Stories for December 2006

Friday, December 22nd 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Rockhopper penguin numbers tumble in South Atlantic

Rockhopper penguins, a type featured in the movie “Happy Feet,” have suffered a mysterious 30 percent decline in numbers over five years in their South Atlantic stronghold, conservationists said on Friday.
Friday, December 22nd 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine mines laid in 1982 could be cleared.

Thousands of Argentine landmines which remain in the Falkland Islands could be successfully cleared sometime in the future.
This is the confident prediction of Landmine consultant Paddy Blagden, who headed a team from Cranfield University, which has just completed a feasibility study into minefield clearance in the islands.
Thursday, December 21st 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay ratifies support for Spain's “facilitating” efforts

Uruguay denied Wednesday it had rejected Spanish King Juan Carlos' “facilitating” efforts, following press reports in Buenos Aires attacking Uruguay for allegedly having desisted of the royal support to reestablish dialogue in the pulp mills controversy.
Thursday, December 21st 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chile: US$4.815 billion foreign investment in 2006

The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) reported that in 2006 the amount of foreign investment in Chile reached US$4.815 billion, 183 percent higher than in 2005.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian Congress' pay increase shock the country

Brazil's Supreme Court (Supreme Federal Tribunal) ruled Tuesday that a decision by congressional leaders to almost double the salaries of senators and representatives must be put to a vote in Congress.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Latest data question US inflation is under control

United States producers' prices (wholesale prices) registered last November the biggest increase in three decades, while the housing slump showed signs of bottoming out.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Lack of reforms agenda frustrates Brazilian industry

Brazilian manufacturers expressed Tuesday their “frustration” given the absence of an official reforms agenda to help thrust economic growth next year which is forecasted to be in the range of 3.5%.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
World Bank loan to ensure Uruguay's free of FAM status

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved Tuesday a 6.5 million US dollars loan for Uruguay to support the Foot and Mouth Disease Emergency Recovery Project and create a full-coverage livestock tracking system in order to keep the country virus-free and minimize economic losses.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
U.S. environmental group opposes Aisen project in Chile

Chilean Patagonia, one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas, is receiving major attention these days from a large and very well-connected U.S. environmental group.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Helicopter Veteran of the Falkland 's War becomes Scotland's new Admiral

The Royal Navy has today appointed a new Flag Officer for Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. He is Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War and later the captain and commander of a Type 23 frigate.