Latin America

Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Insulza admits he wants to become Chilean president

Jose Miguel Insulza, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, OAS, said on Thursday he plans to run for the presidency of his native Chile, where the ruling centre-left coalition is faltering in polls.
Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
LAN reported traffic increase of 9.9% during November

LAN Chile and related companies, one of the leading airline groups in Latin America reported a passenger traffic increase of 9.9% in November, according to preliminary monthly traffic statistics and punctuality indicators.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
France receives first couple of former Colombian rebels

A young Colombian rebel who won hero status for freeing a kidnapped politician headed for France on Tuesday accompanied by his girlfriend, the world's most celebrated ex-hostage and a fat reward check.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean “limited” cabinet reshuffle as election year looms

A “limited” cabinet reshuffle is expected this week in Chile following the resignations of Labour minister Osvaldo Andrade and Deputy Interior minister Felipe Harboe, announced Minister of Interior Edmundo Perez Yoma on Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Colombia promotes tourism and joins the cruise industry

The Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias became this week an intermediate boarding port for Royal Caribbean International Southern Caribbean cruise circuit which was marked with the arrival of “Enchantment of the Seas”.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
November deflation in Chile, first time in 26 months

With fuel costs plunging Chile had in November its first month of deflation in 26 months with prices falling 0.1%, according to the latest release from the National Statistics Institute. The consumer prices index of October had been 0.9%.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Central American countries prepare to meet world recession

Central American presidents meeting in the Honduras agreed to seek regional integration as the way to unite against the world economic crisis and move towards a common currency. The 33rd Summit of the Central American Integration System, or SICA, which ended over the weekend also included a statement containing a package of urgent measures needed to meet the world crisis.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cruise vessel Ushuaia again sailing freed by Chilean navy

Chilean Navy officials said that the cruise ship M/V Ushuaia that ran aground in Antarctica four days ago is again sailing on its own. Navy Captain Patricio Espinoza said Chilean tug-boat Lautaro finished freeing the cruise ship early Monday.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chile/Peru squabble over copper bill and military spending

A call by Peru that Chile scrap a law that earmarks a percentage of copper windfalls for military equipment is “unacceptable” said Chilean government spokesperson Francisco Vidal.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela opposition rejects Chavez plan: “14 years is enough”

Venezuelan opposition parties have formally rejected a plan by President Hugo Chavez to amend the constitution and enable him indefinite re-election. In a joint statement, the opposition said: “Fourteen years are sufficient.”