Mercosur

• Thursday, June 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Bielsa: “I'm not tied to the cabinet chair”

  Argentine Foreign Affairs minister Rafael Bielsa defended his right to remain in the cabinet post while campaigning for a seat in the Lower House, although he also pointed out that he's “not tied to the chair”.

• Thursday, June 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  EU-Mercosur trade talks

  Portugal and Spain called yesterday for more political input in the EU's trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc, after five-year talks broke down.

• Thursday, June 16th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  NZ spearheads clean-Antarctica rules

  Anyone who damages Antarctica's pristine environment must now pay to clean it up under a new pact, New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff said yesterday.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine court ruling buries amnesty bills

  Argentina's Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned as “unconstitutional” two 1986 laws that had shielded hundreds from prosecution for murder, kidnapping and torture carried out under the country's 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Coca fields are again expanding in the Andes

  United Nations said Tuesday that coca fields in 2004 in the Andean region, which includes Colombia, Peru and Bolivia expanded, reversing the past three years decline.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  “Antarctic Dream” ready for 2005/06 cruise season

  Following two years of delay Antarctic Shipping confirmed n Punta Arenas that in the coming season 2005/06 the first Chilean cruise will be sailing to Antarctica.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Congressional hearing sends shockwaves in Brazil

  The Brazilian Deputy responsible for the political turmoil shocking President Lula da Silva's administration ratified on oath before Congress, the alleged bribes network set up by the top aides and ministers of the Brazilian Executive branch.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Bielsa complains about June 14 victory celebrations

  Argentina's Foreign Affairs minister Rafael Bielsa claimed Wednesday before the United Nations Decolonization Committee that Britain is violating agreements over the disputed Falklands/Malvinas islands and complained about the recent June 14 victory celebrations.

• Wednesday, June 15th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  More confirmation of bribes ring in Brazilian Congress

  A former Brasilia deputy governor revealed it was known that members of his Progressive Party, belonging to the ruling coalition of President Lula da Silva were receiving “financial aid”, but added he ignored the names.

• Tuesday, June 14th 2005 - 21:00 UTC

  Scandal rocks President Lagos administration

  Chilean president faces a scandal threat that could tarnish the last nine months of his six year administration following investigations into several million US dollars government contracts to close relatives and friends.