Inflation in Brazil reached 7,6% last year compared to 9,3% in 2003 according to the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute, IBGE.
Petrobras, the Brazilian government owned oil consortium admitted its oil extraction in 2004 dropped 3,2% compared to 2003.
Venezuela officially announced it supports Chilean Minister of Interior Jose Miguel Insulza as candidate for the post of Secretary General of the Organization of American States, OAS.
Brazilian Trade and Development Minister Luiz Fenando Furlan strong criticism of the country's current financial, monetary and Mercosur policies were openly applauded by Brazilian industry and exporters but caused great irritation inside President Lula da Silva administration.