Stories for 2008

Saturday, November 29th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur partners divided over protectionism

As was anticipated Mercosur senior members Argentina and Brazil proposed Friday an increase of the common external tariff, (AEC) for certain products, and as was expected junior members Uruguay and Paraguay rejected the idea.
Saturday, November 29th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Unemployment up and Nov. inflation plunges in Euro zone

Unemployment in the European Union 15 nations that share the Euro shot up to 7.7% in October ? the highest level in two years ? as growth dropped sharply. Inflation on the other hand plunged to 2.1% in November as oil came down from the record prices of last July.
Saturday, November 29th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Lan confident it can cope the coming air industry turbulence

LAN Chile is reviewing its investment plans given the expected deceleration in world air traffic next year, although the company remains particularly strong and resilient to outside turbulences, according to Enrique Cueto, executive vice-president of Chile's flan carrier.
Saturday, November 29th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay confident of weathering financial crisis, says FT

An optimistic overview of Uruguay's economic prospects for 2009 and 2010 was displayed by the country's Economy minister Alvaro García and Central Bank president Mario Bergara during an interview with Jude Webber from the Financial Times (November 28).
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines: One million pounds down the drain? Falklands minefield clearance to begin immediately; This week's cruise ships.
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay sponsors Portugal to Antarctic Treaty; Chavez out

Uruguay has no plans to lease or share one of its Antarctic outposts with Venezuela or to sponsor Venezuela's incorporation to the Antarctic Treaty, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Gonzalo Fernandez during a hearing before Parliament.
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK Treasury becoming main private banker

British taxpayers will take a 57.9% stake in Royal Bank of Scotland after investors snubbed its £15 billion share offer, the bank said on Friday. RBS existing shareholders refused to buy the new stock because the bank's shares were trading below the 65.5p offer price announced in October.
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Outrage in UK over arrest, office search of shadow minister

Britain's political system reacted with outrage to the arrest of shadow Immigration minister Damian Green and the search of his home by the police. Liberal Democrats have called the arrest a “mayday warning” for democracy amid cross-party anger over the move.
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK granted ten year extension to clear Falklands minefields

The States Parties to the Ottawa Convention for the elimination of anti personnel mines granted Friday the United Kingdom a ten year extension to the deadline for the clearance of minefields on the disputed Falkland Islands.
Friday, November 28th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Listeriosis outbreak in Chile: 91 cases, 5 deaths in 11 months

Chilean health authorities admitted this week for the first time that they have an outbreak of listeirosis which so far this year has caused five deaths out of 91 cases reported cases in metropolitan Santiago.