Stories for June 17th 2005

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Falklands in Sunday's Mercosur summit agenda

Mercosur Foreign Affairs ministers will be discussing next Sunday in Paraguay the European Union decision to include in its constitution the Falkland Islands, currently under British sovereignty, reported Thursday the Paraguayan press in Asunción.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Argentine economy steaming ahead

Argentina's GDP expanded 8% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same period a year ago, and 0,5% over the fourth quarter of 2004, according to the latest release from the Statistics and Census Office.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Argentina needs a “full time” Foreign Secretary

The influential Buenos Aires daily La Nación Thursday's main editorial called on Foreign Secretary Rafael Bielsa to resign because the Foreign Affairs ministry is a task of huge responsibility and therefore can't be in the hands of a “part time” official.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Lula's top advisor, first victim of corruption scandal

Brazilian chief of staff Jose Dirceu resigned Thursday to return to Congress and “defend” himself against the expanding bribes scandal that is currently besetting President Lula da Silva's administration and the ruling Workers Party (PT).

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Shearers do the Islands proud at world champs; Falklands upsets Argentina at UN meeting;
From FIBS to FIRS.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Budget battle dominates EU leaders talks

Twenty-four European Union leaders confronted British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday and demanded he give up his country's multibillion dollar rebate in talks aimed at securing a new EU budget.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

In spite of record US deficit, expansion remains solid

The United States current account deficit widened 3,6% in the first quarter of this year to an all time record of 195,1 billion US dollars, following 188,4 billion in the last quarter of 2004, reported the US Department of Commerce.

Friday, June 17th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Chile becomes approved destination for Chinese tourism

A delegation of Chilean private tourism operators together with Oscar Santelices Director of the country's Tourism Office are currently touring China's main cities Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing promoting Chile which has now become an open market for Chinese tourists.