Stories for August 7th 2009
Mercosur works if Brazil makes it work, said Uruguayan presidential hopeful
The Uruguayan ruling coalition presidential candidate Jose Mujica said Brazilian president Lula da Silva promised to help speed power inter-connection between the two neighbouring countries, in the framework of Mercosur, in spite of Argentina’s non supportive attitude. He also underlined Mercosur depends on Brazil’s willingness.
Paraguayan Senate not interested in having Venezuela in Mercosur
The Paraguayan Congress is not interested in considering the protocol for Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur said Senator Miguel Carrioza, president of the Upper house.
US forces in Colombia controversy: Uribe’s tour considered “positive”
Colombian president Alvaro Uribe three day visit to seven South American countries to explain to his peers the extent of the military understanding with Washington, which includes deployment of US forces in seven Colombian bases, concluded with descriptions of “positive”, “cordial” and “very important”.
Falklands: Cruise numbers to slump as major operator pulls the plug
Retailers in Stanley are being urged to work smarter for the tourist dollar as future domestic cruise seasons face potentially devastating losses.
Following months of dispute Kirchner easing its grip on agriculture markets
Officials from the administration of Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner have announced a set of measures toward the liberalization of meat and grains exports -following demands made by farming organizations- in a move to resolve the ongoing conflict with farming leaders.
Senate confirms first Hispanic woman to serve on the US Supreme Court
The United States Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as the third woman and first Hispanic to serve on the US Supreme Court, a major victory for President Barack Obama. The Thursday vote by a margin of 68 to 31 was hailed as “a wonderful day for America” by President Barack Obama.
Jobs outlook in China remains “very grave” warn officials
China's job outlook remains “very grave” and could deteriorate further, a senior official has said. The government is under “enormous pressure” to create jobs, said Wang Yadong at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security
German icon of auto industry sees few signs of lasting recovery
Germanys’ carmaker BMW has said it sees few signs of a lasting economic recovery after it reported profits down by three-quarters for the April to June period. Net profit was 121 million Euros, down 76% from a year ago, with car sales down by nearly a fifth.
Chilean “tsunami” at wine contest in Santiago
Chilean winemakers nearly swept an international wine contest in July, winning all but a few accolades at the event. The contest, Vinalies Cata d’or América Latina 2009, was held at the Hyatt Hotel in Santiago The competition, put on by Italy, Spain and Portugal, as well as Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia.
US financial support for Brazil to develop massive offshore pre-salt oil deposits
United States is prepared to provide up to 10 billion US dollars in loans to finance the development of massive hydrocarbon reserves off Brazil’s coast, revealed Brazil’s Planning Minister Paulo Bernardo da Silva.
