Stories for May 26th 2005
Andes tragedy: Officers could be jailed ten years
The Chilean Army officers allegedly responsible for the deaths of 34 recruits and the missing of another 11 in the snow covered Andes could receive prison sentences of up to 10 years, judicial sources said Wednesday in Santiago.
Bolivian Armed Forces support President Mesa
Amid continuing street protests and coup rumours Bolivian Armed Forces expressed Wednesday their full support for President Carlos Mesa after two rebellious officers called for his resignation.
Venezuela demands tax and royalty arrears from oil industry
Venezuela's Energy minister and head of the government owned petroleum company PDVSA said Wednesday that foreign corporations operating in the country will have to pay an additional 30% royalty on excess crude oil production.
Lan Argentina will fly to all domestic destinations
Lan Argentina formally requested all the air routes that the Argentine government was insistent the new operator had to cover --whether they were profitable or not--, putting an end to several weeks of controversy.
Paris rated the most vital hub
The most difficult air route? Getting from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland/Malvinas Islands to Wasu, Papua-New Guinea, requires 15 separate flights.
Chile and EU closer to an open skies agreement
The European Union and Chile are working in the finishing touches to an open skies agreement which will enable reciprocity for air operators of each side, announced Luxembourg's Foreign Affairs minister Jean Asselborn.
Former EU Trade representative confirmed WTO chief
Former European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy, of France, was confirmed Thursday as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Brazilian inflation strong in spite of interest rate
Brazilian inflation remains strong in spite of the extremely tight monetary policy with the basic interest rate (Selic) standing at 19,75%.
New Zealand Governor General in Chile
New Zealand Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright is currently on an official visit to Chile where she held talks with President Ricardo Lagos.
Congress and Greenpeace after Lula da Silva
Brazil's Congress will for the first time investigate alleged corruption cases in the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following a congressional agreement between the opposition and some groups of the ruling coalition.
