Stories for December 2007

Sunday, December 9th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Bolivian assembly approves new draft constitution

A special Bolivian constituent assembly approved this weekend a new draft constitution, despite a boycott by the main opposition party. Bolivians will now have a chance to vote on the changes in a national referendum next year.
Sunday, December 9th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
South Korea declares state of disaster in oil-spill coastline

The South Korean government has declared a “state of disaster” along a stretch of coastline affected by the country's worst ever oil spill. A fleet of 100 ships are fighting to contain the (66.000 barrels) 10-000 ton spill, but emergency workers have been unable to prevent the oil washing ashore.
Sunday, December 9th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil's vision of Mercosur includes all of South America

Changes in Argentina are an opportunity for closer political links and economic ties with Brazil while the two leading South American countries work in the construction of a Mercosur extending from the Caribbean to Patagonia, said Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister Celso Amorim.
Sunday, December 9th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Bank of the South is born in B. A. among leaders' cheers

Six South American presidents launched Sunday in Buenos Aires the Bank of the South, the region's answer to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund as a source for development funds.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falklands' RAF gunners monument unveiled in Honington

A former head of the RAF said he hoped air force gunners would get the credit they deserved after unveiling a monument in Honington to commemorate their contribution in the Falklands Islands, reports the East Anglia Daily Times.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Fears of US slowdown seem to be affecting Japanese economy

Japan revealed Friday that its economy grew by much less than previously thought in the third quarter of 2007 amid a housing slump and slower investment by firms in new factories and equipment.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Intense Falklands' oil drilling campaign forecasts Rockhopper

Rockhopper Exploration reported Friday that Wavefield Inseis had successfully collected the site survey data over the Ernest prospect in oil exploration license PL024, 100km off the Falkland Islands.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine beef exports reach 1.15 billion US dollars

In spite of government restrictions to overseas sales Argentine beef exports expanded 9% in the ten first months of 2007 reaching 1.155 billion US dollars according to data from the country's Health and Agro Food national service, Senasa.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Repsol YPF finds important natural gas field in Bolivia

Repsol YPF SA, Spain's largest oil company, discovered natural gas at a field in southeast Bolivia that may be large enough to supply the equivalent of 1% of consumption in its home country.
Saturday, December 8th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine Navy to control 200 miles plus high seas fisheries

Argentina authorized sea and air tracking of illegal fishing outside the country's Economic Exclusive Zone, in the 200 miles plus area of international waters and will eventually give notice to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) of transgressors, according to the Buenos Aires press.