Stories for December 2008

Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean vessel manages to out run Somali pirates

A Chilean cargo vessel managed to outrun an attack with rifles from pirates in the north east of Africa, according to Arturo Claro Fernandez, vice-president of Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores, CSAV, one of Chile's main maritime transport companies.
Saturday, December 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
New Peruvian Army chief helps overcome rift with Chile

Peruvian Armed Forces “never again” should be involved in politics and must only be committed to the protection of democracy said the incoming Army Chief General Otto Guibovich on Friday helping to cool a spat with neighbouring Chile.
Saturday, December 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina and Chile recall John Paul II and celebrate peace

Argentina and Chile commemorated Friday in Punta Arenas the 30th anniversary of the papal mediation which prevented a full fledged war between the neighbouring countries caused by a limits dispute over three islands next to the Beagle channel in Tierra del Fuego.
Saturday, December 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Russian warship crosses Panama Canal after 64 years

The Admiral Chabanenko had earlier completed manoeuvres with Venezuela's navy, coinciding with a Latin American tour by the Russian president.
Friday, December 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine plan to boost consumption and exports

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner unveiled Thursday a new set of measures to boost the economy including credits for the auto sector and consumption as well as a reduction in export duties on wheat and corn.
Friday, December 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines: Norwegian Sun marks the arrival of Falklands summer; Missing cocaine: Not guilty pleads Spanish fisherman; Chief of Police's conduct under investigation; Skype users low priority?; The week's cruise ships.
Friday, December 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Heavyweight Lagos quits Chilean presidential race

Former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos announced he's not running in next year's presidential race, leaving the ruling but weakened centre-left Concertacion coalition without its main contender.
Friday, December 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Antarctic cruise passengers rescued and oil leak contained

All aboard a cruise ship stranded off Antarctica are “in perfect health” and 87 (82 passengers and 5 crew members) have been rescued reported on Friday the Chilean Navy. The rest of the crew remained on board to help with rescue operations.
Friday, December 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
US jobless rate rises to 15-year high, and worsening

The US economy lost 533,000 jobs in November, the biggest monthly cut since 1974, the US Labour Department said on Friday. In a dramatic indication of the worsening economic situation, the US jobless rate rose to a 15-year high of 6.7% from 6.5% in October.
Thursday, December 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
British Airways exploring potential merger with Qantas

British Airways announced it is exploring a potential merger with the Australian flag-carrier Qantas Airways. However BA warned there was “no guarantee that any transaction will be forthcoming”.