Stories for October 26th 2009

Oct. 26th 2009 - 5:51 am UTC

Brazil to increase diesel bio-fuel content to 5% next January

Lula da Silva cautioned production should not impact food supplies

Brazil will raise the bio-fuel content of its diesel to 5% up from 4% previously, after President Lula da Silva approved the proposal on Friday.

Published in Energy & Oil, Brazil.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 5:45 am UTC

Chilean fresh fruit exporters suing government for overcharges

Fresh fruit exports total over 200 million US dollars annually

In early November a Chilean court will rule on a 108 million US dollars lawsuit brought by 126 Chilean fresh fruit export companies against the nation’s Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) agency.

Published in Economy, Latin America.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 5:40 am UTC

Uruguayan president to be decided in run-off at the end of November

Jose Pepe Mujica, the incumbent and most voted of presidential candidates.

A run off at the end of November was the result of Sunday’s presidential election in Uruguay since no candidate managed 50% plus one of the votes, as had been anticipated by most pollsters.

Published in Politics, Uruguay.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 3:21 am UTC

Fifth Type 45 destroyer “Defender” launched in Scotland

A formidable ship capable of carrying out a wide range of operations

Thousands turned out on the banks of the Clyde in Scotland to cheer on the latest ship to make up the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 destroyer class. Defender sailed for the first time this week.

Published in Politics, International.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 3:14 am UTC

Ecuador overrides 2.000 pharmaceutical patents considered “indispensable”

President Rafael Correa had anticipated his intention to apply the “compulsory licenses” right.

Ecuador made public on Sunday a presidential decree overriding over 2.000 pharmaceutical patents in order to provide more affordable medicines to the people of Ecuador.

Published in Politics, Latin America. 4 comments

Oct. 26th 2009 - 3:12 am UTC

Ten Colombian amateur soccer players killed in Venezuela

One of the 12 men survived the ordeal, while another was still missing, Venezuelan authorities said. Phot AFP

Venezuela said on Sunday at least 10 members of an amateur Colombian soccer team had been found dead after being kidnapped on its side of the border. Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizalez told reporters the men were found with bullet wounds in various parts of the western state of Tachira, on the border between the two neighbouring countries.

Published in Politics, Latin America.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 3:06 am UTC

Revenue hungry Argentine government tightens fiscal measures

Electronic bills for all major transactions

The Argentine government announced a package of fiscal control measures on Thursday, including the use of electronic bills for sales of imported goods, second-hand car sales and hotel operations.

Published in Economy, Argentina.

Oct. 26th 2009 - 2:26 am UTC