Stories for 2008

Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China, Taiwan sign landmark trade and transport agreements

China and Taiwan signed this week landmark agreements to improve direct trade and transport links, following the highest-level Chinese visit in decades. The agreements are set to triple the number of weekly direct passenger flights and allow cargo shipments between ports in China and Taiwan. They also aim to improve the postal service and food safety.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Patagonian fungi produces “myco-diesel” from cellulose

A unique fungus that makes diesel compounds directly from cellulose has been discovered living in trees in the Patagonian rainforest. “These are the first organisms that have been found that make many of the ingredients of diesel,” said Professor Gary Strobel from Montana State University. “This is a major discovery.”
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Suitcase scandal moves from Miami back to Buenos Aires

US-Venezuelan citizen Guido Alejandro Antonini Wilson was paid to testify that a cash-stuffed suitcase he smuggled into Argentina from Venezuela was for the successful presidential campaign of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, alleged a top Argentine Cabinet minister.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay resumes sales of live cattle and sheep to Egypt

Uruguay has resumed live animal sales to Egypt with a first shipment of 12.000 cattle and 40.000 sheep in late October. Egypt for years was an important client of Uruguayan beef and live animals but for several years the market had remained closed.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Puerto Madryn has scheduled 43 cruise calls and 45.000 pax

Puerto Madryn in the Argentine Patagonia province of Chubut is expecting 43 cruise vessel calls this coming season, --which will extend until April 17, 2009--, totalling an estimated 45.000 visitors, according to reports in the local press.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UN Uruguayan forces instructed to open fire in Goma defence

Uruguayan peace keeping forces are under instructions from United Nations to protect the Congolese city of Goma, which is threatened by advancing rebels led by Laurent Nkunda, according to statements from Alain Le Roy, head of UN peace keeping operations.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay's president re-election campaign divides coalition

The campaign for the re-election of Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez has triggered a controversy inside the ruling coalition with, for the first time, a serious public exchange between the leader and a member of Congress.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay investigates local ramifications of suitcase scandal

Ramifications of the suitcase scandal involving Venezuela, Argentina and a Miami federal court have reached Uruguay, where a local judge has requested information from the Central Bank on accounts from some of the characters named in the trial.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Mexican president closest advisors killed in jet crash

Mexico's Home Secretary and other top officials have been killed after the small jet they travelling in went down in the centre of Mexico City. The first reports from the Mexican government currently in a full war against the drug barons, said there were no indications, so far, of a terrorist attack.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Latam leaders praise Obama and hope for improved relations

Leaders across Latinamerica Wednesday welcomed the election of Barack Obama as the president of the United States and prospects of better relations with Washington.