Stories for February 4th 2004
Festival Cruises arrested in Gibraltar
A third cruise liner belonging to Festival Cruises has been arrested in Gibraltar reports The Gibraltar Chronicle“. The ”Azur” is a 33-year-old, 15,000 tonne cruise liner registered in Panama has a capacity for 720 passengers and 330 crew members.
Court martial upholds ruling
A Chilean Army Court Martial unanimously confirmed the indictment of four servicemen from the Austral Military Region, (Magallanes) involved in the breaking in and espionage of the Argentine consulate in Punta Arenas last November 9.
France will support Argentina in IMF vote
French Foreign Affairs minister Dominique de Villepin currently visiting South America assured Argentine president Nestor Kirchner that France will support Argentina in the IMF Board meeting when the second review of fiscal targets next March, according to Cabinet Chief Alberto Fernández.
Strong Euro, but not too much?
European Finance ministers will support a strong Euro policy, although contrary to an excessive appreciation of the common currency.
Future FTAA members try to iron differences
Chile, Mexico, United States and ten other countries presented a new proposal with the issues to be discussed in the achievement of a common base for the Free Trade Association of the Americas, to which 34 countries of the three Americas are committed as of January 2005. The meeting of minister is being held this week in Puebla, Mexico.
Brazilian minister confirms orthodox economic policy
Brazilian Finance minister Antonio Palocci rejected growing speculations about dissent in the government over current orthodox policies and discarded any possible resurgence of inflation.
Economy Nobel Prise Stiglitz blasts US 2005 budget
Economy Nobel Prize Joseph Stiglitz strongly criticized the President Bush administration budget project for 2005 sent to Congress last Monday describing it as “unrealistic”, “unproductive” and “dangerous”.
The Voice of Gibraltar Group
In September 2001, Peter Hain came to The Rock and hang the 'Sword of Damocles' over the heads of the People of Gibraltar. By the end of that year the Brussels Process was re-launched and the concept of a 'done-deal' reared its ugly face.
Ecuador removes envoy under fire
At Argentina's request Ecuador yesterday removed its ambassador Germánico Molina after he last month allegedly helped Guillermo Suárez Mason, a member of the past military dictatorship, to violate the house arrest he was serving for baby snatching.
