Latin America

Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“Return directive” freezes EU/Andean countries discussions

The European Commission has suspended the coming round of negotiations with the Andean community of Nations because of a lack of consensus in the Andean group as to the trade side of an association agreement under consideration since 2006.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombian forces free Ingrid Betancourt & 14 other hostages

Colombia announced Wednesday afternoon that its military had rescued former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, three US military contractors and 11 other hostages from leftist rebels.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombia visiting McCain was informed of rescue operation

In a bid to boost his foreign policy credentials United States Republican presidential candidate John McCain began in Colombia a three-day visit to Latin America, highlighting his support for free trade and progress against narcotics and terrorism
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Betancourt praises Colombian Army and President Uribe

Former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt said she was grateful to the Colombian Army and President Alvaro Uribe for her liberation on Wednesday together with other fourteen hostages from the FARC rebel group.
Tuesday, July 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombian leader defies Court with plans for referendum

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe deepened his clash with the Judiciary branch by going ahead with plans for a referendum aimed at re-running the 2006 election in which he won a second term.
Tuesday, July 1st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Unemployment in Magallanes Region stable at 2.6%

Unemployment in Chile's extreme south region of Magallanes remained unchanged at 2.6% during the March-May 2008 measurement, according to the latest release from the local branch of the Chilean Statistics Institute.
Saturday, June 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Member countries integrate 10 billion USD to the S. Bank

The South American country founders of the South (Development) Bank decided to integrate ten billion US dollar in capital to the budding institution out of an authorized total of 20 billion.
Saturday, June 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Spanish group planning to build several hotels in Chile

Spanish hotel giant Sol Melía plans to open three hotels in Chile. The company is also bidding for the two hotels that will be a part of Santiago's future Constanera Center, an ongoing development and construction project featuring four skyscrapers, built in one of Santiago's business districts, Providencia.
Saturday, June 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombia, Ecuador drop plans to restore diplomatic ties

Relations between Colombia and Ecuador grew chillier Tuesday, as Colombia postponed restoring diplomatic ties at the level of trade-attache because of “aggressive” remarks by Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa.
Saturday, June 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Lula, Chavez initial 21 energy and trade agreements

The presidents of Brazil and Venezuela, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Hugo Chávez, respectively, met June 27 in Caracas to address economic issues aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation.