Stories for March 16th 2005

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

IMF demands from Argentina respect for investors.

The International Monetary Fund Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato demanded from Argentina respect for foreign investment following President Nestor Kirchner's national boycott proposal against oil corporation Shell.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

New elections proposed to solve Bolivian crisis

Bolivian President Carlos Mesa in a dramatic appeal on national television Tuesday night announced he would propose Congress advancing elections as the only possible mechanism to put an end to the ongoing social-political crisis that threatens to engulf the country in a blood bath.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Steep growth of foreign investment

Foreign investments grew a steep 44 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2004, reaching a record $56.4 billion, a United Nations agency reported yesterday.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

EU's Mandelson hopes Mercosur talks to resume in May.

The European Union hopes to resume stalled talks that aim at setting up a free trade agreement with South American trade bloc Mercosur by May at the latest, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said yesterday.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

WTO leadership candidate makes case to EU

Uruguay's Carlos Pérez del Castillo urged European Union legislators yesterday to back him for the job of director general of the World Trade Organization, saying the post should go to a person from a developing country.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Spain's Marsans might sell Argentine airline

Spanish travel group Marsans is seeking partners to invest in its Aerolíneas Argentinas unit, and would even consider selling it entirely if the price were right, a source close to the company said yesterday.

Wednesday, March 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Airport for St. Helena by 2010

The British territory of St Helena, in the south Atlantic, has been given approval to build its first airport. The Department for International Development (Dfid) said the remote island - accessible only by ship - should have air access by 2010.