Politics

Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 14:17 UTC
Obama denies the US plans to set military bases in Colombia

President Barack Obama joined Friday a controversy boiling in South America by denying the United States is planning to set up military bases in Colombia as part of an upgraded security agreement with Bogotá. “There have been those in the region who have been trying to play this up as part of a traditional anti-Yankee rhetoric. This is not accurate,” Obama told Hispanic media reporters.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 14:03 UTC
Unasur summit to address the Colombia-US forces controversy

The Union of South American Nations, UNASUR will debate the creation of four ministerial councils on narcotics-traffic, infrastructure, culture and education and social development during the summit hosted by Ecuador which begins next Monday.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:51 UTC
Prostitution ring recruited 15-year old girls at school doors

A Brazilian woman accused of heading a prostitution ring that recruited only 15-year-old and younger girls which were later distributed around the country has been detained by the police of Brazil.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:46 UTC
“We are a bunch of crooks, with no credibility” admits Brazilian senator

“We are but a bunch of crooks that have lost all credibility with our citizens” following months of claims of corruption practices in the Upper House, said Brazilian Senator Demostenes Torres during a rowdy congressional debate.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 - 13:35 UTC
UK reasserts authority over Gibraltar’s waters

Defra, the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has reasserted UK’s authority over Gibraltar waters and objects to Spain’s designation. The statement of position comes as the Foreign Office is expected to announce its position in relation to Gibraltar’s lawsuit against the European Commission in this respect.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:50 UTC
Mercosur works if Brazil makes it work, said Uruguayan presidential hopeful

The Uruguayan ruling coalition presidential candidate Jose Mujica said Brazilian president Lula da Silva promised to help speed power inter-connection between the two neighbouring countries, in the framework of Mercosur, in spite of Argentina’s non supportive attitude. He also underlined Mercosur depends on Brazil’s willingness.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:41 UTC
Paraguayan Senate not interested in having Venezuela in Mercosur

The Paraguayan Congress is not interested in considering the protocol for Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur said Senator Miguel Carrioza, president of the Upper house.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:38 UTC
US forces in Colombia controversy: Uribe’s tour considered “positive”

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe three day visit to seven South American countries to explain to his peers the extent of the military understanding with Washington, which includes deployment of US forces in seven Colombian bases, concluded with descriptions of “positive”, “cordial” and “very important”.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 12:02 UTC
Falklands: Cruise numbers to slump as major operator pulls the plug

Retailers in Stanley are being urged to work smarter for the tourist dollar as future domestic cruise seasons face potentially devastating losses.
Friday, August 7th 2009 - 11:49 UTC
Following months of dispute Kirchner easing its grip on agriculture markets

Officials from the administration of Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner have announced a set of measures toward the liberalization of meat and grains exports -following demands made by farming organizations- in a move to resolve the ongoing conflict with farming leaders.