Stories for August 6th 2005
Fresh political turmoil brewing in Ecuador
The “accidental” presidency of Ecuador's Alfredo Palacio was startled Friday by unions and powerful social organizations accusing him of betrayal and hinting he could be ousted as was his predecessor just four months ago.
Paraguayan Senate votes to expropriate Moon holdings
The Paraguayan Senate voted this week the expropriation of 52,000 hectares (128,000 acres) of a large tract of land owned by a company representing the interests of South Korean religious leader and business magnate Rev. Sun Myung Moon.
Fox admits errors but is satisfied with his administration
Mexican President Vicente Fox admitted that extreme poverty and insecurity are the main unresolved issues that the incoming administration that takes office in 2006 will have to face and address.
Three IRA members convicted in Colombia flee to Ireland
Three alleged IRA members who fled Colombia after being convicted of training leftist guerrillas in bomb-making are back in the Republic of Ireland, the country's RTE network reported Friday.
Spanish, compulsory optional language in Brazil
Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed into law Friday a bill making Spanish a mandatory option in all public and private Brazilian high schools as of 2010.
Kirchner accuses La Nation of embracing dictatorships
Argentine president Nestor Kirchner accused Buenos Aires daily La Nacion of having encouraged in 1976 the military coup which gave birth to the country's last dictatorship extending until 1983.
Fears of political crisis encroaching Brazil economy
The corruption scandal engulfing Brazil is beginning to have effects on the economy and business confidence since it will delay government efforts to keep the country on a steady sustainable growth track, was the main conclusion of an economists and bankers conference in Sao Paulo organized by the Council of Americas.
IMF full of praise for the Chilean economy
The International Monetary Fund forecasted the Chilean economy would expand between 5,5 and 6% in 2005, a drop from the original estimate of 6,1%, although all the fundamentals of the economy remain “very robust”.
Blair announces new counter-terrorism measures
Primer Minister Tony Blair announces stricter deportation laws to combat terrorism. “The rules of the game are changing.”
Robin Cook dies after collapse
Robin Cook, the former U.K. foreign secretary who resigned from Prime Minister Tony Blair's government over the 2003 invasion of Iraq, died after he collapsed while hill-walking in Scotland. He was 59.
