Politics

• Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:51 UTC

  Prostitution ring recruited 15-year old girls at school doors

  

  A Brazilian woman accused of heading a prostitution ring that recruited only 15-year-old and younger girls which were later distributed around the country has been detained by the police of Brazil.

• Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:46 UTC

  “We are a bunch of crooks, with no credibility” admits Brazilian senator

  

  “We are but a bunch of crooks that have lost all credibility with our citizens” following months of claims of corruption practices in the Upper House, said Brazilian Senator Demostenes Torres during a rowdy congressional debate.

• Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:35 UTC

  UK reasserts authority over Gibraltar’s waters

  

  Defra, the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has reasserted UK’s authority over Gibraltar waters and objects to Spain’s designation. The statement of position comes as the Foreign Office is expected to announce its position in relation to Gibraltar’s lawsuit against the European Commission in this respect.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:50 UTC

  Mercosur works if Brazil makes it work, said Uruguayan presidential hopeful

  

  The Uruguayan ruling coalition presidential candidate Jose Mujica said Brazilian president Lula da Silva promised to help speed power inter-connection between the two neighbouring countries, in the framework of Mercosur, in spite of Argentina’s non supportive attitude. He also underlined Mercosur depends on Brazil’s willingness.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:41 UTC

  Paraguayan Senate not interested in having Venezuela in Mercosur

  

  The Paraguayan Congress is not interested in considering the protocol for Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur said Senator Miguel Carrioza, president of the Upper house.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:38 UTC

  US forces in Colombia controversy: Uribe’s tour considered “positive”

  

  Colombian president Alvaro Uribe three day visit to seven South American countries to explain to his peers the extent of the military understanding with Washington, which includes deployment of US forces in seven Colombian bases, concluded with descriptions of “positive”, “cordial” and “very important”.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:02 UTC

  Falklands: Cruise numbers to slump as major operator pulls the plug

  

  Retailers in Stanley are being urged to work smarter for the tourist dollar as future domestic cruise seasons face potentially devastating losses.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 11:49 UTC

  Following months of dispute Kirchner easing its grip on agriculture markets

  

  Officials from the administration of Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner have announced a set of measures toward the liberalization of meat and grains exports -following demands made by farming organizations- in a move to resolve the ongoing conflict with farming leaders.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 11:45 UTC

  Senate confirms first Hispanic woman to serve on the US Supreme Court

  

  The United States Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as the third woman and first Hispanic to serve on the US Supreme Court, a major victory for President Barack Obama. The Thursday vote by a margin of 68 to 31 was hailed as “a wonderful day for America” by President Barack Obama.

• Friday, August 7th 2009 - 07:05 UTC

  Chavez claims US forces in Colombia are a step toward war

  

  US plans to deploy extra forces at seven Colombian bases could be a step toward war in South America claimed Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez who called on US President Barack Obama not to increase US presence in Colombia.