Latin America

Monday, December 15th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Russian flotilla to dock in Cuba, first time since Soviet era

A group of Russian warships is to visit Cuba for the first time since the Soviet era, the Russian navy has said. The visit, scheduled for 19-22 December, will be led by the destroyer Admiral Chabanenko.
Monday, December 15th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Raul Castro willing to discuss US trade embargo with Obama

Cuban President Raul Castro said he is willing to discuss the 50-year-old US trade embargo against Cuba with President-elect Barack Obama. Castro made the announcement on arrival in North eastern Brazil for a summit of Latin American and Caribbean leaders.
Sunday, December 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ex-Chilean president Frei nominated candidate for 2009

Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei was chosen Saturday by the Christian Democrat Party (PDC) as its presidential candidate for the December 2009 elections, for which he will first have to face other hopefuls from the centre-left coalition in the April primaries.
Sunday, December 14th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
“Hero” dog brings to light Chileans' attitude to pets

A recently released video of highway security film footage showing the heroic rescue of one dog by another on a busy Chilean highway is causing a big stir both in Chile and abroad.
Friday, December 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Peruvian opinion poll confesses corruption is rampant

An overwhelming majority of Peruvians believe their country is corrupt or very corrupt, according to a national public opinion poll published Friday in the capital Lima press.
Friday, December 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ecuador defaults on bonds; promised restructure

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has ordered halting payment on foreign bonds he calls “illegal” and “illegitimate”. If this is the case it would be Ecuador's second default in a decade.
Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chavez defers for 2012 his “Socialist” constitution proposal

Venezuela's leader Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday that he would promote a constitutional reform in 2012 for the establishment of a Socialist state. He made the announcement during the Air Force Day celebration.
Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Insulza admits he wants to become Chilean president

Jose Miguel Insulza, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, OAS, said on Thursday he plans to run for the presidency of his native Chile, where the ruling centre-left coalition is faltering in polls.
Thursday, December 11th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
LAN reported traffic increase of 9.9% during November

LAN Chile and related companies, one of the leading airline groups in Latin America reported a passenger traffic increase of 9.9% in November, according to preliminary monthly traffic statistics and punctuality indicators.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
France receives first couple of former Colombian rebels

A young Colombian rebel who won hero status for freeing a kidnapped politician headed for France on Tuesday accompanied by his girlfriend, the world's most celebrated ex-hostage and a fat reward check.