Stories for March 2007

Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina not interested in “Malvinizing” relations with UK

Argentina is not interested in “Malvinizing” relations with the United Kingdom, but bilateral links have fallen “hostage” of London's no negotiations policy over the Falkland Islands' sovereignty, claims one of Argentina's top diplomats.
Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Italy/Chile cooperation in renewable energy sector

Chile's presidential Palace La Moneda put out the red carpet this week for a quick official visit from Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi. During the day-long visit Prodi announced his country hoped to increase investment in Chile, especially in the renewable energy sector.
Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay sells 500 million US dollars in bonds and tightens credit

Uruguay sold this week 500 million US dollars in inflation-linked bonds denominated in pesos and due to mature in 2027, at a yield of 4.25% over inflation, said Economy Minister Danilo Astori.
Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chile leads Latinamerica in information technology

In a new study released this week by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Chile ranked 31 on a list of 122 countries for efficient use of information and communication technology. Only four Latin American countries made the top 50, of which Chile was the leader.
Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Uruguay is in no position “to slam the door on Mercosur”

“Uruguay should not slam the door on Mercosur” and on the contrary should argue in favor of a strategy of greater international insertion for the block recommended Francisco Panizza from the London School of Economics.
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
HMS Grafton becomes Chilean Navy's “Almirante Grafton”

Former Type 23 frigate HMS Grafton was delivered Wednesday in Portsmouth to the Chilean Navy and renamed “Almirante Lynch”, according to a release from the Chilean Embassy in London.
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Bernanke: “Increased uncertainty” about US economy

US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that uncertainty about the outlook for the US economy has increased and any future decisions on rates will depend on the evolution of growth and inflation.
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Fidel Castro published article to criticize US biofuels policies

Ending eight months of silence, ailing Cuban President Fidel Castro published an article in Cuban state media Thursday criticizing US environmental policies. The article published in the Cuban Communist Party Daily Granma was the first attempt by Castro, who is recuperating from intestinal surgery, to comment on international issues since he was taken ill in July 2006.
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands “business as usual” says Chief Executive

Responding yesterday to the announcement by the Argentine Government of the suspension of the British/Argentine Joint Agreement over oil exploration in the Special Area of Cooperation in the South Atlantic, Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands Government, Chris Simpkins, said that while the announcement by Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana was “unfortunate” it would have no practical effect and there would be “business as usual” in the Falkland Islands
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
“Latinamerica at the crossroads”, four possible scenarios by 2020

By Lord Triesman of Tottenham

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibilities for relations with Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Overseas Territories, the Commonwealth, UK visas, Migration policy, Consular policy, Public Diplomacy, including the British Council, the BBC World Service and the Chevening Scholarships Scheme.

The speech at the House of Commons, March 28, was the launching of FCO Latin America strategy paper