Stories for October 17th 2005

Monday, October 17th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

Venezuela, Mercosur full member next December

Venezuela will become a “full member” of Mercosur next December, following an agreement with the current four members, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, announced in Spain Uruguay's Foreign Affairs minister Reinaldo Gargano.

Monday, October 17th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

Desire's progress continues

DESIRE Petroleum plc continues to progress towards exploratory drilling in the Falklands.

Monday, October 17th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

OPEC uneasy with barrel of oil above 60 US dollars

High oil prices are causing a contraction in world demand according to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, (OPEC), latest monthly report issued Monday in Vienna forecasting a 2005 demand increase of 1,4% instead of 1,7% as originally estimated.

Monday, October 17th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

Fears of further FAM outbreaks in Brazil

New outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in the Brazilian state of Matto Grosso do Sul have been reported and 280 head of cattle have been sacrificed in a farm close to where the first cases were confirmed last week.