The Falkland Islands are to hold a referendum on their “political status” - hoping to bring an end to the continuing dispute with Argentina over the islands’ sovereignty, their government said today.

An EU-Mercosur trade treaty feared by European farmers is on course to be derailed by radical protectionist moves by Argentina.

Buenos Aires: Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, locked out of international capital markets since taking office, said an offer to holders of $20 billion of unpaid debt marks a “turning point” in her country’s history and will be a good deal for investors.

Several major exit polls suggested that first lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner won her husband’s job today by a large enough margin to avoid a run off.

Argentina’s first lady closed her presidential campaign by praising her husband’s achievements as the country’s leader.