MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Blair pushes for a CAP review in Brazil.

In an unexpectedly strong speech, British Primer Minister Tony Blair said in Brazil that “the future of trade negotiations between Europe and Mercosur” depends on a review of the European Common Agricultural Policy, CAP

During a press conference with Brazilian president Fernando Cardoso, Mr. Blair insisted it was time the "fifteen (European members) put an end to protectionist agricultural policies and eliminated tariff impediments stamped on produce from developing countries". Further on Mr. Blair said that the development of economic blocks and having closer relations between Europe and Mercosur, very much rests on eliminating obsolete policies and barriers that impede business opportunities for countries such as Brazil and Argentina. "The elimination of these obstacles could inject into the world economy at least 400 billion US dollars, which will mostly favor developing countries", stressed Mr. Blair who repeated the main message of his statement in Sao Paulo. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that Mr. Blair chose Brazil for the strong speech because the European Union needed change itself if it wanted other areas to change. "You cannot argue for reform in Latinamerica unless you are prepared to take up the need to modernize and liberalize outdated industries in Europe", indicated the spokesman. Mr. Blair also pointed out that the European economic summit in Barcelona next March would be a "make or break" for the reform agenda. The summit will come three months after Euro notes start circulating in the continent.

Patagonia freezes

Snow storms and freezing temperatures of up to minus 23 Celsius in Patagonia, have left at least 18 dead, over a thousand homeless and millions of dollars in lost property and production. Particularly in the provinces of Rio Negro, Chubut and Neuquen, the exceptional harsh weather conditions have turned the road system inaccessible isolating whole areas where residents remain unaccounted, while rivers blocked by rocks and ice have flooded thousands of acres. Helicopters have been called in to supply families in remote outposts and the few 4x4 vehicles that circulate only dare to do so in daylight. Road clearance equipment is proving insufficient and authorities are warning that after the cold and blizzards recede, when the thaw comes, more floods are to be expected. Most of the evacuated lived close to the overblown rivers and it is