Latin America

Thursday, March 4th 2010 - 00:31 UTC
Chilean navy accepts responsibility for untimely warning on tsunami

“The epicentre is on land, therefore there should be no tsunami”. That was the information that the Chilean Navy -through its hydro-graphic and oceanographic office “Shoa”- delivered to President Michelle Bachelet in a communication at 05:20 am on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 07:26 UTC
Falklands send message of sympathy and support to the Chilean people

The Falkland Islands government sent on Tuesday a message (in English and Spanish) of sympathy and support to the Chilean people “at this terrible time of tragedy”.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 07:19 UTC
Santiago airport gradually returns to activity: mounts two huge tents

Santiago’s airport is gradually resuming activity recovering from Chile Saturday’s devastating quake and on Tuesday should complete 20 domestic and 20 international flights, (12% of its normal activity) according to Jose Huepe, head of the country’s Civil Aeronautic agency.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 07:14 UTC
US pledges long term relief for earthquake ravaged Chile

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Brasilia Tuesday night for meetings with Brazilian leaders after a stop in Chile where she pledged long-term US relief help for the earthquake-ravaged country. Chilean officials say damage estimates range in the billions of dollars.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 07:03 UTC
Hillary meets President Bachelet pledges US support for quake-stricken Chile

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged U.S. support Tuesday to earthquake-stricken Chile during the third stop on her six-nation tour of Latin America. Clinton told reporters in Santiago the US stands ready to help Chile in any way the government needs.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 06:53 UTC
Uribe’s presidential candidate leads in polls but could face run-off

Former Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos leads the race to succeed President Alvaro Uribe in a May election after a court barred the president from seeking re-election, according to a public opinion poll released this week.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 06:51 UTC
Venezuela’s economy contracts 3.3% in 2009; modest forecast for 2010

Venezuela's economy fell by 3.3% in 2009 after contracting 5.8% in the last quarter, informed the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) which blamed the global crisis and falling prices for oil the country’s main export.
Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 - 06:12 UTC
Chile appeals for calm, deploys 14.000 troops in destroyed city

Chile's president appealed on Tuesday for calm in the earthquake-ravaged city of Concepcion, vowing a stern response to any renewal of looting and violence. Michelle Bachelet said 14,000 troops are now in the region, after dozens of looters were arrested.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2010 - 19:45 UTC
An estimated 3.000 passengers waiting in Punta Arenas to fly back to Santiago

Almost 3.000 people remained stranded Monday in Magallanes region, extreme south Chile, since Saturday’ devastating quake forced the temporary closure of Santiago’s main air terminal, according to reports in Punta Arenas.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2010 - 04:52 UTC
Thousands of Chilean troops sent to prevent looting in quake-hit Concepción

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet sent on Monday thousands of extra troops to the main quake disaster area in the city of Concepcion as angry and hungry residents set fire to department stores.