United States

Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 12:08 UTC
Raul Castro still open to talks with US, but rejects idea of symbolic gesture

Cuban President Raul Castro said Wednesday his country does not need to make any symbolic “gestures” as it pursues better relations with the United States. Addressing the Non Aligned Movement meeting in Havana Castro said he is still willing to talk about all issues and that it was up to the US to make the next move.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 05:14 UTC
Over 100 applicants for US Treasury plan to purchase toxic assets

The United States Treasury Department revealed on Wednesday that over 100 applications have been received from firms seeking to manage the government program to help purchase toxic securities from banks. The US government is relying on private investors to purchase poorly performing real estate investments currently weighing on bank balance sheets.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 05:11 UTC
US economy contracts 6.1% in first quarter of 2009; exports plunge

The US economy continued to contract in the first quarter of 2009, led by the biggest fall in exports for 40 years. US GDP contracted at an annualised rate of 6.1% during the quarter, little improvement on the 6.3% fall in the last three months of 2008.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 04:44 UTC
Fed sees recession easing and reiterates expansion of money supply

The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates on hold at its current range of between zero and 0.25% and has suggested the recession may be easing. It also said it would continue with its “quantitative” current approach of purchasing long-term government debt to expand money supply.
Tuesday, April 28th 2009 - 10:54 UTC
US confirms follow up on thaw talks with Cuba

United States diplomats are holding talks with officials of Cuba's diplomatic mission in Washington on possible follow-up measures to steps President Barack Obama took earlier this month to ease restrictions on the island nation.
Friday, April 24th 2009 - 10:45 UTC
United States and Latin America

The Economist under the heading “The charming neighbour” says President Barack Obama’s incursion into Latinamerica at the recent summit in Trinidad Tobago was “overall a success”. But is also asks whether the new mood will survive the worsening recession in Latin America is unclear. And is spite all the discussion about Cuba, The Economist believes that in practice, “drugs and security are likely to overshadow all other issues in the Obama administration relation with Latinamerica. Furthermore “trade and immigration”, particularly with Mexico, have become dividing issues.
Friday, April 24th 2009 - 09:50 UTC
“Incorrect” dosage killed the 21 polo ponies admits pharmacy

A Florida state veterinary pharmacy has revealed that the dosage of the medication it prepared for 21 polo ponies that died last weekend minutes before an international competition was “incorrect”. Franck's Pharmacy said the horses' medication was prepared “on an order from a veterinarian”.
Friday, April 24th 2009 - 04:56 UTC
UNITAS Gold celebrates 50th anniversary of multilateral maritime exercise

Representatives from eleven countries participated in the opening ceremony of UNITAS Gold on the 50th iteration of the annual multinational maritime exercise which takes place off the coast of Florida until May 5.
Friday, April 24th 2009 - 04:05 UTC
US Supreme Court ruling ray of hope for undocumented immigrants

The United States Supreme Court made it easier this week for undocumented immigrants seeking to avoid deportation to get another chance at a court hearing. The decision came in the case of Jean Marc Nken, from Cameroon, who came to the United States in 2001 and did not leave when his visa expired.
Thursday, April 23rd 2009 - 13:19 UTC
Cuban regime coming to an end, Hillary tells US Congress

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that Cuban President Raul Castro’s current regime “is ending” and that the US must prepare to deal with a new reality on the island.