Latin America

Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean “limited” cabinet reshuffle as election year looms

A “limited” cabinet reshuffle is expected this week in Chile following the resignations of Labour minister Osvaldo Andrade and Deputy Interior minister Felipe Harboe, announced Minister of Interior Edmundo Perez Yoma on Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Colombia promotes tourism and joins the cruise industry

The Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias became this week an intermediate boarding port for Royal Caribbean International Southern Caribbean cruise circuit which was marked with the arrival of “Enchantment of the Seas”.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
November deflation in Chile, first time in 26 months

With fuel costs plunging Chile had in November its first month of deflation in 26 months with prices falling 0.1%, according to the latest release from the National Statistics Institute. The consumer prices index of October had been 0.9%.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Central American countries prepare to meet world recession

Central American presidents meeting in the Honduras agreed to seek regional integration as the way to unite against the world economic crisis and move towards a common currency. The 33rd Summit of the Central American Integration System, or SICA, which ended over the weekend also included a statement containing a package of urgent measures needed to meet the world crisis.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Cruise vessel Ushuaia again sailing freed by Chilean navy

Chilean Navy officials said that the cruise ship M/V Ushuaia that ran aground in Antarctica four days ago is again sailing on its own. Navy Captain Patricio Espinoza said Chilean tug-boat Lautaro finished freeing the cruise ship early Monday.
Monday, December 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chile/Peru squabble over copper bill and military spending

A call by Peru that Chile scrap a law that earmarks a percentage of copper windfalls for military equipment is “unacceptable” said Chilean government spokesperson Francisco Vidal.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela opposition rejects Chavez plan: “14 years is enough”

Venezuelan opposition parties have formally rejected a plan by President Hugo Chavez to amend the constitution and enable him indefinite re-election. In a joint statement, the opposition said: “Fourteen years are sufficient.”
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Successful testing of natural gas strike in Chilean Patagonia

Latinamerican oil and gas exploration and production company GeoPark Holdings Limited reported the successful testing of a natural gas well in Magallanes region, extreme south of Chile, with an initial output of 1.300 barrels of oil per day equivalent, boepd.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Viña del Mar expects an “invasion” of 150.000 Argentines

An estimated 150.000 Argentine tourists are expected to cross the Andes to enjoy the beaches of Viña del Mar in the coming months of January and February, which represents a 25% increase over last year's season according to Chile's Tourism Office, Sernatur.
Sunday, December 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chilean vessel manages to out run Somali pirates

A Chilean cargo vessel managed to outrun an attack with rifles from pirates in the north east of Africa, according to Arturo Claro Fernandez, vice-president of Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores, CSAV, one of Chile's main maritime transport companies.