Stories for 2006 , page 49

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

China's economic growth “softens” to 10.4%

China's GDP expanded slightly slower in the third quarter, 10.4% as a direct consequence of measures to contain the overheating of the economy, reported the Chinese Statistics Office in Beijing.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Ozone hole over South Pole breaks record

US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report this year's ozone hole in the polar region of the Southern Hemisphere has broken records for area and depth.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Argentina forecasted to expand for fifth year running

The Argentine economy is forecasted to expand over 8% in 2006 for the fourth year running and with a comfortable carry on effect of 3% into 2007, reported Argentina's Central Bank, which originally was estimating a 7% growth.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Who has a free press and who hasn't

North Korea is the worst violator of press freedom in the world while journalists in Finland, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands enjoy the most liberty, according to a new index released this week by “Reporters Without Borders”.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazil and Bolivia make progress

Brazilian Energy Minister Silas Rondeau said yesterday there has been progress in talks with Bolivia on new contracts for state energy company Petrobras to comply with Bolivia's gas sector nationalization.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Morales firm on deadline

President Evo Morales yesterday declared that Bolivia must not back down from an October-28 deadline to complete the nationalization of its oil and gas industry.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Brazilian president hammered in debate

Centrist Geraldo Alckmin hammered President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva over corruption allegations in the third televised debate ahead of an Oct. 29 runoff election.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chilean fisheries exports soar in value

Chilean fisheries exports advanced 10.6% in the first eight months of 2006 compared to the same period last year totaling 1.039 billion US dollars reports Sonapesca, the country's Fisheries Society.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Chile fears Panama Canal rates hike

Last Sunday's landslide support for expanding the Panama Canal is causing concern in Chile since the financing of the massive project has yet to be revealed.

Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

Latinamerican growing populism is becoming “worrisome”

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leader of Chile's ruling coalition junior partner Soledad Alvear addressed in Berlin during a forum the current political situation in Latinamerica, which was described as “worrisome” particularly because of the “advance of some populist governments in the region”.