Politics

Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian opposition delays Venezuela's Mercosur bid

Members of the Brazilian Congress opposition again delayed on Wednesday the consideration of Venezuela's Mercosur incorporation protocol, in spite of strong appeals from the ruling coalition of President Lula da Silva.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
UK trade unions win first labour “protectionism” case

UK oil refinery workers who walked out in a dispute over foreign labour have agreed to return to work. Hundreds of workers at the Lindsey Oil Refinery, in North Lincolnshire, voted to end their unofficial industrial action after accepting a deal drawn up by union officials and companies at the heart of the row.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
US Senate softens controversial “Buy American” clause

The US Senate has voted to soften a controversial “Buy American” clause in an economic recovery package, after warnings it might spark a trade war. The clause had sought to ensure only US iron, steel and manufactured goods were used in projects funded by the bill.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina's unions challenge wage policy in election year

Argentina's powerful trade unions are stepping up calls for salary increases despite an economic slowdown and since it is election year they could win double-digit hikes to offset inflation.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil Senate denies delaying Venezuela's Mercosur membership

The recently nominated president of the Brazilian Senate Jose Sarney vehemently rejected on Tuesday claims he was intent in further delaying approval for Venezuela's incorporation to Mercosur.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Fed extends currency swap lines to Brazil and Mexico

The extension of a US Federal Reserve currency swap line to Brazil shows confidence in South America's largest economy, Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles said on Tuesday.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
FARC releases former governor captive for eight years

Colombia's biggest guerrilla group freed Tuesday former Governor Alan Jara, a captive for almost eight years, in what it called “goodwill” gesture even as the rebels step up terror attacks on the nation's cities.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Veterans 'Liberty Lodge' opens in Falklands

LIBERTY Lodge, built in the Falklands to house visiting British Falklands War veterans, was officially opened last night by the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Falklands' politician fined by UK's market watchdog

Speaker for the Falkland Islands' Legislative Assembly, Darwin Lewis Clifton OBE, has been fined by Britain's Financial Services Authority (FSA) for dealing in oil shares on the basis of inside information. However, FSA described Mr. Clifton's conduct as “non deliberate” and said his full cooperation with the investigation had qualified him for a 30% fine reduction.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil's Lula da Silva breaks polls' approval record

Brazil's president Lula da Silva had a stunning 84% approval during January the highest since taking office in 2003, according to the latest public opinion poll published this week in Sao Paulo. Meanwhile his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet is recovering from low records and now has a 53% support the second highest since December 2006 (54.3%).