Politics

Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 13:12 UTC
US Navy huge multi-purpose vessel calls in Punta Arenas

USS Makin Island one of the latest built and largest US Navy multi-purpose amphibious assault ship called in Punta Arenas, in the extreme south of Chile after having sailed through the Magellan Strait.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 12:34 UTC
UK direct rule on Turks and Caicos Islands following corruption probe

The UK has imposed direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands after an inquiry found evidence of government corruption and incompetence. The administration of the UK Overseas Territory in the Caribbean has been suspended for up to two years and power transferred to the UK-appointed governor. Politicians are accused of selling crown land for personal gain.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 12:33 UTC
US libertarian think-tank supports legalizing undocumented workers

A new study from the libertarian CATO Institute concludes that legalizing the more than eight million undocumented workers in the United States would have significant economic benefits for the country, while simply enhancing border enforcement and applying restrictive immigration laws would actually hurt the US economically.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 11:17 UTC
Colombia completes military deal with US and invites Brazil to join

Colombia would like to increase its military ties with Brazil and other South American countries, President Alvaro Uribe said on Friday after the Foreign Affairs ministry announced it had completed talks with Washington on allowing US troops to use seven Colombian military bases.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 11:13 UTC
Colombian church confirms talks with FARC rebel leaders

Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrillon confirmed this week that he has talked with the leader of Colombia’s largest rebel group as part of the church’s hierarchy’s effort to mediate an end to the decades-long civil war.
Saturday, August 15th 2009 - 11:07 UTC
Mexico/Uruguay sign strategic association accord and advance trade

Mexico president Felipe Calderón and Uruguay’s Tabare Vazquez signed on Friday in Montevideo a Strategic Association accord to strengthen political dialogue and bilateral trade relations in the framework of the 2004 free trade agreement.
Friday, August 14th 2009 - 14:09 UTC
Paraguayan government withdraws bill for Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation

Paraguay's government withdrew a bill that would approve the incorporation of Venezuela to the Mercosur trade bloc fearing a defeat in Congress that could hurt relations between the two countries.
Friday, August 14th 2009 - 13:47 UTC
Zelaya calls for more US drastic measures against Honduras usurpers

Ousted Honduran president Manuel Zelaya said he expects the US administration to take more drastic actions against the de facto government of Roberto Micheletti. Zelaya held a three and a half hour meeting on Thursday with Chilean president Michelle Bachelet in Santiago as part of his round of visits to drum support for his reinstatement.
Friday, August 14th 2009 - 09:51 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Boost for Camp ranks on new RDS advisory group; TV blackout to continue
Friday, August 14th 2009 - 07:43 UTC
Mexico offers to mediate between Colombia and Venezuela and Ecuador

Mexican president Felipe Calderón on an official visit to Colombia offered his country’s mediation in the conflict between Bogotá and neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela.