Stories for December 2005
Mercosur: Six months before Venezuela's incorporation
Venezuela expects to begin fully integrating to Mercosur by the end of June 2006 following the signature next week in Uruguay of the official proceedings leading to its full membership.
Peru: choosing between “bad and worse”
One of Peru's top novelists described the political option faced by Peruvians in next year's presidential election as one between bad and worse.
Brazil “has no candidate” in Bolivia's election
Brazil tried Thursday to downplay President Lula da Silva's words of support for the left wing Indian candidate who leads Bolivian public opinion polls in the run up to December 18 presidential election.
President Kirchner wraps cabinet reshuffle
Argentine President Nestor Kirchner wrapped up Thursday the reshuffling of his cabinet taking the oath to four new ministers during a brief ceremony in Casa Rosada with no speeches and a general feeling of relief.
Penguin News Update
Headlines:
£102k for police investigation; Argentine munitions discovered in Stanley home; Missing man; Clipper and Minerva II to visit; Commemorating Battle Day.
Argentina/UK Falklands' de-mining talks “positive”
Argentina and Great Britain agreed last Thursday in London to continue with the feasibility studies for the de-mining of the Falklands/Malvinas, reported Friday the Argentine Foreign Affairs ministry.
Strong currency and exporters fears for 2006
As the soaring Chilean peso set a new five year record against the US dollar pushed by the high prices of copper and less chances of Central Bank intervention, a poll showed that 44,7% of Chilean manufacturers are planning to cancel or postpone investments in 2006 because of the strength of the Chilean currency.
Lula and Kirchner “indispensable” partners, but?
Brazil and Argentina presidents met Wednesday in the border town of Puerto Iguazú to celebrate the strategic partnership born out of twenty years of toiling towards economic integration, but also to address more pressing issues such as bilateral trade and support for Argentina's coming negotiations with the IMF.
Chile: Bachelet forecasted to win in spite of run off
The Chilean ruling coalition candidate Michelle Bachelet will be forced to a run off with conservative Sebastian Piñera in the coming December 11 presidential election according to Foundation Chile 21.
Brazil and Argentina support Bolivia's Morales
Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentina Nestor Kirchner praised Wednesday Bolivian Indian leader Evo Morales whom opinion polls identify as the front-runner for the December 18 general election in his country.
