Stories for February 28th 2007

Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguayan economy grew 6.5% in 2006; GDP 19.5 billion

Uruguay's economy expanded 6.5% in 2006 said President Tabare Vazquez according to a draft copy from his state of the nation speech to be delivered March first. This is half a point less than the 7% originally estimated.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chile announces plans to research nuclear energy

Energy Minister Karen Poniachik announced Tuesday that her ministry would begin technical studies into the potential use of nuclear energy in Chile. Facing criticism from both the governing Concertación coalition and opposition Alliance for delays in the government-mandated studies, Poniachik said the ministry would present a plan to assess the implementation of nuclear energy in March.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela takes control of foreign oil projects

President Hugo Chavez's announced takeover of Venezuela's most promising oil-producing operations will likely increase strain on the country's heavily burdened state-run oil company and pressure production at the world's eighth-largest oil exporter.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Gibraltar has a Parliament, MPs and is “effectively decolonized”

Gibraltar's House of Assembly was consigned to the history books this week as the Gibraltar Parliament convened for its first session under the framework of the new Constitution. The precincts of the former House will from now on be known as Parliament Building reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Iberia Madrid-Gibraltar flights register 50% occupancy

Passenger occupation levels of the new Iberia Madrid-Gibraltar flight stands at approximately 50%, according to official figures released by the Spanish airline at the weekend and reported in the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
UN decolonization: “a success story albeit unfinished”

Decolonization, part of the United Nations' founding mission, is a success story, albeit an unfinished one, said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro at the opening of this year's annual meeting of the 24-member Special Commission on Decolonization at UN Headquarters in New York.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Japan cuts short 2006/07 Antarctic whale hunt season

Japanese whalers have officially called off their annual Antarctic whale hunt following a devastating fire aboard the fleet's mother ship. Japan's Institute for Cetacean Research (ICR) has released a statement saying the whaling ships were on their way home early.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
UN outlines plan for cutting climate change risks

Improved transportation systems, tighter building codes and financing for energy-efficiency investments are among the measures recommended in a new scientific report on coping with climate change that was prepared at the request of the United Nations.
Wednesday, February 28th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
New constitution for the British Virgin Islands

The successful conclusion this week of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) constitutional talks was praised by Foreign Office Minister Lord Triestman.