Politics

Sunday, August 8th 2010 - 07:34 UTC
Fidel surprises everybody and only speaks to the Assembly for 10 minutes

Fidel Castro, the former Cuban leader delivered Saturday his first speech to the national assembly since resigning over ill health four years ago. The chamber erupted into applause at the sight of Mr Castro, dressed in his familiar olive-green fatigues but without his comandante's insignia.
Sunday, August 8th 2010 - 07:29 UTC
Chavez promises new start and willing to meet President Santos

President Hugo Chávez offered to meet with Colombia's new President Juan Manuel Santos to restore diplomatic relations broken over allegations that Venezuela was tolerating the presence of guerrillas in its territory.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 23:11 UTC
Santos called for understanding in spite of ideological differences

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos took office Saturday with a pledge to create jobs, end rebel violence and foster economic growth while seeking to mend ties with neighbouring countries in spite of “ideological differences”.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 06:09 UTC
UNASUR suggests Venezuelan chancellor meets Colombian president Santos

Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Secretary-General Néstor Kirchner and Brazilian president Lula da Silva recommended that Venezuelan Foreign Affairs minister Nicolas Maduro should travel to Colombia on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of president elect Juan Manuel Santos.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 06:06 UTC
Uribe files complaint against Chavez before International Criminal Court

Out-going Colombian President Álvaro Uribe filed a complaint before the International Criminal Court in Rome against Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez for crimes against humanity that derive from the alleged harbouring of Colombian guerrilla fighters in Venezuelan soil, Uribe's lawyer, Jaime Granados, informed.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 05:56 UTC
Dilma/Serra debate was “boring” and unable to distract Brazilians from soccer

The first television debate between the Brazilian leading presidential candidates, Dilma Rousseff and Jose Serra had one of the lowest ratings Thursday night and analysts defined it as ‘boring’ and a at the most, ‘a test for future duels’.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 05:51 UTC
Kirchner sowing for next year’s presidential election

Argentina's government, unions and industry leaders agreed this week to raise the minimum wage by 23%, more than twice the official annual inflation running at 11%.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 05:44 UTC
UN/Ecuador agree on trust fund to protect bio-diversity from oil industry

The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and Ecuador have reached agreement to set up a trust fund to protect an ecological site in an oil-rich area of the South American country’s Amazon region.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 05:31 UTC
Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo diagnosed with lymphoma

Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo, 59, has been diagnosed with a lymphoma following the biopsy of an inguinal ganglion extracted Wednesday. He will be travelling to Brazil next Tuesday to continue with lab tests and to decide future steps.
Saturday, August 7th 2010 - 00:49 UTC
New tax and banking bill ‘scares’ investors warns Uruguayan business community

The Uruguayan government announced intention of making banking secret accounts “more flexible” and expanding income tax to overseas holdings and assets have delayed investment decisions and accelerated the sale of real estate in Uruguay by foreigners, particularly Argentines, warned the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism.