Latin America

Tuesday, May 5th 2009 - 08:00 UTC
Iranian president postpones visit to South American countries

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cancelled on Monday a trip to Brazil this week without explanation amid criticism in Teheran from the country’s clerical leader and US concern about Iran’s growing influence in Latin America.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 11:03 UTC
Conservative businessman elected president in Panama

Panamanian opposition leader and supermarket mogul Ricardo Martinelli has won Panama's presidential election, the head of the country's electoral tribunal said Sunday. Martinelli, of the conservative Democratic Change party, edged out former Housing Minister Balbina Herrera of Panama's ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party, said Erasmo Pinilla of the electoral tribunal.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 08:56 UTC
Flu outbreak becomes excuse for trade and tourism restrictions

Three countries worst hit by the global swine flu outbreak have urged economic partners not to allow it to affect international trade. Agricultural ministers from Canada, Mexico and the US said the outbreak should not be used as a reason for unnecessary trade restrictions.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 08:33 UTC
Former US president Jimmy Carter honoured in Sao Paulo

Former US president and Nobel Peace Prize Jimmy Carter was honoured Sunday by the governor of Brazil’s powerhouse state Sao Paulo for his contributions to the development of the state.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 07:58 UTC
Unemployment in Magallanes region soars in first quarter

Unemployment in the extreme south Chilean region of Magallanes more than doubled during this year’s first quarter having reached 5.6% compared to the same period a year ago according to the latest official Statistics Office release.
Monday, May 4th 2009 - 07:45 UTC
Iranian president visits South America; US calls it “disturbing”

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad begins this week a tour of South America visiting three countries, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela, reported Iranian Foreign Affairs minister Manouchehr Mottaki.
Sunday, May 3rd 2009 - 12:13 UTC
Spread of flu is slowing down in Mexico reports WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the H1N1 flu virus continues to spread around the world, with the number of confirmed cases reaching 615, in 17 countries. WHO officials say they expect to raise their alert to the highest level but experts say the spread of the flu is slowing down in Mexico, where the outbreak started.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:53 UTC
Bolivia announces agreed nationalization of BP aviation fuel division

Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the nationalization of the local unit of BP's aviation division on Friday, further tightening state control over the energy industry. At a May Day rally, Morales said he signed a decree to take over Air BP, a division of British oil major BP Plc.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 12:55 UTC
US tourism industry readies for ban-end to travel and vacation in Cuba

There are growing expectations in the Florida based tourism industry that the US government will let US citizens vacation in Cuba. Next Monday begins a trade fair, considered the largest Caribbean island showcase for tour operators, travel agents, airline and cruise representatives from around the world and all eyes are set on the political decision to open Cuba to US tourists after a 47-year trade embargo, reports USA Today.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 12:43 UTC
Cuba reacts to US blacklisting calls Washington “international criminal”

Cuba reacted strongly on Thursday calling the US government an “international criminal” after Washington said it was keeping Cuba on a list of countries that allegedly support terrorism. The US State Department released a report lumping Cuba with Iran, Syria and Sudan on a blacklist as sponsors of terrorism.