Stories for March 25th 2006

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Peru, a “worrisome democracy” says UN report

A United Nations report shows most Peruvians so disappointed with democracy that they would prefer the return of an authoritarian regime.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

EU Trade Commissar begins Mercosur tour

The European Union Trade Commissar Peter Mandelson from Britain will be visiting Chile, Argentina and Brazil next week to discuss bilateral issues and promote international trade negotiations.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

UN guidelines to protect global fish stocks

With the world's appetite for fish continuing to grow and three-quarters of global fish stocks either fully exploited, over-exploited or depleted, guidelines for strengthening a landmark treaty to protect those stocks were adopted Friday at United Nations headquarters, as delegations wrapped up five days of preparations for a May review of the treaty.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chile expects another difficult year for gas supply

Foreign Affairs Minister Alejandro Foxley struck a pessimistic this week regarding Argentine natural gas supplies to Chile: ”It is absurd to try to deny it to Chileans; this year (the gas issue) will be even more complicated than last”.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Significant drop in mad cow cases reports UN

In good news on the health front, a United Nations agency reported this week an annual 50% drop worldwide over the past three years in cases of Bovine Spongiform Encepalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, blamed for causing a fatal degenerative illness in humans.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Wildlife watching becoming multi billion industry

Wildlife watching is fast becoming a multi-million if not multi-billion dollar industry with the potential to fight poverty by pumping vital income into local communities and conservation initiatives and showing that many wild animals were “worth far more alive than dead,” according to a U.N. report released today.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chile confirms purchase of 118 Leopard II tanks

The Chilean Ministry of Defence confirmed Friday in Santiago the purchase of 118 German made Leopard II tanks, which will replace armored equipment from the Chilean Army

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

HMS Liverpool patrols South Georgia Island

Royal Navy Task Group 337.01 comprising Type 42 destroyer HMS Liverpool and RFA Gold Rover deployed to South Georgia Island between 17 and 21 March 2006.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Pulp mills dispute: announced summit “conditioned”

Suspending the construction of the controversial pulp mills is a previous “condition” to the scheduled summit of Uruguay and Argentina's presidents, warned this Friday in Buenos Aires Chief of cabinet Alberto Fernandez.

Saturday, March 25th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Argentine says not just military was behind the dictatorship

Argentina's president told his compatriots Friday that not only the military was responsible for the coup 30 years ago that ushered in nightmarish years of abduction, torture and murder, but that significant parts of the citizenry, the church, the press and political parties must also shoulder a portion of the blame.