Stories for September 12th 2003

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Massive blackout

Chilean authorities are investigating an attack on a high power grid in the north of the country that left 300,000 people without electricity.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

IMF agreement with “social” targets

Brazil has decided to renew its current agreement with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, but will insist that the next understanding also includes more growth favourable clauses plus “social” targets.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian inflation steady.

Inflation in Brazil last August experienced a slight increase but in the framework of market expectations. According to the latest release from the Brazilian Geographic and Statistics Institute, consumer prices last month increased 0,34% following July's 0,2%.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

FAM outbreak cancels US sanitary inspection.

United States announced the indefinite suspension of a sanitary inspection visit to Argentina scheduled for next month following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in northern provinces neighbouring with Bolivia and Paraguay.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Where are you brother?

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner who successfully managed to reach a medium term agreement with the IMF thanked Latinamerican presidents for the support received during the frantic discussions, but also criticized the silence, although without mentioning him, of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Penguin News Friday 12th update

Headlines: Two names for Camp seat - Goss and Hansen begin the by-election race; FI tour operators' insurance worry; Shippers to Marchwood face higher costs; New passports available.

Friday, September 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Chavez poll petition rejected.

Venezuela's National Electoral Council on Friday deemed invalid the more than 3 million signatures collected by the opposition in an effort to hold a referendum on whether President Hugo Chavez should remain in office.