Stories for August 15th 2009
US Navy huge multi-purpose vessel calls in Punta Arenas
USS Makin Island one of the latest built and largest US Navy multi-purpose amphibious assault ship called in Punta Arenas, in the extreme south of Chile after having sailed through the Magellan Strait.
UK direct rule on Turks and Caicos Islands following corruption probe
The UK has imposed direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands after an inquiry found evidence of government corruption and incompetence. The administration of the UK Overseas Territory in the Caribbean has been suspended for up to two years and power transferred to the UK-appointed governor. Politicians are accused of selling crown land for personal gain.
US libertarian think-tank supports legalizing undocumented workers
A new study from the libertarian CATO Institute concludes that legalizing the more than eight million undocumented workers in the United States would have significant economic benefits for the country, while simply enhancing border enforcement and applying restrictive immigration laws would actually hurt the US economically.
Colombia completes military deal with US and invites Brazil to join
Colombia would like to increase its military ties with Brazil and other South American countries, President Alvaro Uribe said on Friday after the Foreign Affairs ministry announced it had completed talks with Washington on allowing US troops to use seven Colombian military bases.
Colombian church confirms talks with FARC rebel leaders
Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrillon confirmed this week that he has talked with the leader of Colombia’s largest rebel group as part of the church’s hierarchy’s effort to mediate an end to the decades-long civil war.
Mexico/Uruguay sign strategic association accord and advance trade
Mexico president Felipe Calderón and Uruguay’s Tabare Vazquez signed on Friday in Montevideo a Strategic Association accord to strengthen political dialogue and bilateral trade relations in the framework of the 2004 free trade agreement.
