Stories for October 1st 2006

Sunday, October 1st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

US Senate backs fence along Mexican border

The US Senate yesterday overwhelmingly agreed to authorize construction of a fence along the US border with Mexico, sending to President George W. Bush before the November 7 elections a bill that Republicans hope will showcase their efforts to stop illegal immigration.

Sunday, October 1st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

China/Chile free trade agreement becomes effective

China and Chile's free trade agreement, the first even signed with a Latinamerican country and which is expected to eventually exempt 97% of all trade goods from import tariffs, became effective Sunday October first.

Sunday, October 1st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Mexican president elect begins regional tour

Mexico's president elect Felipe Calderón begins Monday a tour of four Central American countries and five in South America with the purpose of establishing close links before he takes office next December first.

Sunday, October 1st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Argentina is an “anchor” in the region according to the US

For the United States government and in spite of some “disagreements”, Argentina represents an “anchor” in the region together with Chile and Brazil, helping to prevent “the ship from going to hell”, said Thomas Shannon, US Undersecretary for Hemispheric Affairs.

Sunday, October 1st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian opposition wins two main states

The Brazilian Social Democrat opposition consolidated in Sunday's general election its grip on the country's two main states, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais.