The debate about private or government control of public utilities is back in Argentina and polls indicate public opinion is divided on the issue but with a majority demanding at least a greater government regulatory presence.
A judge in Chile has indicted three Congress members belonging to the ruling coalition on charges of taking bribes.
Only forty days have elapsed since the most hated of all former Brazilian president Fernando Cardoso's ministers Pedro Malán left office, but trade union and business leaders are already saying they miss Mr. Malán.
The first Argentine private charter cruise vessel sailed last weekend from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego for its maiden voyage to the Antarctic with a group of Ukrainian scientists and officials who will be doing research work and supplying the Vernasky base, formally belonging to the British under the name of Faraday.
Magallanes Region two main abattoirs are operating at full capacity and anticipate that coming seasons will be even better for farmers in the extreme south of Chile given the free trade agreement with the European Union that became effective this month. Besides, this has meant an immediate increase in the Chilean lamb quota to the European market from three to five thousand tons.
Brazil's two largest airlines, Varig and Tam, announced they will be merging their operations in a joint venture to overcome the deep crisis in the industry. With a joint fleet of 218 aircraft and 29 million passengers a year, the joint venture to be listed in the stock exchange would be larger than some European airlines.
Mercosur will present this month its trade proposals to the European Union and to the United States sponsored Free Trade Association of the Americas, but with the necessary safeguards to ensure the blocks economic and social development.
Headlines: Tourism insurance calamity; Cruising the Islands; Falkland Islands Community School Sports.
A businessman who has seen the Falklands Islands as a young adventurer but never set foot on them travels there towards the end of March to take over the important post of General Manager of the Falkland Islands Development Corporation. The new FIDC General Manger is Julian Morris, who spoke about his hopes and plans to Correspondent Harold Briley.
The new Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Falkland Islands and Latin America, Mr Bill Rammell, has been briefed by a delegation from the Falkland Islands Association, led by former Governor, Sir Rex Hunt.