Politics

• Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazilian delegation disappointed with the Mercosur Parliament

  

  The Senator who leads the Brazilian delegation to the Mercosur Parliament announced this week he was resigning his post to protest the “lack of consideration and disrespect” Brazilian ministers have shown towards the organization.

• Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  New attempt to address Falklands' claim with PM Brown

  

  The Argentine press speculates with a meeting between President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and Prime Minister Gordon Brown next month in Peru during the fifth Latinamerica-Caribbean-European Union summit, for which 24 leaders have been confirmed including the British PM.

• Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Mrs. Kirchner fits velvet gloves and takes on the press

  

  In the midst of an escalating conflict between President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and the Argentine media, the government ordered a change in the channel grid of cable-TV companies.

• Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Farmers discussion with Argentine government stalled

  

  In a climate of growing frustration and with no advances to show, Argentine farmers held a new round of talks with government officials to discuss the promised review of camp and taxing policies.

• Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Paraguayan election, another energy challenge for Brazil

  

  Energy and energy security has snowballed as an issue in the last leg of the Paraguayan presidential election of next Sunday, April 20. The two heavy weight neighbors are highly dependent on Paraguayan energy resources and all Paraguayan leading candidates have promised a review of the contracts “which are most unfair for our country”.

• Tuesday, April 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  Hello Miami: Long lines in Cuba for cellular phones

  Hundreds of Cubans queued for blocks outside phone stores on Monday to sign up for cellular phone service for the first time. Contracts cost about 120 US dollars and do not include a phone or credit to make and receive calls.

• Tuesday, April 15th 2008 - 21:00 UTC

  “S. America beefing up forces, but is not in arms race”

  South America has a right to strengthen its armed forces but is not in an arms race, Brazil's defense minister pointed out in Venezuela. Nelson Jobim who is in the first leg of a continental visit to discuss a planned South American security council said the region needed military power to strengthen its presence on the world stage.

• 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.