Mercosur

• Wednesday, November 21st 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Argentina: Free and in active politics.

  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.

• Monday, November 19th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  WTO summit “positive”

  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.

• Monday, November 19th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Argentine bond swap begins

  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.

• Monday, November 19th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  World faces recession.

  The International Monetary Fund lowered the world's growth estimate for this year to just 2,4%, which many economists consider a recession since it's below 2,5%.

• Monday, November 19th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  No “fast track” this year

  US Congress Democrat Senate leader Tom Daschle confirmed this week in Washington that legislation giving the Executive power to negotiate new trade deals without the threat of congressional amendments, (“fast track”) will not be approved this year.

• Wednesday, November 14th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Good omen for Argentina

• Wednesday, November 14th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Vindication of government intervention

• Monday, November 12th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Brazil modestly optimistic

• Tuesday, November 6th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  Recovery in 2002.

• Tuesday, November 6th 2001 - 20:00 UTC

  “Moral renewal” of political leadership.