Latin America

Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Bush extends tariff preferences to Andean nations

President George W. Bush signed legislation Wednesday extending for six months existent trade benefits to four Andean nations: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. According to the bill countries that approve free trade agreements, FTA, with the US will have a further six months.
Tuesday, December 19th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chile adds two new regions to the existing 13

Chile will add two more Regions to the existing thirteen beginning mid 2007 following the approval in Congress of the initiative. The new regions are XIV Valdivia, divided into the provinces of De Los Rios and Ranco and the XV, Arica and Parinacota.
Monday, December 18th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Survey shows Chileans among least happy in Latinamerica

The latest in a string of international happiness surveys shows that 66% of Chileans describe themselves as “happy” or “very happy” ÃÂ¢€” yet they are less happy than people in almost every other Latin American country.
Monday, December 18th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chile/UK permanent high level political dialogue

Chile and the Great Britain agreed Monday to set up permanent high level political dialogue and increase bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Collaboration will focus on energy, environmental and social issues.
Saturday, December 16th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Protests spark clashes in Bolivia

At least 50 people were injured on Friday in a clash between supporters and opponents of Bolivian President Evo Morales' government, according local press reports.
Saturday, December 16th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean leader proposes soc. sec. reform

President Michelle Bachelet on Friday proposed a shake-up of Chile's widely admired but incomplete private social security system, urging a minimum government pension for 1 million elderly Chileans left out of the current program.
Saturday, December 16th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chavez denies Castro cancer claim

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has dismissed suggestions that Cuban leader and ally Fidel Castro has cancer, but said he was fighting a serious illness.
Saturday, December 16th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Top Chilean General removed for praising Pinochet

The aftermath of General Augusto Pinochet's funeral, and legacy, continue to reverberate in Chilean politics and the Chilean Armed Forces: the General responsible for the Metropolitan Santiago area, one of the country's most important was sacked Friday following statements on support of the 1973 military coup and praise for the dictator.
Thursday, December 14th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean export fraud with meat shipped to Japan

Chile's Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) will send at least two representatives to Japan this weekend to clarify any questions the Asian government may have regarding the recent red meat exported to the island nation and stamped with false sanitation seals.
Thursday, December 14th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Lan confirms discount rates and night flight to Punta Arenas

Lan Chile announced that as of December 18, its special rates system will be made extensive to all itineraries between Santiago and Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt, and the recently introduced test night flights to those cities will become definitive.