Latin America

Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:53 UTC
Bolivia announces agreed nationalization of BP aviation fuel division

Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the nationalization of the local unit of BP's aviation division on Friday, further tightening state control over the energy industry. At a May Day rally, Morales said he signed a decree to take over Air BP, a division of British oil major BP Plc.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 12:55 UTC
US tourism industry readies for ban-end to travel and vacation in Cuba

There are growing expectations in the Florida based tourism industry that the US government will let US citizens vacation in Cuba. Next Monday begins a trade fair, considered the largest Caribbean island showcase for tour operators, travel agents, airline and cruise representatives from around the world and all eyes are set on the political decision to open Cuba to US tourists after a 47-year trade embargo, reports USA Today.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 12:43 UTC
Cuba reacts to US blacklisting calls Washington “international criminal”

Cuba reacted strongly on Thursday calling the US government an “international criminal” after Washington said it was keeping Cuba on a list of countries that allegedly support terrorism. The US State Department released a report lumping Cuba with Iran, Syria and Sudan on a blacklist as sponsors of terrorism.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 00:40 UTC
A US diplomat and lobbyist who helped carve recent Latinamerican history

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner surfaced this week the name of a former US ambassador, and US corporation lobbyist, linked to notorious events of Latinamerican history of the last century at a ceremony in Government House.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 12:37 UTC
Peru confirms first swine flu case in South America

Peruvian Health Minister Oscar Ugarte Wednesday confirmed that an Argentine woman was the first case of swine flu in Peru. This makes the first case reported and confirmed in South America.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 12:19 UTC
Chilean energy company confirms coal mining in Magallanes

Roberto Angelini, president of the Chilean industrial Angelini conglomerate which owns petroleum distribution company COPEC, announced plans for COPEC's expansion in 2009, worth 678 million US dollars, despite the financial crisis
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 12:08 UTC
Raul Castro still open to talks with US, but rejects idea of symbolic gesture

Cuban President Raul Castro said Wednesday his country does not need to make any symbolic “gestures” as it pursues better relations with the United States. Addressing the Non Aligned Movement meeting in Havana Castro said he is still willing to talk about all issues and that it was up to the US to make the next move.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 - 07:54 UTC
Cruise lines suspend calls at Mexican ports

At least three cruise lines have suspended stops as of this week at Mexican ports because of concerns over the country's swine-flu outbreak. The cancellation of ship visits followed a recommendation issued this week by the U.S. Centres for Disease Control that advised US citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico.
Wednesday, April 29th 2009 - 12:20 UTC
Chile purchases 18 second hand F16 fighter planes from Holland

Chile purchased another batch of 18 refurbished F-16 fighter jets from Holland to strengthen and renovate the material and equipment of the country’s Air Force, informed Defence minister Francisco Vidal late Tuesday in Santiago. The operation involves 270 million US dollars.
Tuesday, April 28th 2009 - 14:10 UTC
Chavez recalls ambassador to Peru and escalates diplomatic dispute

Venezuela recalled its ambassador to protest Peru's decision to grant political asylum to a prominent opponent of President Hugo Chavez, calling it a mockery of international law and escalating a diplomatic dispute.