05/06/2006 | Frente Externo
Election 2006: Moderate Contender Triumphs in Peru
Former president Alan Garcia seems to have emerged victorious against his more radical opponent Ollanta Humala; with more than 80% of the votes counted in yesterday's election, Garcia stood well ahead of his challenger with a 10-percentage-point lead, leaving little space for an overturning of the situation prior to the final official results.
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23/05/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
An Incomplete Milestone as Iraq’s New Government is Unveiled
After months of tortuous negotiations, Iraq's new government has been approved by parliament, with the security organs, the Interior and Defence Ministries, yet to be filled.
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21/05/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Pipeline Security to Be Increased After Blast Kills 200 in Nigeria
An explosion from a vandalised pipeline at which people were siphoning off oil killed around 200 in a village near Lagos.
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11/05/2006 | Frente Externo
Austria Joins Nationalistic Fray as OMV and Verbund Outline Plans to Create Central Europe's Largest Energy Group
Austria has joined France and Spain to become the latest European Union (EU) member state to try and build a national energy champion capable of competing in Europe's deregulating gas and power markets.
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09/05/2006 | Frente Externo
Concern over Bolivian Nationalisation Spreads to Mining Sector
Bolivian President Evo Morales has reasserted his intention to progress his programme to nationalise natural resources to other sectors, making the mining industry a probable target.
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05/05/2006 | Frente Externo
Mexico: Election 2006: Ruling Party Candidate Steals Lead in Landmark Mexican Poll
Respected pollster Mitofsky became the fourth this week to put governing National Action Party (PAN) contender Felipe Calderón ahead of left-leaning former frontrunner Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
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14/04/2006 | Frente Externo
PERU- Free-Trade Accord with U.S. Part of Peru's Electoral Torment
President Alejandro Toledo wants Peru's presidential hopefuls to back the free-trade agreement (FTA) with the United States - signed earlier this week - in order to guarantee its future after he steps down from the presidency in July 2006; with an openly anti-FTA candidate leading the race and one of his potential runners-up not keen, the chances for success are slim.
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10/04/2006 | Frente Externo
Peru: Election 2006: Second Round Certain in Peru Amid a Tight Electoral Race
Partial results unveiled by the ONPE give all three main candidates a fair chance of running in the now-certain second round; despite enjoying only a slender lead, radical nationalist candidate Ollanta Humala is increasingly seen as certain of making it to the run-off, backed up by quick vote-count projections and exit poll figures.
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08/04/2006 | Frente Externo
Italy: Election 2006: Italian PM Facing Possible Ouster by Leftist Challenge
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is fighting to retain power in legislative elections on 9 April, but faces a strong challenge from the less colourful but more economically sound former premier, Romano Prodi.
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08/04/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Another Solid Jobs Report Shows Tightening U.S. Labor Market, But Benign Wage Gains
Payroll employment rose by 211,000 in March, a better-than-expected advance, although the overshoot was roughly balanced by a net 34,000 downward revision to the job gains in January and February combined. Private employment gains have been remarkably steady this year, at 188,000 in January, 190,000 in February, and 187,000 in March.
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08/04/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Canada: Foreign Bricklayers Needed, PhD Preferred
From coast to coast, the Canadian labour market is tight. Labour shortages are particularly pervasive in construction and could get much worse over the next few years. If workers cannot be found, Canada's economic performance will suffer.
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08/04/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
The U.S. Machinery Recovery Will Continue Through 2006
U.S. machinery manufacturers had another good year in 2005, reporting a 10% increase in shipments, to almost $317 billion, and building on an even stronger year in 2004. Domestic spending on machinery reached $322.3 billion in 2005, an increase of 11%, compared with growth of 13% in 2004. But U.S. manufacturers saw sales to the domestic market increase only 9%, as imports advanced 16%, accounting for 34% of domestic consumption.
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08/04/2006 | Frente Externo
Benin: Inauguration of New Benin President Marks Generational Shift
Today 54-year-old economist Dr Yayi Boni will be inaugurated as president of Benin, closing the book on a quarter-century dominated by outgoing president Mathieu Kérékou.
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06/04/2006 | Frente Externo
Thailand: Election 2006: Opposition Rejects Thai PM's Reconciliation Package, as Ruling Party Claims Victory
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last night used a 90-minute slot on national television to proclaim his victory in the weekend's polls, and to offer the opposition parties a reconciliation package.
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06/04/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Thailand: Speculation and Suspicion Characterise Political Situation after Thai PM Steps Down
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday announced his decision to step down and called on Thais to unite and put the past few weeks of political unrest behind them.
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30/03/2006 | Frente Externo
Israel: Election 2006: Kadima in Coalition Talks Following Indecisive Israeli Election Victory
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been tasked with forming Israel's new government, following a narrow victory for the newly established Kadima party in yesterday's elections.
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30/03/2006 | Transparencia
Brazil: Brazilian Finance Minister Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations
Brazilian Finance Minister Antonio Palocci stepped down yesterday following mounting pressure for his resignation over a corruption scandal; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accepted his resignation and appointed long-term ally Guido Mantega as his successor.
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28/03/2006 | Frente Externo
Ukraine: Election 2006: Pro-Russia Party Leads in Parliamentary Elections as Ukrainians Reject Orange Revolutionaries
Exit polls from yesterday's parliamentary elections are pointing towards a victory for the pro-Russia Party of the Regions, signalling a crucial loss for President Victor Yushchenko.
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28/03/2006 | Frente Externo
Israel: Election 2006: Crucial Election Set to Redraw Israel's Political Boundaries
Barring a last-minute shock, Israel's newly established centrist Kadima alliance is expected to end the decades-long Labour-Likud political duopoly in today's general election, with repercussions for both the domestic political system and future relations with the Palestinians.
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25/03/2006 | Frente Externo
Ukraine: Election 2006: Pre-Election Speculation at Fever Pitch as Ukrainians Prepare for the Polls
One week after opposition demonstrators took to the streets to protest against alleged election fraud in Belarus, Ukrainians will head to the polls on Sunday (26 March) to elect a new parliament; after the Orange Revolution of 2004, this is a big challenge for President Victor Yushchenko as his party fights for a majority it is unlikely to achieve.
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24/03/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Poland: Split Develops Between Ruling Party Leader and Polish PM as Stabilisation Pact Fails
Questions over early elections continue to dominate as one of the Stabilisation Pact supporters moves into opposition, although opinion in is divided among the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) over the need to dissolve its government.
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24/03/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
The Tumultuous World Apparel Market: Winners and Losers
The past year has proven tumultuous for the world apparel industry after the expiration of the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) at the beginning of 2005. With the end of the agreement, all safeguards on apparel and textile products were scheduled to cease, freeing up trade in the oftentimes controversial industry. Instead, the treaty's termination led to a year of trade negotiations, new trade barriers, and threats of retaliation.
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24/03/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
China: Russian President's Chinese Visit Yields Important Energy Co-operation Agreements
Chinese president Hu Jintao today signed high-profile energy accords with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during the latter's two-day visit to Beijing.
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26/02/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iraq: Shrine Attack Sparks Unprecedented Sectarian Strife in Iraq
An attack yesterday on a revered religious mausoleum threatens to lead to large-scale sectarian conflict, with Shi'a protesters torching Sunni sanctuaries and dozens of killings across the country in revenge.
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26/02/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Philippines: President Declares State of Emergency in Philippines, over Military Coup Threat
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in the Philippines, following revelations of fresh military coup attempts to remove her from office.
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20/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Palestinian Auth: New Hamas-Led PA Faces Stiff Local, International Challenges
Only the second ever Palestinian Legislative Council was inaugurated on Saturday (18 February), in a development that heralds a new political era in which the election-winning, yet controversial, Hamas movement is expected to take a prime governmental role.
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18/02/2006 | Frente Externo
South Africa: Budget 2006: South African Budget is Generally Good for Growth
The 2006 South African national budget was largely in line with our expectations, attempting to address the wants and needs of a wide variety of economic role players within the government’s broad policy objectives and within a sound fiscal framework.
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18/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Brazil: Brazilian President Ahead in Polls for First Time Since Scandal; Congress Ends Extraordinary Session
A poll released yesterday put President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of São Paulo Mayor José Serra in a second-round vote for the first time since August 2005.
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18/02/2006 | Frente Externo
European Union: Breakthrough for Services Liberalisation as EU Deputies Approve Contentious Directive
The European Parliament yesterday voted to approve the embattled services directive by a large majority, following a compromise text agreed last week between the two major political groupings.
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10/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Africa Regional: Chad and Sudan Sign 'Peace Deal'
Having barely fired a shot at each other, the Chadian and Sudanese governments have signed a peace agreement under the watchful and rarely altruistic eye of Libyan President Muammar al-Qadhafi.
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10/02/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Lebanon: Protesters Out in Force in Lebanon on Shi'a Holy Day, Denounce Cartoons
The annual Ashura religious ceremony turned into a show of protest against the publication of recent images of the Prophet Muhammad, with Hizbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah telling his supporters that there can be 'no compromise before we get an apology'.
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09/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Haiti: Election 2006: Violence Accompanies Haitian Vote
Haiti's postponed presidential and legislative elections were predictably scarred by violence, leaving at least four dead and many injured as crowds flooded polling stations in frustration over their delayed opening.
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08/02/2006 | Transparencia
European Union: EU Unveils Plans for Increased Investor Protection and Transparency in Financial Markets
The European Commission yesterday (for Monday, February 6)presented new proposals towards establishing a single market in financial services in the EU.
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07/02/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Danish Embassies in Syria, Lebanon Torched as Row Over Prophet Caricatures Turns Violent
Regional anger over the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad turned violent over the weekend (4/5 February) with protesters setting fire to Danish and Norwegian embassies in the Syrian and Lebanese capitals, while the Danish government has urged its citizens to leave Syria and Lebanon immediately.
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04/02/2006 | Frente Externo
Russian GDP Grows at 6.4% in 2005, Outperforming Most Expectations
Total GDP is estimated to have grown at 6.4% last year, a substantial deceleration compared with the 7%-plus growth registered in 2003-2004, but well above the 5.8-5.9% range in official projections for the full year made at the end of the third quarter.
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04/02/2006 | Frente Externo
United States: U.S. House Republicans Make Surprise Choice of New Majority Leader
John Boehner yesterday succeeded scandal-hit Tom DeLay as the most senior Republican in the House of Representatives, surprising even himself.
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27/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Deadlock Broken, as Sri Lankan Rebels Agree to Peace Talks in Switzerland
It was announced yesterday that the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrilla group has agreed to return to the talks table with the Sri Lankan government.
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23/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Turkey: Image is Everything
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has embarked on a mission to improve Turkey's image in 2006, the key to which should be an acceleration of reform.
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23/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Russia's Regional Retail Revolution
In 2005 and the immediately preceding years, international retailers have been flocking to Russia, enticed by a burgeoning consumer culture that for historical reasons prefers to spend rather than save. At the same time, disposable income continues to outstrip the country's impressive GDP growth. Retailers have so far tended to limit themselves to Moscow and St Petersburg, the richest and most prestigious markets. This has begun to change, however, and as competition increases in these two cities, international retailers are tapping into other lucrative regional markets. Global Insight investigates some of these trends in the Russian retail market and assesses the impact on Russia's short-to-medium-term development.
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23/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
The Commodity Boom on the Commodity Continent
In 2006, the global commodity boom will have a visibly transformative effect on African states and societies. Virtually since independence, economic analysts of Africa of many different ideological persuasions have agreed that the continent's reliance on primary product exports is its principal weakness. The problem worsened throughout the 1980s and 1990s as prices dropped and terms of trade tipped away from the producers of primary products such as foodstuffs, metals and fuels, while African attempts to create value-added industries fell by the wayside, labelled as uncompetitive in the global economy. Now, however, at the beginning of the 21st century, the economic take-off of a set of other developing nations, led by China, has kick-started demand for commodities, which has seen prices soar to new highs. African countries should be well placed to take advantage of what forecasters are predicting will be a cycle of up to 20 years in length - but what can we expect the political ramifications to be?
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23/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
A Rich Vein of Opportunity? The Minerals Boom and Gabon
In 2006, Gabon's hunt for diversified sources of income will be redoubled, riding the wave of a fortuitously timed boom in demand for its mineral resources. However, the consequences of such a shift are far from straightforward; the political ramifications for Gabon are numerous, with several of the features outlined above coming to prominence in the year ahead.
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22/01/2006 | En Profundidad
Split Loyalties: The Evolution of U.S.-Latin American Relations
The year 2006 will see few changes in the economic priorities of U.S. president George W. Bush as far as Latin America is concerned, despite some notable setbacks in 2005. Latin American-U.S. relations have been very much focused on trade in the last year, reflecting Bush's aspirations to close a range of ambitious deals. Another perennial issue in north-south relations is the war on drugs, where controversial U.S. policies are unlikely to shift. Relations with the region will essentially hinge on two key factors. The first is the outcome of a raft of elections, many of which may produce leftist governments with anti-U.S. tendencies, and the second the approach adopted by the new U.S. chief envoy to the region. In essence, 2006 will see the consolidation of trends that emerged in 2005, with a fragmentation of the hemisphere around free trade issues and the relative distancing from the United States of regional powers such as Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. Brazil and Argentina are set to continue hopping between the antagonistic administrations of Venezuela in Caracas and the United States in Washington, without alienating either of them. Leaving aside Washington's commercial ambitions in the Americas, Southern Cone countries will press for South American integration, while U.S.-Central America relations will be fortified with the advent of a regional trade deal. The two divergent dynamics reveal split loyalties vis-à-vis the superpower, amid a rising Latin American suspicion of the role of the United States in the region.
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22/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Overview: 2006 - Asia's Year of War and Peace?
In 2006, peace and conflict are expected to be the overriding themes for the Asia-Pacific region. High points such as the likely resolution to the centuries-old conflict on the Philippine island of Mindanao and further progress with regard to peace in the Indonesian province of Aceh will be offset by continuing problems in Sri Lanka and Nepal, and simmering tensions between China and Japan. The India-Pakistan peace process will be a particular focal point for regional and international attention, with 2006 regarded as a make-or-break year for the initiative.
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22/01/2006 | En Parrilla
Overview: What Hope for a United Europe?
The year 2006 is an important one for the European Union (EU), which was beset by divisions and infighting throughout 2005, following its enlargement in 2004. However, its problems largely stemmed from 'old Europe'. They included, notably, a failure to gain approval for the proposed European constitution and a damaging dispute over the 2007-13 financial perspectives for the bloc. These two issues threatened to undermine efforts at agreement on other matters, in particular future enlargement of the Union. With tensions still lingering over the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the United Kingdom's perennially controversial rebate and the future of the enlargement process, what can be expected from the holders of the EU presidency - both 'old Europeans' - in 2006?
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22/01/2006 | Frente Externo
United States of Spain? Spanish Regionalism Under the Spotlight
The year 2006 will see Spanish regionalism enter a critical phase. Making up the majority of the Iberian peninsula with its western neighbour Portugal, and bordered by France to the north-east, Spain has fast established itself as a stable and democratic constitutional monarchy within the European Union (EU), since becoming a member of the bloc in 1986. Having fought hard to bring its fractious regions under control following the end of Francisco Franco's dictatorship in 1975, the country now finds its fragile, yet unified structure under unprecedented strain. Catalonia's renewed push for a new autonomy statute, as well as continued separatist pressure from the Basque country, means that socialist prime minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will struggle to avert a national crisis during 2006. Investors are watching developments closely, as further devolution could entail wide-ranging changes to the economic and regulatory management of the country. Zapatero will also be hard-pressed to avoid direct challenges to his leadership as the opposition attempts to capitalise on the prime minister's weak domestic position.
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22/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Commonwealth of Independent States - Overview: Orange Crush: Consolidation and Reflection in the Former Soviet Union
The year 2006 will be a period of consolidation following the landmark year of 2005 for the various states across the Former Soviet Union, which crystallised the ever-widening geopolitical fault lines across the Eurasian landmass. Having regained its position at the top table of world powers on the back of continued high energy prices, 2006 will see Russia seeking to consolidate its heavy footprint in Central Asia. The euphoria of the 'coloured revolutions' felt by opposition parties across the region following the overthrow of incumbent regimes in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan has dissipated, and 2006 will be spent by the various political forces in coming to terms with the new realities.
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22/01/2006 | En Parrilla
Uganda: Re-election at Any Price
In March 2006, Uganda is expected to hold its next general election. However, ahead of the key ballot, the country's political environment has been undermined by a number of worrying developments, all seemingly aimed at one thing: ensuring that President Yoweri Museveni remains in power beyond the election.
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20/01/2006 | Frente Externo
China and Japan: East Asia's Rising Superpower Rivalry
The year 2006 is unlikely to see any improvement in relations between Japan and China, following the sustained deterioration that became a recurring theme during 2005. The scheduled departure of Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi in September will usher in the elevation of a hawkish successor, further complicating relations with China and other Asian neighbours. Far from presenting an opportunity to rebuild relations that have been damaged by a succession of difficult episodes, the coming year will merely mark the next phase of an inexorable slide that will see persistent tensions intensify towards full-blown strategic competition.
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20/01/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Security in the Philippines: Peace at Last for Mindanao?
The year 2006 could see the end of a conflict that has lasted for centuries, with a peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) separatist group on course to be signed during the year. Peace should herald substantial investment in an area that is rich in natural resources.
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19/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Iran's 2006–07 Budget Puts More Emphasis on Economic Justice
President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad submitted his cabinet's fiscal 2006¬–07 state budget proposal, covering April 2006–March 2007, to parliament on January 15. The draft budget calls for 1.956 billion rials (US$217.4 billion) in total spending, 27% more than in the fiscal 2005–06 budget.
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19/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
What Are the Upside Risks to the Global Economy in 2006?
While 2005 had its fair share of nasty surprises (bad weather, rising oil prices, etc.) the economic news was, by and large, very good. GDP growth in most parts of the world remained robust (and accelerated at the end of the year in weaker regions, such as the Eurozone), much higher oil prices did not translate into higher core inflation, and long-term interest rates stayed low.
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19/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Chile Election 2006: Chileans Pick First Female President; Policy Continuity Assured
Michelle Bachelet has become the first woman to be elected president of Chile, winning 53.49% of support with almost all votes accounted for, heralding the fourth consecutive victory for the centre-leftist Concertación coalition after convincingly defeating moderate conservative Sebastián Piñera.
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19/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
World Executive Summary - What Could Derail the Current Expansion?
The world economy is expected to enjoy a growth rate of at least 3% in both 2006 and 2007. The primary engines of growth are likely to be U.S. consumer spending and Chinese investment spending, as they have been the past two years.
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19/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Global Insight Ranks U.S. Stock Market Sectors: Financial, Healthcare, & IT
Global Insight, the world's leading company for economic and financial analysis and forecasting, announced today (January 9)that the financial, healthcare, and information technology sectors hold the most promise for U.S. stock market investors in 2006.
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19/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Canada's Election 2006: With One Week to Go, Canada's Conservatives Emerge as Clear Favourites
Latest polls show the Conservatives are poised to unseat the Liberal government and return from 12 years in the political wilderness.
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19/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Côte d'Ivoire: Protests Continue as Ivorian President's Party Withdraws from Peace Process
Loyalist protests resumed in the commercial capital, Abidjan, yesterday as the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) announced its withdrawal from the peace process in response to the planned dissolution of the National Assembly.
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19/01/2006 | En Parrilla
Nigeria: Militant Impact Continues in Nigeria as Shell Declares Force Majeure on EA Output
Shell has declared a force majeure on further Nigerian production, as unrest in the country's Niger Delta region continues, with militants now widening their target range to include all oil company facilities.
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18/01/2006 | Frente Externo
India: Domestic Troubles and Foreign Temptations
In 2006, U.S. president George W. Bush's early visit to South Asia - surprisingly, his first trip to the region as president - is likely to set the scene for India's policy outlook. With problems on the domestic front, particularly the leftist parties' continued opposition to economic reform, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to concentrate his efforts on foreign policy successes - notably the strategic relationship with the United States and the peace process with Pakistan, but also a raft of other regional and international issues in which India has much to play for.
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16/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Containing Jordan's Domestic Challenges
In 2006, the campaign towards greater political openness, administrative reforms and educational development will dominate political life and public debate, with the government of Prime Minister Marouf Bakheet charged with implementing King Abdullah's reform blueprint - dubbed the 'National Agenda'. The November 2005 suicide bombings spurred the Jordanian authorities into action on the reform and security fronts. The coming year will see a continuation of efforts, with moderate progress, in managing Jordan's security risks, while addressing the grievances of socially and economically excluded groups within society.
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15/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Overview: Mining New Depths: Commodities and Leadership in 2006
The year 2006 may not be the 'year of Africa', as 2005 supposedly was, but many of the trends exhibited over the past 12 months will continue in force. Trade issues will remain at the heart of international debate, fuelled partly by booming commodity prospects that will also inform domestic political developments. After an unusual year in which the world's most violent continent recorded no new wars, new instability can be expected, stoked partly by the lamentable and ongoing authoritarianism of nominally democratic governments.
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14/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Russia: Russia's Current-Account Surplus in 2005 Put at Nearly US$87 bil.
An estimated US$34.4-billion improvement in the merchandise trade surplus relative to a year earlier is seen to have boosted the current-account surplus by US$28.0 billion year-on-year, partly offset by modestly higher net outflows on services, incomes and transfers.
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12/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Ukraine: Parliament Moves to Dismiss Ukrainian Government over Gas Deal
Parliament passed a no-confidence motion yesterday to remove the Cabinet over the recent gas agreement between Ukraine and Russia, though President Viktor Yushchenko has dismissed the action as unconstitutional, and the current Cabinet appears set to remain in office until legislative elections scheduled for March.
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11/01/2006 | Transparencia
Trinidad & Tobago: Energy Minister Accused of Corruption Resigns in Trinidad
Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Minister Eric Williams has resigned his post and appeared in court, facing seven fraud charges on suspicion of receiving bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts to operate in the Caribbean country's most important economic sector.
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08/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Can the U.S. Republicans Get Back On Track in 2006? (Part 4)
The year 2006 carries particular significance for Republicans as it concludes with the mid-term Congressional elections. The sheer number of setbacks that the administration of President George W. Bush suffered over 2005 was stunning. Some were of its making, but others came out of the blue. The president's approval ratings fell steadily over most of the year, even when the economy - normally top of voter concerns - was performing quite nicely. This article looks at the key problems of 2005 and asks whether they will subside or worsen over 2006. It also asks whether other areas show more promise for the administration. It still looks very unlikely that the Democrats will prise one of the chambers from Republican clutches, but a reduced majority would be problematic enough. In 2005 one could be forgiven for thinking that the Republicans had already lost control after the succession of votes that went against the administration. In 2005 the Democrats did not make hay as they might have; they will have to find a stronger, more cohesive voice over 2006 if they are to avenge their shattering 2004 election defeat.
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07/01/2006 | En Profundidad
Americas - Overview (Part 3): Robust Economic Prospects, Uncertain Politics
In Latin and North America the strong growth of 2005 should moderate somewhat over 2006, but this should give little cause for concern. What is cause for concern is the rash of elections across the region, a number of which could produce leftist victories and sharpened tensions with the United States; 2006 is also a key election year for North America, with nail-biters foreseen in Canada's general election and the U.S. mid-terms.
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06/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
The World In Focus 2006 (Part 1): Global Economy
The World In Focus 2006 takes a comprehensive look at what to expect from the year ahead. Our regional analyst teams identify the key risks and opportunities, combining region-by-region overviews with in-depth special reports on selected issues.
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06/01/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
The World In Focus 2006 (Part 2): Focus on the U.S. Economy
The U.S. economy has solid momentum entering 2006 and will remain the leading engine of world economic growth. Yet, the underlying trend is toward slower growth. After gains of 4.2% in 2004 and an estimated 3.7% in 2005, real GDP growth is projected to moderate to 3.5% in 2006 and 2.9% in 2007.
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06/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Israel: Israeli Premier in Deep Coma; Election Focus Shifts to Post-Sharon Assessments
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lay in a coma last night with no change in his condition, after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage; political allies predict that the premier would be unable to assume his leadership role were he to survive the hospitalisation.
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05/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Israel: Israeli Premier in 'Severe but Stable Condition' Following Major Stroke
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was fighting for his life last night, after undergoing seven hours of complex surgery following a brain haemorrhage; his deputy, Ehud Olmert, has assumed the political reins as the illness throws the Israeli political system into uncertainty.
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05/01/2006 | Frente Externo
Democratic Trends in Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
In 2006, the quest for peace and stability in the Middle East will once more be shaped by events in Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian territories. However, unlike previous years, all three will face tests at the ballot box, the results of which will carry strong regional implications. Given Iraq's recent unstable history, its transformation from pariah to model 'democratic' state will be keenly scrutinised
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01/01/2006 | En Profundidad
Election Fever: The Consolidation of the Left in Latin America?
In 2006, the political orientation of Latin America risks shifting further towards the left, when 12 nations go to the polls. Venezuela's firebrand revolutionary president, Hugo Chavez, is set to seek re-election; his Bolivian ally Evo Morales has almost certainly secured victory while an old-guard leftist is leading the pack in Mexico. Moderate socialists are ahead in Chile and Costa Rica's contests. Meanwhile, the field is wide open in Ecuador, Peru and Nicaragua, where left-leaning candidates have taken power in the past, fuelling concerns that business interests and U.S. relations could be under threat.
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31/12/2005 | Frente Externo
Hong Kong SAR: Failure of Legislative Package Prompts Downturn in Support for Hong Kong's Chief Executive
Chief Executive Donald Tsang's personal approval ratings have hit their lowest level since he took office in June, with fewer than half of survey respondents indicating satisfaction with the performance of his government.
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25/12/2005 | Frente Externo
Overview: Slow Progress on the Regional Reform Front
The year 2006 may not usher in any spectacular political upheavals in the Middle East, but the slow and protracted march towards democracy will continue to pose significant challenges to the legitimacy of mainly monarchical and autocratic regimes. Demands for greater political liberalisation - whether externally driven, or, now increasingly, domestically shaped - are expected to intensify, although the prospects for groundbreaking political transformation remain inherently weak. This is not to suggest that the seeds of democracy will not blossom across the region. Traditionally associated with war and volatility, Iraq and the Palestinian territories will prove the litmus test for the gradual spread of region-wide representative governance.
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28/10/2005 | Frente Externo
Mexico: Energy Secretariat Says Mexico Needs US$40 bil. in Exploration
Mexico's new Energy Secretary, Fernando Canales Clariond, has said that Mexico needs US$40 billion in investment in oil exploration over 10 years to increase the country's reserve replacement rate to 100% from 57%.
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21/10/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Current-Account Surplus Shrinks in Argentina in Q2
The latest release on balance of payments shows that the Argentine current-account surplus continues to shrink in 2005; the trend is expected to persist in the short and medium term.
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20/09/2005 | En Parrilla
Peronist Party Divisions Perpetuate as Argentina Eyes Legislative Elections
Argentine President Néstor Kirchner is using his personal popularity in pursuit of votes for candidates from loyal sections of the ruling Peronist party while divisions deepened between the incumbent head of state and party colleagues Eduardo Duhalde and Carlos Menem - both former presidents - whom he accuses of forming a pact to undermine his government.
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01/09/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Worst-Case Scenario: Oil at $100 a barrel for a month; gasoline prices at $3.50 a gallon for a few months; and the economy closer to a recession by the fourth quarter.
Impact of Hurricane Katrina: Depending on the extent of the damage to the energy infrastructure, Katrina could be an economic "blip" or "tipping point"
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13/08/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Petrobras Considering Fuel Price Adjustment in Brazil as Private Refiners Await Solution
Petrobras is contemplating adjusting domestic fuel prices as the Ministry of Mines and Energy and oil regulator ANP look for a solution to avert the permanent closure of the country's private refineries.
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13/08/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Colombia Looks to Central America in Search of Peace
Colombian Foreign Minister Carolina Barco arrives in El Salvador today, having visited Guatemala yesterday in a mission to boost co-operation in the security arena and share Central America's experiences in bringing a protracted civil conflict to a close, while the Alvaro Uribe administration made progress at home in pursuing a humanitarian accord with leading leftist rebels.
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13/08/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Inflation Accelerates in Mexico in July
Consumer prices rose 0.39% month-on-month in July, the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) said yesterday, in line with Global Insight's expectations and pushing 12-month inflation up to 4.47% from 4.33% in June.
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13/08/2005 | Frente Externo
Few Surprises Following Venezuela Municipal Elections
The 7 August municipal elections did not bring any major surprises - as expected, the turnout rate was very low and President Hugo Chavez's political party, MVR, obtained an easy victory in most regions of the country.
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08/08/2005 | Frente Externo
Vote Abroad Adds New Dimension to Mexico's 2006 Election
Mexican migrants, the majority working in the US, are set to win the right to vote in absentia after Mexico's Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bill that brings a new dimension to next year's presidential vote.
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08/08/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Eight Companies Agree to Migrate Their Operating Contracts in Venezuela to Joint Ventures
The Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has announced that it has signed an accord with eight companies that have agreed to migrate their 13 operating service agreements to mixed companies.
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08/08/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Ecuador: Head of Petroecuador Resigns After Requesting Annulment of Occidental Contract
The Alfredo Palacio administration has lost its second head of state oil company Petroecuador, while one of the country's leading oil producers faces the risk of having its contract terminated.
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08/08/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Brazilian Oil Sector Begins to Look More Promising
As Brazil promotes its seventh annual oil licensing round scheduled to be held in October, Global Insight takes a closer look at the current state of the industry.
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30/06/2005 | Frente Externo
Mexico: Vote Abroad Adds New Dimension to Mexico's 2006 Election
Mexican migrants, the majority working in the US, are set to win the right to vote in absentia after Mexico's Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bill that brings a new dimension to next year's presidential vote.
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30/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Bolivia Pledges to Honour Export Contracts
Bolivia's interim President Eduardo Rodíguez pledges to honour Bolivia's existing export contracts with Brazil and Bolivia, but the approval of new regulations to support the implementation of a new hydrocarbons law means that companies are unlikely to unfreeze planned investments in Bolivia's hydrocarbons sector.
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30/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Central Government's Fiscal Accounts Deteriorate in May in Brazil
A combination of accelerating public spending and stagnating revenues hurt the fiscal performance of the central government in May.
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30/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Kazakhstan: Troubled PetroKazakhstan Listening to Acquisition Offers
Canadian-based PetroKazakhstan, which has been beset this year by a string of problems in Kazakhstan - its sole country of operations - has confirmed reports that it is entertaining offers for a potential merger or acquisition of the company.
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08/06/2005 | Frente Externo
President of Bolivia Offers to Leave Office as Protests Rage On
President Carlos Mesa has tendered his resignation for the second time this year, leaving Congress to decide whether accepting his offer will assuage or intensify the social unrest that has been paralysing the capital La Paz and other key centres around the country for several weeks and was fuelled by divisions over the future of Bolivia's energy wealth.
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08/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Flex-Fuel Vehicle Sales in Brazil Overtake Petrol Vehicles in May
Flex-fuel vehicle sales will continue to rise in Brazil due to the low cost of locally produced ethanol and the competitively priced flex-fuel models being introduced by the largest automakers in the country.
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08/06/2005 | Transparencia
Ally's Corruption Smear Against Brazil's PT Government Unnerves Markets
The president of the Brazilian Labour Party (PTB), deputy Roberto Jefferson, mounted a fierce attack against the ruling Worker's Party (PT) yesterday, accusing PT treasurer Delúbio Soares of paying out 30,000 reais (US$10,000) in bribes per month to secure the support of allied parties.
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08/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Economic Growth Picks Up Pace in Chile in April 2005
Economic activity rose by 6.3% year-on-year in April, according to the central bank's Imacec index. This compares with 5.7% in the first quarter and reflects a strong increase in industrial production.
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08/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Bolivia Left Out in Cold as Peru-Brazil-Chile-Argentina Pipeline Loop Mooted
Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay are to sign an agreement to look into the possible construction of a US$2.5-billion regional gas loop, as Bolivia's political crisis deepens after President Mesa's offers to resign.
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08/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
CNOOC Confirms Continuing Interest in Unocal Takeover
In a statement to Hong Kong's Stock Exchange, CNOOC has for the first time publicly admitted its lingering interest in the deal it almost had with Unocal.
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03/06/2005 | Frente Externo
Brazil's Q1 GDP Figures Disappoint
Brazil’s economic growth decelerated in the first quarter of 2005 as higher interest rates hurt investment and consumption.
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03/06/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Repsol-YPF's Latin American Operations to Receive Largest Share of Investment under 2005-09 Plan
CEO of the Spanish-Argentine energy group Repsol-YPF, Antonio Brufau, has unveiled the company's 2005-2009 Strategic Plan, under which it plans to invest 21.1 billion euro (US$26 billion), mainly in the upstream sector.
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27/05/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Mexico: Strong Rebound in Mexican Exports Due to Easter Holiday Season
April trade results follow up our arguments regarding the effects of the Easter holiday period on the performance of the Mexican economy; the trade deficit during the first four months of the year was US$2.574 billion, with April's deficit at US$629 million.
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27/05/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Chile: Economy in Chile Grew 5.7% in Q1 Driven by Robust Investment
The Chilean economy is expected to grow 6.1% this year, as the benefits of high commodity prices for exports that have occurred since the beginning of 2004 spread to other sectors of production.
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27/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Chile: Election 2005: Former Foreign Minister Bows Out and Boosts Bachelet's Bid to Become Chile's First Female President
Christian Democrat Soledad Alvear has abandoned her presidential ambitions in favour of Concertación colleague Michelle Bachelet, who has headed polls on the December vote from the start, placing the ruling coalition in a stronger position to fight off a challenge from the divided opposition Alliance for Chile (APC).
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27/05/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Venezuela: Economic Growth Decelerates in Q1 but Remains Solid in Venezuela
The economy continues growing at a solid pace despite the poor performance of the all-important oil sector and increasing government intervention.
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27/05/2005 | Transparencia
Brazil: Congress Votes to Set Up Corruption Probe in Brazil
The government has suffered an embarrassing defeat after it failed to block an opposition-led request to set up a Congressional probe into a corruption scandal at the state post office.
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27/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Bolivia: Military Appeal for President's Resignation Reignites Coup Concerns in Bolivia
A group of middle-rank military officers is demanding the resignation of Bolivia's embattled president Carlos Mesa, reviving coup concerns in the South American country, which remains in the midst of political crisis.
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27/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Venezuela: Venezuela's Energy Minister Attends National Assembly Hearing on Operating Contracts
Rafael Ramirez, Minister of Energy and Petroleum and head of state-oil company PDVSA, yesterday issued a sharp condemnation of the old 'PDVSA' in a speech to the National Assembly.
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10/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Uruguay: Ruling Left Makes Further Gains in Uruguay
President Tabaré Vázquez and his leftist Frente Amplio (FA - Broad Front) coalition have made significant gains in municipal elections held over the weekend (7-8 May).
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10/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Russia: Yukos Affair Hangs Heavy over Second World War Ceremonies in Russia
With the international spotlight on Russia today as it plays host today to a 60th anniversary commemoration of the end of the Second World War, government efforts to sweep the 'Yukos issue' under the carpet only serve to highlight the lasting resonance and impact of its campaign against Yukos and its former CEO, Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
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10/05/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Global: Gas-to-Liquids Reach for Commerciality
Gas-to-liquids (GTL) technologies have emerged as a leading contender in efforts to develop non-oil energy sources, with a number of major investment commitments over the last year as traditional oil companies get in on the act alongside frontier players such as Sasol. Costly front-end infrastructure and limited production to date mean that the impact on crude oil's dominance will be limited until at least 2015. However, high oil prices and energy market insecurity make a strong case for further investment and create a favourable climate for GTL and other rival products to reach for full commerciality.
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05/05/2005 | Frente Externo
Mexico: Charges Dropped, Mexico City Mayor Back In Presidential Race
Mexico's most popular presidential candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador is set to stand in 2006 after the country's new public prosecutor dropped charges that were keeping him out of public office.
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22/04/2005 | Frente Externo
Parliament Ousts Ecuador's Embattled President Gutierrez
Ecuador has a new president after opposition parties finally won enough support to oust Lucio Gutiérrez, who has become the third consecutive leader to leave office early in the struggling South American country, amidst a swathe of anti-government protests.
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22/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Central Bank of Brazil - Surprises Many with Eighth Rate Hike
The central bank yesterday hiked the selic rate by 25 basis points to 19.5%, representing the eighth increase in as many months and taking many observers by surprise.
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22/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina Indices de Inflación y Desempleo 1990 - 2025
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22/04/2005 | Frente Externo
Parliament Ousts Ecuador's Embattled President Gutierrez
Ecuador has a new president after opposition parties finally won enough support to oust Lucio Gutiérrez, who has become the third consecutive leader to leave office early in the struggling South American country, amidst a swathe of anti-government protests.
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22/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Central Bank of Brazil - Surprises Many with Eighth Rate Hike
The central bank yesterday hiked the selic rate by 25 basis points to 19.5%, representing the eighth increase in as many months and taking many observers by surprise.
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22/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina Indices de Inflación y Desempleo 1990 - 2025
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04/04/2005 | Frente Externo
President Declares 1.5 mil. Reservists Ready to Defend Venezuelan 'Sovereignty'
President Hugo Chavez yesterday declared that Venezuela could count on the services of 1.5 million reservists to defend the country's 'sovereignty'. The comments come as the controversial president ramps up his anti-US rhetoric.
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04/04/2005 | Frente Externo
President Declares 1.5 mil. Reservists Ready to Defend Venezuelan 'Sovereignty'
President Hugo Chavez yesterday declared that Venezuela could count on the services of 1.5 million reservists to defend the country's 'sovereignty'. The comments come as the controversial president ramps up his anti-US rhetoric.
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01/04/2005 | Frente Externo
Venezuelan President Receives Support At One-Day Regional Summit
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez yesterday received a boost during a summit attended by the leaders of Brazil, Colombia and Spain, with President Lula of Brazil defending the controversial Chavez against recent criticism from the US.
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01/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Egypt's Gas Exports Receive Further Boost with Damietta LNG Approval
The Egyptian authorities have finally given initial approval for the expansion of the SEGAS LNG project at Damietta, raising hopes that more natural gas reserves will be approved for exports in the wake of recent exploration success.
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01/04/2005 | Frente Externo
Venezuelan President Receives Support At One-Day Regional Summit
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez yesterday received a boost during a summit attended by the leaders of Brazil, Colombia and Spain, with President Lula of Brazil defending the controversial Chavez against recent criticism from the US.
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01/04/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Egypt's Gas Exports Receive Further Boost with Damietta LNG Approval
The Egyptian authorities have finally given initial approval for the expansion of the SEGAS LNG project at Damietta, raising hopes that more natural gas reserves will be approved for exports in the wake of recent exploration success.
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29/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Navigating the Minefield of Chinese Power Investment
Despite the spectacular growth in China's energy demand, international companies have largely turned their back on investment in the country's power sector. Certain companies have achieved success by taking a low-key approach to business, avoiding flagship or pet projects and focusing on local-level opportunities.
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29/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Brazil Drops IMF to Go It Alone
Brazil will not seek to renew its standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Finance Minister Antonio Palocci said yesterday. Its current programme expires later this week
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29/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Colombia Confirms Preliminary Peace Meeting with Lesser Rebels
Mexico is to host a meeting between the National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's second-largest leftist rebel group, and officials from the South American country, launching an initiative towards establishing a peace process, Colombia's High Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo has confirmed to local press.
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29/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Navigating the Minefield of Chinese Power Investment
Despite the spectacular growth in China's energy demand, international companies have largely turned their back on investment in the country's power sector. Certain companies have achieved success by taking a low-key approach to business, avoiding flagship or pet projects and focusing on local-level opportunities.
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29/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Brazil Drops IMF to Go It Alone
Brazil will not seek to renew its standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Finance Minister Antonio Palocci said yesterday. Its current programme expires later this week
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29/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Colombia Confirms Preliminary Peace Meeting with Lesser Rebels
Mexico is to host a meeting between the National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's second-largest leftist rebel group, and officials from the South American country, launching an initiative towards establishing a peace process, Colombia's High Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo has confirmed to local press.
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27/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Opposition Takes Power in Kyrgyzstan as Protests Force President to Flee
Opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev has been named as Kyrgyzstan's interim head of state this morning (25 March), after the country's long-time President Askar Akayev reportedly fled the country yesterday in the face of the popular protest against his regime.
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27/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Relations with Privatised Utilities Remain Tense in Argentina as Date for Start of Public Hearings Approaches
The date for the start of a programme of 11 public hearings for gas and power companies is only a few weeks away but agreement has not yet been reached over renegotiation of contracts.
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27/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Opposition Takes Power in Kyrgyzstan as Protests Force President to Flee
Opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev has been named as Kyrgyzstan's interim head of state this morning (25 March), after the country's long-time President Askar Akayev reportedly fled the country yesterday in the face of the popular protest against his regime.
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27/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Relations with Privatised Utilities Remain Tense in Argentina as Date for Start of Public Hearings Approaches
The date for the start of a programme of 11 public hearings for gas and power companies is only a few weeks away but agreement has not yet been reached over renegotiation of contracts.
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23/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
US Backlash Could Postpone Lifting of EU Arms Embargo on China Until 2006 - or Later
An unexpectedly strong level of US protest over the European Union's plans to scrap its ban on weapons exports to China could prevent the embargo from being lifted later this year, as had been planned.
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23/03/2005 | En Parrilla
Deepest Reforms in United Nations' History Proposed by Secretary General
Normally the most strident calls for reform of the 60-year-old United Nations are heard from US politicians, but this week the organisation's own secretary general seized the initiative with a set of bold reform proposals.
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23/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
US Backlash Could Postpone Lifting of EU Arms Embargo on China Until 2006 - or Later
An unexpectedly strong level of US protest over the European Union's plans to scrap its ban on weapons exports to China could prevent the embargo from being lifted later this year, as had been planned.
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23/03/2005 | En Parrilla
Deepest Reforms in United Nations' History Proposed by Secretary General
Normally the most strident calls for reform of the 60-year-old United Nations are heard from US politicians, but this week the organisation's own secretary general seized the initiative with a set of bold reform proposals.
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11/03/2005 | En Profundidad
President Calls for Shell Boycott over Fuel Prices as Argentina Faces Gas and Diesel Shortages
Just as President Néstor Kirchner calls for a national boycott of oil major Shell, news of new cuts in Argentine gas exports to Chile serve as a reminder of the need for a more positive climate for investors in order to boost domestic production.
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11/03/2005 | En Profundidad
President Calls for Shell Boycott over Fuel Prices as Argentina Faces Gas and Diesel Shortages
Just as President Néstor Kirchner calls for a national boycott of oil major Shell, news of new cuts in Argentine gas exports to Chile serve as a reminder of the need for a more positive climate for investors in order to boost domestic production.
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09/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Congress Rejects Bolivian President's Resignation, Agrees to Revise
Congress has voted to reject President Mesa's resignation and agreed to revise a controversial hydrocarbons bill. However, the refusal of the country's second-largest party to sign up to that agreement and its continued push for
50% royalties through street protests, means that tensions will remain high.
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09/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Congress Rejects Bolivian President's Resignation, Agrees to Revise
Congress has voted to reject President Mesa's resignation and agreed to revise a controversial hydrocarbons bill. However, the refusal of the country's second-largest party to sign up to that agreement and its continued push for
50% royalties through street protests, means that tensions will remain high.
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08/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Bolivia: Chronicle of a Presidential Resignation
Since late December, President Mesa has faced growing demonstrations of popular discontent countrywide. Once again, energy issues are the flashpoint. Protests were ignited by the December 20 price hikes for gasoline and diesel fuels; domestic natural gas and kerosene prices were left unchanged as a compensatory measure. Bolivia's powerful transport workers' union went on a 24-hour strike in early January, and the waves of protest swelled over the following weeks. Demonstrations have become especially intense in the central Santa Cruz Province, one of the country's wealthiest regions, where protests against higher fuel prices have turned into calls for autonomy.
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08/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Bolivia: Chronicle of a Presidential Resignation
Since late December, President Mesa has faced growing demonstrations of popular discontent countrywide. Once again, energy issues are the flashpoint. Protests were ignited by the December 20 price hikes for gasoline and diesel fuels; domestic natural gas and kerosene prices were left unchanged as a compensatory measure. Bolivia's powerful transport workers' union went on a 24-hour strike in early January, and the waves of protest swelled over the following weeks. Demonstrations have become especially intense in the central Santa Cruz Province, one of the country's wealthiest regions, where protests against higher fuel prices have turned into calls for autonomy.
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05/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Participation in Argentine Debt Swap Tops 76%
Participation in the swap of sovereign debt defaulted on in December 2001 reached 76%, President Néstor Kirchner said on March 3rd. This is far in excess of private-sector expectations and the threshold for success the government set itself.
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05/03/2005 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Participation in Argentine Debt Swap Tops 76%
Participation in the swap of sovereign debt defaulted on in December 2001 reached 76%, President Néstor Kirchner said on March 3rd. This is far in excess of private-sector expectations and the threshold for success the government set itself.
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03/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Crude Prices Remain at US$50/b as OPEC Shies Away from March Cut
Crude prices in New York (NYMEX) and London (IPE) ended the day up over US$50/b on concerns over the current cold snap in Europe and the US, as OPEC's president said that there was 'no need for a cut at these prices'.
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03/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iraq Oil Ministry Admits Defeat; Northern Pipeline Closed Indefinitely on Sabotage
Following a deluge of attacks since its reopening in mid-February, the Iraqi oil minister has said that the northern export route will be out of action indefinitely until the pipeline is 'completely secure', proof of the ongoing struggle to maintain oil production despite steps forward on the political front.
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03/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Overall Economic Sentiment in Eurozone Slumps to 11-Month Low in February
The European Commission's overall economic sentiment index for the Eurozone fell markedly to 98.8 in February from 100.8 in January.
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03/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Crude Prices Remain at US$50/b as OPEC Shies Away from March Cut
Crude prices in New York (NYMEX) and London (IPE) ended the day up over US$50/b on concerns over the current cold snap in Europe and the US, as OPEC's president said that there was 'no need for a cut at these prices'.
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03/03/2005 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Iraq Oil Ministry Admits Defeat; Northern Pipeline Closed Indefinitely on Sabotage
Following a deluge of attacks since its reopening in mid-February, the Iraqi oil minister has said that the northern export route will be out of action indefinitely until the pipeline is 'completely secure', proof of the ongoing struggle to maintain oil production despite steps forward on the political front.
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03/03/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Overall Economic Sentiment in Eurozone Slumps to 11-Month Low in February
The European Commission's overall economic sentiment index for the Eurozone fell markedly to 98.8 in February from 100.8 in January.
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02/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Leftist President Takes Office in Uruguay
Latin America will today receive yet another left-of-centre president with today's inauguration of Tabaré Vázquez as president of Uruguay.
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02/03/2005 | Frente Externo
Leftist President Takes Office in Uruguay
Latin America will today receive yet another left-of-centre president with today's inauguration of Tabaré Vázquez as president of Uruguay.
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19/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina Urges Bolivia to Agree to Lower Prices for Gas Exports Via New Pipeline
Argentina has asked Bolivia to agree to a lower price for additional natural gas imports under a future agreement that could see the volume of gas sold to Argentina rise to 20 MMcm/d, following the construction of a proposed new pipeline between both countries. Bolivia's Minister of Hydrocarbons Guillermo Torres has said that his country turned down the proposal but has promised to consider other options, according to local reports.
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19/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina Urges Bolivia to Agree to Lower Prices for Gas Exports Via New Pipeline
Argentina has asked Bolivia to agree to a lower price for additional natural gas imports under a future agreement that could see the volume of gas sold to Argentina rise to 20 MMcm/d, following the construction of a proposed new pipeline between both countries. Bolivia's Minister of Hydrocarbons Guillermo Torres has said that his country turned down the proposal but has promised to consider other options, according to local reports.
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18/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Head of ChevronTexaco Forecasts End of 'Cheap Oil'
The chief executive of ChevronTexaco, David O'Reilly, has forecast the end of 'cheap oil' and said that the world is now entering a new phase as a bidding war for Middle East oil and gas develops between East and West.
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18/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Head of ChevronTexaco Forecasts End of 'Cheap Oil'
The chief executive of ChevronTexaco, David O'Reilly, has forecast the end of 'cheap oil' and said that the world is now entering a new phase as a bidding war for Middle East oil and gas develops between East and West.
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06/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
OPEC Agrees to Keep Output Unchanged but Suspends Price Band
OPEC members agreed to keep production quotas unchanged at 27 million bpd for the time being, but the suspension of the price-band mechanism and talk of a March cut indicate the organisation will be seeking a base oil price of at least US$35-US$40/b in 2005.
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06/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Libya:Open Bid - PDF
US majors have returned to Libya en masse in the first open bid licensing round, decisively putting an end to 18 years of unilateral sanctions, as Libya announced plans to launch another tender for 40 blocks next month to capitalise on current interest levels.
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06/02/2005 | Frente Externo
State of the Union Address
George W. Bush dwelt on the foreign and domestic policy priorities of his second presidential term in yesterday's State of the Union address, but left most of the key questions unanswered.
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06/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
OPEC Agrees to Keep Output Unchanged but Suspends Price Band
OPEC members agreed to keep production quotas unchanged at 27 million bpd for the time being, but the suspension of the price-band mechanism and talk of a March cut indicate the organisation will be seeking a base oil price of at least US$35-US$40/b in 2005.
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06/02/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Libya:Open Bid - PDF
US majors have returned to Libya en masse in the first open bid licensing round, decisively putting an end to 18 years of unilateral sanctions, as Libya announced plans to launch another tender for 40 blocks next month to capitalise on current interest levels.
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06/02/2005 | Frente Externo
State of the Union Address
George W. Bush dwelt on the foreign and domestic policy priorities of his second presidential term in yesterday's State of the Union address, but left most of the key questions unanswered.
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31/01/2005 | En Profundidad
Elections and Iraqi oil
After some initial success in restoring oil production capacity, sabotage and technical problems have hampered further industry development and kept production levels well below capacity in 2004. That situation is unlikely to improve dramatically over 2005, although the scenario for 2006 and beyond is somewhat brighter, if only security can be maintained and improved in key oil-producing regions.
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31/01/2005 | En Profundidad
Elections and Iraqi oil
After some initial success in restoring oil production capacity, sabotage and technical problems have hampered further industry development and kept production levels well below capacity in 2004. That situation is unlikely to improve dramatically over 2005, although the scenario for 2006 and beyond is somewhat brighter, if only security can be maintained and improved in key oil-producing regions.
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26/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Energy Issues to Watch in 2005
After a year when oil prices set new record highs, crude will be closely watched in 2005. However, a number of other issues are also likely to come up regularly in the headlines in 2005 - World Markets Energy provides a guide to next year's energy news.
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26/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Energy Issues to Watch in 2005
After a year when oil prices set new record highs, crude will be closely watched in 2005. However, a number of other issues are also likely to come up regularly in the headlines in 2005 - World Markets Energy provides a guide to next year's energy news.
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22/01/2005 | Frente Externo
False Start - Mexico's Premature Presidential Race
Mexican politicians and the populace have their sights on the 2006 election as prospects for progressing reforms and generating tangible change under incumbent President Vicente Fox grow ever dimmer.
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22/01/2005 | Frente Externo
False Start - Mexico's Premature Presidential Race
Mexican politicians and the populace have their sights on the 2006 election as prospects for progressing reforms and generating tangible change under incumbent President Vicente Fox grow ever dimmer.
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21/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
China: Threat or Opportunity?
The year 2005 will see continued strong demand in China for Latin American commodities, and Chinese investment in the region is set to increase significantly over the coming years. China and Latin America have never been seen as natural economic partners, but a recent whirlwind tour through the region by Chinese Premier Hu Jintao has underlined China's increasing economic influence in the region.
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21/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Overview: After the Boom, Before the Bust?
The year 2005 may be viewed in retrospect as the 'neither/nor year' - neither witnessing the impressive economic performances of 2004, nor the momentous electoral contests lined up for 2006. In terms of GDP growth, 2004 has been the region's best year since the 1980s - with average expansion of more than 5.5%. Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela all clocked up growth of 8% or more, while major players not benefiting from low bases of comparison - Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru - also performed creditably.
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21/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
China: Threat or Opportunity?
The year 2005 will see continued strong demand in China for Latin American commodities, and Chinese investment in the region is set to increase significantly over the coming years. China and Latin America have never been seen as natural economic partners, but a recent whirlwind tour through the region by Chinese Premier Hu Jintao has underlined China's increasing economic influence in the region.
................................................................................................................................ |
21/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Overview: After the Boom, Before the Bust?
The year 2005 may be viewed in retrospect as the 'neither/nor year' - neither witnessing the impressive economic performances of 2004, nor the momentous electoral contests lined up for 2006. In terms of GDP growth, 2004 has been the region's best year since the 1980s - with average expansion of more than 5.5%. Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela all clocked up growth of 8% or more, while major players not benefiting from low bases of comparison - Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru - also performed creditably.
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06/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Country Report: Bolivia (Energy) - PDF
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06/01/2005 | En Profundidad
Top 10 Predictions for 2005- PDF
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06/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Energy Issues to watch in 2005 - PDF
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06/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Country Report: Bolivia (Energy) - PDF
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06/01/2005 | En Profundidad
Top 10 Predictions for 2005- PDF
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06/01/2005 | Economia y Finanzas
Energy Issues to watch in 2005 - PDF
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02/12/2004 | Frente Externo
More Changes Planned for PDVSA
The new head of Venezuela's state oil company has announced a proposed review of the company's operations and closer alignment with the government's social policies.
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02/12/2004 | Frente Externo
More Changes Planned for PDVSA
The new head of Venezuela's state oil company has announced a proposed review of the company's operations and closer alignment with the government's social policies.
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