Stories for February 18th 2007
Peru intent on austerity, to auction a “frivolity symbol”
The Peruvian government has decided to auction the presidential aircraft as part of its austerity policy announced cabinet chief Jorge del Castillo. Earlier in the week President Alan García described the aircraft as a “frivolity symbol”.
“Good” but no so good season for Punta Arenas hotels
The number of hotel bookings and passengers this season in Punta Arenas has not been homogeneous according to a survey among the main hotels and published in the local La Prensa Austral.
ENAP drills for natural gas in continental Magallanes
Chile's oil corporation ENAP began drilling for natural gas last February 15 in continental Magallanes Region in an area identified as Dorado-Riquelme to the north east of Punta Arenas.
Eight thousand bus drivers threaten to paralyze Santiago
The possible strike comes only a week after the new transit system was inaugurated and caused widespread confusion and public outrage after getting off to a slow start. Fenattrans president Sergio Cifuentes said the union was protesting the government for not responding to seven requests that the union sent to the government on January 8.
US/Colombia free trade agreement seems ever more distant
The free trade agreement which the George Bush administration signed with Colombia is stalled in the US Congress and could face further delays because of the alleged links of the Colombian President Alvaro Uribe administration with para military forces.
Inflation and shortages expose Chavez jittery economics
Faced with accelerated inflation and shortages of basic foods Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez signed decrees against speculation and hoarding which enables authorities to take over businesses that produce or retail food, if they refuse to sell or are in violation of regulated prices.
