Stories for July 23rd 2007

Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Peru celebrates “Pisco Day” and revives origin dispute

Peru celebrated Sunday “Pisco Day” promising to improve the quality of the grape distilled alcohol, but above all defend its domestic origin form neighboring Chile, which also claims such a title. The dispute has reached the World Organization of Intellectual Property.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Lavagna promises to fight poverty and unify Argentines

Former Economy minister Roberto Lavagna, often credited with helping Argentina rebound from a deep crisis, launched on Saturday his campaign for the October presidential race with a promise to fight poverty and unify Argentines.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
CK begins in Spain the campaign trail leading to October 28

Argentine Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner begins this Monday in Madrid her first overseas tour since becoming presidential candidate with the purpose of increasing bilateral relations with Spain. Argentine elections are scheduled for October 28.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Energy long term policy, a challenge for S. American countries

Chile's impending energy crisis, sharpened by diplomatic tensions with Argentina and one of the coldest winters on record, was the theme of a seminar held last week in Valparaíso's Congress building. New Energy Minister Marcelo Tokman Ramos, Environment Minister Ana Lyn Uriarte and various members of Congress spoke at the event, which was titled “Energy Policy in Chile: A Challenge”.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil after Mercosur waiver to hike tariffs on shoes and textiles

Brazil is considering requesting a waiver from Mercosur with the purpose of hiking the common external tariff (AEC) on shoes and textiles from 20 to 35%, if Uruguay refuses to accept the proposal, reports the Sao Paulo press.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chavez has plans to remain in office 22 years, until 2021

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he believes unlimited terms in office should only be granted to the president - not to the governors and mayors of Venezuela. If so Chavez could remain in office for 22 years until 2021.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Massive loss of crops in Chile with little or no insurance

Chile's Central valley fruit and vegetable growers were not prepared for this winter's freezing weather in more ways than one. Agriculture authorities reported that only 8% of the crops destroyed by icy weather were insured against the cold.
Monday, July 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Spain's main daily puts on the table Falklands'dispute

This Monday, Spain's most prestigious newspaper El País from Madrid, brought light onto the Falkland Islands dispute by reproducing the speeches of Argentina's Foreign Affairs minister Jorge Taiana and Falklands elected Councillor Richard Davies before the United Nations Decolonization Committee in early June.