Mercosur

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  “Sex market” controversy involves USS Reagan.

  Valparaiso is not “Sodom and Gomorra” said Chilean governor Ivan de la Maza flatly rejecting that the country's main port is about to become the biggest “sex market” when the large USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier arrives this week end.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  South Atlantic fisheries “over exploited”.

  Argentina flatly refused European Union access to the South Atlantic fisheries given the delicate situation of the resource which is “over exploited”.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Sharks next to Brazilian top beaches.

  The catch of ten sharks in waters close to Buzios, one of Brazil's renowned international sea resorts, has caused deep concern among Rio do Janerio authorities.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  IMF warns about oil, but still optimistic.

  IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato warned this week about the risks of high oil prices for global growth but said inflationary pressures in the main economies have not appeared.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  China and Chile draft trade agreement.

  China and Chile will conclude next September a technical paper assessing the impact for both countries economies of a potential free trade agreement.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Pasture improvement in Tierra del Fuego.

  A group of ten Tierra del Fuego farmers with 100,000 sheep and 150,000 hectares are involved in a pasture improvement project with support from Chile's Development Corporation and other aid programs.

• Thursday, June 24th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Greenland seeks full independence.

  Greenland which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of autonomous government from the kingdom of Denmark is also preparing for full independence, a target supported by 80% of the 56,000 population.

• Wednesday, June 23rd 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  “Excellent year for Magallanes farmers”.

  Magallanes region exported five million kilos of wool during 2003, almost three million and a half clean and just over 1,5 million greasy wool, according to the latest report from the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service.

• Wednesday, June 23rd 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  “Bonafide”, illustrious citizen of Puerto Pirámides.

  An austral franc whale, one of the many hundreds that migrate each winter to the South Atlantic has been declared “illustrious citizen” of the seaside village of Puerto Pirámides in Argentine Patagonia, an area where cetaceans mate and calve.

• Wednesday, June 23rd 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  German industry praises EU-Mercosur talks.

  The president of the Confederation of German Industry, BDI, Michael Rogowski said this Tuesday in Stuttgart that the European Union is committed to consolidate its position as Mercosur's main trading partner.