Stories for December 13th 2004

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Lula da Silva's coalition dismembers

The Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, (PMDB) decided this Sunday to abandon the ruling coalition of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and adopt an “independent” position in Congress.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Gibraltar: “we're not far from an agreement”.

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana expressed confidence in the process of talks in which the British Overseas Territory has embarked and on the initial contacts with senior British and Spanish diplomats in Chevening, Kent this weekend.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Mexico and Chile, strongest candidates for OAS

Mexican Foreign Affairs minister Luiz Derbez admitted that Chilean Minister of Interior Jose Miguel Insulza is “a strong rival” for the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, OAS. However Mr. Derbez trusts he will finally prevail because, Mexico is a “leader” in the region.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

The Lagos administration at his best moment.

Chilean president Ricardo Lagos popularity is at its highest rating since taking office: 68%. The highest of any Chilean president after four and a half years of mandate which means the ruling coalition is in an undisputable situation to win the next presidential and congressional elections.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Punta Arenas hotel industry in a bind.

Punta Arenas hotels are fully booked for December and January and the season has been described as “excellent”. This has had a positive impact on hostels, motels and bed and breakfast homes that meet the spill over demand.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Chilean economy picking up strongly

Chile's foreign debt reached 44,8 billion US dollars last October 31, which is 1,4 billion more than last December 2003, according to preliminary figures from the Central Bank.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Bill Rammell visits Venezuela and Peru

Bill Rammell, Foreign Office Minister for Latin America, is visiting Venezuela and Peru from Sunday to December 15.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Unveiling Pinochet's bacteriological lab.

A prosecutor will be sending the Chilean Army an official letter requesting all information available on the bacteriological laboratory that the Army had in Santiago during the military regime of General Pinochet.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Fisheries News.

Headlines: Chile leads in farmed salmon production; EC calls for closures in some fishing grounds; South Africa grants large pelagic rights locally; N Z seafood industry thankful for additional quotas; Chilean salmon industry acquires Norwegian laboratory; Fishmeal and Fish Oil landings of 15.3 million tons; RCEP calls for fishing species protection in UK.

Monday, December 13th 2004 - 20:00 UTC

Leadership Change for Falklands Association.

A major change in the leadership of the Falkland Islands Association has brought renewed pledges of support for Falkland Islands' self-determination and determined resistance to Argentina's persistent sovereignty claim.