Stories for December 7th 2004
Fisheries News.
Headlines:
South Africa cracks down on quota fraud; Dramatic drop in stocks forces fisheries bill review; EU Court blasts Spain for exceeding fishing quotas.
Growing activity and competition in Punta Arenas.
The growing commercial activity of Punta Arenas with significant investments and a notorious increase in competition was highlighted by La Prensa Austral last weekend.
Promising 2005 for meat exporting countries.
The world's main suppliers of meat (beef, hog, broilers and turkeys) will reach a record 16,7 million tons next year, a 5,4% increase over 2004, according to a report from the United States Agriculture Department.
Brazilian industry forecasted to expand 7,5%.
The president of one of Brazil's most important industry organization forecasted industry would grow 7,5% this year given the overall strong recovery of the economy and the rather low comparison base.
Bolivia moves to “centre left” in municipal elections
Bolivia's civic and Indian organizations participating for the first time in municipal elections, following a recent constitutional amendment were the big winners in last weekend's voting.
Chile: Torture survivors name their tormentors.
Former Chilean political prisoners kept pressure on President Ricardo Lagos administration by releasing this Monday a list of 2,000 people allegedly involved in human rights abuses and cover up related crimes.
IMF praises Uruguayan economy performance
On completing last week the sixth review of the Stand-By arrangement, IMF praised the performance of the Uruguayan economy and the “sound prospects for 2005”, underlining authorities' commitment to preserving the stabilization and reform gains through the political transition. The strong fiscal outcome for 2004 will facilitate the achievements of other targets next year.
Three party Gibraltar talks confirmed
Britain's Foreign Office confirmed that three-party talks to take forward the 27 October joint statement between the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Spanish Foreign Minister Sr Moratinos will take place at Mr. Straw's official residence at Chevening House in Kent on 8-9 December.
Falklands: New Isolation Unit
The first stage of the work on the Elderly Care Ward, the replacement of the Isolation Unit, is well under way. The new Isolation Unit built, by Mach-Aire in Lancashire, is due to arrive on the 14th December.
Ellen MacArthur Meets Up With HMS Iron Duke
Lone Yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur had some unexpected company as she headed southwards in mid-Atlantic in her bid to make the fastest time for a single-handed round-the-world voyage. Just two degrees north of the Equator she met up with Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke and Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Gold Rover.
