Stories for September 16th 2009
Spanish apology to Argentina for “protocol error” involving Falklands’ delegation
Argentina formally accepted Wednesday apologies from the Spanish government which admitted having committed a “protocol error” on allowing the presence of a delegation from the Falkland Islands in an international fisheries sustainability conference, reports Efe, the Spanish government news agency quoting the head of Argentina’s Fisheries Department Norberto Yauhar.
Argentina protests Falklands participation in fishing summit
FALKLANDS delegates at an important fisheries conference in Spain were infuriated this morning by an Argentine protest against their participation. The First World Summit on Fishing Sustainability is taking place in Baiona, Pontevedra.
Uruguay farm-land sales down but prices pick up again
Farm land sales in Uruguay during the first half of 2009 dropped, but the average price for the hectare actually increased 25% compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest release from the Ministry of Agriculture Statistics Office (DIEA).
Uruguay and US express concern over possible arms race in South America
Uruguay and the United States expressed concern Tuesday that recent weapons purchases could lead to an arms race in South America. In a joint appearance, Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also pledged co-operation on trade, scientific research and other fields.
Unasur could not reach consensus on regional military affairs
The Union of South American Nations, UNASUR, ministerial meeting in Ecuador ended Tuesday with no consensus on regional military issues reported Colombia’s Foreign Affairs minister Jaime Bermúdez.
US Senator introduced bill to extend trade benefits to Uruguay
United States Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill Tuesday to extend US trade benefits to Uruguay. The move he says would increase pressure on Brazil to deepen commercial ties.
Uruguayan economy recovers in the second quarter with 0.5% GDP growth
The Uruguayan economy performed better than expected in the second quarter of 2009, having advanced 0.5% over the previous quarter and 0.2% over the same period a year ago, according to the latest release from the Central Bank.
Buenos Aires optimistic about the coming cruise season
In spite of the global slowdown, the cruise industry in South America seems to be steaming ahead according to the latest estimates from Buenos Aires Port, which for the coming 2009/2010 season is expecting 143 calls.
Extension of US trade embargo on Cuba, “disappoints” Brazil and Latinamerica
President Barack Obama decision to extend for another twelve months the 47-year-long US trade embargo on Cuba has “disappointed” Brazil and Latinamerica” said President Lula da Silva’s main foreign policy advisors.
Lula da Silva supports unrestricted political campaigning in internet
Brazilian president Lula da Silva came out strongly in support of Internet for political campaigning when the Senate is ready to vote a bill which establishes serious restrictions to such a communications tool.
