Stories for November 2007
Latest News feedColombia airs tapes of FARC hostages and Ms Betancourt
Colombian officials have shown videos and photos seized from captured rebels of 16 high-profile hostages, the first sign of life since 2003. The five tapes include French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three US nationals.
Ecuador begins drafting “citizens’ revolution” chart
Ecuador’s Constitutional assembly meeting in Montecristi, 500 kilometers from the capital Quito, was officially inaugurated Friday by President Rafael Correa amidst warnings from the opposition that democracy in the country was at risk.
WTO moves to impose tough limit on fisheries subsidies
New negotiating proposals at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday impose tough limits on subsidies on fisheries, a move that delighted environmentalists concerned about over-fishing.
Sunken Explorer’s fuel spill endangers mating penguins
An estimated 2.500 penguins in Antarctica are endangered by an oil spill from the sunken cruise vessel Explorer, impeding access to their mating and nesting places. The oil spill is 1.500 meters long by 200, according to experts from the Chilean Antarctic Institute.
Brazil to construct Chile’s largest coal fueled complex
Brazil’s giant EBX recently announced plans to build the largest coal-fired energy-producing complex in Chile, to be named Castilla, which will be located near the Region III city of Copiapó. Market sources indicate that the investment associated with this type of power plant would exceed 2 billion US dollars.
Frosts cut Argentine wheat production by 1.2 million tons
According to the first reports late frosts in early November could have cut Argentina’s expected wheat production by an estimate of 1.5 to 2 million tons according to wheat farmers organizations.
Chinese markets recover and edge above 5.000 points
Chinese stocks made a big comeback on Thursday to edge just over 5,000 points again, recovering part of the more than 20% losses in less than two months reports China’s Daily.
Prison conditions on UN Commissioner visit to Brazil
United Nations High Commissioner Louise Arbour is expected to address conditions in Brazil’s prison system and the Government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights during her first visit to the country next week.
China interested in South Atlantic oil and gas exploration
China is interested in exploring for hydrocarbons on continental Argentina and in the South Atlantic, revealed Beijing’s new ambassador in Buenos Aires Zeng Gang. He also said that talks for a possible joint undertaking offshore with Argentina’s oil corporation Enarsa are also advancing.
Overseas Territories minister Falklands visit next January
Meg Munn, British Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories, plans to visit the Falkland Islands on 3-5 January 2008. Falklands’ Governor Alan Huckle will be drawing up a wide-ranging programme for her in consultation with elected members, according to a release from Government House.
