United States

Wednesday, February 27th 2013 - 05:10 UTC
Jack Lew closer to becoming US Treasury Secretary; Senate votes Hagel for the Pentagon

Jack Lew won the Senate Finance Committee’s approval to become US Treasury secretary and a full vote in the upper house confirmed Chuck Hagel as the next US defense secretary. The Senate approved the nomination Tuesday in a vote of 58 to 41.
Saturday, February 23rd 2013 - 06:26 UTC
Hague to discuss US position on Falklands’ referendum with Kerry

Foreign Secretary William Hague will discuss the United States' position on the Falkland Islands with Secretary of State John Kerry following reports that Washington will not recognise the result of next month's referendum.
Thursday, February 21st 2013 - 04:45 UTC
Brazilian soybean farmers oppose contract with Monsanto to end royalties’ dispute

Brazilian farmer groups are opposing a contract that Monsanto the world’s biggest seed company is offering farmers to end a dispute over royalty payments on its genetically modified soybean seeds. Monsanto is trying to resolve uncertainty over its ability to collect fees on its new Intacta soybeans, which it is scheduled to start selling in Brazil during the next growing season.
Thursday, February 14th 2013 - 01:47 UTC
New York court agrees to hear bank that supports Argentina in debt restructure case

A New York federal appeals court has agreed to hear from more parties potentially affected by its review of a decision requiring Argentina to pay 1.33 billion dollars to bondholders who did not participate in two debt restructurings.
Wednesday, February 13th 2013 - 20:43 UTC
Dr. Kim Crosbie named Executive Director of Antarctic tour operators

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced on Wednesday a restructuring of its Secretariat, re-establishing the post of Executive Director, with Dr. Kim Crosbie named to the position.
Wednesday, February 13th 2013 - 20:36 UTC
USA and EU make official talks to begin Atlantic free trade alliance

The United States and the European Union agreed on Wednesday to push for the launch by the end of June of talks to create an Atlantic free trade alliance that could be a benchmark for global partners to follow. A free trade deal would be the most ambitious ever attempted, encompassing half the world's economic output and a third of global trade flows.
Wednesday, February 13th 2013 - 05:24 UTC
Obama challenges Congress to ‘take a vote’ on a package of progressive reforms

President Barack Obama pledged in his annual State of the Union speech to revive the sluggish US economy by creating “good, middle-class jobs”. The Democratic president promised “smarter” rather than bigger government for “the many, and not just the few” and called on Congress 'to take a vote' on a package of progressive reforms..
Monday, February 11th 2013 - 22:10 UTC
Quick rescue operation for ‘Carnival Triumph’ adrift in the Gulf of Mexico

Carnival cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico with more than 4,200 passengers and crew will be towed to port after a weekend engine fire left it dead in the water, a cruise line official announced. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Vigorous arrived early Monday to aid the stranded ship. The first of two tugboats is expected on the scene by midday, said Greg Magee, commander of the Vigorous.
Tuesday, February 5th 2013 - 01:49 UTC
US government to sue Standard & Poor’s over 2007 mortgage-bonds assessments

Standard & Poor's says it is to be sued by the US government over the credit ratings agency's assessment of mortgage bonds before the financial crisis. The civil lawsuit would focus on S&P high ratings in 2007 for some mortgage-backed securities that later collapsed in value, said the agency.
Friday, February 1st 2013 - 06:54 UTC
US Congressman supports Falklands’ referendum: “it is good to test people’s opinion”

Visiting United States Congressman Thomas E Petri expressed approval of the decision of Falkland Islanders to hold a referendum on the political status and future of the Falklands.