
The Falklands/Malvinas dispute between Argentina and the UK is having its effects on the (Spanish) Galician fleet in the Southwest Atlantic, where most of its vessels operating under the Falklands flag are continually being “harassed” by Argentine patrol vessels, reports El Faro de Vigo in an interview with Javier Touza, president of the Vigo Ship Owners cooperative.

One of Brazil’s leading and influential newspapers, O Estado de Sao Paulo announced its support for opposition presidential candidate Jose Serra for the coming Sunday election and described current president Lula da Silva as a “bad example” for Brazilian politics.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague announced a review of the overall approach of the coalition government towards the Overseas Territories and stated that contrary to France the UK does not regard OT as part of the home state nor has plans for such a move, reports Panorama.

The last airworthy Cold War British Vulcan bomber, and 1982 Falklands conflict veteran, could have made its final public flight on Sunday unless its owners can raise £400,000 by the end of October.

Britain's Prince William is apparently battling to serve in the Falkland Islands with his Royal Air Force (RAF) search and rescue squadron. The pilot Prince is determined to fly alongside colleagues when they are sent to the UK outpost within the next two years.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez suffered a serious setback last Sunday when he lost his two-thirds majority in the National Assembly reflecting increasing disenchantment with the charismatic leader and his administration’s failures and pose a great challenge for his 2012 re-election aspirations.

Next Wednesday Mercosur country members are scheduled to meet in Brazil to coordinate for the coming round of Mercosur/European Union trade negotiations that will be taking place in Brussels, October 11 to 15.

Uruguay’s central bank raised on Friday its overnight lending rate to 6.5% from 6.25% as inflation expectations are above the target range of 4% to 6%. The decision took the market by surprise since exporters have been asking for a stronger US dollar, but the Economy ministry said “it did not visualize a loss of competitiveness”.

There is no resolution in sight for the Chilean indigenous Mapuche hunger strike. On Day 75, the health of the 34 prisoners is in danger. Eight have been hospitalized, with one needing surgery for appendicitis.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner criticized the British government for continuing to ignore Argentina's request for sovereignty talks over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands.