Politics

Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentines support Congressional debate of farmers' bill

A clear majority of Argentines supports the government's decision to send the sliding export tax on grains and oilseeds to Congressional consideration, according to public opinion polls released in coincidence with the 100th day of the stand off between the administration of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and farmers.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Bolivia closer to the sea: Chile grants free access in Iquique

Chile announced on Tuesday that the northern port of Iquique will be of free transit for Bolivia and suggested advances on the bilateral negotiation agenda for ending Bolivia's landlocked condition which dates back to 1879/1883 when the so called Pacific or Saltpeter war (*).
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine president sends farmers' tax bill to Congress

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez moved on Tuesday to defuse a prolonged political conflict asking Congress to ratify a sliding export tax hike on grains and oilseeds which has been at the heart of 100 days stand off with farmers.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US anticipates military defeat for the Colombian FARC

Thomas Shannon US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs said he didn't discard a military defeat of the rebel guerrilla group FARC (Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces) because of the latest blows it has suffered in recent months from Colombian forces.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazilian press says Mrs. Kirchner “back stepped” in conflict

The Brazilian press unanimously considered that Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner “back stepped” in the 100 days dispute with farmers over export levies on oilseeds and grains.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Military expenditure in South America, lowest in the world

Military expenditure in the twelve countries of South America, according to 2008 budgets, has reached a record 50 billion US dollars which is 2.5% higher than in 2007.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN approves extension of human rights protection

The top United Nations human rights official has hailed the adoption of a new legal instrument which will enable people to submit complaints on violations of their economic, social and cultural rights to an international human rights body.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Relief in the EU: British Parliament passes Lisbon treaty

British Parliament has effectively ratified the EU Lisbon reform treaty despite the recent decision by Irish voters to reject it. A last-ditch Tory bid to delay the process for four months was defeated by a margin of 93, and peers later gave the EU Amendment Bill a third reading.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU approves tough rules for expelling illegal immigrants

The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday tough rules on expelling illegal immigrants, which could see them held in custody for up to 18 months and banned for five years if they resist. 367 members of the European Parliament voted in favor of the bill and 206 MEPs opposed it, while 109 members abstained.
Tuesday, June 17th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Spontaneous rallies surprise Kirchner and acolytes

Thousands of Argentines on Monday evening spontaneously and peacefully took to the streets in cities, towns and villages banging pans to protest against the government and demand the resumption of dialogue with the farmers, on their 97th day of conflict.