Stories for July 5th 2007

Thursday, July 5th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

Massive aid in basic services for Rio do Janeiro slums

The Brazilian government will spend 1.7 billion dollars to bring running water and other basic services to Rio de Janeiro slums to counter drug gangs that control many of the poor areas, announced President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Thursday, July 5th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

Fearing “pricing pressure” Bank of England raised rates to 5.75%

The Bank of England has raised interest rates from 5.5% to 5.75%, its fifth rate rise since last August and warned that inflation remains a danger, saying “most indicators of pricing pressure remain elevated”.

Thursday, July 5th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

Kirchner tries to smooth Chavez/Lula conflict

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner called Thursday on his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva to help smooth the way so Venezuela can become an active member of Mercosur.