Venezuelan armed forces started on Friday moving to polling stations in Caracas to guarantee security during the upcoming Sunday referendum that would abolish term limits of elected leaders and could allow President Hugo Chavez to seek re-election indefinitely.
European industrial production dropped the most on record in December, pointing to a deepening economic slump in the fourth quarter. Output in the Euro region fell 12% from the year- earlier month after an 8.4% decline in November, the European Union's statistics office in Luxembourg said on Thursday
The Bolivian government appealed for international economic aid and fumigation equipments to fight the mosquito transmitted dengue epidemics which broke out at the beginning of the year and already has 17.371 reported cases.
Chile's central bank cut its benchmark lending rate by a steep 2.5 points to 4.25%, citing declining inflation and slow economic growth. The rate cut is larger than the 1 to 1.5 points expected by the market.
Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro met with visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Thursday said she found him very active and in good condition and very much interested in Chilean affairs.
Headlines: 'An accident waiting to happen'; Desire rig prospects improve; New passport stamp for visitors.