Politics

Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Lula da Silva woos and boosts Brazilian armed forces

Brazil announced this week the creation of an ambitious defense structure, to be deployed in the event of foreign aggression, which includes ten ministries under the command of the Defence ministry, reports O Estado de Sao Paulo.
Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Growing consensus that the “feared US recession” is here

The feared recession in the US economy has already arrived, according to a report from Merrill Lynch. It said that Friday's employment report, which sent shares tumbling worldwide, confirmed that the US is in the first month of a recession.
Tuesday, January 8th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Australian announces first permanent air link to Antarctica

Australia's civil aviation regulators announced on Tuesday they have given final approval for the country's first permanent air link to Antarctica, although it will be for scientists rather than tourists.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Stone blames Bush for failed release of Colombian hostages

Hollywood director Oliver Stone who was to film the liberation of hostages held by the Colombian cocaine funded guerrilla FARC at the end of December, accused the United States for the failure of the mission and defends the role played by Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez in the frustrated operation.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK Minister meets opposition from Falklands Councillors on next-of-kin issue

BRITISH Overseas Territories Minister Meg Munn met with opposition from Falkland Islands councillors during her recent visit to the islands when she suggested Argentine next-of-kin might be allowed to visit the Falklands via a charter flight.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela's Mercosur entry stalled in Brazilian Congress

The recent end of the year episode of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez with the Colombian cocaine-funded guerrilla FARC and the failed handover of hostages could further imperil the Brazilian Congress approval of Venezuela's incorporation to Mercosur.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina under Plan Condor had tracking stations in Brazil

The 1976-1983 Argentine dictatorship held information bases in San Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which were meant to “detect people connected to the subversion”, according to a legal prosecution started in Argentina, reported the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper on Sunday.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon: 2008 should be the year of the “bottom billion”

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed Monday that 2008 should be the year of the “bottom billion,” citing the need for renewed determination to address the needs of the poorest of the world's poor who have been left behind by global economic growth.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
With 2009 in mind Uruguayan cabinet reshuffle expected

Uruguayan Socialist president Tabare Vazquez is preparing a reshuffle of the ministerial cabinet which will include half of the posts, including those with the greatest political and financial weight, according to the government newspaper La Republica.
Monday, January 7th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine former minister charged with cover up

Argentina's former economy minister was charged Monday with trying to cover up the discovery of a bagful of cash she stashed in her office bathroom. Felisa Miceli now faces prosecution on charges of alleged cover-up and destruction of evidence. She also faces a 200.000 pesos embargo.