Mercosur

• Wednesday, July 2nd 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Uruguay supports “monetary convergence”

  Uruguay that is holding the Mercosur chair for the next six months will give priority to the creation of a monetary and exchange rate convergence on the lines described by Argentine Minister of Economy Roberto Lavagna.

• Tuesday, July 1st 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Lula 's standing remains strong.

  With six months in office Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's support remains virtually unchanged in 42% according to a poll from Datafolha, aired this weekend in Sao Paulo.

• Tuesday, July 1st 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  A Lady for Peru.

  The first woman Primer Minister in the history of Peru was sworn in by President Alejandro Toledo ending a week long political crisis.

• Tuesday, July 1st 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Well done for Kirchner and Lavagna

  An overwhelming majority of Argentines, 83,5%, believe the country's situation will improve and a similar percentage consider President Nestor Kirchner's is doing a “good or very good” job, according to the latest opinion poll published this Sunday in the Buenos Aires press.

• Monday, June 30th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  With Brazil's prodding, CAN closer to Mercosur

  The Community of Andean Nations, CAN, agreed this past weekend to accelerate the decision making process with the purpose of achieving a free trade agreement with Mercosur by the end of the year and so be better prepared for the coming United States sponsored Free Trade Association of the Americas, FTAA.

• Monday, June 30th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Majority against President Chávez

  If a revocatory referendum against Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is called, 62% of Venezuelans would vote against him, while 30% would support him according to a poll released this weekend in Caracas, the country's capital.

• Monday, June 30th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentina clips wings of speculative capital

  Argentina imposed a six months compulsory “residence” on incoming financial capital. The regulation that already exists in other South American countries and excludes foreign trade operations and “direct foreign investment” is targeted to ease the impact of speculation in local financial markets.

• Sunday, June 29th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Mexico Extradites Cavallo to Spain.

  Under heavy security, a former member of Argentina's military was extradited Saturday to Spain on charges of genocide and terrorism for allegedly torturing dissidents during his country's “Dirty War” against government opponents.

• Friday, June 27th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine Chief Justice resigns.

  Argentina's Chief Justice Julio Nazareno resigned Friday following weeks of bitter conflict with the executive branch and congressional moves to impeach him, Supreme Court officials told to the press.

• Thursday, June 26th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Lowest US interest rate since 1958.

  The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates this Wednesday a quarter percentage the lowest level since 1958 and suggested there could be further measures, since the economy “has yet to exhibit sustainable growth”.