Stories for January 7th 2010

Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:13 UTC
Argentina expects record corn yield and exceptional sorghum crop

Argentina, the world’s second-largest corn exporter could increase output by more than 42% this year from initial estimates as spring rains boost yields to a record, the country’s main corn growers group said.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:10 UTC
Conflicting views about Chilean Patagonia tourism prospects for this season

Magallanes region in the extreme south of Chile received in the twelve months of 2009 an estimated 600.000 tourists which is almost the same number than in 2008, according to primary data from Chile’s Tourism Office, Sernatur.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:05 UTC
Argentina opens “dirty war” files except those related to South Atlantic conflict

Argentina declassified and has made public all documents and information related to military activities for the period extending from 1976 to 1983 when the country was ruled by the Armed Forces, However decree 4/2010 excludes all information and documents related to the South Atlantic (Falklands/Malvinas) conflict and any other inter-state conflict”.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:00 UTC
Honduras Micheletti refuses to resign and tells the US he will stay on until Jan 27

Honduras de facto leader Roberto Micheletti responded harshly to US suggestions that he resign weeks before a new president takes office on January 27.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:56 UTC
Japanese whalers and environmentalist ram vessels in the high seas

Anti-whaling activists have accused a Japanese vessel of ramming their high-tech speed boat during a confrontation in the Southern Ocean. Video of the incident appeared to show the Japanese ship severely damaging the Ady Gil, but all six crew were rescued.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:51 UTC
Latest data show Chilean economy rebounding from recession

Chile’s economic activity index, the IMACEC, rose a bigger-than-expected 3.1% in November from a year earlier, the central bank announced this week, the first monthly increase in a year. The market expected the economy of the world's top copper producer to expand by 2.5%, according to a median forecast from a Reuters’ survey.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:47 UTC
Puerto Madryn cruise industry faces bleak future

Puerto Madryn in Argentine Patagonia expects a considerable fall in the number of cruise calls following Norwegian Cruise Lines decision to stop operating in the Valparaíso/Buenos Aires tour in the next 2010/2011 season.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:45 UTC
Paraguay’s Vice-president contrary to Venezuela joining Mercosur

Paraguay’s Vice-president Federico Franco said he was contrary to Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur as long as Hugo Chavez is president accusing him of having “imperial attitudes” towards the land-locked country.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:38 UTC
All luxury cruise ship suffers accident in Antarctic Peninsula

One of the most elegant expedition vessels operating in Antarctica, the Clelia II, has been withdrawn from service during January for repairs following an accident that occurred over Christmas week but is only now coming to light.