Latin America

Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chavez preparing the field for Nov state and city elections

Columns marched through the capital Caracas to protest a package of laws that expand Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez powers while a delegation from opposition parties delivered a document at the Organization of American States stating that the latest decisions are a “coup” against the rule of law and the Constitution.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Hugo Chávez tightens the state's grip on politics and the economy

Last July 31st. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez extraordinary powers came to an end but it was also a day of great announcements. Twenty six decrees were signed including several of the autocratic reforms the former paratrooper wanted to impose with a referendum last December and were decisively rejected by voters. This is interpreted as a strategy to help contain the country's inflation, shortages and economic disarray in anticipation of the coming city and state elections of November plus. A piece from The Economist summarizes the evolution of the eclectic leader who is loosing much of his allure in spite of the affluence from oil revenues.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
High food prices turn Chileans to alternative markets

With food prices rising, a greater number of Santiago households appear to be turning to alternative food markets.
Saturday, August 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia, Shell reach agreement in nationalization

Bolivia has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the local operations of energy company Royal Dutch Shell PLC as part of President Evo Morales' nationalization push.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean court upholds contamination fine on Shell Oil company

A Chilean court this week upheld a decision fining Shell Oil Company US$676,000 for contaminating beaches three years ago in the northern Chilean city of Antofagasta.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN calls for peaceful recall referendum in Bolivia next Sunday

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Friday on all sides in Bolivia to ensure that Sunday's recall referendum on the President, Vice-President and regional governors is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Thursday, August 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil and Paraguay ready for the Itaipu energy price dispute

Paraguay and Brazil are preparing for a long dispute over prices from energy generated in South America's largest dam, shared by the neighboring countries, but which is almost entirely absorbed by the industrial hub of Sao Paulo.
Thursday, August 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia's recall vote could confirm political stalemate

Bolivian President Evo Morales is expected to survive a recall vote this Sunday but there are growing concerns about the ongoing political stand off with the conservative opposition which is intent in blocking many of his reforms they define as “socialist”.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Growing violence in Bolivia ahead of Sunday's recall vote

Clashes between striking Bolivian miners and the police which left at least two people dead and dozens injured forced the cancelling of a regional summit with Argentina's Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and host Evo Morales.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela once again Argentina's last resort lender

Venezuela again acted as lender of last resort for Argentina having acquired a billion US dollars in sovereign bonds, at “close to market rates” according to Argentine financial sources.