Politics

Monday, July 21st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU offers to cut farm tariffs by 60% at Doha round talks

The European Union has offered to cut its farm tariffs by 60% to kick-start trade talks in Geneva. EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson urged Brazil, India and China to reciprocate by slashing their industrial tariffs. The EU previously offered to cut farm tariffs by 54%.
Monday, July 21st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Castro promises idle land to farmers to boost food production

Cuban President Raul Castro announced the redistribution of government land that is not in use to private farmers to stimulate food production and efficient farming. Cuba in spite of abundant farm land must import half of its food.
Sunday, July 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chilean aide admits risk of loosing to conservatives

Chile's ruling coalition “Concertación”, but challenged by protests and a slowing economy should be prepared to lose the 2009 elections after 18 years in power, the interior minister said in an interview published in the Santiago media.
Saturday, July 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
When Mrs. Kirchner's resignation became a real option

The tense hours following the stunning defeat of the grain and oilseed export tax in the Argentine Senate have been by far the most demanding moments ever undergone by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner since even her resignation was considered, according to reports in the Buenos Aires press.
Friday, July 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Conflict still on, until resolution 125 is revoked by Executive

Argentine farm organizations called Thursday on President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to revoke the controversial sliding grain and oilseeds export tax, resolution 125, as the government had promised if the bill was repealed by Congress.
Friday, July 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
C. Kirchner promises to fight on “for those who have less”

Speaking for the first time since the stunning defeat suffered in Congress Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said that she will continue to fight “for those who have less” and promised to insist with policies that “affect interests”.
Friday, July 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Survey slams tax system; Kids enhance sea front spot; Loligo industry puzzled by protest response; Govt meets with BAS; Kirchner defeated in Senate.
Friday, July 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
The Economist warns of 3 years of lame-duck presidency

Under the heading of “Losing friends fast” The Economist refers to the milestone last 48 hours in Argentina and concludes that if President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner does not learn fast from her mistakes, “she may go down as one of the longest-serving lame ducks in recent democratic history”.
Thursday, July 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine Senate knocks out Kirchners farm export tax

After a dramatic 18hrs session senators tied 36 to 36 in two votes on the measure. Julio Cobos, the vice-president voted against the proposal, breaking the tie. The bill was approved by the lower house of Congress on July 5.
Thursday, July 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil and Colombia agree to joint Amazon border surveillance

A defense agreement to share military information, technology, training, intelligence, weapons procurement and joint exercises will be signed this weekend between Brazil and Colombia when President Lula da Silva arrives for two-day talks with his counterpart Alvaro Uribe.