Stories for May 2008

Saturday, May 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Volcano victims complain of price gaugin

Chilean government spokesperson Francisco Vidal on Thursday disclosed an increased relief package for victims of the ongoing Chaitén Volcano eruptions. The announcement comes in response to allegations that Puerto Montt residents have been overcharging displaced Chaitén residents for rent.
Friday, May 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“Worst of financial turbulence is over”, but hangover persists

The worst of the global financial turbulence is over, but the effects on the world economy will be felt for some time, the head of the International Monetary Fund said Thursday in Brussels before a European Parliament committee.
Friday, May 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Newly reinstated US Navy IV Fleet “poses no threat” to region

The commander of United States Southern Command, Admiral James Stavridis reassured Latin American military chiefs that reinstating the US IV Fleet in the region posed no threat and will respect maritime claims, including offshore oil reserves.
Friday, May 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bernanke urges banks to continue capital-raising efforts

United States Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke urged financial institutions to remain proactive in their capital-raising efforts as market and economic conditions improve but he also called for better risk management amid “ongoing fragility” in the markets.
Friday, May 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine farmers' conflict becoming an attrition process

Striking Argentine farmers opposed to a hike in export taxes decided on Thursday to extend the stoppage for another week but also sent a letter to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner requesting an “urgent meeting” following on her Wednesday appeal for a national dialogue.
Friday, May 16th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines: Les and Duel nab 18th win; Scholars dispute claim; Flights suspended to three island airstrips; Sex offender avoids prison; News in Brief.
Thursday, May 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
International airport next to Torres del Paine Park

A blue print to turn Puerto Natales airfield in the extreme south of Chile into an international airport was announced this week by the regional government.
Thursday, May 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
WTO optimistic about Doha accord before 2008 is over

World Trade Organisation director general Pascal Lamy said it is still possible that trade ministers could meet this month to work out the outlines of an agreement in the Doha Round of world trade talks.
Thursday, May 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine media reacts to government attacks on Clarin

The Argentine association of newspapers, Adepa, publicly expressed concern about attacks from “government and government related sectors” against the Argentine press in general and particularly against editors and journalists from Clarín.
Thursday, May 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falklands Oil & Gas ready to begin drilling in 2009

Falkland Oil and Gas Ltd., which operates in the southern and eastern regions of the Falkland Islands, said it expects to begin exploratory drilling in 2009. FOGL secured last October a farm in deal with mining giant BHP Billiton.