Stories for December 2008

Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
France receives first couple of former Colombian rebels

A young Colombian rebel who won hero status for freeing a kidnapped politician headed for France on Tuesday accompanied by his girlfriend, the world's most celebrated ex-hostage and a fat reward check.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean “limited” cabinet reshuffle as election year looms

A “limited” cabinet reshuffle is expected this week in Chile following the resignations of Labour minister Osvaldo Andrade and Deputy Interior minister Felipe Harboe, announced Minister of Interior Edmundo Perez Yoma on Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Record low for UK £ vs the Euro as recession advances

The British pound has hit a record low against the Euro amid more economic gloom for the United Kingdom. At its low point one pound bought just under Euros 1.14, its weakest-ever showing against the single currency.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Colombia promotes tourism and joins the cruise industry

The Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias became this week an intermediate boarding port for Royal Caribbean International Southern Caribbean cruise circuit which was marked with the arrival of “Enchantment of the Seas”.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur “is virtually fractured” Uruguay admits openly

Mercosur presidential summit next week in Brazil has on the table an agenda of several highly sensitive issues that could deepen the rift between senior members Argentina and Brazil and junior members Paraguay and Uruguay, according to Uruguayan parliamentary sources.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chinese exports drop 2.2% in November and imports 19.1%

China has reported a fall in exports for the first time in seven years as a result of the global economic downturn. Exports declined in November from the same period a year ago for the first time since June 2001, data show.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
IMF report exposed Spain's long term vulnerability

Spain could become stalled in protracted weak growth and high unemployment unless it undertakes reforms to raise productivity and cut costs, the International Monetary Fund said in a report published on Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 9th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Presidential hopefuls inflation in Uruguayan ruling coalition

Uruguay's ruling coalition Broad Front opened the way for a short list of five presidential pre candidates to compete for the official candidacy for the coming general election in October 2009. The decision was taken over the week-end at a national plenary of the coalition with 172 delegates from all the country
Tuesday, December 9th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Lucky minefield incident for landing crew in Falklands

A HORRIFIED Falklands vessel owner radioed for assistance for crewmembers of a Belgium flagged yacht who inadvertently wandered into a minefield on Saturday evening.
Tuesday, December 9th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
New Constitution signed on Falklands Battle Day

THE anniversary of the Battle of the Falkland Islands, the second major naval engagement of the First World War, was this year also the date chosen for the signing of the new Falklands Constitution.