Stories for January 6th 2011
Cuba: Massive cruise liner docks in La Havanna to much fanfare
A salsa band, dancing schoolchildren and showgirls in bikini tops and feather headdresses welcomed some 1,500 tourists on a British cruise liner that officials described as among the biggest ships to visit Cuba in years.
Haiti: Sexual violence against women increasing
Women and girls living in Haiti’s makeshift camps face an increasing risk of rape and sexual violence, Amnesty International said in a new report released today.
Argentina reaffirms Malvinas’ sovereignty; blasts UK reluctance to discuss sovereignty
Argentina reaffirmed Monday its “imprescriptible” sovereignty rights over the Malvinas and other South Atlantic islands and considers “incomprehensible” the British negative to find a peaceful and definitive solution to the controversy as mandated by the international community.
Chile: an Opus Dei convent or a country on the Liberal path?
Under the heading of: “Chile, the convent of the Americas? A country between the Opus Dei and Liberalism” the German journalist Maurice Weibel analyzes Chilean politics, where the followers of Escriva de Balaguer have a dominating presence in politics and over the agenda to update values in a country on the move to join the developed world.
Punta Arenas on strike over a planned 20% gas price hike
The southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas had its largest strike in decades Wednesday in response to a government proposal to increase the price of gas in the region by 20%.
Second contraction year for Venezuela; 2% expansion forecasted in 2011
Venezuela’s economy contracted 1.9% 2010, marking a second year of recession according to a release from the Central Bank. The economy shrank 3.3% in 2009, but President Hugo Chavez's government said the country is now pulling out of recession and on course for 2% growth in 2011.
Slow Start To Chile’s Tourism Season; fewer Argentines than expected
With its vast array of natural attractions and top-class services, Chile is an attractive tourism destination for Latin Americans, as well as global visitors.
Chile supports Israel-Palestine peace dialogue; Piñera to visit the area next March
The Chilean presidency Secretary General Eva Von Baer reterated this week that the Chilean Executive “fully supports the dialogue between both sides, the state of Israel and Palestine, and we support the continuation of such dialogue, and from that dialogue the creation of an independent Palestine state”.
Brazil enforces new reserve requirements to weaken the Real vis-à-vis US dollar
The Brazilian currency Real weakened after the central bank introduced reserve requirements on short positions in U.S. dollars held by local banks with the purpose of weakening the Real which this week reached a historic high against the greenback.
China to the rescue of Europe confirms purchase of Spanish sovereign debt
Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has said Beijing is willing to buy about Euro 6 billion worth of Spanish public debt, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Thursday, citing government sources.
