Politics

Monday, December 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur summit challenge: how not to deepen differences

Mercosur presidential summit which begins Tuesday does not have much to show besides an unfinished agenda, pending proposals and a list of issues that if openly debated can prove explosive for an already anemic trade group.
Monday, December 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguayan former military dictator charged and jailed

Uruguay's last military dictator, former General Gregorio Alvarez, was charged Monday with the forced disappearance of political prisoners. Human rights activists who have long campaigned for his prosecution cheered on the news and the country's trade union confederation called for a march in support of democracy in downtown Montevideo.
Monday, December 17th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Major £35 million upgrade for frigate HMS Sutherland

British Defence Minister Baroness Taylor announced earlier this month a £35m (70 million US dollars) major upgrade to Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland.
Sunday, December 16th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Morales praises reform plan rejected by half of Bolivia

Bolivian President Evo Morales has formally received a new draft constitution, ahead of two referendums due on its reform measures.
Sunday, December 16th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UK visa time for outside EU tourists “to be halved”

Proposals to cut the time tourists from outside the EU can stay in the UK from six months to three are expected to be announced by ministers this week.
Saturday, December 15th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuelan cash full suitcase strains Argentina/US link

The Argentine government yesterday said that the report presented by US prosecutors, linking the suitcase full of cash that came from Venezuela with Cristina Fernández's presidential campaign, is part of an “operation” against Argentina, while US officials said the case should not affect the bilateral relationship.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
A divided Bolivia seems prepared to clash on Saturday

Bolivia put its armed forces on alert Thursday ahead of a threatened move towards autonomy by half the country's provinces, Defence Minister Walker San Miguel said, according to the daily La Prensa.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Cristina Kirchner faces first full attack on her presidency

Facing the first allegation within days after becoming the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner strongly denied U.S. charges that Venezuela tried to illegally influence her election campaign.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
“Illegal Venezuelan agents” attempting to intimidate a witness

The 800,000 dollars cash suitcase scandal extending from Miami to Caracas and Buenos Aires could send three Venezuelans and a Uruguayan, if convicted, to a US federal prison for up to ten years and a 250.000 US dollars fine.
Friday, December 14th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
With the Lisbon Treaty EU prepares for active global role

European Union leaders have signed a treaty in Portugal's capital that is expected to greatly alter the way the 27-nation body operates. The treaty creates an EU president and a more powerful foreign policy chief.