Mercosur

• Wednesday, April 12th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Authorities block Varig aid deal

  Aviation authorities blocked a deal that would have thrown a lifeline to Brazil's troubled flagship airline as employees held protests in the nation's capital yesterday calling for a federal bailout.

• Wednesday, April 12th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Chileans work two months for the government

  Last year, Chileans paid the largest proportion of their paycheck in taxes since 1987. In fact, on average Chileans pay 17.33% of their wages, or 53,910 pesos out of a 300,000 peso income, every month.

• Wednesday, April 12th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile plays dumb with dangerous smog levels

  For seven hours last Sunday, between seven a.m. and two p.m., Santiago residents were exposed to exceptionally high levels of air pollution and smog.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazil to help Japan with the ethanol industry

  Brazil agreed Monday to help Japan develop the ethanol industry and thus reduce the country's fuel bill.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Prodi claims Italy election victory

  Centre-left coalition leader Romano Prodi has claimed victory in Italy's general elections.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Oil prices settle at seven-month high

  Crude oil prices have hit record levels in London amid heightening concerns of a conflict between the US and Iran.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Famous and mysterious ancient Statue to be returned to homeland

  One of Easter Island's trademark “moai” will soon be returned its rightful place on the tiny Pacific island.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Alan Garcia, the most “convenient” president for Chile

  The prevailing opinion among Chilean political observers is that the most “convenient” candidate for Chile as Peru's next elected president is former president and Social democrat leader Alan García.

• Tuesday, April 11th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  US cities surprised with Hispanic massive rallies

  The massive demonstrations in United States pressing for immigrants' rights have led many Hispanics, and non Hispanics, to believe the time to show their political clout has arrived but whether the rallies will become votes and representatives in Congress has to be seen.

• Monday, April 10th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazilian Justice Minister sinking in scandal

  Brazilian Justice Minister Marcio Thomaz Bastos Sunday denied any links to the scandal that a few days ago forced the resignation of once-all powerful and President Lula da Silva's closest aide, Finance Minister Antonio Palocci.