Stories for January 2008

Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Santiago has dearest basic services of S. American capitals

Santiago de Chile residents pay more for their light and water than the citizens of any other capital in South America, according to a recent survey conducted by the EL Mercurio newspaper.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Tug to the rescue of Chilean fishing vessel adrift in Pacific Ocean

A high-seas tug left Punta Arenas on Thursday to the rescue of the Chilean flagged fishing vessel Antarctic Bay which has gone adrift after the engine broke down, according to naval authorities in the extreme south of Chile.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chile's Defence minister and top brass visit Antarctica

Chile's Minister of Defence Jose Goñi together with the commanders of the three services and Carabineros called in Punta Arenas before flying to Antarctica on Thursday.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Toyota breaks Ford's 75 year lock as US No 2 automaker

Toyota Motor Corp. overtook Ford Motor Co. to become the No. 2 automaker by U.S. sales in 2007, using new products and relentless strategy to break Ford's 75-year lock on the position. General Motors remained the US sales leader with 3.82 million vehicles.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina recalls 175 years of “illegal” occupation of Malvinas

On the 175 year of the illegal British occupation of the Islas Malvinas the Argentine government ratified its sovereignty claims over the Malvinas, South Georgia, South Sandwich and adjoining maritime spaces.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Political upheaval in Chile: Interior minister resigns

In the midst of the popularity slump confronted by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and unrest inside the ruling coalition, Interior Minister (Home Secretary) Belisario Velasco resigned on Thursday, anticipating a third cabinet renewal since the current administration took office.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Pope calls peace 'divine gift' in New Year's mass

Peace is a “divine gift,” Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday in his traditional New Year's Day mass, stressing the role of the family as an agent of peace.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Hostage rescue in Colombia collapses

A Venezuelan-led mission to rescue three hostages, including a 3-year old boy, from leftist rebels in Colombia's jungles fell apart Monday as the guerrillas accused Colombia's military of sabotaging the promised handoff.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Stomach bug downs passengers on 'cursed' ship

Cunard's £300 million MS Queen Victoria - which was officially launched by Camilla in Southampton three weeks ago when she failed to successfully smash the champagne bottle on its side - has been struck by a potentially fatal stomach bug.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela launches new currency to stem inflation

Venezuela launched a new currency with the New Year, lopping off three zeros from denominations in a bid to simplify finances and boost confidence in a money that has been losing value due to high inflation.