Stories for July 2008

Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
June inflation in Uruguay, 1.28% and 5.44% in six months

The June Consumer Prices Index in Uruguay soared 1.28% over May, totalling 5.44% inflation in the first half of the year according to the official release from the National Statistics Institute, INE.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
FAO warns about impact of increasing land degradation

Land degradation is on the rise in many parts of the world, with direct consequences for an estimated 1.5 billion people – or a quarter of the world's population – the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO said on Wednesday, calling for renewed attention to tackle the issue.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Peruvian president tells Bolivia's Morales “to shut up”

Peruvian President Alan Garcia said on Tuesday that he was sick and tired of Bolivian President Evo Morales criticizing Peru's trade pact with the United States, spreading false rumors about American military bases and urging Peruvians to protest in the street.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Typhoon becomes RAF most advanced multi-role aircraft

The Royal Air Force's Typhoon aircraft marked another milestone in its capability this week when it was declared operational in the air-to-ground role, becoming the Service's most advanced multi-role aircraft. The multi-role capability means that RAF Typhoons can now carry out precision Ground Attack as well as Air Defence tasks
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombian forces free Ingrid Betancourt & 14 other hostages

Colombia announced Wednesday afternoon that its military had rescued former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, three US military contractors and 11 other hostages from leftist rebels.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina's Supreme Court rulings could torpedo export taxes

Argentina's Supreme Court could play a decisive role in the several months stand off between the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and farmers over the implementation of levies on grains and oil seeds exports.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil announces massive support plan to increase crops

Brazil has promised farmers 78 billion Reais, approximately 48 billion US dollars, in soft loans to promote agriculture production and help curb inflation announced on Wednesday the country's development bank, BNDES.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Dow Jones down 20% from Oct. peak; GM lowest since 1954

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed more than 20% below its October 2007 peak on Wednesday, meaning it is officially a bear market. The blue-chip index fell 166.8 points or 1.46% to 11,215.5, which is 21.0% below its 14,198.1 close on 11 October.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombia visiting McCain was informed of rescue operation

In a bid to boost his foreign policy credentials United States Republican presidential candidate John McCain began in Colombia a three-day visit to Latin America, highlighting his support for free trade and progress against narcotics and terrorism
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Betancourt praises Colombian Army and President Uribe

Former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt said she was grateful to the Colombian Army and President Alvaro Uribe for her liberation on Wednesday together with other fourteen hostages from the FARC rebel group.