
Brazil, Argentina and Chile presidents figure among the list of the 25 most powerful women in the world according to the latest release from Forbes. Dilma Rousseff ranks in fourth place, Cristina Fernandez 19 and Michele Bachelet, 25. Only nine heads of state figure in the 100 names list.

Chile, one of a handful of the world's countries that outlaws abortion in all cases, will debate a bill this year that seeks to relax the ban in certain circumstances, a government spokesman announced. President Michelle Bachelet who was re-elected and took office in March had pledged a change in the law ahead of her election.

A group of managers representing Punta Arenas port facilities, logistic companies and shipping companies visited the Falkland Islands last week with an ultimate aim to offer solutions to the current and future commercial needs of the Islands.

President Michelle Bachelet announced on Thursday that Chile would invest 650 million dollars to build a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and strengthen the state-run oil company in an effort to deal with a mounting power crunch.

President Cristina Fernández received on Monday her Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet and discussed the re-launching of the Maipú Agreement -signed in 2009- to increase the links between the two countries and boost regional commerce with Asia.

Argentina's president of the Lower House, Julián Domínguez underlined the renewed Chilean support for the Malvinas Islands cause during an event on Monday at the Legislative Assembly which received Chilean president Michelle Bachelet in Congress.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet vowed to reconstruct Valparaíso, utilizing a new plan that would prevent many of the 11,000 victims of devastating wildfires from rebuilding on hills that cannot be protected from disasters. But she faces a battle to convince evacuees to relocate, with many wishing to return to what remains of their previous homes.

British Ambassador to Chile, Mrs. Fiona Clouder, held a reception to mark the official launch of the Manchester University alumni society in Chile. Fifty Manchester graduates joined the event in the Ambassador’s residence from many different academic and professional disciplines.

Ranchers in southern Chile say a series of lightning strikes has killed more than 60 of their dairy cows, costing the cattle owners thousands of dollars. Torrential storms and lightning on Sunday spawned the strikes in south-central Chile.

Prince Harry will undertake two official overseas visits in May and June this year. He will visit Estonia and Italy in May, followed by a visit to Brazil and Chile in June. Both visits are in support of the UK Government and are being organized by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.