Politics

Monday, November 26th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuelan and Spanish officials play down Chavez words

Venezuela's ambassador to Madrid on Monday tried to downplay President Hugo Chavez's statement that he was “freezing” bilateral relations until King Juan Carlos of Spain apologized for telling him to shut up at the recent Ibero-American summit in Chile.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Venezuela could still vote against Chavez reforms package

A day after Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez admitted he could loose next Sunday's referendum to reform the constitution, a public opinion poll confirmed that those voting NO are well ahead of those who support the package or reforms.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Australia chooses Labor and a generational change

Australia's Labor leader Kevin Rudd, a Mandarin speaking former diplomat, swept into power at a national election Saturday on a wave of support for generational change, ending 11 years of conservative rule.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mrs. Kirchner equally close to Venezuela and Lula's Brazil

Argentina's elected President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner confirmed that foreign policy is going to be one of the pillars of her administration and rejected the idea that “closeness” to Brazil means “taking distance” from Venezuela.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Bolivian constitution draft approval sparks deadly rioting

The assembly charged with rewriting Bolivia's constitution and meeting in Sucre produced a new constitutional draft on Saturday amid violent street protests in which at least three persons were killed.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Uribe/Chavez conflict escalates and freezes hostage release

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has said he is ready to continue a “constructive dialogue” with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez after Bogota stopped the latter in his mediation bid with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) insurgents for release of hostages.
Sunday, November 25th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
All bridges linking Uruguay-Argentina remain closed

The Uruguayan government decided Sunday to close the bridge that connects the city of Salto with Concordia after making a similar decision on Saturday regarding the bridge linking the cities of Paysandú with Colón in Argentina.
Friday, November 23rd 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Brazilian signal for Venezuela's Mercosur membership

The Brazilian Lower House Constitution and Justice Committee passed on Wednesday a motion for the long awaited incorporation of Venezuela to the South American trade block, Mercosur. However Venezuelan membership still faces a full debate in the House and must convince the Brazilian Senate.
Friday, November 23rd 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Mercosur Parliament condemned the Armenian Genocide

The Mercosur parliament adopted this week a resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of South America. The issue is particularly sensitive for the Armenian people and Turkey, the alleged perpetrator
Friday, November 23rd 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Bachelet also asked Chavez, (politely) to shut up

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet revealed on Thursday during a television interview that she requested Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez not to address the sea-outlet for Bolivia issue during his recent visit to participate in the Ibero-American summit.