Mercosur

• Friday, January 18th 2013 - 14:29 UTC

  Falklands does not discard a referendum on ‘full independence in the future’

  

  If at the coming referendum, the Falkland Islands wish to remain a UK Overseas Territory, retaining the current status and preserving the right to self-determination, which would allow the Falkland Islands to review its status at any time, “this could include full independence in the future”, points out the booklet “On the future of the Falkland Islands”.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 23:45 UTC

  European Parliament calls for speeding EU/Mercosur trade negotiations

  

  The European Parliament regretted that negotiations for an association agreement between the European Union and Mercosur remain stalled or have hardly advanced since they officially resumed two years ago.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 22:02 UTC

  Uruguay’s growth estimates for this year, 3.86%, according to private estimates

  

  Private analysts lowered their forecasts for Uruguay’s GDP growth this year from an average of 4% in December to 3.86%, according to the latest monthly survey on economic expectations released by the Central Bank. Expectations for January ranged between 3.2% and 4%.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 20:27 UTC

  IMF ‘definitive’ assessment of Argentine inflation and GDP stats in February

  

  IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde confirmed to the Argentine media that next February first the fund will be assessing her critical report on Argentine statistics, which could lead to sanctions for the country.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 16:49 UTC

  Uruguay poised to grow 4% this year; Argentina and Brazil, 3.4%, says World Bank

  

  Uruguay’s economy is poised to grow 4% this year and in 2014, which is above the region’s average, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects issued this week. However Uruguay will be ranked twelfth in the growth ranking of Latinamerica this year but ahead of Brazil and Argentina with 3.4%.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 16:47 UTC

  Brazil expects to tame inflation with the currency and energy rate cuts

  

  The Brazilian currency and energy rate cuts will help tame inflation this year, allowing the Brazilian central bank to keep interest rates at a record low even as growth accelerates, said Treasury Secretary Arno Augustin.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 15:38 UTC

  Atlantic countries concerned with UK presence in Falklands; call for talks with Argentina

  

  Twenty one countries from South America and Africa strongly supported their commitment to keep the South Atlantic free of arms of massive destruction and expressed concern over the British military presence in the Falklands/Malvinas, which are claimed by Argentina.

• Thursday, January 17th 2013 - 14:04 UTC

  Despite inflation risks Brazil keeps interest rates at record low, 7.25%

  

  The Brazilian central bank kept its benchmark interest rate at a record low for the second straight meeting, 7.25%, despite admitting inflation was a short term risk and economic recovery less intense than expected.

• Wednesday, January 16th 2013 - 03:52 UTC

  Statement on Falklands expected from South Atlantic peace zone meeting

  

  Representatives from 21 African and South American countries are debating in Uruguay the consolidation of the South Atlantic as a zone free of massive destruction arms and its “improper militarization”, as a result of the growing tension between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

• Tuesday, January 15th 2013 - 02:54 UTC

  Brazil insists with fresh election in Venezuela if Chavez dies, according to Reuters

  

  According to a report from Reuters, Brazil is urging Venezuela's government to hold elections as quickly as possible if President Hugo Chavez dies, which in that case would help a smoother leadership transition in Caracas.