Mercosur

• Wednesday, March 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile plans to double animal production

  With clear signs of farmers' optimism and promises of even more government assistance, the 51st Agriculture and Livestock Show organized by Magallanes Region cattle breeders was officially inaugurated last weekend by the Chilean Agriculture Secretary Jaime Campos.

• Wednesday, March 12th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Pinochet Undergoes Tests for Pacemaker

  Former dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet underwent tests to determine whether doctors should replace the pacemaker he has had for seven years, an aide said. No decision was immediately announced on whether the 87-year-old former ruler will need a new device to control his heart beat.

• Tuesday, March 11th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Venezuela's oil production returning to normal

  Venezuelan oil production, which fell to 150,000 barrels per day at the height of a two-month opposition-led strike, will reach 2.7 million bpd by the end of March, state oil company chief Ali Rodriguez said yesterday.

• Sunday, March 9th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine presidential race.

  Argentines will have to choose from among 15 politicians, four of them from the Peronist party, in the April 27th presidential election.

• Wednesday, March 5th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine Court Overturns Currency Rule

  The Supreme Court today overturned a government decree that forcibly converted dollar-denominated bank accounts to the Argentine peso.

• Monday, March 3rd 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Cabinet reshuffle.

  The Chilean cabinet reshuffle anticipated last week will officially take place this Monday when eight new Ministers and heads of Departments are instated in office.

• Sunday, March 2nd 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Kirchner leads in opinion polls.

  With 56 days left for Argentina's crucial April 27 presidential elections, the three ruling Peronist party candidates are leading in opinion polls with Santa Cruz governor Nestor Kirchner at the top with 19,5%, followed by Adolfo Rodríguez Sáa, 17,3% and former president Carlos Menem 15,6%.

• Sunday, March 2nd 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Elections suspended in Argentine province

  The gubernatorial election in Argentina's Catamarca province was suspended today Sunday after a wave of violence was unleashed by supporters of banned Peronist candidate Luis Barrionuevo.

• Saturday, March 1st 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazil acts to stabilise fuel price.

  In the face of rising international oil prices and the threat of war in Iraq, Brazil's government is taking measures to limit domestic fuel price fluctuations.

• Friday, February 28th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

  Army to ensure a peaceful Carnival

  With the support of the Armed Forces, Brazilian Police have launched a huge security operation to protect the carnival in Rio de Janeiro which has been threatened by spiralling violence between drugs gangs.