Politics

Sunday, July 8th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Increasing support (and challenges) for Mrs. Kirchner presidential bid

A week after Argentina's First Lady Cristina Kirchner was confirmed as the government's candidate for the October presidential election, several public opinion polls show her vote intention rating on the rise and closing in on that of her husband President Nestor Kirchner. But there are also surprising replies about the president's “political comeback project for 2011”.
Saturday, July 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Lula calls Chavez “my friend” but also defends Congress

Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva admitted Friday the existence of problems between Brasilia and Caracas, although he downplayed the tone of the dispute with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, whom he called my “friend”.
Saturday, July 7th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Bush administration wakes up to South America's reality

Several outstanding United States officials will be visiting “friendly” countries in South America to promote political and trade links in the framework of what has been described as the year of the “US commitment with Latinamerica”.
Friday, July 6th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Penguin News weekly update

Headlines:
Should we take self-determination message direct to Argentina?; Blanch to return; Ferry contract signed; No local tourism applications; Live Earth this weekend.
Thursday, July 5th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Kirchner tries to smooth Chavez/Lula conflict

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner called Thursday on his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva to help smooth the way so Venezuela can become an active member of Mercosur.
Wednesday, July 4th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Venezuela/Brazil conflict strains Mercosur project

Mercosur faces its most serious political crisis following the spiraling conflict between Brazil and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who publicly announced a three months “ultimatum” for the definitive approval of his country's entry to the main South American trade block.
Wednesday, July 4th 2007 - 21:00 UTC
“There are rules to belong to Mercosur, but none to leave”

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he was looking forward to talk with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez to discuss the latest Mercosur misunderstandings but he also emphasized that there are rules to become a member of the trade group, but none to leave.
Tuesday, July 3rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil offers resettlement for Palestinian refugees from Iraq

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees welcomed an offer by Brazil to resettle an estimated 100 Palestinians formerly living in Iraq starting in mid-September.
Monday, July 2nd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
Colombian guerrilla accused of killing 11 lawmakers

Colombia's guerrilla movement FARC (Colombian revolutionary armed forces) are the “main culprits” for the death of the eleven local Deputies which they held captive, but so is Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, said on Sunday Melanie Betancourt, daughter of Ingrid Betancourt held at ransom by the Marxist oriented guerrillas.
Monday, July 2nd 2007 - 21:00 UTC
US Treasury Secretary visit to Brazil, Uruguay and Chile

United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will make a week-long trip to South America beginning July 9, his first to the region since taking the position. He is scheduled to visit Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, meeting with the presidents of all three countries as well as Finance ministers and local business leaders.