Stories for October 4th 2006

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Antarctic Ozone hole is worst ever recorded.

This year's hole in the Antarctic ozone layer is the worst on record, not only matching that of the year 2000 in surface area but registering the largest depletion ever measured of the naturally occurring gas that filters out cancer- and cataract-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays; the United Nations meteorological agency reported yesterday.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Oil should not fall below $60 a barrel

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Tuesday the price of oil should not fall below $60 a barrel, two days after the OPEC country cut its production to stem price declines.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Paraguay hardens U.S. military stance

Paraguay's decision to refuse diplomatic immunity for U.S. troops and not to renew a military cooperation pact sparked debate Tuesday, with analysts calling the developments a blow to U.S. attempts to improve regional ties.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Latinos debate forming regional force

Latin American defense ministers debated forming a regional peacekeeping force Tuesday, while the top U.S. defense official urged nations at a hemispheric conference to work together to combat drug trafficking and terrorism.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Domecq Garcia shipyard comes to life again

The Domecq García shipyard, tucked away in the southern corner of the City of Buenos Aires, is slowly coming to life again after having been stripped by the neoconservative economic policies applied in the 90s.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chilean Saieh group acquires hotel assets

Chile's Saieh family announced yesterday that it has acquired the assets of three hotels that used to be controlled by Arab magnate Gaith Pharaon, one in Buenos Aires, one in Santiago and one in Carmelo, Uruguay.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Dow Jones industrials hit record

Wall Street's blue-chip Dow Jones index closed at a record high last night as investors cheered tumbling world oil prices, which should boost corporate profits and ease fears of US inflation.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Uribe willing to talk

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said yesterday he was willing to hold peace talks with the country's Marxist rebel leaders, a softening of his stance against guerrillas fighting a 42-year-old insurgency.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Lan Chile and Gol airlines engage in price war.

In markets where firms have little with which to differentiate themselves, one way to lure more business has been to drive prices lower. This is exactly what Brazilian Gol Airlines and LAN are doing to international flights originating from Chile.

Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Falklands Councillor expects no change in Argentine attitudes

“This Argentine Government doesn't seem to be disposed to talking in any common sense fashion about managing our differences”