that after eleven years in power he had lost “the legitimacy and capacity to govern”.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 12:10 UTC
Australian Central bank takes a pause: leaves rates unchanged at 3.75%

Australia's central bank Tuesday left interest rates on hold at 3.75%, surprising analysts by ending a sequence of three consecutive rises, but hinted at further hikes to come.
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 - 12:02 UTC
Washington praises political steps taken by new Honduran administration

The new Honduras government is “one step” toward the country’s return to the Organization of American States and recovery of international credit lost during the seven month coup, said the US top diplomat to Latin America.