United States

Thursday, December 18th 2014 - 01:00 UTC
US, Cuba to resume full diplomatic ties

Presidents Obama and Castro finalize details over the telephone, make announcement. US restrictions require Congressional approval to be fully lifted. Alan Gross released. Other swaps ensue.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 20:21 UTC
OAS Celebrates “Historic Announcement” of Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Cuba

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today welcomed the “historic announcement” made by the Presidents of Cuba and the United States, Raúl Castro and Barack Obama, of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the re-opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, the lifting of certain commercial restrictions and the beginning of new paths for cooperation on issues of mutual interest, among other measures.
Wednesday, December 17th 2014 - 07:38 UTC
State Dept. document assuring Uruguay Gitmo inmates innocent disclosed

Uruguayan president produces US-signed evidence to calm down opposition. Refugees adapting gradually to life in Montevideo.
Friday, December 12th 2014 - 21:07 UTC
US/UK trained Brazil military in torture techniques; British were particularly sophisticated

Officials from the United States and the United Kingdom spent years teaching members of the Brazilian military how to develop and improve their torture techniques during the country’s two-decade long dictatorship (1964/1985), it was confirmed this week by the National Truth Commission, CNV, report.
Friday, December 12th 2014 - 07:16 UTC
US Congress passes 1.1tn budget which funds government until 09/2015

The US House of Representatives has passed a 1.1tn dollar budget hour before government was due to shut down at midnight on Thursday. The Republican measure passed by 219 votes to 206 after President Barack Obama had urged Democrats to support the measure.
Friday, December 12th 2014 - 05:50 UTC
New US ambassador in Argentina sworn in at White House ceremony

Noah Mamet has sworn as new United States ambassador to Argentina during a ceremony held in the White House, together with US vice president Joseph Biden and Argentine ambassador to the US Cecilia Nahon.
Thursday, December 11th 2014 - 11:47 UTC
Report on CIA torture practices triggers political recriminations and security debate

The brutal details of the CIA’s secret interrogation methods described in a newly-issued report by a US Senate committee on Tuesday, triggered Republican lawmakers and CIA reaction against the document’s findings, insisting that the detention and rendition program produced clear results that helped to thwart attacks on US citizens and assets.
Thursday, December 11th 2014 - 11:35 UTC
US Congress votes sanctions on Venezuelan government officials and sends bill for Obama's signature

The US House of Representatives passed legislation to impose sanctions on Venezuelan government officials found to have violated protesters' rights during demonstrations earlier this year.
Thursday, December 11th 2014 - 11:29 UTC
Argentine argues before NY Appeals court the central bank is not an 'alter ego' of the administration

Lawyers representing the Argentine government and the Central Bank have defended the country's stance on the debt conflict in a hearing with the New York Second Circuit Appeals Court, rejecting the notion that holdout investors could confiscate reserves or assets belonging to the financial entity.
Monday, December 8th 2014 - 06:55 UTC
Mujica says Guantanamo inmates in Uruguay can leave whenever they wish

The detainees from Guantanamo Base in Cuba that arrived in Uruguay on Sunday as part of an agreement with the US, “can leave the country whenever they wish”, since they come as 'refugees', announced President Jose Mujica.