Politics

Friday, May 29th 2009 - 04:04 UTC
A Tribute to Outgoing United States Assistant Secretary of State Tom Shannon

In the coming weeks, Dr. Thomas A. Shannon, who protected a rational regional policy from the ideological knives of the Bush administration, will step down as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. By that time, President Obama’s pick for the job, Georgetown University Professor Arturo Valenzuela, will be confirmed by the Senate.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 01:58 UTC
Gibraltar reviews sea patrol procedures to contain Spanish “incursions”

In the wake of recent tense incidents at sea off Gibraltar with Spain, police and military planners have revisited the operating procedures for marine crews patrolling British waters, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Friday, May 29th 2009 - 01:56 UTC
British MPs expenses scandals forces more resignations

Two more British Members of Parliament have succumbed to intense pressure over their expenses by saying they will not seek re-election. Tory backbencher Julie Kirkbride said the situation had become “unbearable” as she followed husband Andrew MacKay in announcing her departure from parliament at the next general election.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:34 UTC
Argentina denies any “nationalization wave” after mid term election

Argentina accepted on Wednesday Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' explanation about his comments on his administration’s nationalization plan that doesn't include Brazil's firms, and in a separate statement denied any “nationalization wave” was planned following June’s mid term election.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:31 UTC
“Failed” education anticipates “populist” governments in Uruguay

Education in Uruguay has “failed” and the composition of the electorate has “changed dramatically”, an ideal mix for “populist proposals” said economist Ernesto Talvi, head of the social and economics think tank Ceres based in Montevideo.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:23 UTC
Vargas Llosa warned against making political comments in Venezuela

Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa was detained Wednesday for more than one hour at the Maiquetía international airport by immigration officials upon his arrival in Venezuela to take part in a Liberal forum of intellectuals hosted by a private organization opposed to the government of President Hugo Chávez.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:07 UTC
US reintroduction of dairy export subsidies trigger barrage of criticisms

Twenty-nine countries at the World Trade Organization criticized the United States on Wednesday for reintroducing export subsidies on US dairy products, calling the handouts a dangerous retreat into protectionism and warning of “subsidy wars.”
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 12:03 UTC
Group of countries call of a quick Doha round deal to combat protectionism

A group of exporting countries called this week for a deal in the World Trade Organization's long-running Doha round as the best way to tackle growing protectionism threats in the economic crisis.
Thursday, May 28th 2009 - 06:18 UTC
OAS taskforce to evaluate re-admission of Cuba

The Organization of American States (OAS) moved Wednesday to create a taskforce to evaluate various proposals to readmit Cuba into the body, in the face of disagreements on the subject.
Wednesday, May 27th 2009 - 12:09 UTC
Argentine industries union rejects Venezuela in Mercosur

Argentina’s powerful Industrial Union (UIA) urged Argentina's government to revise the possibility of integrating Venezuela as a member of the Mercosur, “after the reiterating actions which have implied the nationalization of companies in Venezuela”.