Stories for May 26th 2005

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Andes tragedy: Officers could be jailed ten years

The Chilean Army officers allegedly responsible for the deaths of 34 recruits and the missing of another 11 in the snow covered Andes could receive prison sentences of up to 10 years, judicial sources said Wednesday in Santiago.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Bolivian Armed Forces support President Mesa

Amid continuing street protests and coup rumours Bolivian Armed Forces expressed Wednesday their full support for President Carlos Mesa after two rebellious officers called for his resignation.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Venezuela demands tax and royalty arrears from oil industry

Venezuela's Energy minister and head of the government owned petroleum company PDVSA said Wednesday that foreign corporations operating in the country will have to pay an additional 30% royalty on excess crude oil production.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Lan Argentina will fly to all domestic destinations

Lan Argentina formally requested all the air routes that the Argentine government was insistent the new operator had to cover --whether they were profitable or not--, putting an end to several weeks of controversy.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Paris rated the most vital hub

The most difficult air route? Getting from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland/Malvinas Islands to Wasu, Papua-New Guinea, requires 15 separate flights.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Chile and EU closer to an open skies agreement

The European Union and Chile are working in the finishing touches to an open skies agreement which will enable reciprocity for air operators of each side, announced Luxembourg's Foreign Affairs minister Jean Asselborn.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Former EU Trade representative confirmed WTO chief

Former European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy, of France, was confirmed Thursday as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian inflation strong in spite of interest rate

Brazilian inflation remains strong in spite of the extremely tight monetary policy with the basic interest rate (Selic) standing at 19,75%.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

New Zealand Governor General in Chile

New Zealand Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright is currently on an official visit to Chile where she held talks with President Ricardo Lagos.

Thursday, May 26th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

Congress and Greenpeace after Lula da Silva

Brazil's Congress will for the first time investigate alleged corruption cases in the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following a congressional agreement between the opposition and some groups of the ruling coalition.