Uruguay expects a slowing down of cruise activity this season, probably in the range of 10% less vessel calls, particularly in Punta del Este, because of logistics problems with the circuits. However this will be partly compensated by the two Costa Cruise company vessels that will be operating from Montevideo as the starting point and end of South Atlantic tours.
The Mercosur parliament, Parlasur, in a special Monday session held in Montevideo, rejected British 'control' over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands and described the situation as a colonial conflict of 'global' proportion which threatens the region.
The Falklands/Malvinas dispute and 'colonialism' will be discussed on Monday during an extraordinary session of the Mercosur Parliament, Parlasur, in Montevideo with the attendance of Argentine and Uruguayan foreign ministers Hector Timerman and Luis Almagro.
Uruguay is ranked in position 30 at global level among 'high prosperity' countries, according to the 2014 Legatum Prosperity Index, and remains at top position regarding Latin America. It's the same ranking as in 2013 and confirms Uruguay in the leading position for the region for several years running.
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is supporting the Government of Uruguay as it defends its tobacco control policies against claims brought by the Philip Morris tobacco company.
Brazil and Uruguay as of next December will be able to use local currencies in bilateral trade, disregarding appealing to US dollars, based on the agreement signed last Friday between the central bank presidents of the two countries, Alexandre Tombini (Brazil) and Alberto Graña (Uruguay).
Uruguay's opposition candidate Luis Lacalle Pou admitted on Thursday that defeating incumbent Tabare Vazquez in the 30 November runoff is 'difficult' but not impossible. In last Sunday's first round the incumbent candidate garnered 47.9% of the vote and Lacalle Pou, 30.9%.
Argentine Cabinet chief Jorge Capitanich called bondholders to “take legal action against (US Judge Thomas) Griesa instead of demanding the acceleration of (Argentine) bonds,” following rumors that Owl Creek Asset Management LP is discussing the formation of a group to demand immediate repayment on bonds.
The Organization of American States Secretary General, (OAS), congratulated the Uruguayan people on their democratic spirit shown during Sunday´s general elections. He also extended praise to the two candidates that advanced to the second round, Tabare Vazquez from the ruling Broad Front, and Luis Lacalle Pou from the National Party.
Uruguay's ruling Broad Front coalition, despite pollster forecasts to the contrary, confirmed their dominance of local politics and are likely to enjoy a parliamentary majority, after the Sunday presidential election that left Tabare Vazquez as favorite to succeed José Mujica as head of state.