Stories for 2008

Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US cruise passengers to be reimbursed “fuel surcharges”

One of the world's top cruise operators has agreed to reimburse US passengers for fuel surcharges that were not adequately disclosed, the Florida attorney general announced Monday.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Mercosur leading role in China's increased beef imports

The United States Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts China's 2008 beef imports to increase nearly four-fold to 30.000 tons boosted by strong domestic demand and the Olympic Games peak next August and an overall domestic short supply.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina stops blind runner travelling to Falklands

Argentine authorities have refused a charter flight permit to allow a blind marathon runner, --and his dog--, to fly to the Falklands to begin his seven marathons on seven continents in seven days quest aimed at raising funds for charity.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon praises success of Rio Group summit

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded on Monday the outcome of this weekend's Rio Group Summit, which ended with the further resolution of tensions between Colombia and Ecuador.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine mining industry angry with change of rules

Argentina's mineral exports in 2007 fell 9.6% on the year in terms of volume but rose 22.2% in terms of value, according to a report from IES Consultores published in the Buenos Aires press. Exports last year were valued at 2.8 billion US dollars, with copper making up 62.6% of shipments, IES said.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
In Olympic year China's inflation seems set for a record

China's consumer prices index jumped in February to an 11-year high of 8.7%, presenting Beijing's leaders with a big economic headache in the run-up to the Olympic Games. Twelve months inflation in January was 7.1% and economists had expected a February figure in the range of 8 percent.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN warns on food prices and calls for production boost

In the wake of world food prices leaping almost 40% last year, the United Nations agricultural agency is calling on governments and businesses to boost production through investment.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chile, Uruguay, safest countries in South America

Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay are the safest countries in Latin America, while Haiti remains the most dangerous country when it comes to security for business executives and multinationals, according to the latest Latin Security Index developed by FTI Consulting Ibero America for Latin Business Chronicle.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Mercosur: Paraguay to consider Venezuela case after elections

Venezuela's incorporation to Mercosur will be considered by the Paraguayan congress following April 20 general elections, but the issue remains controversial and the outcome is uncertain anticipated the Senate's International affairs committee president.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Magallanes co-sponsors reopening of Antarctic base

Magallanes Region in the extreme south of Chile will co-sponsor the reopening of a base in the Antarctic continent which was inaugurated in 1947 but closed down in 2006, allegedly for budget reasons.