Latin America

Wednesday, August 19th 2009 - 12:44 UTC
Mujica meets President Bachelet and expresses admiration for Chile

Uruguay’s ruling coalition presidential candidate Senator Jose Mujica met on Tuesday with Chilean president Michelle Bachelet as part of a regional campaign to boost the Broad Front ticket. Last week Mujica and his ticket partner economist Danilo Astori met with Brazil’s Lula da Silva.
Wednesday, August 19th 2009 - 12:20 UTC
Honduras breaks diplomatic relations with Argentina

Honduras suspended diplomatic relations with Argentina on Tuesday in retaliation for having its ambassador expelled from Argentina last week. The move stems from tensions between the two countries over the June 28 coup in which Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya was replaced by congressional leader Roberto Micheletti.
Wednesday, August 19th 2009 - 04:54 UTC
US/Colombia free trade treaty “heading for approval”

The free trade treaty between United States and Colombia, pending US congressional approval, is on route to be confirmed said US ambassador in Bogotá William Brownfield.
Tuesday, August 18th 2009 - 13:14 UTC
Chilean police charged with shooting and killing Mapuche activist

Chilean military authorities have decided to press charges against José Patricio Jara Muñoz, the Carabinero (uniformed police) officer who shot and killed Mapuche activist Jaime Mendoza Collío during a confrontation last week in Region IX. Jara Muñoz is accused of using excessive force resulting in death. Mauches are Chile’s largest indigenous group.
Tuesday, August 18th 2009 - 13:09 UTC
Brazil and Mexico disappointed with their bilateral relations

Presidents of Brazil Lula da Silva and Felipe Calderon from Mexico called for a strategic alliance between the two countries based on free trade and cooperation between state energy companies Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and Petrobras.
Monday, August 17th 2009 - 12:16 UTC
Mexican president proposes free trade agreement with Brazil

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has said he will propose a free trade agreement with Brazil. “Trade enriches economies,” said Mr Calderon during a meeting with business leaders in Sao Paulo.
Monday, August 17th 2009 - 12:09 UTC
Chile ponders tidal energy potential in Magellan Strait

An initial study on Chile’s tidal energy capacity confirms the country has “unique global potential” for this renewable energy source. According to the report, published by Chile’s National Energy Commission (CNE), even if only 10% of this renewable resource is harnessed, it would exceed the existing installed capacity of Chile’s central electricity grid, or SIC.
Monday, August 17th 2009 - 07:24 UTC
Easter Islanders want to limit resident population

The airport of Easter Island was again occupied by protesting locals forcing to cancel flights and causing considerable delay in the rest of the traffic. This is not the first time locals take over the Mataveri terminal in Rapa Nui and for the same reason: to protest the growing number of people who are arriving to become permanent residents.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 13:12 UTC
US Navy huge multi-purpose vessel calls in Punta Arenas

USS Makin Island one of the latest built and largest US Navy multi-purpose amphibious assault ship called in Punta Arenas, in the extreme south of Chile after having sailed through the Magellan Strait.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 11:17 UTC
Colombia completes military deal with US and invites Brazil to join

Colombia would like to increase its military ties with Brazil and other South American countries, President Alvaro Uribe said on Friday after the Foreign Affairs ministry announced it had completed talks with Washington on allowing US troops to use seven Colombian military bases.