Latin America

Sunday, December 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ex-Chilean president Frei nominated candidate for 2009

Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei was chosen Saturday by the Christian Democrat Party (PDC) as its presidential candidate for the December 2009 elections, for which he will first have to face other hopefuls from the centre-left coalition in the April primaries.
Sunday, December 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
“Hero” dog brings to light Chileans' attitude to pets

A recently released video of highway security film footage showing the heroic rescue of one dog by another on a busy Chilean highway is causing a big stir both in Chile and abroad.
Friday, December 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Peruvian opinion poll confesses corruption is rampant

An overwhelming majority of Peruvians believe their country is corrupt or very corrupt, according to a national public opinion poll published Friday in the capital Lima press.
Friday, December 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ecuador defaults on bonds; promised restructure

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has ordered halting payment on foreign bonds he calls “illegal” and “illegitimate”. If this is the case it would be Ecuador's second default in a decade.
Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chavez defers for 2012 his “Socialist” constitution proposal

Venezuela's leader Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday that he would promote a constitutional reform in 2012 for the establishment of a Socialist state. He made the announcement during the Air Force Day celebration.
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”.