Politics

• Monday, April 14th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Former bishop retains lead in Paraguay's presidential race

  With five days for next Sunday's Paraguay's presidential election former Catholic Bishop Fernando Lugo is still the front-runner but his lead over rival candidates has narrowed, according to a public opinion poll published on Ultima Hora Sunday's edition.

• Sunday, April 13th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Chavez calls FARC to release civilians and stop kidnapping

  Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez confirmed he was working for the release of a third group of hostages held by the Colombian guerrilla group FARC, including Ingrid Betancourt and urged the rebels to free all civilian hostages.

• Saturday, April 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Buenos Aires gives the Olympic flame a rest and new spirit

  

  The Olympic flame relay through Buenos Aires City on Friday was cheered by thousands of jubilant Argentines who turned out to the streets in support of the Beijing Olympic Games to be held next August in China.
  
  Tennis Hall of Fame Gabriela Sabatini, Gaby, running down a long carpet into the hall of an equestrian club, where she ignited a flame in a giant metal bowl gave the final touch to a brilliant event.

• Saturday, April 12th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Washington asks Argentina for help with Venezuela

  The top US diplomat for Latin America signaled a thaw in relations with Argentina during his brief 48 hours visit to Buenos Aires where he met with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and main officials from her administration. Before returning to Washington he described relations as “excellent”.

• Friday, April 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Tight security for Olympic torch relay in Buenos Aires

  

  The Olympic torch arrived Thursday afternoon to Argentina and on Friday will be relayed thirteen kilometers through downtown Buenos Aires with a massive display of security forces to ensure there's no repeat of the anti China incidents that have occurred in Europe and United States.

• Friday, April 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

  

  Headlines: 'He's behind you!'; Blind Dave's on target for London; Local companies object to loligo fee rise; Steady cruise ship rise continues; FPV Protegat on the way.

• Friday, April 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazil is promoting South American Defence Council

  

  Brazil's Minister of Defence Nelson Jobim announced visits to neighboring countries to promote the Brazilian initiative for a South American Defence Council. Addressing the Defence and Foreign Affairs committees of the Brazilian Congress Mr. Jobim said next Monday he would be traveling to Venezuela, Surinam and Guyana the first leg of the regional tour.

• Friday, April 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Poor countries grain bill forecasted to soar 50% in 2008

  With food riots reported across the globe from the Philippines to Haiti, the United Nations agricultural agency warned Friday that the cereal import bill of the world's poorest countries is forecast to rise by over 50% in the current fiscal year.

• Friday, April 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine farmers satisfied with “dialogue spirit”

  

  Argentine farmers' leaders described the long awaited Friday meeting with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to discuss camp policies, particularly taxes, as “positive” and praised the “sincere” and “dialogue spirit” of the three hours discussions held at Government House, Casa Rosada.

• Thursday, April 10th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Chavez nationalizes steel sector partly owned by Argentina

  

  President Hugo Chavez announced plans to nationalize Venezuela's biggest steel maker, Sidor, which belongs to the Argentine-Italian group Techint, with shares in the New York Stock Exchange. The group has close links with the Kirchners.