Stories for July 28th 2003

Monday, July 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Much frustration and nil satisfaction

The last Friday decision of the Brazilian Central Bank to cut the basic interest rate, Selic, from 26 to 24,5% seems to have frustrated businessmen and unions since it's not considered sufficient to revert growing unemployment and local demand contraction.

Monday, July 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

World's major observatory in Chile

Chile signed last week the loaning during the next fifty years of 42,000 acres in the north of the country for the building of the world's major astronomy observatory, an undertaking that will demand over 550 million US dollars.

Monday, July 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Regional FAM alert

A “regional alert” against foot and mouth disease was announced in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, at the end of a meeting of Agriculture and Livestock Ministers and experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile and Peru.

Monday, July 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Hepatitis “A” outbreak in Chile.

A 32% increase in hepatitis “A” cases during the first five months of 2003 compared to a year ago has caused great concern among Chilean sanitary authorities who are seriously considering a massive vaccination campaign.

Monday, July 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Majority favour extradition of Argentine military

A majority of Argentines consider as “correct” the recent decision of President Nestor Kirchner to revoke the decree that impeded the extradition of Argentine military allegedly involved in human rights crimes.