Mercosur

• Tuesday, April 20th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Legislative “task group” to address energy crisis.

  Argentine and Chilean legislators created this Monday in Buenos Aires a “task group” to address the energy crisis that erupted following Argentina's unilateral natural gas provision reduction which already has meant an increase in Chilean electricity bills.

• Tuesday, April 20th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Lan Chile's “monopolistic practices” in the limelight.

  The Chilean National Airnavigation Association, ANACO, accused Lan Chile of “monopolistic practices” that impede the development of smaller airlines.

• Tuesday, April 20th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine: Multi-pronged anti-crime plan.

  In the midst of a troubling crime wave, the Argentine government on Monday launched a broad security plan which includes pushing for judicial, legislative and police reform to combat insecurity and corruption.

• Monday, April 19th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Kirchner's administration image looses 13 points.

  The Argentine president Nestor Kirchner administration image has dropped 13 points in the last four months, but the standing of the President himself remains solid, according to the latest opinion poll published this Sunday in Buenos Aires.

• Monday, April 19th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Spain orders return of troops from Iraq.

  Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero ordered this Sunday the return of Spanish troops from Iraq “with maximum security and in the shortest time possible”.

• Monday, April 19th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Rato favourite to succeed Kohler in IMF.

  Rodrigo Rato the Spanish Economy Minister of the outgoing Jose Aznar administration is “clear favourite” to preside the International Monetary Fund given the support from United States, according to the Financial Times.

• Monday, April 19th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazilian president promises “Tropical New Deal” .

  Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva admitted his dissatisfaction with the poor results of the economy and had given a 15 days “ultimatum” to his economic team and advisors.

• Monday, April 19th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentina ready to host Antarctic Secretariat.

  The Argentine Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee will be considering this Wednesday the bill making Buenos Aires the permanent seat for the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat.

• Friday, April 16th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Bielsa: “we're waiting for a gesture from the English”.

  Argentina will not try “to seduce” the “kelpers in Malvinas” again, nor will it continue pushing, for the time being, for the resumption of flights to the Falkland Islands from Argentine territory, Argentine Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael Bielsa told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lower House last Wednesday.

• Friday, April 16th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  UN condemns Cuba on human rights.

  The United Nations Human Rights Committee based in Geneva this Thursday condemned Cuba for its spring 2003 crackdown that sent 75 peaceful dissidents, mostly democracy advocates and independent journalists to prison for terms averaging 20 years.