Argentine farmers agreed to lift the 70 days conflict as of Wednesday when discussions over export tax policy with the government, and grain markets activities will resume, although the state of alert remains in force.
An Argentine federal judge summoned hake fisheries management organizations following a claim from the Mar del Plata Fisheries Chamber, Capemar, which considers government resolutions unconstitutional and a contributing factor for the fishery's current critical state.
Argentina's government authorized a new hike in domestic air rates to the tune of 18%, just a month after a similar increase to help airlines face the soaring cost of fuel.
The Malvinas families' trip to the Falkland Islands for the inauguration of the monument at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin again surfaced during a private meeting of Argentine and British officials last week, in the framework of the European Union/Latinamerican leaders' summit held in Lima, Peru, according to reports in the Argentine press.
Yielding to pressures from provincial governors and a slowing down of the economy, Argentine farmers are expected to lift the strike on Monday and resume negotiations with the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, which allegedly has also indicated willingness to review some of the most controversial issues.
Spain announced it would defend its interests in Argentina although specific negotiations belong to the private sector, said Spanish president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, following a meeting with Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
Argentine provincial governors, from different angles have called on the striking farmers and the government to resume dialogue as the only way out to the two months stand off over a sliding grain and oilseeds export tax system which is harming the Argentine people and institutions.
Striking Argentine farmers opposed to a hike in export taxes decided on Thursday to extend the stoppage for another week but also sent a letter to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner requesting an urgent meeting following on her Wednesday appeal for a national dialogue.
The Argentine association of newspapers, Adepa, publicly expressed concern about attacks from government and government related sectors against the Argentine press in general and particularly against editors and journalists from Clarín.
The Argentine economy expanded at an annual 7.9% in April closing the first four months of 2008 with at an annual growth rate of 7.5%. This would be the sixth year running that the Argentine economy has been expanding vigorously after five years averaging 8.5%.