Stories for January 3rd 2008

Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
“Child of the FARC” frustrates hostages' release in Colombia

DNA samples have been taken from relatives of a woman held by Colombian rebels to try to determine if her young son is in a Bogota foster home.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine expatriates remittances soared eight times in 5 years

Remittances from Argentine expatriates soared eight times between 2001 and 2006 according to the latest report from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latinamerica and the Caribbean, CEPAL.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Plume of ash and gas from Chilean volcano drifting to Argentina

The eruption of Llaima, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile has had an impact in the neighboring province of Neuquén, Argentina, where a yellow alert is on and an emergency plan has been elaborated.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
South Georgia stamp issue celebrates New Int. Polar Year

In commemoration of a new International Polar Year (March 2007- March 2009) South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are issuing a series of stamps which will be available this month. South Georgia has been closely linked to polar scientific research from the very first International Polar Commission back in 1879 in the city of Hamburg.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina: 2008 hake quota cut 20% to 270.000 tons

The Argentine Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food (SAGP&A) authorised a TAC of 270,000 tonnes of hake (Merluccius hubbsi) for this year -- a 20.5 per cent or 70,000 tonne cut compared to the quota fixed for 2007, which amounted to 340,000 tonnes.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
OPEC warns oil prices could climb even higher

Oil prices hovered on the record 100 US dollars a barrel even after Indonesia OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) governor Maizar Rahman said the cartel has the capability to increase production by 500,000 barrels a day in the coming February meeting. However he warned that oil prices could climb even higher.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China's forecasts for 2008: 10.8% growth and inflation 4.5%

China's economy is forecasted to expand two digits for the sixth consecutive year in a context of inflation, which was record in a decade in 2007, reported this week the Shanghai Securities News, quoting a government think-tank.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Brazil's Lula da Silva promises jobs and infrastructure in 2008

Brazil will invest heavily in infrastructure this year which will help create jobs and boost the economy said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his weekly broadcast.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Former rebel general running for president in Paraguay's election

Paraguayan retired General Lino Cesar Oviedo, recently absolved of charges of uprising in 1996, will register as an official candidate for the coming presidential elections, announced the party that sponsors him the National Union of Ethical Citizens, Unace.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Bolivian approval for gigantic iron and steel project

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., an Indian steel and power producer, secured government approvals from Bolivia for its 2.1 billion US dollars Mutun iron ore and steel project, its largest investment overseas.