Latin America

Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 16:17 UTC
Chile promotes tourism marriage ceremonies in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

If the standard white dress wedding is too staid, and vows read by an Elvis impersonator too clichéd, don’t despair. There is a Rapa-nui wedding ceremony, complete with loincloth, awaiting you on Chile’s Easter Island.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 14:16 UTC
“Justice, the people and God” meditating on Uribe’s re-re-election

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe remains nuclear about his future plans and whether he will run for a third period. His only public statements so far have been that he will abide by the results of the referendum which should open the way for his candidacy next May 2010.
Monday, December 21st 2009 - 17:42 UTC
Colombia beefs up Venezuelan border with airborne battalions

The Colombian government has announced it is building a new military base on its border with Venezuela and has activated six new airborne battalions. Relations between the two nations are at a historic low with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez already telling his generals to prepare for war.
He moved 15,000 more troops up to the border, accusing Colombia and its ally, the US, of planning an attack.
Monday, December 21st 2009 - 15:22 UTC
Renovation year for Bolivian Armed Forces

Bolivia’s Armed forces expect next year to renew their military hardware and “store away all the junk”, but also called on neighbouring countries “not to fear” Bolivian plans.
Sunday, December 20th 2009 - 09:06 UTC
Sejong Soloists, one of the top ensembles nowadays, plans Latinamerican tour

Sejong Soloists, named after the 15th-century arts advocate Korean Emperor Sejong the Great, and hailed by CNN as one of the top ensembles of today, and having previously performed in New York City's venues at The Julliard School and Carnegie Hall, premiered their Tenth Annual Gala in New York's newly renovated Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center.
Saturday, December 19th 2009 - 04:02 UTC
Chavez picks on Holland for a verbal exchange; The Hague demands clarification

The Netherlands government on Friday described as “groundless” the claims made by President Hugo Chávez in a speech on Thursday, when the Venezuelan ruler said that the Netherlands was plotting with United States “to target” Venezuela from the islands of Aruba and Curacao.
Saturday, December 19th 2009 - 03:57 UTC
Uruguay will retain close relations with Venezuela, “but no ALBA”

Uruguay’s next Foreign Affairs minister Ambassador Luis Almagro said that president elect Jose Mujica’s administration will sustain “an important relation” with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez because it is the country’s main supplier of oil and one of ten leading trade partners.
Saturday, December 19th 2009 - 03:49 UTC
Record temperatures and low precipitation forecasted in Chile until March

Wednesday was a record hot day for Santiago de Chile - 94 degrees Fahrenheit – and the weatherman says higher than normal temperatures are not going away anytime soon.
Friday, December 18th 2009 - 12:01 UTC
President Obama envoy met with Mujica and today visits Paraguay

Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo A. Valenzuela visited Uruguay on Thursday where he met with president elect Jose Mujica and Vice-president Danilo Astori.
Friday, December 18th 2009 - 11:48 UTC
UV radiation alert in the Bolivian highlands

The Ultra Violet radiation index in the Bolivian highlands reached from five to seven out of eleven, which is considered extremely high. Experts have recommended the population to avoid being exposed to sunlight from 10 am to 3 pm, and encourage the use of long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses.