Latin America

• Saturday, February 12th 2011 - 07:37 UTC

  Energy rationing powers to prevent further blackouts in Chile

  

  The Chilean government announced on Wednesday a string of measures to help prevent the possibility of more blackouts. Chile is in the middle of a yearlong drought, crippling its ability to produce hydroelectric power.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 20:58 UTC

  Chile and Uruguay on the path to nuclear energy, confirms AIEA

  

  Chile and Uruguay and another fifteen countries have officially presented plans to the International Atomic Energy Agency for the construction of nuclear plants, revealed AIEA following a four-day meeting on the issue in Vienna.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 20:16 UTC

  Fruit and vegetables in Chile forecasted to soar 20% because of the drought

  

  Chilean farmers and produce distributors estimate that prices will increase for some fruits and vegetables by as much as 10 to 20% within the next 60 days, due to water shortages in northern and central Chile.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 06:29 UTC

  Colombian oil and coal reserves attract Latam’s tycoons

  

  Carlos Slim considered by Forbes Magazine the richest man in the world said he’s seeking to boost his investments in Colombia because of the country’s open policy on oil exploration, its mineral assets and growing middle class.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 06:24 UTC

  Fearing food riots Bolivian President Morales abandons public event

  

  Bolivian President Evo Morales was forced on Thursday to abandon a public event in the face of angry protests over food shortages and price rises. Morales was due to address a parade to commemorate a colonial-era uprising in the mining city of Oruro.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 06:19 UTC

  Major brawl in Venezuelan congress between pro and anti Chavez lawmakers

  

  Venezuelan lawmakers exchanged punches in parliament on Thursday when a fight erupted between members of President Hugo Chavez's socialist party and rivals, in a sign of the country’s political polarization.

• Friday, February 11th 2011 - 06:10 UTC

  Colombian rebels release hostage but at the same time kidnap two contractors

  

  Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos blasted Thursday the “double moral” of the FARC guerrilla that kidnapped two workers while preparing for the release of several hostages held for years and revealed he was tempted to suspend the liberation operation.

• Thursday, February 10th 2011 - 23:20 UTC

  Easter Island Rapa Niu peoples’ land claims’ turns international

  

  The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR), a body within the Organization of American States, has issued Precautionary Measures to protect the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island.

• Thursday, February 10th 2011 - 22:53 UTC

  Unasur becomes fully in force March 11, following on Uruguay’s ratification vote

  

  The Uruguayan government officially delivered this week the formal ratification of the UNASUR (Union of South American Nations) founding charter thus turning the political project into juridical reality.

• Thursday, February 10th 2011 - 10:53 UTC

  Chile prepares for energy rationing; insufficient rainfall caused by La Niña

  

  The strongest La Niña weather cycle in 35 years has reduced rainfall by up to 46% in some areas of Chile. The dry season began last March and is expected to continue through May.