Politics

Wednesday, February 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
State of emergency in Peru following farmers' protests

The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in several coastal provinces after a farmers' protest left at least four dead and more than 700 under arrest.
Wednesday, February 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World leaders hail Fidel's exit as chance for political change

Western leaders are hailing news of Cuban President Fidel Castro's plans to retire as an opportunity for political change in the island and to reestablish long frozen links.
Wednesday, February 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina turns down Kosovo fearing Malvinas claim impact

Argentina will not recognise the newly independent Kosovo fearing this could have an undesired influence in the country's dispute with Great Britain over its unflagging Malvinas/Falkland Islands sovereignty claim, according to Wednesday's Buenos Aires press.
Wednesday, February 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UK unveils new plan for foreigners to “earn” nationality

Details of a new deal for foreigners who want to take British citizenship are being announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. A Green Paper will propose that people who want to take UK nationality will have to prove a number of new requirements, and “earn” their citizenship.
Wednesday, February 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Raul Castro asks Lula da Silva help with transition process

Cuba's interim president Raul Castro requested advise and help from Brazil's Luis Inacio Lula da Silva “to accelerate the political and economic transition process” in the island according to Wednesday edition of the prestigious Folha de Sao Paulo.
Tuesday, February 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil and Argentina considering joint arms manufacturing

Brazil and Argentina are considering the joint manufacturing of different types of arms both for regional defense and for export, according to the Buenos Aires press. Next Friday Brazilian president Lula da Silva will make an official visit to Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and one of the several accords to be signed refers to the “production for defense”.
Tuesday, February 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
German Chancellor Merkel first visit to Latam next May

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Monday her first visit to the Latin American continent since taking office in 2005. Ms Merkel is scheduled to participate in the European Union-Latinamerica leaders' summit scheduled for next May in Lima, Peru.
Tuesday, February 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Fidel Castro resigns as president of Cuba, Gramma published

Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president from nearly a half-century early Tuesday, saying in a letter published in online official media that he would not accept a new term when the newly elected parliament meets on Sunday.
Tuesday, February 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Visiting British MPs congratulate Falklands politicians

VISITING British Members of Parliament have congratulated the Falkland Islands Government on their “high standard of administration.”
Tuesday, February 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina, first step to Arab-Latam leaders' summit

Argentina will host this week a meeting of Foreign Affairs ministers from Latinamerica and the Arab countries (ASPA), an idea promoted by the Brazilian diplomacy to expand economic and trade links and strengthen political ties between the two regions.