Stories for June 2008

Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Lula and top aides in financial summit to curb inflation

Brazilian President Lula da Silva, cabinet ministers and his main economic advisors are considering a range of measures, (from budget cuts to pruning credit) with the purpose of curbing inflation according to Folha de Sao Paulo
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Roughly 60% Chileans in debt; 80% overspends

Roughly 60% of the Chilean population is in debt, according to a study published this week by the country's Central Bank. And perhaps surprisingly, middle class Chileans account for about 67% of the debt.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US drivers making less mileage for sixth month running

At a time of record-high gasoline prices and a corresponding surge in transit ridership, US citizens are driving less for the sixth month in a row, highlighting the need to find a more sustainable and effective way to fund highway construction and maintenance, said United States Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina honoring contracts with soy from Paraguay

Argentina is only shipping soybeans from Paraguay in an attempt to honor overseas contracts since no local supplies are arriving to export ports because of the 100-day farmers' stand off with the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentines support Congressional debate of farmers' bill

A clear majority of Argentines supports the government's decision to send the sliding export tax on grains and oilseeds to Congressional consideration, according to public opinion polls released in coincidence with the 100th day of the stand off between the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and farmers.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia closer to the sea: Chile grants free access in Iquique

Chile announced on Tuesday that the northern port of Iquique will be of free transit for Bolivia and suggested advances on the bilateral negotiation agenda for ending Bolivia's landlocked condition which dates back to 1879/1883 when the so called Pacific or Saltpeter war (*).
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine president sends farmers' tax bill to Congress

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez moved on Tuesday to defuse a prolonged political conflict asking Congress to ratify a sliding export tax hike on grains and oilseeds which has been at the heart of 100 days stand off with farmers.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
ISA has reached salmon farms in Magallanes Region

Salmon Infectious Anemia (ISA) which has been ravaging the salmon industry in Chile has reached the extreme south region of Magallanes, according to the country's Fisheries Service.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US anticipates military defeat for the Colombian FARC

Thomas Shannon US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs said he didn't discard a military defeat of the rebel guerrilla group FARC (Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces) because of the latest blows it has suffered in recent months from Colombian forces.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazilian press says Mrs. Kirchner “back stepped” in conflict

The Brazilian press unanimously considered that Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner “back stepped” in the 100 days dispute with farmers over export levies on oilseeds and grains.