Latin America

• Saturday, July 7th 2012 - 05:27 UTC

  Brazil June inflation lowest in two years helped with temporary tax breaks

  

  Brazil’s inflation slowed to its lowest in almost two years on temporary tax breaks for autos, paving the way for more interest rate cuts as the government tries to revive economic growth.

• Saturday, July 7th 2012 - 05:18 UTC

  Chile sets out its defence strategy targets emphasizing global cooperation

  

  The Chilean government released its new 2012-2024 National Defence and Security Strategy (ENSYD) this week which promises to address “new threats” to Chilean security in an international context.

• Saturday, July 7th 2012 - 05:15 UTC

  Argentina ends double taxing treaty with Chile which was running since 1976

  

  Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno regretted Argentina’s decision to end a double taxing agreement which was running since 1976 and exempts Chileans and Argentines making business in the neighbouring country from paying taxes as long as they are already contributors at home.

• Saturday, July 7th 2012 - 05:12 UTC

  Euro crisis “the greatest external economic risk” for Latinamerican growth

  

  The Euro crisis is the “greatest external economic risk” for Latinamerica warned the Inter American Development Bank Luis Alberto Moreno who nevertheless said he was convinced the world with end acknowledging the efforts from the European Union and Spain.

• Saturday, July 7th 2012 - 01:57 UTC

  Relief for Humala: major Army victory over Shinning Path, dilutes anti-mining violence

  

  Peruvian police captured 11 Shining Path rebels and freed 10 children thought to be in combat training, President Ollanta Humala said on Friday after a string of military setbacks and a week of anti-mining violence.

• Friday, July 6th 2012 - 16:14 UTC

  Mujica proposes to blend Mercosur and Unasur into an only `more flexible group

  

  Uruguayan president Jose Mujica proposed to its South American peers to blend Mercosur and Unasur into an only group, according to an interview with a Uruguayan weekly in which he also ratified his commitment with Venezuela (and its oil resources) to justify the incorporation of the fifth full member of Mercosur.

• Friday, July 6th 2012 - 15:38 UTC

  EU prepared for talks with an expanded Mercosur that includes Venezuela

  

  The European Commission has said it will continue negotiations on an association agreement with Mercosur even if Venezuela finally becomes a full member of the group and will address the issue on a “region to region” basis.

• Friday, July 6th 2012 - 07:32 UTC

  Mexican president elect Peña Nieto wants a strategic alliance with Brazil

  

  Mexican president-elect Enrique Peña Nieto said in an interview that his administration will step up efforts in South America to repair the country’s image, including seeking a strategic alliance with Brazil.

• Friday, July 6th 2012 - 07:28 UTC

  Chavez promotes 147 Bolivarian officers including the first woman admiral

  

  Venezuelan head of state Hugo Chavez presided over the ceremony in which 147 Bolivarian National Armed Forces, FANB, officers were promoted to the ranks of general and admiral, including the first woman to hold the highest naval rank.

• Friday, July 6th 2012 - 07:23 UTC

  Peruvian mining conflict with locals in the Andes region remains stalled

  

  A peasant wounded earlier this week during protests against a massive mining project in north western Peru died Thursday, bringing the death toll from the riots to five. Following the clashes with police forces the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the area.