Stories for April 8th 2004

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Memorial nears completion; Geo Pacific finishes seismic survey for Desire Petroleum; Illex closes April 14; Tourism round up; Coroner opens inquest; Governor's good news.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Australian armed patrol capability in Southern Seas.

Australia will be protecting her interests in the Southern Ocean with a permanent armed patrol capability beginning next July, announced Australian officials this Monday in a statement emphasizing the government's strong stand against illegal fishing. In 2003 only Australia managed a record 138 apprehensions along her vast 37,000 kilometers coastline.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Cuba divides Chilean ruling coalition.

With 67 favourable votes, 18 against and 18 abstentions the Chilean Lower House condemned the Cuban regime of President Fidel Castro for its human rights policy.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian president approval plunges 15 points.

With mounting labour and peasant unrest public opinion support for Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plunged 15 points in the first quarter of 2004 according to private pollster IBOPE.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

A third of Argentine households supported by women.

Women are the main support in 32% of Argentine households according to a poll taken by a private consultancy company with the purpose of assessing the consequences of the 2001/03 financial and social crisis.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Venezuelan heavy fuel for Argentine cattle.

Venezuela will receive 25,000 head of cattle from Argentina as part of the trade agreement signed this week in Caracas with the purpose of helping Argentina overcome the energy crisis.

Thursday, April 8th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

Lagos: ”It's his (Kirchner's) problem, not ours”

Chilean president Ricardo Lagos further complained this Wednesday against Argentina for the cuts imposed in the natural gas provision to Chile and stressed that written commitments must be honoured in spite of the supply difficulties confronted by the neighbouring country.