Stories for April 23rd 2008

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Bachelet calls for a regional security and defence policy

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet invited Army chiefs from Mercosur and associate countries to consider the development of a common security and defense policy for Latinamerica.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Argentine farmers frustrated with government tactics

Argentine farmers and government officials couldn't reach an agreement Tuesday on wheat taxes triggering fears of a revival of the three week protests which caused food shortages and a major political challenge to the administration of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Paramilitary links closer to Colombian president Uribe

In spite of running on a sustained high wave of public opinion support, --the best performance of any leader in the Americas--, Colombia's Alvaro Uribe this week faced a major challenge when his cousin, political ally and former Senator Mario Uribe Escobar was taken into custody for allegedly colluding with rightwing paramilitary groups.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Rice prices soar on fears Thailand could ban exports

Rice prices have ballooned to fresh heights in Asian trade amid concern that export bans by key producing countries will hit supply. Curbs are in place in India and Vietnam to protect domestic supply and there are fears that Thailand, the world's largest producer, could follow suit.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Elected Paraguayan president confirms Mercosur membership

Elected president Fernando Lugo, who takes office on August 15, pledged to maintain Paraguay's membership in the Mercosur trade block, which includes Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, and strengthen integration mechanisms. He also announced he would seek relations with Beijing, currently non existent.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

Illex season to begin in Argentina/Uruguay common fishing zone

The Joint Technical Commission for the Argentine-Uruguay Maritime Front (CTMFM) agreed to open the squid (Illex argentinus) fishery in the bilateral Common Fishing Zone. The resolution was published in Argentina's Official Bulletin of 22 April, and is set to come into force once it is published in Uruguay's Official Bulletin