Stories for January 28th 2004

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Regional News from Pta. Arenas.

Headlines:
APEC tourism summit in Punta Arenas; Maya V” crew mostly Chilean; Cattle Show in Magallanes.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Record 2004 US budget deficit, 477 billion

United States will have a new record budget deficit in 2004, estimated by the non partisan Congressional Budget Office, CBO, in 477 billion US dollars, equivalent to 4,2% of GDP, which could expand if greater health spending and tax cuts are approved.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

China steams ahead.

China's GDP expanded an incredible 9,1% last year reaching 1,4 trillion US dollars according to the National Statistics Institute in Beijing.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

“A better relation with creditors is crucial”

Argentina has a great chance to begin a path of solid growth, but a strong reduction in the country's debt is needed, “a three quarters cut” is essential, and a better relationship with creditors, according to Martin Wolf one of the “Financial Times” main columnist, former senior economist in the World Bank and Economics graduate from Oxford.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Chile honours Christopher Reeve, Superman

Chilean Foreign Secretary María Soledad Alvear in a touching meeting today bestowed the former Superman actor Christopher Reeve with the Grand Cross of the Bernardo O'Higgins Order for his actions in favour of human rights.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Argentina strips French company of licence

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner stripped a French owned company of its operating licence in the radio spectrum, the most aggressive action against a foreign investor in Argentina. The decision was announced hours before Mr. Kirchner's official state visit to Spain where he expects to face claims from Spanish investors regarding privatized public utility companies.

Wednesday, January 28th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

“Maya V”, conflicting versions

The captain of the Uruguayan flagged longliner “Maya V” apprehended last Saturday January 24 for allegedly illegally fishing in Australian waters denies any wrongdoing and insists the Australian frigate boarding party “was invited onboard to check because we have nothing to hide” in the vessel.