Stories for September 20th 2007
Inflation and union woes dog Chile's Bachelet
Inflation, the weak link in her country's buoyant economy, is at a six-year high. Unions, the natural partners of her leftwing government, marched through Santiago in August protesting against free-market policies they say are fuelling inequality.
Zapatero praises work of Uruguayan President Vazquez
Spain's prime minister praised Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez on Wednesday for his efforts in bringing the South American nation out of social and economic poverty.
Paraguayan ex-bishop's coalition splinters
A former Roman Catholic bishop running for president of Paraguay said yesterday his opposition coalition has split over a dispute with factions loyal to a former coup plotter.
Blaze Destroys Chilean Hotel, Casino
A devastating fire ripped through a hotel and casino Monday morning in the southern town of Pucon. The five-star resort complex, which hosts Hotel of the Lake and the Enjoy Casino, was consumed by flames after a short circuit in the casino's electrical system.
Dollar falls to new low vs euro breaking $1.40
The US dollar hit a new record low against the euro as investors sold the currency after the Federal Reserve's hefty interest rate cut.
United States embargo has cost Cuba US$89B
Washington's 45-year-old embargo has cost Cuba more than US$89 billion to date, wreaking havoc on everything from primary education to pest control and nearly all other facets of island life, the foreign minister said Tuesday
Spain and Uruguay optimistic over mill dispute
The governments of Spain and Uruguay yesterday expressed their “optimism over reaching a deal in the short term” between Montevideo and Buenos Aires over the controversial pulp mill on the banks of the Uruguay River.
Portugal, EU president, backs trade deal with Mercosur
Portugal's president urged European and South American political leaders Thursday to make a fresh push toward concluding a long-delayed trade agreement between the two continents.
US new Lincoln 'greenback' is purple and gray
A new $5 bill, with enhanced security features, will enter circulation in early 2008, a new $100 bill will follow but an official introduction date has not been set.
Bank of England urges legislative review
Bank of England Governor Mervyn King has called for a legislative overhaul to help prevent a repeat of the Northern Rock banking crisis.
