Latin America

Wednesday, October 3rd 2012 - 01:29 UTC
Chile revokes lithium concession; triggers major scandal on “strategic minerals”

Chile revoked the concession awarded to Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile to exploit substantial reserves of lithium in the Andes region, acknowledging problems with the tender process.
Tuesday, October 2nd 2012 - 22:18 UTC
Big storm reaching Latam/Caribbean: growth estimate down to 3.2% from 3.7%

A weak global economy, mainly due to the difficulties faced by Europe, United States and China has affected growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2012 the original growth estimate will fall from 3.7% to 3.2%, according to the latest estimate from the UN Economic Commission for Latinamerica and the Caribbean.
Tuesday, October 2nd 2012 - 06:39 UTC
Capriles pledges support for peace talks in Colombia and distance from Iran

Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles pledged to help Colombia in its peace talks with rebels and distance himself from Iran should he defeat President Hugo Chávez in an increasingly tight race ahead of Sunday's election.
Tuesday, October 2nd 2012 - 06:31 UTC
Cristina Fernandez denies any dollar clamp: in nine months paid out 80bn dollars

Argentine President Cristina Fernández again denied the existence of money exchange restrictions over the purchase of dollars by explaining that “Argentina has already paid 79.8 billion dollars so far this year”.
Tuesday, October 2nd 2012 - 06:24 UTC
HMS Dauntless called in Colombia and joined major UNITAS naval exercise

After a major naval exercise in the Caribbean with the participation of 13 warships from several countries of the Americas and following some anti-drugs patrolling in the Caribbean HMS Dauntless is expected back in Portsmouth at the end of October.
Monday, October 1st 2012 - 21:16 UTC
Uruguay’s interest rates hike “will aggravate stubbornly high inflation”, anticipates CE

The latest Uruguayan central bank decision to further hike interest rates is “unlikely to do much to tackle stubbornly high inflation” and contrary to this could end acting as a magnet for foreign capital inflow, “aggravating the very problem it seeks to address”, says Michael Henderson from Capital Economics.
Monday, October 1st 2012 - 09:36 UTC
Facing students’ challenge, Piñera presents record spending budget on education

Chilean President Sebastian Piñra unveiled an education-heavy 2013 budget bill on Sunday, as he seeks to improve the conservatives’ credentials before municipal elections in October and next year's presidential election.
Monday, October 1st 2012 - 06:33 UTC
The 34-country Arab League/Unasur political and trade summit takes off in Peru

President Cristina Fernández leaves Monday evening for Peru to participate in the 3rd Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) leaders, scheduled to take place on October 1st and 2nd in the Ministry of Culture, in the Peruvian capital Lima.
Monday, October 1st 2012 - 06:23 UTC
Cruise season in Chile begins 6 November; Punta Arenas expects 47 calls

As of next 6 November Chile’s port cities will display their best since on that date the official 2012/13 cruise season begins which extends until mid April and the country has great expectations of recovering a leading position in the region.
Monday, October 1st 2012 - 06:08 UTC
Massive rallies of Capriles and Chavez in last leg of what polls show as a very tight presidential race

More than 100.000 people gathered in Caracas in support of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles. He criticised President Hugo Chavez for what he called a long list of unfulfilled promises and demanded justice for three opposition activists killed during a rally in Barinas state on Saturday.