Two Falklands’ lawmakers fly to London to meet with Argentine Foreign minister

MLA Dick Sawle fluent in Spanish and Falklands’ history

MLA Jan Cheek has a long experience as lawmaker

Minister Timerman expected in London next week

The Falklands’ elected government has repeatedly stated it is willing to meet with the government of Argentina in order to make the people of the Islands views clear and to discuss matters of mutual interest including fisheries and communications.

Such willingness was again openly displayed by Members of the Legislative Assembly in their letter of 2012 to President Cristina Fernandez, details of which were made public on 15

US economy contracts in fourth quarter, first time since 2009 global recession

The fourth quarter period was dominated by the “fiscal cliff” clash between the White House and Republicans in Congress

House of Representatives speaker, John Boehner, Ohio Republican

The fourth quarter period was dominated by the “fiscal cliff” - the spending cuts and tax rises that had been due to come into force from 1 January. These were avoided by a last-minute deal between the Republican-dominated Congress and the White House.

Swine flu spreads through the Balkans

The number of people infected with the H1N1 virus is on the rise in the region.

By Bedrana Kaletovic for Southeast European Times in Sarajevo -- 29/01/13

The tests for swine flu in BiH are done in Sarajevo at the H1N1 referral lab. [Bedrana Kaletovic/SETimes]

Epidemiologists in Southeast Europe are warning that regional countries are facing a new wave of influenza, and many are already infected with H1N1, commonly known as swine flu.

Doctors are warning that patient numbers will grow in the coming weeks, and the H1N1 infection will become widespread.

"Influenza infection was confirmed in five patients

Politics hinder abolishment of RS death penalty

Capital punishment is not part of the EU norms on treating offenders.

By Mladen Dragojlovic for Southeast European Times in Banja Luka -- 28/01/13

The Republika Srpska assembly would have to pass an amendment to remove the death penalty from the constitution. [Mladen Dragojlovic/SETimes]

The EU has urged Republika Srpska to eliminate Article 11 of its constitution, which prescribes the death penalty for the most heinous crimes, but politics on the national level in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have prevented action.

"Republika Srpska is part of BiH's legal system, which aspires to be a part of the EU. Even if BiH fulfills all obligations and Republika Srpska

Horner visited Maranello for Concorde

Red Bull chief Christian Horner's visit to the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello on Friday is believed to be due to a meeting over talks for a new Concorde agreement.

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

Many reports in the Italian media erroneously speculated that Horner was being considered for a shock switch to the Italian marque. 

However, it is far more likely that the head honchos of the two leading car manufacturers in the sport are interested in ironing out an agreement in order to improve the position of the teams in the three-way battle for financial supremacy against the FIA and the F1 group run

Mirena Lawsuit Update The Mirena IUD Lawsuit continues to move forward

Mirena Lawsuit Update The Mirena IUD Lawsuit continues to move forward

Mirena Birth Control Lawsuit

01/25/2013  Mirena Lawsuit Update and Information:  The Mirena IUD Lawsuit continues  to move forward. Efforts to consolidate the Mirena Lawsuit in 2012 into a Mirena Class Action Lawsuit or Mirena Lawsuit Multidistrtict Litigation ran into some obstacles. Regardless of whether a Mirena Class Acton Lawsuit or  any other  type of mass action lawsuit is formed, women who were injured by mirena side effects may still file individual Mirena Lawsuits.

Mirena IUD Birth Control Lawsuit Cause

The Mirena IUD was created as a long

Bulgaria football fans want racism stopped

Bulgaria became the latest Balkan country to be sanctioned over the racist behaviour of its football fans.

By Svetla Dimitrova for Southeast European Times in Sofia -- 25/01/13

The incidents occurred at the October 12th match against Denmark. [AFP]

Bulgaria has become the latest country in the region to face punishment due to the extremist behaviour of its football fans during an international match.

Earlier this month, FIFA, the Zurich-based world football organisation, ruled that the country's national team must play their next home match in the preliminary competition for the World Cup in Brazil next year in an empty stadium. In addition, FIFA slapped a fine of more than 28,250 euros on the Bulgarian

Greece declines EU offer in Macedonia name dispute

Greece prefers to continue the UN-mediated process with Macedonia.

By Biljana Lajmanovska for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- 24/01/13

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle (left) and Macedonia Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski hold a news conference in September 2012. [AFP]

The EU is getting more involved in working toward a solution to the long-simmering name dispute between Greece and Macedonia.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle invited the sides to a trilateral meeting aimed at helping resolve the name dispute between the two countries. It was the first direct attempt by Brussels to get more involved in the name issue negotiations that are led

Climate change devouring Andean glaciers and source of fresh water for millions

The Andes rocky bottom exposed as glaciers retreat

Andean glaciers, a vital source of fresh water for tens of millions of South Americans, are retreating at their fastest rates in more than 300 years, according to the most comprehensive review of Andean ice loss so far.

The study included data on about half of all Andean glaciers in South America, and blamed the ice loss on an average temperature spike of 0.7 degree Celsius (1.26 degrees Fahrenheit) over

HMS Protector rescues cruise liner at risk of becoming trapped in Antarctica ice

Ice breaker HMS Protector broke through the densely packed ice which had surrounded the MV Fram, blocking her path and trapping the bow, as she carried passengers through the Antarctic Sound.

The cruise vessel with 202 passengers had been following the patrol ship through the gaps in the pack ice when she was surrounded by a number of fast moving floes. HMS Protector immediately turned back to help, approaching the Fram from astern and breaking up the ice – which was up to four metres thick. Taking just over two hours at speeds of just two knots, the Fram was eventually released and led to

Plans for temporary oil industry port in the Falklands to develop Sea Lion field

MLA Dick Sawle said the temporary provision would have to meet usual planning requirements

Air view of FIPASS, the Falklands only port facilities

A busy day at FIPASS now shared by the fishing and oil industries

The issue turned into alarm by the content of a full page advertisement in the Falklands’ weekly Penguin News which sought expressions of interest in the building of a port in Stanley harbour.
But Director

BPA Replacement Also Alters Hormones

BPA replacement alters hormones at low doses, study finds. Image: Flickr/Klearchos Kapoutsis

Just like the controversial compound it's designed to replace, a chemical used in cash register receipts and other consumer products messes with hormones, according to research published today.

The study by University of Texas scientists is the first to link low concentrations of bisphenol S (BPS)  – a bisphenol A (BPA) alternative  – to disruption of estrogen, spurring concern that it might harm human health.

Researchers exposed rat cells to levels of BPS that are within the range people are exposed to. And, just like BPA, the compound interfered with how cells respond to natural estrogen, which is vital

First journalist killed in the western hemisphere in 2013 is from Brazil

Renato Machado Gonçalves was gunned down as he left his home by two individuals on a motorbike

Brazil has an appalling record regarding attacks and killings of journalists

“The motive has not yet been determined, but robbery has already been ruled out, and the manner in which the crime was carried out clearly indicates that it

Falklands does not discard a referendum on ‘full independence in the future’

The Falklands’ flag and coat of arms

The monument to the 1914 Battle of the Falklands

The explicative booklet released on Friday by the Falkland Islands elected government in support of the confirmation of the date and question of the coming referendum, explains to voters the current political situations in the Falklands and Argentina, the reason for calling the referendum and what Yes or No means for the future.

Follows the text of the booklet:
On the 10th and 11th March 2013, there will be a referendum on the political future of the Falkland Islands. This booklet explains the referendum, and what your vote would mean.

What is a referendum?
A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question. This particular referendum is a consultative referendum and is being held to seek your opinion on the political status of the Falkland Islands.

Why are we having

Uruguay posed to grow 4% this year; Argentina and Brazil, 3.4%, says World Bank

Latin America remains vulnerable because of its dependence on commodities exports, particularly to China

Latin America remains vulnerable because of its dependence on commodities exports, particularly to China

The WB report anticipates Latinamerica and the Caribbean will expand 3.5% this year which is higher than the 3% of 2012, but the overall performance of the region is not homogeneous. The ranking is as follows: Paraguay, 8.5%; Panama, 7.5%; Haiti, 6%; Peru, 5.8%; Chile, 5.1%; Guyana, 4.8%; Suriname, 4.5%; Bolivia, 4.4%; Dominican Republic, 4.3%; Nicaragua, 4.2% and Costa Rica and Uruguay, 4%.

Regarding the

Regional governments address climate change

Farmers will have to grow plants that can tolerate extreme drought conditions, experts said.

By Mladen Dragojlovic for Southeast European Times in Banja Luka -- 16/01/13

Croatia's agricultural heartland and other crop producing areas in the Balkans have been hard hit by climate changes. [AFP]

Climate changes have caused significant damage to regional agriculture and economies, and experts are urging governments to add new measures to help farmers stem the loss of crops and revenue.

"Last year was one of warmest in the past 100 years, and the forecast for this year is similar. ... [C]limate change will continue

Aussie outlaw bikies invade Europe

Members of the Australian Comancheros  have arrived in Europe. Source: Herald Sun

BIKIES from Australian outlaw motorcycle gangs have arrived in Europe, prompting fears of a turf war.

Europol has warned the continent's police forces that the influx of dozens of bikies, including outlaw gang members from North America, could amount to an "act of provocation" to local motorcycle chapters.

It said the gangs could clash over organised crime markets with which some members have been linked.

These include money laundering and the trade in drugs, in guns - and in people.

According to the police intelligence, Australian Comancheros and Rebels members had arrived, and more might still be to come.

Members of the

Determined Aussie conquers the castle

The winner Jino Van Bruinessen with his sculpture titled 'Two Pots' with one of the judges Belinda Mitrovich / Pic: Toby Zerna Source: The Daily Telegraph

The winner Jino Van Bruinessen with his sculpture titled 'Two Pots' / Pic: Toby Zerna Source: The Daily Telegraph

HE was just one of three Australians pitting his sand sculpting skills against some of the world's best international competitors.

And, in a fairytale victory, Blue Mountains resident Jino van Bruinessen took out the top prize at the second Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Championships this year.

Three Australians and 11 sand sculptors from all over the world, including the US and Latvia, spent three days creating their masterpieces on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, based

Science Policy Issues That Matter Most

Image: Liz Meyer

The president and the newly inaugurated 113th Congress are about to face a number of science- and technology-related decisions that will determine the country's trajectory. We urge dramatic action on the science policy issues that matter most:

Ensure a Clean, Secure Energy Supply

U.S. Energy Policy must be guided by two intertwined goals: guaranteeing the security of the nation's energy supply and limiting runaway climate change. A tax on the carbon dioxide emissions of fuels is key to achieving both. A firm carbon price would encourage individuals and businesses to shift away from carbon-heavy fuels such as petroleum and coal. It would also encourage the development of next-generation energy sources that we will need if we are to secure the country's energy supply for the

OAS respects Venezuela’s decision to postpone Chavez inauguration

Secretary General Insulza is scheduled to receive a delegation from the Venezuelan opposition next Tuesday

“The issue has been resolved by the three branches of government of Venezuela: it was presented by the Executive, considered by the Legislature and decided by the Judiciary”. The possibilities have been exhausted and therefore the process that will take place in that country is that which has been decided by the three powers,“ said Secretary General Insulza.

The head of the hemispheric

Turkey and Balkan groups join to help Syrians

A newly organised regional campaign is spurred by difficult winter conditions facing Syrians, but may grow to help people in need elsewhere.

By Menekse Tokyay for Southeast European Times in Istanbul -- 11/01/13

Aleppo residents wait in line to obtain bread. The delivery of mobile bakeries to Syria is one goal of the regional humanitarian effort. [AFP]

In late December, Turkey launched an international campaign to ease suffering in Syria that is attracting support from private organisations in the Balkans.

The volunteer-based campaign named Kış Geldi, Suriye İçin Bir Ekmek, Bir Battaniye (Winter Came, Bread and a Blanket for Syria) may develop into a programme to assist other countries as well, organisers said.

The campaign is being conducted under the co-ordination of Prime Ministry's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency and with the participation of humanitarian assistance organisations, NGOs, professional organisations and media.

Some high-profile figures in Turkey, such as Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay and Mehmet Gormez, head of the religious affairs directorate, donated a month's salary to the campaign, while Gormez declared the last Friday prayer in 2012 as a "Friday to aid Syria" to collect donations from the Sunni Muslim community.

The aid will first target the shortages of water and electricity of victimised people living in Syria, not Syrian refugees in Turkey, while mobile bakeries are also expected.

Speaking recently at the inauguration conference for the campaign at Istanbul's Haliç Congress Centre, Gormez called on all people, regardless of the faith or sect, to support the campaign.

"The tragedy in Syria belongs not only to Muslims; it is a

Report: Global economic freedom at standstill

The report finds excessive corruption and weakness in rule of law that slows progress in the region.

By Svetla Dimitrova for Southeast European Times in Sofia -- 10/01/13

The report noted gains in the management of public spending in Turkey. [AFP]

The economies of Turkey and seven Southeast European countries are classified as "moderately free" in an annual survey released Thursday (January 10th), but the average level of economic freedom in the world improved only slightly last year.

The Index of Economic Freedom survey, conducted by The Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal, named Hong Kong as the freest economy in the world, followed by Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.

Eight Southeast European countries -- Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Turkey --

Zakopalova joins tumbling seeds at Hobart

Klara Zakopalova became the latest seed to tumble at the Hobart International as the third-seeded Czech was beaten in the second round by Tsvetana Pironkova.

The Bulgarian battled back to claim a 3-6 6-4 6-2 win in one hour and 43 minutes, knocking out the only top-four seed left in the competition.

Zakopalova joined number one seed Hsieh Su-wei, Sorana Cirstea and Yaroslava Shvedova in making an early exit in Hobart.

Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens brushed aside Serbia's Bojana Jovanovski 6-3 6-2 in less than an hour, while Australian wild card Jarmila Gajdosova beat Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-3 6-1.

Romania's

Gerrard aiming for strong season finish

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident the side will make big strides in the second half of the season and sneak into the "top positions".

The England midfielder stopped short of declaring they would make the top four to qualify for the Champions League again but that remains the ambition at Anfield.

However, the 32-year-old admits they will have to find an answer to their inconsistencies if they are to rise up from eighth place and have any chance of closing the seven-point gap to current fourth-placed side Chelsea.

"We didn't get off to the start we wanted this season but that was no surprise to me because there'd been a lot of change," Gerrard said.

"We had a completely new coaching set-up and there were a few new players coming in, as well as a few players going out.

"My experience of football is that when that amount of change takes place, it takes time for

Koreans again in love with US beef following aggressive campaign from industry

“Korean consumers have a very high standard for quality” said Jihae Yang, US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) director in South Korea

Flash forward four years and we find the editors of three influential Korean culinary magazines on a detailed tour of the US beef industry, visiting a Wyoming ranch, receiving a scientific briefing at Colorado State University, talking with beef industry distributors and retailers in New York City and enjoying the world’s finest grain-fed beef and writing about their

Gene Therapies Will Cure Many a Disease (preview)

More In This Article Overview The Science Of The Next 150 Years Overview Computing In 2165 Overview How Humans Will Evolve On Multi-Generational Space-Exploration Missions

The Science Of The Next 150 Years: 50 Years in the Future

It is 2063. you walk into the doctor's office, and a nurse takes a sample of saliva, blood or a prenatal cell and applies it to a microchip the size of a letter on this page on a handheld device. Minutes later the device reads the test results. The multicolored fluorescence pattern on its display reveals the presence of DNA sequences that cause or influence any of 1,200-plus single-gene disorders. Fortunately, regulatory authorities have approved a

Moldova fights media censorship

The new media censorship bill introduces fines up to 1,250 euros.

By Paul Ciocoiu for Southeast European Times in Bucharest -- 05/01/13

More media freedom in Moldova is on the way. [AFP]

A new draft law that amends the Moldovan criminal code introduces punitive measures for media censorship and deliberate obstruction of mass-media activity.

The bill also makes a specific reference to a ban of public media censorship, involving forced distortion of a media product, limitation to spreading information of public interest, and other illegal actions meant to restrict information dissemination.

The draft is intended to complement the law on freedom

Serbian tycoon's business dealings under scrutiny

Regional countries are asking Serbian authorities to broaden their investigation into tycoon Miodrag Miskovic.

By Drazen Remikovic for Southeast European Times in Sarajevo -- 04/01/13

Miodrag Miskovic's business dealings in the region are being investigated. [Nikola Barbutov/SETimes]

Governments throughout the region are examining the business dealings of Serbian tycoon Miodrag Miskovic following his arrest in mid-December on suspicion of the illegal privatisation of 10 road maintenance companies.

Miskovic conducted business through his Delta Holding company, which is active in Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Cyprus.

"We are investigating the privatisation and business practices of Standard,

Heynckes: Bayern must stay hungry

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has urged his team to "stay hungry" when they return to Bundesliga action after the winter break.

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

Racing to a nine point lead in the first half of the season, Bayern Munich are well on course to claim their first Bundesliga title in two years.

Speaking to the Bundesliga official website, Heynckes insisted that he was still wary of nearest challengers Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund. As such, he would do everything possible to prevent his players from becoming complacent.

"The team must stay hungry, stay greedy - I'll be making that very clear to

Live Chat on Weight Loss Strategies--January 2 at 12:30 P.M. EST

New Year's Resolution?: Millions of people set weight-related New Year's resolutions. But what are the best, scientifically proven ways to meet weight goals? An expert in lifestyle medicine explains in a live chat. Image: iStockphoto/YanLev

Join us below at 12:30 P.M. EST on Wednesday, January 2, for a live 30-minute online chat with Edward Phillips, a physician who specializes in lifestyle health at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and other institutions. He will discuss how he helps patients meet their weight management and other related health goals.  Phillips will answer questions about the most effective changes--large and small--that people can

Region expects for achievements and challenges in 2013

The countries in Southeast Europe will undergo effervescent political, economical and social events in the year ahead.

By Paul Ciocoiu for Southeast European Times in Bucharest -- 31/12/12

Several countries in the region hope to open EU accession talks in 2013. [AFP]

The geopolitical landscape of the region will change in 2013 with Croatia's EU accession, and talks with Brussels will dominate the foreign agenda of many governments.

The economy will also top many capitals' priorities with many countries facing a deficit and trying to increase growth despite the prolonged recession. In some countries, bilateral issues will make or break further diplomatic efforts.

Croatian accession to the EU is by far the most important political event in 2013 for the country. Croatia ended negotiations with the EU in 2012 and is expected to officially join the Union on July 1st 2013.

Zdravko Petek, a professor at the Faculty of Political Science of Zagreb, said that with the ability to access EU funds, Croatia will gain major potential, but it's up to its leaders to use that leverage.

"Utilisation of EU funds will surely be one of the key challenges for Croatia," Petek told SETimes.

In June 2012, Croatian citizens officially opted to join the Union in a referendum, with 66.2 percent of the votes.

"I voted for the Croatia's entry, but I don't think that a lot will change overnight," Darko Brdalj, 34, an account manager from Zagreb, told SETimes.

Kosovo is expecting a number of important developments in 2013, starting with the talks with Serbia.

Kosovo and Serbia prime ministers Hashim Thaci and Ivica Dacic are expected to meet again in