Stories for May 22nd 2006

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

“Friendly” Ecuador on collision course with US

Ecuador is a “friendly” country but will defend its interests warned Ecuadorian president Alfredo Palacio in a live national broadcast in direct reference to dispute with U.S. Occidental Petroleum which is also threatening a free trade agreement with United States.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilians protest violence in Dignity Day

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets of the country's main cities on Sunday to protest the attacks and ensuing violence that rocked Sao Paulo for almost a week with a death toll of 172 plus hundreds wounded and arrested.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Montserrat Volcano Ash Grounds Flights

A huge cloud of ash billowing from an island volcano forced the suspension of some international flights over the Caribbean on Sunday, airline and airport officials said.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Peru challengers hold TV debate

The two men vying to become Peru's next leader have faced each other in a debate two weeks ahead of the country's run-off presidential election.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Offshore health and safety laws to be updated

CHANGES are to be made to offshore health and safety legislation.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chile president pushes social agenda

President Michelle Bachelet said yesterday that Chile will use some of the billions of dollars from its booming copper exports to advance her social agenda, creating 130,000 jobs while investing in health, housing and education.

Monday, May 22nd 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Air pollution unites ordinary Spaniards and Gibraltar

Although there are areas of disagreement between Gibraltar and Spain, ordinary people in both countries are united in being deeply concerned after an incident at the weekend.