Stories for December 7th 2008
S. Atlantic frigate reassigned to pirate hunting in E. Africa
The Falkland Islands are to be left without the protection of a Royal Navy warship for the first time since the 1982 South Atlantic conflict, reports the Sunday edition of The Telegraph.
Venezuela opposition rejects Chavez plan: “14 years is enough”
Venezuelan opposition parties have formally rejected a plan by President Hugo Chavez to amend the constitution and enable him indefinite re-election. In a joint statement, the opposition said: “Fourteen years are sufficient.”
Brazilian inflation down but priorities are stimulus and jobs
Inflation in Brazil eased in November amid a slowing economy and dwindling consumer confidence reinforcing the view that the Central bank has room to hold interest rates next week for the second straight month. The Brazilian government is also expected to make further announcements to prop the economy and jobs.
British author named Artist for Peace by Unesco
The prize-winning British children's author and illustrator Lauren Child has been selected as the latest Artist for Peace by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the agency announced.
Successful testing of natural gas strike in Chilean Patagonia
Latinamerican oil and gas exploration and production company GeoPark Holdings Limited reported the successful testing of a natural gas well in Magallanes region, extreme south of Chile, with an initial output of 1.300 barrels of oil per day equivalent, boepd.
Viña del Mar expects an “invasion” of 150.000 Argentines
An estimated 150.000 Argentine tourists are expected to cross the Andes to enjoy the beaches of Viña del Mar in the coming months of January and February, which represents a 25% increase over last year's season according to Chile's Tourism Office, Sernatur.
Chilean vessel manages to out run Somali pirates
A Chilean cargo vessel managed to outrun an attack with rifles from pirates in the north east of Africa, according to Arturo Claro Fernandez, vice-president of Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores, CSAV, one of Chile's main maritime transport companies.
