
Argentina's unemployment rate fell to 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to a Tuesday release from the country’s national statistics institute, Indec. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had announced the number informally in a speech last week.

The Royal Navy HMS York based in Portsmouth is on her way to the South Atlantic to conduct maritime security patrols. The refurbished Type 42 destroyer will spend the majority of the five-month deployment patrolling the British South Atlantic islands including the Falklands and South Georgia.

Even when Uruguay and Brazil are in the course of reaching understandings with Argentina regarding the latest trade restrictions to be implemented by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration, ‘which are not targeted against Mercosur members’, the Brazilian press presents another angle.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi appeared Monday on state television signalling his defiance in the face of a mounting revolt against his 41-year rule.

Leaders of Ireland’s three main parties pledged on Monday to oppose any trade deal with Mercosur countries which could damage Irish exports if EU standards of production are not adhered to, reports the Irish Times.

Uruguay and Argentina are discussing a ‘fast track’ mechanism that will allow Uruguayan exports to have quick access to the neighbour’s market thus avoiding the controversial trade restrictions recently announced by the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and which have surprised Mercosur partners.

Former Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo continues to lead public opinion polls for the April 10 presidential election followed in a tight race by Congress member Keiko Fujimori and the ex mayor of Lima, Luis Castañeda.

Brazil’s economy will pick up speed in 2012, said President Dilma Rousseff on Monday addressing northeast governors concerned that recent announced budget cuts could limit economic activity and support for the area that depends from federal handouts.

Brazil would receive a significant technology transfer if it buys US-made fighter jets, a US Defence Department official said, seeking to ease concerns before Brazil selects a winning bidder.

Brazil’s leading daily Folha de Sao Paulo celebrating its 90th anniversary openly admitted on its Monday edition that in 1964 it supported the military coup that ousted constitutional president Joao Goulart imposing a dictatorship that extended until 1985.