Mercosur

• Sunday, May 5th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  After early dismissals, fears of “contagion” from Argentina are voiced

  The conclusion that there would be no 'contagion' from the Argentine crisis seems to have been premature Ïor so a growing number of personalities have been suggesting.

• Sunday, May 5th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Former Bolivian president and dictator dies

  Former Bolivian president Hugo Banzer, a military dictator who later was democratically elected died this week in his hometown of Santa Cruz.

• Saturday, May 4th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentina Swears in 3 New Ministers

  In the latest reshuffle of his embattled Cabinet, Argentine President Eduardo Duhalde on Friday swore in three new ministers and brought radical trade union power into the heart of his government.

• Friday, May 3rd 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Menem plots comeback to power in Argentina

  “Menem returns!” proclaims a message scrawled on the dusty colonial square in La Rioja, a far-flung Argentine city near the border with Chile.

• Tuesday, April 30th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Peso Holds Firm in Argentina

  Argentina's peso held firm against the dollar Monday as banks and foreign currency houses reopened after a weeklong shutdown and as a new economy minister was taking charge.

• Tuesday, April 30th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Strong support for Uruguay

  Uruguay has been promised an additional one billion US dollars to support its financial system that has been exposed to the impact of Argentina's current political and economic turmoil.

• Monday, April 29th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Uruguay to Keep Relations With Cuba

  Uruguay's President Jorge Batlle said Saturday his country will maintain consular relations with Cuba, despite a deep row between the two countries in recent weeks.

• Monday, April 29th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Lagos expects quick ratification

  Chilean President Ricardo Lagos said he expects Congressional opposition will understand the importance of the recent association agreement between Chile and the European Union and help with its legislative approval.

• Monday, April 29th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Changes in slow motion

  Venezuelan president Hugo Chaves named this Sunday veteran political leader and former Defence Minister José Vicente Rangel as his new vicepresident, a vital post in the government structure.

• Sunday, April 28th 2002 - 21:00 UTC

  Markets trust test for Mr. Lavagna

  Incoming Argentine Minister of Economy Roberto Lavagna confirmed a floating currency, no price controls and a clear willingness to follow and comply with the reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, according to interviews in Buenos Aires Sunday newspapers.