Stories for May 2008

Thursday, May 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine farmers' conflict resumes in uncharted terrain

Frustrated Argentine farmers returned on Wednesday to protest pickets in the country's highways following 21 days of conflict and 36 of truce during which no sound agreements were reached with the reluctant and stubborn President Kirchner administration.
Thursday, May 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Probes into France's Alstom for alleged bribing in S. America

The French engineering giant Alstom, famous for its high speed trains and power stations is under investigation by Swiss and French officials for alleged briberies to gain contracts in Asia and South America between 1995 and 2003.
Thursday, May 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ferry-operator to take leading control of Aerolíneas Argentinas

The head of the main ferry system in the River Plate will be joining the Spanish owned Aerolíneas Argentinas as one of the leading shareholders, once the air carrier has been audited according to reports in the Buenos Aires press.
Thursday, May 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Half of Argentine 2007/08 crop retained in the farms

The extended Argentine farmers/government conflict, which was triggered in early March when the new sliding export taxes system was announced, and its renewed eight days of protest, have left an estimated 44 million tons of grains and oil seeds unsold, valued in approximately 12 billion US dollars, according to market analysts interviewed by the Buenos Aires press.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
ENAP/Methanex sign agreement to look for natural gas

Enap, Chile's government owned oil corporation and Methanex the huge methanol complex in the extreme south of the country signed this week an agreement to speed exploration and production of natural gas in the region.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Growing fears of a major eruption from the Chaiten volcano

Chilean authorities declared on Tuesday a maximum alert and ordered the complete evacuation of two towns after the Chaiten volcano, erupting nearby, increased its activity, spewing out lava and ash.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina: confusing versions tilt farmers' conflict to the edge

In spite of conflicting versions over the latest round of talks between Argentine farmers and government representatives both sides agreed on a recess until tomorrow Wednesday when they will retake discussions on the sliding export levies which triggered a three weeks conflict in March and promises of more if no agreement is reached.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina fisheries exports drop 15% during first quarter

Argentina's fisheries exports in the first quarter totaled 85.320 tons, equivalent to 177 million US dollars which represents a drop of 15%, volume and money; 15.422 tons and 31.7 million US dollars less, according to the latest official release.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil working on idea of a sovereign wealth fund

Brazil's Finance Minister Guido Mantega announced in Brasilia that the government is working on creating a sovereign wealth fund of as much as 20 billion US dollars. The fund would help finance overseas investment and acquisitions by Brazilian companies.
Wednesday, May 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US ambassador says Argentina should look at global context

United States Ambassador to Argentina Anthony Wayne warned that Argentina should “consider the international context” when taking economic decisions. However, he also emphasized that the present world economic situation had “positive elements” and offered “advantageous opportunities” for Argentina.