Latin America

Thursday, August 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
S. America spending to upgrade armed forces and equipment

Although most Latinamerica and United States officials deny the existence of an arms race in South America, “large increases in military expenditure have been taking place in several countries of the region”, points out the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI:
Thursday, August 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela: price rises of up to 50% for 15 basic foods

Venezuela raised regulated prices of 15 basic foods ranging from bread to beef by up to 50% and removed price controls from other goods in an attempt to ease sporadic shortages in supermarkets.
Thursday, August 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
President Chavez at peace with World Jewish Council

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez promised a delegation of visiting Jewish leaders he would condemn “all forms of anti-Semitism.”
Wednesday, August 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Energy short Chile looks for potential alternative sources

As global temperatures and energy prices soar, scientists, policymakers and environmentalists throughout the world are scrambling for solutions. For its part, Chile could meet as much as half its electricity demands with clean energy, according to a report released Friday by energy experts from the Universidad de Chile and Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chavez preparing the field for Nov state and city elections

Columns marched through the capital Caracas to protest a package of laws that expand Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez powers while a delegation from opposition parties delivered a document at the Organization of American States stating that the latest decisions are a “coup” against the rule of law and the Constitution.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Hugo Chávez tightens the state's grip on politics and the economy

Last July 31st. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez extraordinary powers came to an end but it was also a day of great announcements. Twenty six decrees were signed including several of the autocratic reforms the former paratrooper wanted to impose with a referendum last December and were decisively rejected by voters. This is interpreted as a strategy to help contain the country's inflation, shortages and economic disarray in anticipation of the coming city and state elections of November plus. A piece from The Economist summarizes the evolution of the eclectic leader who is loosing much of his allure in spite of the affluence from oil revenues.
Monday, August 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
High food prices turn Chileans to alternative markets

With food prices rising, a greater number of Santiago households appear to be turning to alternative food markets.
Saturday, August 9th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia, Shell reach agreement in nationalization

Bolivia has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the local operations of energy company Royal Dutch Shell PLC as part of President Evo Morales' nationalization push.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean court upholds contamination fine on Shell Oil company

A Chilean court this week upheld a decision fining Shell Oil Company US$676,000 for contaminating beaches three years ago in the northern Chilean city of Antofagasta.
Friday, August 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN calls for peaceful recall referendum in Bolivia next Sunday

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Friday on all sides in Bolivia to ensure that Sunday's recall referendum on the President, Vice-President and regional governors is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.