United States

Thursday, March 17th 2011 - 00:51 UTC
Hours before Obama arrives, Brazil reaffirms its commitment is with Mercosur

When US president Barack Omaba lands in Brazil next Saturday the emphasis of the visit will be on deepening economic relations and potential business opportunities, but Brazil has made it plain clear that any free trade talks with the United States can only take place in the framework of Mercosur.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 15:00 UTC
US Travel Association urges Brazil and Chile be included in the Visa Waive Program

Citing an opportunity to advance national security, economic competitiveness and public diplomacy, the U.S. Travel Association has urged President Obama to discuss prospects for including Brazil and Chile in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) when he visits South America this month.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 14:45 UTC
US extends import duties on shrimp to protect local industry hurt by BP’s oil spill

United States announced this week it will continue import duties on shrimp from Thailand, China, Vietnam, India and Brazil for five more years in a victory for the US shrimp industry hurt by last year's BP oil spill.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 04:23 UTC
Reviving the US economy and trade relationship, main objectives of Obama’s visit

US President Barack Obama's trip to Brazil, Chile and El Salvador beginning this week is still on, despite fears of a nuclear disaster in Japan and turmoil in the Middle East, officials said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 00:41 UTC
Fed leaves rates unchanged with the US economy on a ‘firmer footing’ recovery

Arguing that the US economic recovery is on a firmer footing, and overall conditions in the labour market appear to be improving gradually, the Federal Reserve on Tuesday left interest rates unchanged at a record low of zero to 0.25% since December 2008.
Tuesday, March 15th 2011 - 11:05 UTC
President Obama will underline ‘coincidences’ during his visit to Brazil

US ambassador in Brazil Thomas Shannon downplayed differences between Washington and Brasilia saying that coincidences are far greater and will be the core of discussions during the coming visit of US president Barack Obama next week end.
Tuesday, March 15th 2011 - 09:35 UTC
US State Department spokesman resigns on Wikileaks controversy

US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley resigned after reports that he labelled as “stupid” and “ridiculous” the Pentagon's treatment of a US soldier accused of leaking secret documents that appeared on the WikiLeaks website.
Monday, March 14th 2011 - 06:24 UTC
Dangerous neurotoxin could be responsible for massive death of fish in California

Dead fish found in the King’s Harbor Marina in Redondo Beach, California, this week have tested positive for a dangerous neurotoxin. The California Department of Fish and Game originally blamed the die-off on oxygen deprivation.
Sunday, March 13th 2011 - 00:47 UTC
Argentina forgets the US Air Force incident and says relations are “excellent”

Relations between Argentina and the United States are ‘excellent’ said ultra ‘Kirchnerite’ lawmaker Carlos Kunkel who discarded as ‘interested parties’ versions indicating certain ‘discomfort’ in President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration with the coming visit of President Barack Obama to El Salvador, Chile and Brazil.
Saturday, March 12th 2011 - 23:36 UTC
Wisconsin limits collective bargaining rights for public sector workers

US state of Wisconsin's governor signed into law sweeping limits on collective bargaining rights for public sector workers that have ignited a national debate over unions as other states weigh similar curbs.