Politics

Friday, February 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Relief in Brazil: loss of “state secrets” was petty theft

Brazilian officials said petty theft and not corporate espionage was responsible for the disappearance of computers with highly sensitive information on recently discovered oilfields, which could make Brazil a hydrocarbons powerhouse.
Friday, February 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia bitterly divided over constitutional vote

A bitterly divided Bolivian Congress on Thursday approved a May 4 referendum on President Evo Morales' proposed constitutional review, which would grant greater political power to Bolivia's long-oppressed indigenous groups and greater government intervention in the economy.
Friday, February 29th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Sovereign investment funds warn about increased regulations

The head of one of the Middle East's best-known investment funds has warned against any European Union (EU) moves to increase their regulation. State-run investment vehicles, Chinese and Middle East sovereign wealth funds have recently bought stakes in a number of Western banks and other businesses.
Thursday, February 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Released FARC hostages meet relatives in Venezuela

Four hostages held by Colombian FARC rebels were released on Wednesday, in a deal brokered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Thursday, February 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Colombia forces capture a senior member of FARC

Colombian security forces have arrested a senior member of the country's largest insurgency group and one of the most wanted rebels announced the government of President Alvaro Uribe.
Thursday, February 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“Four years of de-mining” operations in Tierra del Fuego

Four years are needed to clear the five minefields planted by the Chilean Army in northern Tierra del Fuego, although one of them will be officially certified as “de-mined” at the end of 2008 according to Chilean Defence ministry sources, reports La Prensa Austral from Punta Arenas.
Thursday, February 28th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
France warns FARC on Betancourt's fragile condition

France warned on Thursday that French-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt may have only weeks to live, after fellow captives released by Colombia's FARC guerrillas said her health was failing rapidly.
Wednesday, February 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela May Begin FARC Hostage Rescue today

Venezuela has said it is ready to recover four hostages held by Colombian rebels, in the second release deal brokered by the government of Hugo Chavez this year.
Wednesday, February 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
New Cuban president meets with top Vatican official

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone met with newly-affirmed Cuban leader Raul Castro just two days after the ageing dictator Fidel Castro relinquished power.
Wednesday, February 27th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Half of the world population lives in urban areas says UN

By the end of this year, half of the world's 6.7 billion people will live in urban areas, according to a report unveiled by the United Nations on Tuesday, which also predicts that future growth of the world's urban population will be concentrated in Asia and Africa.