Latin America

Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:23 UTC
Former Uruguayan presidents disenchanted with Mercosur but divided on the path to follow

Four former elected Uruguayan presidents openly discussed Mercosur revealing an overall disenchantment with the regional political and trade group but with different emphasis as to what was the path to follow.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:02 UTC
Powerful 7.4-magnitude quake hits Guatemala kills dozens; tremors reach Mexico City

A powerful earthquake off the Pacific coast of Guatemala on Wednesday sent debris crashing down onto cars, collapsed roads and killed dozens in the Central American nation, officials said.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 06:58 UTC
Argentine Judge orders Chevron assets seizure related to court case in Ecuador

An Argentine judge has embargoed up to 19 billion dollars in Chevron assets in connection with an environmental lawsuit by Ecuadorean villagers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said on Wednesday.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 01:53 UTC
Brazil expands investmetns and builds closer economic ties in Africa

Brazilian companies are moving into Africa amid a government drive to build closer economic ties with the continent. A year ago Vale, the Brazilian mining giant, exported its first overseas coal shipment from Mozambique.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 01:45 UTC
Majority of Puerto Rico voters, 54%, favour becoming a full US state

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state. The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.
Wednesday, November 7th 2012 - 22:22 UTC
“Crystal Serenity” licensed to operate a casino while in Chilean waters

“Crystal Serenity” became the first cruise vessel licensed to operate and exploit casinos in Chilean waters, reported this week the country’s Casino Games Commission, SCJ. However the ruling also points out that the company authorized to operate the on board casinos must suspend gambling during docking and departure and while sailing inside the three miles.
Wednesday, November 7th 2012 - 22:06 UTC
Return of Colombia ambassador, expected to break Unasur exclusion of Paraguay

Colombian ambassador Jorge Barrantes will be returning to his post in Asunción this weekend, the first Unasur country member to do so, according to Paraguayan Foreign minister Jose Fernandez Estigarribia. Chile is also expected to adopt a similar decision in the near future.
Wednesday, November 7th 2012 - 04:39 UTC
Opening the Falklands to Latin America; the testimony of a Guatemala journalist

Luis Alberto Velasquez is a journalist with the Guatemalan newspaper La Prensa Libre and recently visited the Falkland Islands with a group of journalists from Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In the guest post below Luis Alberto shares some thoughts about his recent trip.
Wednesday, November 7th 2012 - 04:34 UTC
Ex Mexican finance minister named IMF Western Hemisphere director

Mexican economist Alejandro Werner was named on Tuesday to the position of IMF Director, Western Hemisphere Department. His appointment will become effective early in January 2013. Mr. Werner succeeds Mr. Nicolas Eyzáguirre, who resigned effective July 26, 2012.
Wednesday, November 7th 2012 - 04:27 UTC
Soy crop prospects fin South America down: Argentina excessive water, in Brazil lack of rain

South America’s crop prospects deteriorated because of excessive rainfall in Argentina and dry conditions in central Brazil, according to Oil World. Argentina’s estimated 55/56 million tons soybean crop could drop anywhere from 3 6o 6 million tons because of delays in sowing caused by torrential rains and flooding.