Latin America

Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean Catholic Church places income distribution top of the political agenda

The nation-wide debate sparked in Chile by Bishop Alejandro Goic's recent call for an “ethical salary” for the Chilean working class assumed a new dimension this week with the publication the second quarter profits of Chile's large corporations and holding companies. Earnings were up sharply in all sectors, but the nation's minimum wage remains stuck at 180 US dollars per month.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Peru sends soldiers to quake zone

Peruvian soldiers have been deployed to keep order in areas affected by a devastating earthquake, as victims wait for relief supplies to arrive.
Saturday, August 18th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Pte. Chávez and his counterpart Uribe to meet

President Hugo Chávez will meet with his Colombian counterpart this month to discuss the Venezuelan leader's offer to help mediate a humanitarian exchange with Colombia's largest rebel group.
Friday, August 17th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
United Nations rushes aid to quake-hit Peru

The United Nations is rushing food, water purification tablets, cash and other forms of assistance to Peru following last night's powerful earthquake which struck south of the capital, Lima.
Thursday, August 16th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
The “Uruguayan formula” secures Argentine natural gas for Chile

Chilean gas company Metrogas has succeeded in securing additional natural gas from Argentina to supply its needs for Santiago. The new agreement, dubbed “the Uruguayan Formula,” involves importing gas which was originally meant for Uruguay to Chile.
Thursday, August 16th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Chavez formalizes proposal for his perpetuation in office

In spite of protests from the opposition and Roman Catholics Bishops conference President Hugo Chavez called for changes to Venezuela's constitution Wednesday night which would allow him to be re-elected indefinitely.
Tuesday, August 14th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Peruvian map renews boundary controversy with Chile

Chile summoned home its ambassador from Peru on Monday after the publication in the Peruvian Gazette of an official map which renewed a border dispute dating from a war more than 120 years ago.
Tuesday, August 14th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia gives oil companies ultimatum

Bolivia's leftist government warned energy companies yesterday they must commit to hefty investments before August 20 or risk being thrown out of the natural-gas rich country.
Monday, August 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Pinochet's son sells former dictator's suits

Clothes of the late Augusto Pinochet, the former Chilean military leader, has been put up for sale by his son at a central Santiago tailor's shop, but only to customers identified as the Chilean dictator's supporters, reports say.
Monday, August 13th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Continued cold weather thumps Chile's fresh fruit deal

Continued frigid artic weather in Chile's key agricultural growing areas will cost the country at least US$200 million in loses, according the industry and government leaders. An estimated 85,000 sheep, cattle, pigs and goats have died for lack of food, and key fruit export crops, including avocados and citrus fruit, have been greatly damaged.