Latin America

Friday, September 18th 2009 - 11:10 UTC
The Mapuche Struggle for Autonomy

On August 17, dozens of Mapuche communities in southern Chile united to form the Mapuche Territorial Alliance to continue their struggle for political autonomy. Many of them had carried on angry protests, most recently on August 12, when a police operation to evict the Mapuches who had seized land left one dead and eight injured.
Friday, September 18th 2009 - 03:44 UTC
Brazil is not “a Venezuela that goes shopping in the world’s arms supermarkets”

Defence minister Nelson Jobim said that Brazil “is not a Venezuela that goes around shopping in the world’s arms supermarkets”. Brazil targets policy on technical training and technology transfer so “we can develop a sound, autonomous defence industry”, underlined the top official from President Lula da Silva administration.
Friday, September 18th 2009 - 03:41 UTC
November elections, rapidly becoming the silent option for Honduras crisis

Four of Honduras six presidential candidates have coincided that the coming November 29 elections are the best solution to the serious political crisis faced by the country since the constitutional president Manuel Zelaya was ousted in a midnight military and civilian coup at the end of June.
Thursday, September 17th 2009 - 13:35 UTC
“Isolated” Colombia seriously considering abandoning Unasur

Colombia could consider quitting the South American Nations Union, Unasur, if the block does not agree to debate issues related to drug trafficking, terrorism and arms purchases. There is a lack of “sensitivity” from other members to consider these issues.
Thursday, September 17th 2009 - 13:32 UTC
Chilean dairy farmers call for protection from Argentine imports

Chilean dairy farmers requested President Michelle Bachelet to speed the implementation of the provisional safeguard clause to help contain the import of Argentine powder milk and cheese. The safeguard clause means imposing a 31% tariff on dairy imports.
Thursday, September 17th 2009 - 13:26 UTC
China to invest 16 billion USD to develop new oilfields in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday that China will invest 16 billion US dollars to boost oil production in the country particularly along the Orinoco River, as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on the US market.
Wednesday, September 16th 2009 - 20:34 UTC
Uruguay farm-land sales down but prices pick up again

Farm land sales in Uruguay during the first half of 2009 dropped, but the average price for the hectare actually increased 25% compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest release from the Ministry of Agriculture Statistics Office (DIEA).
Wednesday, September 16th 2009 - 12:36 UTC
Uruguay and US express concern over possible arms race in South America

Uruguay and the United States expressed concern Tuesday that recent weapons purchases could lead to an arms race in South America. In a joint appearance, Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also pledged co-operation on trade, scientific research and other fields.
Wednesday, September 16th 2009 - 12:30 UTC
Unasur could not reach consensus on regional military affairs

The Union of South American Nations, UNASUR, ministerial meeting in Ecuador ended Tuesday with no consensus on regional military issues reported Colombia’s Foreign Affairs minister Jaime Bermúdez.
Wednesday, September 16th 2009 - 08:52 UTC
Buenos Aires optimistic about the coming cruise season

In spite of the global slowdown, the cruise industry in South America seems to be steaming ahead according to the latest estimates from Buenos Aires Port, which for the coming 2009/2010 season is expecting 143 calls.