An influential member of the Chilean ruling coalition argued president Ricardo Lagos can not remain quiet or numb to opposition's accusations that pretend to deny the government achievements
The 2002 budget and the Federal participation agreement are the two stalling points that prevent Argentina from having access to the crucial 1,3 billion US dollars International Monetary Fund disbursement.
Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Soledad Alvear praised US House of Representatives approval of the Trade Promotion Authority, TPA, or fast track, as it was described during the Clinton administration years
After completing the first of two rounds of a massive debt swap, that Argentine government officials described as a resounding success, Argentina restricted money withdrawals to impede a continuing loss of bank deposits and in preparation for discussions with grumbling international investors.
The Chilean peso experienced a strong recovery this week against the United States dollar and now quotes as before the terrorist attacks of September 11th., that is 670 pesos to the dollar.
With aides promising a quick return to politics and a bid for a third presidential term, former president Carlos Menem recovered this Tuesday his freedom after spending several months in house arrest for his alleged involvement in arms smuggling to Croatia and Ecuador in violation of international agreements.
Mercosur country members consider the recent WTO summit in Qatar as positive since prospects for agriculture are encouraging, following the export subsidies progressive elimination agreement.
This Monday Argentina sets off the first stage of the bonds swap operation addressed to lower interest payments with an expected 2,5 billion US dollars saving in 2002 and avoid defaulting on foreign loans.