Stories for August 5th 2009
The future of Antarctic science will depend on international cooperation
The National Antarctic Programs have reached a consensus that international cooperation will be the clue for the future development of polar science. This is the main topic of discussion at the XXI Annual Meeting of the Council of Managers of Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), especially with increased costs associated with support, logistics and infrastructure necessary to carry out the scientific research in the White Continent.
US military forces in Colombia included in Unasur’s agenda
The deployment of US military personnel in Colombian bases and its implication for the region has been included in the agenda of the Union of South American Nations, Unasur, which convenes this week in Quito, Ecuador, according to the country’s Foreign Affairs minister Fander Falconi.
First man on the moon on Falklands cruise next November
The legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong who landed on the moon 40 years ago, is set to visit the Falkland Islands this coming cruise season. The pioneer who took that first “small step for man” will be aboard the National Geographic Explorer for a 21-day cruise to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica in November.
Morales nightmare: Chile’s “pinochetistas” and Argentine “fascists”
Bolivian president Evo Morales said he was quite concerned with the possibility that the “Pinochetistas” in Chile and the “fascist right” in Argentina could win the general elections in those countries, according to the country’s government news agency, ABI.
Former Argentine president De la Rúa indicted in bribes case
The Argentine Federal Appeals court has confirmed the indictment of ex-president Fernando de la Rúa in a case linking the former Radical president to the payment of bribes at the Senate in 2000 and which ended with a major political crisis.
Uribe tours South America in support for his military plans with the US
Colombian president Alvaro Uribe is visiting most South American countries to explain the extent of the understanding currently under discussion with Washington and which will enable an increase of US military personnel distributed in several Colombian bases, an initiative which has received strong reactions across the continent.
Lula da Silva boasts Brazil now advises the IMF
President Lula da Silva said that Brazil is climbing out, and strengthened, from the deep global financial crisis and underlined that “Brazil is now advising the International Monetary Fund, IMF”.
Leopard tanks corruption in Chile jails two generals and summons ministers
Two retired Chilean army officers have been charged with accepting bribes for the purchase of Dutch armoured vehicles in 1998. The men are accused of taking a 600.000 US dollars bribe over the sale of 200 Leopard tanks.
US forces in Colombian bases controversy overshadows regional military summit
United States General Douglas Fraser, in charge of US Southern Command operations covering South America said that there are good reasons for the deployment of US military units in Colombia bases, but also stressed that no final deal had yet been struck.
