Mercosur

• Wednesday, January 4th 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Argentina admits Falklands' “tightening” policy

  In another twist of its tightening policy towards the Falkland Islands the Argentine government said it expects Argentine flagged jiggers to begin catching in the South Atlantic high seas before the official squid season starts next February, reports Clarin in the Wednesday edition.

• Tuesday, January 3rd 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Morales on world tour, regrets no US invitation

  Bolivian elected President Evo Morales who Tuesday begins a world tour of seven countries in four continents, with a first stop over in Venezuela, regrets no invitation from United States was forthcoming, since he is willing to dialogue with all governments.

• Tuesday, January 3rd 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Argentina begins process to cancel IMF debt

  This Tuesday Argentina will make effective the advance payment of approximately 9.5 billion US dollars thus cancelling all debts with the International Monetary Fund, a decision announced by President Néstor Kirchner last December 15.

• Monday, January 2nd 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Record meat export year for Uruguay

  Uruguay meat exports increased 21.46% in 2005 over 2004 according to the latest release from the Uruguayan Meat Board.

• Monday, January 2nd 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Chilean candidates prepare for crucial debate

  Chilean ruling coalition presidential candidate Michelle Bachelet and opposition Conservative businessman Sebastian Piñera are scheduled to debate Wednesday evening on national television, the only time they will do so before the run off next January 15.

• Monday, January 2nd 2006 - 20:00 UTC

  Argentina recalls Malvinas/Falklands 1833 events

  Argentine Foreign Affairs minister Jorge Taiana reaffirmed Monday in an official release, Argentina's “imprescriptible sovereignty rights over the Malvinas islands” and condemned the ”illegitimate (British) occupation” of the South Atlantic islands.

• Saturday, December 31st 2005 - 20:00 UTC

  Mercopress on line first ten years

  2006 is a very special year for Mercopress: it marks the first ten years of our on line service which has been made possible thanks to the shared commitment and confidence of our clients, subscribers and readers.

• Friday, December 30th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

  Bolivia's Morales on a quick visit to Cuba

  Evo Morales, the elected Bolivian president who describes himself as “anti-imperialist” is leaving for a long pre-inauguration international tour that begins Friday in Cuba with Fidel Castro.

• Friday, December 30th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

  Extra second to clocks midnight December 31

  Scientists are delaying the start of the New Year by adding the first “leap second” in seven years to keep clocks in sync with solar time used by astronomers.

• Friday, December 30th 2005 - 20:00 UTC

  “Too many immigrants”, say Spaniards

  In spite of a generous amnesty that in 2005 legalized the residence and employment of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, Spaniards are worried about the influx of foreigners and believe that too many already are in the country.