Stories for November 2009
Mercosur, India and African nations begin trade and investment talks
Brazil launched this week in Geneva a round of negotiations to further liberate trade between Mercosur, India and the Union of Nations from Austral Africa with the purpose of ratifying south-south cooperation, while global negotiations in the framework of the Doha Round remain stalled.
Paraguayan Senate “freezes” Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation
The Paraguayan Senate is also turning its back on Venezuela’s president Hugo Chavez Mercosur incorporation request. A leading Senator from the ruling coalition said that under current circumstances, and Chavez latest statements makes it “virtually impossible” to decide on the issue.
Bolivia’s Morales and opposition fighting for control of Senate next Sunday
Bolivian president Evo Morales is set to win next Sunday’s general election and could even manage 24 of the 36 Senate seats thus ensuring the full control of the future Pluri-national Legislative Assembly, according to the latest opinion polls.
Hondurans voted on Sunday but legitimacy of results remains unknown
Honduran cattle rancher Porfirio Lobo apparently won the presidency of the Central American country that is trying to overcome a five-month political crisis and rebuild its economy, according to exit polls and preliminary results released by television and radio stations.
The Ibero-American summit remains divided over the Honduran crisis
The Ibero-American summit of 22 countries began Sunday in the seaside resort of Estoril, Portugal, amid divisions over the elections being held in Honduras. Foreign ministers were unable to reach a common position on the situation where ousted president Manuel Zelaya has called for a boycott of the elections staged by the de facto government.
United Arab Emirates promises extra liquidity to Dubai’s banks
The central bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it will provide banks with extra liquidity. The news comes days after the state-owned Dubai World said it would ask for an extension on repaying its debts, sending world stock markets tumbling.
Lucky strike: Brazil supports England’s bid to host World Cup in 2018
The world's most successful football country has delivered a fresh lifeline to England's under-fire bid to host the World Cup in 2018. Brazilian President Lula da Silva said the time was right for the tournament to come back to Britain for the first time since 1966.
China admits “controllable and gradual measures” rises in Yuan’s value
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday a stable Yuan is good for both China and Europe and reiterated Beijing's policy of allowing only gradual and manageable rises in the currency's value.
PINTA '09 showcases Latin American art from 60 art galleries in Latin America
There were few signs of a recession ridden United States at PINTA '09, the modern and contemporary art fair, showcasing Latin American art from 60 art galleries in Latin America, the United States and Europe. The third annual art fair held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York might be a young fair, but upon closer inspection of the high quality of art produced in Latin America, it has become an important player in the global art scene presenting the best of Latin American art not only to the United States, but also to the world.
Mujica reaches out to the opposition and calls for political agreements
Jose “Pepe” Mujica, 74, from the ruling Broad Front coalition was confirmed Sunday as Uruguay’s next president having defeated in the run-off 51.9% to 44.1%, Conservative candidate and former president Luis Alberto Lacalle.
Pope says treaty between Argentina and Chile was ‘an example of peace before barbaric violence'
Pope Benedict XVI hailed a 1984 Vatican-mediated friendship agreement between Argentina and Chile as a “luminous example” of peace winning out over war during an audience Saturday with the presidents of both countries.
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Chile Invokes Pinochet-Era Anti-Terrorism Law Against Mapuche Demonstrators
In comparison to other countries in Latin America, Chile boasts relatively stable political institutions, particularly free and fair elections, and a substantial middle class. As a result, this South American country is widely recognized as a model for democratic development and respect for constitutional procedures throughout the region.
Mercosur/EU trade talks to resume next Monday in Portugal
Mercosur countries are preparing a meeting with European representatives on the sidelines of the Ibero-American summit this weekend in Portugal to confirm their “interest” in reactivating trade negotiations with the EU, according to Spanish diplomatic sources.
Mujica supports Lula da Silva government style and his Iran policy
Uruguay’s incumbent presidential candidate Jose “Pepe” Mujica again supported Brazilian president Lula da Silva’s administration and policies, describing as a “genius move” the decision to receive this week in Brasilia the controversial Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Unasur calls on Europe not to recognize Honduras Sunday election
The Union of South American Nations, Unasur will not recognize Sunday’s presidential election in Honduras organized by the de facto regime, announced in Brussels Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa who called on the European Union to adopt a similar attitude.
