Stories for August 18th 2006

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Argentine economy grows 8% in first half of 2006

The Argentine economy grew 8.2% in June compared with the same month a year ago, expanding at a slightly faster pace than in May, the Economy Ministry revealed in Buenos Aires Thursday.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

British River Plate routing commemorated in London

Belgravia in the heart of London was this week the stage for the commemoration of an event that two centuries ago helped change the course of history in the River Plate.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Falklands' wool cooperative initiative controversy

Speaking on the Falkland Islands Radio Station's mid-day news programme on Thursday, Councillor Dr.Andrea Clausen, the Chair of the Islands' Development Board, said that there had been no pressure put on farmers to join in an initiative aimed at cutting out the middle men between Falkland Islands wool producers and the world-wide buyers of their product.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Ten bidders for Punta Arenas Free Trade Zone

Ten companies have expressed an interest in the 23 year Punta Arenas Free Trade Zone concession. The current concession of Parenzon Chile Ltd expires February 2007, reports Punta Arenas “La Prensa Austral”.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Island Shipping goes bust;
Education Director: ?nothing but praise' for A Level results;
News in brief:

Telephone refund; Popular tourism job;
Conferencing councillors.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chile proposes to Peru joint promotional campaign for “pisco”

The Chilean government on Thursday proposed to Peru that the two countries conduct a joint promotional campaign for “pisco” - grape brandy - after the World Intellectual Property Organization recognized the validity of Chile's manufacture of the traditional Peruvian liquor.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Stroessner laid to rest in Brazil

The body of Paraguay's longtime former dictator was laid to rest here Thursday in the foreign soil where he spent his quiet exile, while back home some of those nostalgic for his rule paid tribute and others complained that Alfredo Stroessner never had to answer for his many heinous crimes.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Three out of four Chileans have mobile phones

Almost three out of four Chileans have a mobile phone, according to a recent 3G Américas study. In a country of 15 million residents, more than 12 million have a mobile phone.

Friday, August 18th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Fidel's health is better, Raul Castro says

Gen. Raul Castro, the younger brother of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, said in an interview published Friday by the official daily Granma that the latter is feeling better after undergoing risky surgery and expressed thanks for the numerous messages of solidarity and support that had been received.