Latin America

Monday, December 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
“Normal arsenal updating, no arms race” in S. America

The recent surge in military expenditure particularly Chile and Venezuela has led to fears that South America might be involved in an arms race. However most experts feel that in spite of existing regional differences what is going on is a modernization process of the Armed Forces arsenals which are rapidly becoming obsolete.
Monday, December 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Wheat price surges above the 10 US$ per bushel benchmark

Global wheat prices surged more than 3% on Monday, with Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures breaking the 10 US dollar a bushel benchmark for the first time, on dwindling world supplies, a lack of sellers and a push from financial investors.
Saturday, December 15th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela and Brazil pledge closer trade and energy ties

Brazil and Venezuela have pledged closer trade and energy ties, including building a new oil refinery in Brazil.
Saturday, December 15th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuelan cash full suitcase strains Argentina/US link

The Argentine government yesterday said that the report presented by US prosecutors, linking the suitcase full of cash that came from Venezuela with Cristina Fernández's presidential campaign, is part of an “operation” against Argentina, while US officials said the case should not affect the bilateral relationship.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
A divided Bolivia seems prepared to clash on Saturday

Bolivia put its armed forces on alert Thursday ahead of a threatened move towards autonomy by half the country's provinces, Defence Minister Walker San Miguel said, according to the daily La Prensa.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
International Court rules on Caribbean insular dispute

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, ruled Thursday that three Caribbean Sea islands disputed by Nicaragua and Colombia belong to the latter country because a 1928 treaty between the two nations settled the issue.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Antarctica Ice Marathon & 100K ready to take off

Twenty athletes from all over the world are waiting in Punta Arenas, extreme south of Chile, to fly to Antarctica for this year's edition of the “Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100k”, a charity competition.
Tuesday, December 11th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Fleming Glacier in Antarctica shows signs of receding

Scientists from Chile's Center of Scientific Studies (CECS), Antarctic Chilean Institute, and Air Force reported last week that Fleming Glacier, located in the Antarctic Peninsula, is showing signs of receding.
Tuesday, December 11th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Former Peruvian president trial on recess 'til Wednesday

Peru's former president Alberto Fujimori angrily shouted his innocence at the start of his trial Monday on accusations of murder and kidnapping stemming from a 1990s “dirty war” against communist rebels. However the presiding judge called a recess until Wednesday after he was diagnosed high blood pressure.
Tuesday, December 11th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Fujimori sentenced to six years for abuse of authority

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison on Tuesday on a charge of abuse of authority stemming from an illegal search he ordered as his government imploded in scandal seven years ago.