Latin America

Wednesday, February 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
White House lobbying Congress to approve free trade accords

United States chief trade official Susan Schwab said the Bush administration is very anxious to see Congress vote for the free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia and Panama which have been stalled by Democrats' concerns over labor provisions.
Wednesday, February 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Dengue outbreak: UN forecasts “difficult year”

The entire Latin America region needs to take preventive measures to prepare for what promises to be a “difficult year” for dengue fever following an outbreak of the mosquito-borne infection in Paraguay, United Nations health officials have warned.
Wednesday, February 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UN hails 40 anniversary of Latam nuclear-weapon-free zone

The historic pact of Latin America and the Caribbean States to maintain a nuclear-weapon-free zone, the first-ever of its kind, has withstood the test of time and should spur greater efforts to rid the world of these arms, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday in honoring the 40th anniversary of the landmark agreement.
Wednesday, February 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UN aid to 200.000 Bolivians victims of El Niño floods

In the wake of an appeal by the President of Bolivia for international assistance, United Nations agencies are stepping up aid to people in the country devastated by flooding, hail and freeze which have affected 200,000 and killed more than 20.
Wednesday, February 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Another record year for Lan with profits up 64% in 2006

Chile's flag carrier LAN Airlines announced on Wednesday net profits of 241 million US dollars in 2006, up 64.4% over the 147 million US dollars of 2005.
Tuesday, February 13th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Ecuador's Congress yields and approves referendum

Ecuador's Congress backed Tuesday a call by President Rafael Correa for a referendum on a national assembly that would then rewrite the country's constitution.
Monday, February 12th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Lesbians take on Santiago, Chile

Feminist lesbians from 18 different countries in Latin America took to the streets of Santiago this weekend to protest against the institutionalized homophobia that still exists in many parts of the continent. About 200 lesbian activists had been participating in the Seventh Latin American and Caribbean Lesbian feminist Conference, the first to take place in Chile.
Monday, February 12th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela may control food distribution

President Hugo Chavez's government has drafted a decree allowing it to take control of food distribution chains, possibly including supermarkets and storage depots, if services are interrupted, officials said Sunday.
Monday, February 12th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Chile faces “aging population” challenge

Chile's birth rate has dropped substantially from 3.5% in 1962 to just 1.6% today. And with the country's “baby boom” generation (1957ÃÂ¢€”1962) turning grey, Chile could face a future crisis of social care and pension payments.
Monday, February 12th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Ecuador delays debt payment and readies for political battle

Ecuador's new administration of President Rafael Correa that has threatened to default on the country's debt, will use a 30-day grace period to make a payment that is due this week, Deputy Economy Minister Fausto Ortiz told reporters in Quito.