Politics

• Sunday, May 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Morales says “referendum failed” but calls for dialogue

  

  The richest region of Bolivia, Santa Cruz voted overwhelmingly for autonomy on Sunday in a vote widely seen as a rejection of President Evo Morales' radical reforms. However President Morales said the referendum “had failed categorically” because less than 50% had voted and called all governors to build a “true autonomy”.

• Saturday, May 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  UK protest vote dumps Labor and Tories take London

  

  British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is under pressure from his party to restore his credibility after delivering Labour's worst election results in at least 40 years. In his first electoral test as PM, Mr Brown lost nine councils and 333 seats and saw Labour's Ken Livingstone edged out of power in London after eight years.

• Saturday, May 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  OAS supports Bolivia unity in eve of crucial autonomy vote

  

  Following long discussions until early Saturday morning, the Organization of American States, OAS, supported the territorial integrity of Bolivia but abstained from condemning the autonomy referendum which is scheduled for Sunday in the province of Santa Cruz, the country's richest.

• Saturday, May 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine farmers half-mobilized extend truce to Wednesday

  

  Argentine farmers will limit sales of agricultural products in a renewed protest against a sliding tax system for grain and oilseed exports, but they will continue to negotiate with the government, farm leaders announced Friday after consulting with their organizations

• Saturday, May 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  On Free Press Day, UN stresses role of access to information

  

  Marking the annual World Press Freedom Day top United Nations officials have stressed the role of a secure and independent media, and access to information, in empowering individuals and advancing development.

• Friday, May 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine farmers plan soft protests and continued dialogue

  

  Argentine farmers' organizations announced on Thursday the end of the 30 days truce which was agreed to dialogue with the government over taxing and other grievances, and warned they would return to protest in the country's main routes.

• Friday, May 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  CNN shows Bush as most unpopular US president

  

  A new opinion poll from CNN released Thursday shows that 71% of the US public disapproves of President George Bush handling of his job, making him the most unpopular in modern US history.

• Friday, May 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Chavez nationalizes Argentine foundry, Venezuela's largest

  

  President Hugo Chavez ordered the expropriation of Venezuela's largest steel maker after attempts by the government to acquire a majority stake in the Italian-Argentine conglomerate Techint failed.

• Friday, May 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  More budget and aircrafts promise for Argentine Air Force

  

  Argentina's Defence Minister announced on Thursday a budget boost and promised a significant increase in the number of aircraft for the Air Force during the celebration of Malvinas War Fire Baptism Day.

• Friday, May 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

  

  Headlines: Concordia Bay is on her way; Anger at squid fee hike; Argentine protest at drilling plans; Co-op in difficulty?