Stories for December 2008

Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK/Argentina talks to bury remains of pilot in Falklands

Argentina and the United Kingdom are involved in negotiations for a humanitarian flight to the Falkland Islands to carry the remains of an Argentine pilot for his burial at the cemetery in Darwin, according to Monday reports in the Buenos Aires press.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cruise vessel Ushuaia again sailing freed by Chilean navy

Chilean Navy officials said that the cruise ship M/V Ushuaia that ran aground in Antarctica four days ago is again sailing on its own. Navy Captain Patricio Espinoza said Chilean tug-boat Lautaro finished freeing the cruise ship early Monday.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine industry demands a more “competitive” Peso

In spite of the several stimulus programs announced by Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, manufacturers are demanding a “more competitive” exchange rate, particularly with the Brazilian Real. Brazil is Argentina's main trading partner.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chile/Peru squabble over copper bill and military spending

A call by Peru that Chile scrap a law that earmarks a percentage of copper windfalls for military equipment is “unacceptable” said Chilean government spokesperson Francisco Vidal.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
S. Atlantic frigate reassigned to pirate hunting in E. Africa

The Falkland Islands are to be left without the protection of a Royal Navy warship for the first time since the 1982 South Atlantic conflict, reports the Sunday edition of The Telegraph.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela opposition rejects Chavez plan: “14 years is enough”

Venezuelan opposition parties have formally rejected a plan by President Hugo Chavez to amend the constitution and enable him indefinite re-election. In a joint statement, the opposition said: “Fourteen years are sufficient.”
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian inflation down but priorities are stimulus and jobs

Inflation in Brazil eased in November amid a slowing economy and dwindling consumer confidence reinforcing the view that the Central bank has room to hold interest rates next week for the second straight month. The Brazilian government is also expected to make further announcements to prop the economy and jobs.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
British author named Artist for Peace by Unesco

The prize-winning British children's author and illustrator Lauren Child has been selected as the latest Artist for Peace by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the agency announced.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Successful testing of natural gas strike in Chilean Patagonia

Latinamerican oil and gas exploration and production company GeoPark Holdings Limited reported the successful testing of a natural gas well in Magallanes region, extreme south of Chile, with an initial output of 1.300 barrels of oil per day equivalent, boepd.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Viña del Mar expects an “invasion” of 150.000 Argentines

An estimated 150.000 Argentine tourists are expected to cross the Andes to enjoy the beaches of Viña del Mar in the coming months of January and February, which represents a 25% increase over last year's season according to Chile's Tourism Office, Sernatur.