Politics

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.
Monday, December 21st 2009 - 17:49 UTC
Uruguay’s president-elect expected to announce ministerial cabinet this week

Uruguay’s president elect Jose Mujica is expected to announce this week the ministerial cabinet that will be working with him when he takes office next March first, according to sources from his headquarters.
Monday, December 21st 2009 - 17:42 UTC
Colombia beefs up Venezuelan border with airborne battalions

The Colombian government has announced it is building a new military base on its border with Venezuela and has activated six new airborne battalions. Relations between the two nations are at a historic low with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez already telling his generals to prepare for war.
He moved 15,000 more troops up to the border, accusing Colombia and its ally, the US, of planning an attack.
Monday, December 21st 2009 - 17:32 UTC
British MoD row over Ascension Islands reached the London press

The military outpost of Ascension Island “vital to the protection of the Falkland Islands” is at the centre of a row over tax bills unpaid by the Ministry of Defence, according to an article on Sunday’s edition of the Daily Express.