Stories for 2010
Fidel surprises everybody and only speaks to the Assembly for 10 minutes
Fidel Castro, the former Cuban leader delivered Saturday his first speech to the national assembly since resigning over ill health four years ago. The chamber erupted into applause at the sight of Mr Castro, dressed in his familiar olive-green fatigues but without his comandante's insignia.
Chavez promises new start and willing to meet President Santos
President Hugo Chávez offered to meet with Colombia's new President Juan Manuel Santos to restore diplomatic relations broken over allegations that Venezuela was tolerating the presence of guerrillas in its territory.
Punta Arenas anticipates drastic 33% fall in cruise visitors this season
Less than a month for the beginning of the official cruise season 2010/11, prospects for Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile are not at all encouraging with an anticipated activity contraction of 33% over last year, according to the Empresa Portuaria Austral, EPA, which manages local port activities.
Santos called for understanding in spite of ideological differences
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos took office Saturday with a pledge to create jobs, end rebel violence and foster economic growth while seeking to mend ties with neighbouring countries in spite of “ideological differences”.
UNASUR suggests Venezuelan chancellor meets Colombian president Santos
Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Secretary-General Néstor Kirchner and Brazilian president Lula da Silva recommended that Venezuelan Foreign Affairs minister Nicolas Maduro should travel to Colombia on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of president elect Juan Manuel Santos.
Uribe files complaint against Chavez before International Criminal Court
Out-going Colombian President Álvaro Uribe filed a complaint before the International Criminal Court in Rome against Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez for crimes against humanity that derive from the alleged harbouring of Colombian guerrilla fighters in Venezuelan soil, Uribe's lawyer, Jaime Granados, informed.
Employment in US down; fears about strength of economic recovery
Employment in the United States fell for a second straight month in July as more temporary census jobs ended while private hiring rose less than expected, pointing to an anaemic economic recovery.
BP sells Colombian operation to local and Canadian companies
Colombian state oil company Ecopetrol S.A. and Canadian firm Talisman have reached an agreement to buy the Colombia operation of BP Plc for 1.75 billion US dollars.
Dilma/Serra debate was “boring” and unable to distract Brazilians from soccer
The first television debate between the Brazilian leading presidential candidates, Dilma Rousseff and Jose Serra had one of the lowest ratings Thursday night and analysts defined it as ‘boring’ and a at the most, ‘a test for future duels’.
Kirchner sowing for next year’s presidential election
Argentina's government, unions and industry leaders agreed this week to raise the minimum wage by 23%, more than twice the official annual inflation running at 11%.