Stories for July 2008

Wednesday, July 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine farmers reject gov. attempts to divide them

Argentine farmers' organizations have anticipated that they will only meet with government officials as a group and reject efforts to divide them. The warning follows statements from Argentina's new Agriculture minister who argued the liaison committee lacks “representativeness” hinting he would talk to each farm association on an individual basis.
Wednesday, July 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ban calls collapse of Doha round trade as “disappointing”

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced on Wednesday disappointment at the collapse of the Doha round of trade liberalization negotiations, expressing concern over the effect of the breakdown of the talks on developing nations.
Wednesday, July 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine electricity rates hiked in July from 10 to 30%

Faced with energy shortages after years of minimum investment, neglected maintenance and frozen rates the Argentine government announced this week electricity hikes to the tune of 10 to 30% for residential customers, the first since 2002.
Wednesday, July 30th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
P Arenas safest city but minors' drinking major problem

Punta Arenas is the safest city in Chile but it has an important drawback which is minors' alcohol consumption, admitted the Carabineros regional chief Mayor Humberto Riffo during the presentation of the annual report to local authorities.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Right moment for Montevideo port to become regional hub

The recurrent conflicts in Brazilian ports are having a direct impact on River Plate maritime traffic but the situation could be overcome if Montevideo expands its facilities and becomes a hub for the region, according to maritime agents.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
IMF warns credit crunch is extending to the whole world

The global credit crunch shows no signs of abating, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its latest global financial stability report the IMF says that falling house prices and slowing economic growth are hitting credit.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Paraguay's incoming government reiterates support for Mercosur

Paraguay is not planning to abandon Mercosur “in spite of the overall disappointment because we have received no advantages” said the incoming Foreign Affairs minister of president elect Fernando Lugo.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN General Assembly president visits South America

General Assembly President Srdjan Kerim left Monday night to Latin America for a three-country visit that will focus on issues ranging from climate change and financing for development to counter-terrorism efforts and advancing reform of the United Nations.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean mining companies, Latam's most profitable

Chilean mining companies top the list of Latin America's 500 most profitable companies, according to the magazine América Economía.
Tuesday, July 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN outgoing chief of missions says “force does matter”

The days of United Nations missions fielding only unarmed observers are long past, according to the outgoing head of the world body's peacekeeping operations, who said on Tuesday that peacekeepers need to be able to wield force to get respect and make a difference.