Stories for July 15th 2006
Dispute with Uruguay: “it's just beginning” warns Kirchner
Argentine president Nestor Kirchner warned Friday that the judicial dispute over the construction of pulp mills in Uruguay, which had a first negative resolution for Argentina in the International Court of The Hague “is just beginning”.
Chile/Argentina strategic alliance running out of gas
Chilean president Michelle Bachelet received a second piece of unwelcome news from Buenos Aires on Wednesday when the Argentine government published a resolution allowing gasoline stations along the border to levy a surcharge to vehicles with foreign number plates.
OPEC committed to order and stability in oil market
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, called on Friday for full support from major players in the oil market that has seen prices rocket (to over 78 US dollars a barrel), forced by “geopolitical developments over which OPEC has no influence”.
Blitz reshuffle operation in Bachelet's cabinet
In a blitz operation Chilean president Michelle Bachelet established Friday another record, --besides been the first woman to lead the country--, the earliest cabinet reshuffle since Chile returned to free elections and democracy in 1990.
Japan declares battle with deflation over
The Bank of Japan ended on Friday its six-year of flat zero per cent interest rates after describing the country's economy as “expanding” for the first time in 14 years. On announcing a 0.25% rate officials said they were confident Japan's ten-year struggle with deflation was over, and hinted further rises.
Three Type 23 Royal Navy frigates for Chile
Between next September and January 2008 Chile will be incorporating three former Royal Navy Type 23 frigates, HMS Norfolk, HMS Grafton and HMS Marlborough.
Panamanians to decide in referendum Canal expansion
Panama's Congress approved a five billion US dollars plan to widen the Panama Canal which will now face a binding referendum scheduled to be held later this year.
Argentina ends “fuel subsidy” to foreign cars
Foreign vehicles loading fuel in Argentine gas stations along the border will have to pay the same prices as in their own countries, which is basically double the cost of gasoline and diesel in Argentina.
Argentina doubles price of gas pumped to Chile
The Argentine natural gas pumped to Chile costs as of Saturday July 15 almost 100% dearer according to official sources in Buenos Aires, quoted by Clarin. The average price Chile has to pay is now between 3.2 and 3.4 US dollars per million BTU.
