Stories for May 2010
European weakened governments must address this week tough decisions
Budget Minister Francois Baroin indicated on Sunday that France should not take for granted its AAA rating, which allows Paris to borrow relatively cheaply on international markets and finance its big budget deficit.
Russian book confirms Soviet intelligence support for Argentina in Malvinas war
Some interesting historical data about the Falkland Islands war and Soviet intelligence support to Argentina has emerged from a book by a Russian journalist and researcher, who as the son of a former URSS diplomat expert in trade affairs spent most of his youth in Latinamerica, Cuba, Ecuador and Uruguay.
Experts warn Europe’s ‘austerity zeal’ could dampen anaemic recovery
Experts are warning that European governments rush to cut budget deficits with draconian austerity measures could mean a blow for Europe's tentative economic recovery.
Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill worse than the Exxon Valdez in Alaska 1989
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is the worst environmental disaster the US has faced, a senior official has said. White House energy adviser Carol Browner also said the US was “prepared for the worst scenario” that the leak might not be stopped before August.
Colombian incumbent presidential candidate wins but can’t avoid run-off
Colombia’s former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos won more than double the votes of his closest rival in Sunday’s presidential election though failed to secure a majority of ballots needed to avoid a runoff in three weeks.
Brazil has become a “haven” for the use of world banned agro-toxics
Brazil in recent years has become the main destination for agro-toxic products banned in Europe, United States and most of South America’s countries with strong farm sectors. Brazilian farmers make unrestricted use of ten to twelve chemicals which are specifically banned in the European Union, United States and most of South America claims O Estado de Sao Paulo.
Brazilian businessmen not convinced by Mrs. Kirchner’s promises
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner promises that ‘there weren't, nor ever will be, barriers’ blocking Brazilian imports’ was received with disbelief by the Brazilian business community.
Turkish PM cancels visit to Argentina on strong lobbying from Armenian groups
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan cancelled his visit to Argentina after city officials in Buenos Aires called off the inauguration of a bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a result of Armenian efforts, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
Featured Analysis
Chile: The new president appears to be doing pretty well
By David Gallagher
(Ed. Note: Gallagher, a columnist for the conservative daily El Mercurio, is a man of many parts. He's British and Chilean, former Oxford professor of Spanish and Russian, author of the classic Modern Latin American Literature (1973), economist, investment banker, international business consultant, and father to children living on three continents.
(In this column he remarks that the “previous government”—that is Michelle Bachelet’s — “privileged imagery over reality.” One example: to celebrate a significant date, Bachelet cut the ribbon on a new hospital empty of equipment but filled with patients who were actually actors and who pretended to be ill for the press.)
Celso Amorim remembers Argentina that “Brazil is a huge market”
Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim was the latest high ranking official to complain about the limitations applied to bilateral trade with Argentina and said it was imperative for the country to understand that “Brazil is a huge market.”
