Maoist guerrilla Shinning Path threatened to boycott Peru's general election next April and the Peruvian government promised it will combat all armed groups endangering the electoral process.
Argentina and Chile will sign this week an agreement for the creation of a combined regional military force in support of United Nations peace efforts worldwide.
Brazil, once almost completely dependent on imports for oil, early next year, Brazil will begin producing as much oil as it consumes, and shortly thereafter it'll join the ranks of the world's net oil exporters.
Thousands packed Saint Peter's Basilica for Pope Benedict's first midnight mass at the Vatican. Outside the church, in the square, many more braved the cold night air and watched the ceremony on giant screens.
The Peruvian government has formally approved 12 of the 17 charges that it plans to present in the extradition case against former president Alberto Fujimori
British Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted diplomatic challenges in relations with Argentina but reiterated Britain's commitment to the Falkland Islands right to self determination and congratulated the Islanders on the introduction of long-term fishing rights for Falklands' companies.
Former Argentine president Fernando De la Rua accused Friday president Nestor Kirchner of taking Argentina to the dangerous threshold of fascism for having disrespected and poked fun of presidential institutions.
With the vote count almost completed and no prospects of dropping below the 50% benchmark, coca growers' leader Evo Morales will become next January 22 Bolivia's first even Indian president.
Brazilian government owned oil-company Petrobras confirmed Thursday the acquisition of Anglo-Dutch oil giant Royal Dutch Shell assets in Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay totalling 140 million US dollars.
Headlines:
Merry Christmas; High oil price pushes up electricity cost; Korean company fined after chase; Holiday cruisers.