Stories for August 31st 2006

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazil sells China 100 mid sized commercial aircrafts

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced Wednesday in Sao Paulo the sale to China of 100 commercial planes, totalling a 2.7 billion US dollars contract.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Ex-Argentina leader testifies at trial

The first civilian president after Argentina's dictatorship ended in 1983 defended his administration's amnesty laws while testifying at a human rights trial, but said he felt relieved when the laws were overturned.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Colombia charms oil and gas investors

Colombia has become a hot spot for oil and gas exploration in Latin America as energy multinationals face increasingly hostile business conditions elsewhere in the region, industry experts say.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Australia, France to sign Southern Ocean fishing treaty

Australia and France have agreed to sign a treaty to fight illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean, the waters encircling the continent of Antarctica.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian diplomacy denies alleged Lula's admissions

Brazilian ambassador in Chile described as mere “fantasy” alleged statements by President Lula da Silva particularly offensive towards Chile, Argentine president Nestor Kirchner and former Uruguayan president Jorge Batlle.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Peru and Mexico negotiate free trade pact

Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez said here Thursday that his country and Peru are “90 percent” of the way to concluding a free trade agreement.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Argentines protest against violent crime

Tens of thousands of protesters held aloft candles and photographs of murder victims Thursday night, exhorting President Nestor Kirchner to get tough against rampant crime.

Thursday, August 31st 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Blair refuses to set departure date

Tony Blair has faced down Labour rebels by refusing to set a timetable for his departure.