Inteligencia y Seguridad Frente Externo En Profundidad Economia y Finanzas Transparencia
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16/10/2009 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Latin America – Growth, mistrust spur arms spending
The 2002 regional recession gave way to the strongest growth seen in South America for over 50 years. From 2003 through 2008 collective real GDP for 20 countries of Latin America (excluding most Caribbean countries) expanded 30.0%, at an average annual rate of 4.8% (and with annual population growth at only 1.3%). From 1951 through 2002 these economies grew an average of 4.1% (with population growth averaging 2.3% annually), according to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. This increased growth, largely based on the surge in international commodity prices, accompanied by an increased state share in GDP, permitted defence spending increases of a kind not seen for decades.
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25/03/2009 | Frente Externo
Latin America - IMF reform key issue at G20 Summit
SUBJECT: The Latin American strategy at the April 2 G20 Leaders' Summit in London. SIGNIFICANCE: Unlike the G8, where Latin America is not represented, the region accounts for three members of the G20. Although all three are likely to favour IMF reform, there is little coordinated strategy on key issues.Go to conclusion.
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13/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa - Ports investment set to resurge after slowdown
In anticipation of increasing trade with Africa, governments, port operators and logistics firms have been investing heavily for much of the past decade in new port infrastructure and transport links in Africa. Significant improvements are already being felt in isolated areas, leading to a multiplier effect elsewhere
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13/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa - Ports investment set to resurge after slowdown
In anticipation of increasing trade with Africa, governments, port operators and logistics firms have been investing heavily for much of the past decade in new port infrastructure and transport links in Africa. Significant improvements are already being felt in isolated areas, leading to a multiplier effect elsewhere
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07/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Unemployment poses threat to stability
Mass unemployment has begun to appear in advanced democratic economies with startling rapidity in the last three months. Predictions about UK unemployment reaching 3 million are already vindicated and unemployment has shot up in the United States, Germany, Ireland and France, as well as in Eastern European countries. In Spain, unemployment could reach 20% this year from its present 14.4%.
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07/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Unemployment poses threat to stability
Mass unemployment has begun to appear in advanced democratic economies with startling rapidity in the last three months. Predictions about UK unemployment reaching 3 million are already vindicated and unemployment has shot up in the United States, Germany, Ireland and France, as well as in Eastern European countries. In Spain, unemployment could reach 20% this year from its present 14.4%.
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03/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Emerging markets face growing risk
Emerging markets have made considerable progress in recent years developing their economies and financial market institutions. However, they are increasingly under strain from destabilized conditions in developed economies. The lack of buffers available to mature economies, such as strongly credible central banks, is exacerbating problems, making more emerging market crises highly likely in the near term.
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03/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Emerging markets face growing risk
Emerging markets have made considerable progress in recent years developing their economies and financial market institutions. However, they are increasingly under strain from destabilized conditions in developed economies. The lack of buffers available to mature economies, such as strongly credible central banks, is exacerbating problems, making more emerging market crises highly likely in the near term.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Asia: Leaders address economic slump
Regional leaders gathered in Thailand today for the first day of the 14th Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Whereas human rights issues and security disputes have dominated previous summits, this year's focus is on forging a common response to the global economic slowdown.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
CEE: Banking threat tests EU solidarity and purpose
The economic situation in Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) continues to deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. This is already affecting bank earnings, and prudent crisis management requires action and agreements for action to be made now, if major output losses and financial sector contractions are to be avoided. This provides both a threat and an opportunity for the EU and its institutions.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
FDI collapse hits African growth
Sub-Saharan Africa's experience of average 5-6% growth rates over the past five years -- the biggest growth spurt in a generation -- had placed considerable strain on the continent's antiquated infrastructure long before the onset of the current international financial turmoil.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
Asia: Leaders address economic slump
Regional leaders gathered in Thailand today for the first day of the 14th Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Whereas human rights issues and security disputes have dominated previous summits, this year's focus is on forging a common response to the global economic slowdown.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
CEE: Banking threat tests EU solidarity and purpose
The economic situation in Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) continues to deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. This is already affecting bank earnings, and prudent crisis management requires action and agreements for action to be made now, if major output losses and financial sector contractions are to be avoided. This provides both a threat and an opportunity for the EU and its institutions.
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01/03/2009 | Economia y Finanzas
FDI collapse hits African growth
Sub-Saharan Africa's experience of average 5-6% growth rates over the past five years -- the biggest growth spurt in a generation -- had placed considerable strain on the continent's antiquated infrastructure long before the onset of the current international financial turmoil.
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03/01/2009 | Frente Externo
Disillusionment and austerity mark anniversary
The Cuban Revolution on January 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary within a bleak economic context. The end-of-the-year session of Cuba's National Assembly highlighted the country's severe economic difficulties. The leadership stressed the need to cut down on state subsidies and raise salaries, but did not spell out any single reform.
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29/12/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America . Debt legitimacy comes under scrutiny
Some Latin American governments are increasingly questioning the 'legitimacy' of their public debt. Questioning the need to service and repay debt incurred by previous governments, despite having ability to pay, is an innovative strategy that aims to elevate the needs of domestic citizens by making additional resources available to them, at least in the short term.
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29/12/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Norway: Oil-rich state is not immune to slowdown
In an effort to avoid a prolonged recession, the center-left government of Norway has announced that it will dip into its oil fund to allow for an expansionary budget for 2009. The country has enjoyed a long period of economic growth, and benefited from the recent oil spike -- but with the risk looming, in an election year, of a downturn and increasing unemployment, it has decided to be less restrictive in its use of oil revenues.
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30/11/2008 | Frente Externo
The Political Economist, November 2008- PDF

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30/11/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Running Interpol
Since this article was published--October 2, 2008-- the organization has been in the news again. A judge on November 19 ordered the arrest of the head of Interpol in Mexico, Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas, as part of an investigation into alleged links with drug cartels.
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30/11/2008 | En Parrilla
War by analogy
Some historical analogies have been drawn since this article was written, in advance of the US Presidential election.
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30/11/2008 | Medio Ambiente
Major progress unlikely at Poznan
Delegates will meet in Poznan in Poland next month to continue negotiations on a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. An agreement from 2007 aimed to draft a successor agreement in Copenhagen late next year. Even if Poznan will produce no final treaty language, several provisions for an eventual treaty are on the agenda:
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30/11/2008 | Frente Externo
The Political Economist, November 2008- PDF

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30/11/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Running Interpol
Since this article was published--October 2, 2008-- the organization has been in the news again. A judge on November 19 ordered the arrest of the head of Interpol in Mexico, Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas, as part of an investigation into alleged links with drug cartels.
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30/11/2008 | En Parrilla
War by analogy
Some historical analogies have been drawn since this article was written, in advance of the US Presidential election.
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30/11/2008 | Medio Ambiente
Major progress unlikely at Poznan
Delegates will meet in Poznan in Poland next month to continue negotiations on a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. An agreement from 2007 aimed to draft a successor agreement in Copenhagen late next year. Even if Poznan will produce no final treaty language, several provisions for an eventual treaty are on the agenda:
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25/11/2008 | En Parrilla
Latin America- Downturn may raise public pressures
The latest annual poll by Latinobarometro, a Santiago-based research organization that has surveyed public attitudes in Latin America since 1995, was carried out in September and early October before the full extent of the current international economic crisis was apparent.
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25/11/2008 | En Parrilla
Latin America- Downturn may raise public pressures
The latest annual poll by Latinobarometro, a Santiago-based research organization that has surveyed public attitudes in Latin America since 1995, was carried out in September and early October before the full extent of the current international economic crisis was apparent.
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21/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Gulf States: Economies should weather credit crunch
With effect from the 1970s, the growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies was countercyclical to the growth of the Western oil consuming nations, with high oil prices bringing recession to the latter and a boom to the former, or vice versa. In recent years this relationship has become more complex, with the economies of oil producers and consumers increasingly moving in synchrony.
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21/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Ukraine: Global crisis starts to hit local economy
An IMF mission held consultations last week with the Ukrainian authorities on a possible stand-by lending facility. These were the first consultations between the two sides in years that focused specifically on lending. They were reportedly initiated by Ukraine, which may have good reason to request IMF assistance as the financial crisis rages across the world.
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21/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Gulf States: Economies should weather credit crunch
With effect from the 1970s, the growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies was countercyclical to the growth of the Western oil consuming nations, with high oil prices bringing recession to the latter and a boom to the former, or vice versa. In recent years this relationship has become more complex, with the economies of oil producers and consumers increasingly moving in synchrony.
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21/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Ukraine: Global crisis starts to hit local economy
An IMF mission held consultations last week with the Ukrainian authorities on a possible stand-by lending facility. These were the first consultations between the two sides in years that focused specifically on lending. They were reportedly initiated by Ukraine, which may have good reason to request IMF assistance as the financial crisis rages across the world.
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18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa- Growth to suffer despite insulated banks
Africa's banking systems have largely escaped direct contagion from the crises of confidence afflicting those in the developed world. However, Africa faces significant potential fallout from the real-economy impacts of the global disruption.
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18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Shades of Black Monday
For seasoned market participants, financial crises are actually quite common. The present panic may be a ‘once in a century’ event, other crises have equally washed away billions in wealth and challenged modern financial capitalism to its core.
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18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa and the crisis
Africa's banking systems have largely escaped direct contagion from the crises of confidence afflicting those in the developed world. However, Africa faces significant potential fallout from the real-economy impacts of the global disruption.
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18/10/2008 | Frente Externo
Israel's coalition politics
This week, a coalition deal was announced between Ehud Barak’s Labour Party and Tzipi Livni’s Kadima Party. The deal gives Barak the newly invented, ego-satisfying title of ‘senior deputy prime minister’ and promises of a shared role in negotiations and security affairs, together with budgetary concessions lowering university tuition and raising senior citizens’ benefits.
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18/10/2008 | En Parrilla
The pain in Spain
Spanish property developer Habitat holds a crisis meeting on its future on Friday, after the value of its assets fell to below a half of its share value. Spanish house prices, having risen in real terms for a decade, are now on their way down.
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18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa- Growth to suffer despite insulated banks
Africa's banking systems have largely escaped direct contagion from the crises of confidence afflicting those in the developed world. However, Africa faces significant potential fallout from the real-economy impacts of the global disruption.
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18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Shades of Black Monday
For seasoned market participants, financial crises are actually quite common. The present panic may be a ‘once in a century’ event, other crises have equally washed away billions in wealth and challenged modern financial capitalism to its core.
................................................................................................................................
18/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Africa and the crisis
Africa's banking systems have largely escaped direct contagion from the crises of confidence afflicting those in the developed world. However, Africa faces significant potential fallout from the real-economy impacts of the global disruption.
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18/10/2008 | Frente Externo
Israel's coalition politics
This week, a coalition deal was announced between Ehud Barak’s Labour Party and Tzipi Livni’s Kadima Party. The deal gives Barak the newly invented, ego-satisfying title of ‘senior deputy prime minister’ and promises of a shared role in negotiations and security affairs, together with budgetary concessions lowering university tuition and raising senior citizens’ benefits.
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18/10/2008 | En Parrilla
The pain in Spain
Spanish property developer Habitat holds a crisis meeting on its future on Friday, after the value of its assets fell to below a half of its share value. Spanish house prices, having risen in real terms for a decade, are now on their way down.
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05/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Global financial regulation is illusory
Long-awaited proposals were released yesterday to overhaul the EU regulatory and supervision framework for banks conducting business across national borders and to strengthen capital requirements.
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05/10/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Global financial regulation is illusory
Long-awaited proposals were released yesterday to overhaul the EU regulatory and supervision framework for banks conducting business across national borders and to strengthen capital requirements.
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03/10/2008 | Frente Externo
Africa- Communication technologies transform elections
That technological change is transforming economic and social relations in Africa has become something of a cliche and is often presented as a panacea for Africa's ills. Mobile-phones and the internet are being used to coordinate agricultural prices, transfer money and coordinate famine relief. However, the political impact of new technologies has received less attention.
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03/10/2008 | Frente Externo
Africa- Communication technologies transform elections
That technological change is transforming economic and social relations in Africa has become something of a cliche and is often presented as a panacea for Africa's ills. Mobile-phones and the internet are being used to coordinate agricultural prices, transfer money and coordinate famine relief. However, the political impact of new technologies has received less attention.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Geothermal: Getting warmer
Geothermal power’s potential as an alternative energy source is becoming ever clearer. Global geothermal investment last year rose 83%, to 1.7 billion dollars, and some 80% of high-grade geothermal resources are believed to remain undiscovered. The technology received plenty of news coverage in the summer with the announcement that Google’s charitable arm was planning 11 billion dollars of investment into so-called enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Ukraine: There goes the government, again
The political divorce between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko will be finalised on Sunday, starting a 30-day countdown to form a new coalition. If Ukraine’s deeply divided political blocs cannot form a new government within that time, the president is constitutionally empowered to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
USA: SEC adopts global accounting rules
The SEC unanimously approved a plan last month to allow some US companies to apply international accounting standards beginning with next year's financial statements, and for all US companies to follow by 2016. Allowing all US companies to apply International Financial Reporting Standards reflects a decisive shift away from a rules-based accounting regulatory framework to a more principles-based system.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
More financial turmoil yet to come
The collapse of Lehman Brothers, and attendant weakness of other major financial institutions, has now produced perhaps the worst US financial crisis since the banking panic that faced former President Franklin Roosevelt at the beginning of his administration in March 1933.
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Germany: Elections become interesting
Next week might see the biggest surge in public support the Social Democrats (SPD) have seen in years, following a drastic leadership reshuffle. Not only did the SPD nominate Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as their candidate to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in next year’s general election, but it also forced out party leader Kurt Beck, to be replaced by his predecessor Franz Muentefering.
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Can NATO evolve?
A failure to agree on a new comprehensive strategy when NATO leaders meet this week in Bucharest risks relegating the military alliance to irrelevance.
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
NATO: Policing the bear
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer arrives in Tblisi on Monday to discuss Georgia’s post-conflict requirements, ahead of an ‘informal’ gathering of NATO defence ministers in London at the end of the week.
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15/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Uruguay: Astori of woe
Economy and Finance Minister Danilo Astori will step down on September 15, and return to the Senate with an eye to becoming the ruling Frente Amplio (FA) coalition candidate for presidential elections late next year.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Geothermal: Getting warmer
Geothermal power’s potential as an alternative energy source is becoming ever clearer. Global geothermal investment last year rose 83%, to 1.7 billion dollars, and some 80% of high-grade geothermal resources are believed to remain undiscovered. The technology received plenty of news coverage in the summer with the announcement that Google’s charitable arm was planning 11 billion dollars of investment into so-called enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Ukraine: There goes the government, again
The political divorce between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko will be finalised on Sunday, starting a 30-day countdown to form a new coalition. If Ukraine’s deeply divided political blocs cannot form a new government within that time, the president is constitutionally empowered to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
USA: SEC adopts global accounting rules
The SEC unanimously approved a plan last month to allow some US companies to apply international accounting standards beginning with next year's financial statements, and for all US companies to follow by 2016. Allowing all US companies to apply International Financial Reporting Standards reflects a decisive shift away from a rules-based accounting regulatory framework to a more principles-based system.
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15/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
More financial turmoil yet to come
The collapse of Lehman Brothers, and attendant weakness of other major financial institutions, has now produced perhaps the worst US financial crisis since the banking panic that faced former President Franklin Roosevelt at the beginning of his administration in March 1933.
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Germany: Elections become interesting
Next week might see the biggest surge in public support the Social Democrats (SPD) have seen in years, following a drastic leadership reshuffle. Not only did the SPD nominate Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as their candidate to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in next year’s general election, but it also forced out party leader Kurt Beck, to be replaced by his predecessor Franz Muentefering.
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15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Can NATO evolve?
A failure to agree on a new comprehensive strategy when NATO leaders meet this week in Bucharest risks relegating the military alliance to irrelevance.
................................................................................................................................
15/09/2008 | En Parrilla
NATO: Policing the bear
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer arrives in Tblisi on Monday to discuss Georgia’s post-conflict requirements, ahead of an ‘informal’ gathering of NATO defence ministers in London at the end of the week.
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15/09/2008 | Frente Externo
Uruguay: Astori of woe
Economy and Finance Minister Danilo Astori will step down on September 15, and return to the Senate with an eye to becoming the ruling Frente Amplio (FA) coalition candidate for presidential elections late next year.
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06/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Arctic ambitions
In the chilly waters of the Beaufort Sea next week, the Canadian icebreaker Louis S St-Laurent and the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy will rendezvous to begin a three-week mission mapping the northern extent of the continental shelf.
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06/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Governing Europe’s Economy
The meeting of EU economy and finance ministers (ECOFIN) on Friday is aimed at finding meaningful solutions to Europe’s economic problems -– but is more likely to reveal divisions among member states about the structure of European economic governance.
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06/09/2008 | En Parrilla
Arctic ambitions
In the chilly waters of the Beaufort Sea next week, the Canadian icebreaker Louis S St-Laurent and the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy will rendezvous to begin a three-week mission mapping the northern extent of the continental shelf.
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06/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Governing Europe’s Economy
The meeting of EU economy and finance ministers (ECOFIN) on Friday is aimed at finding meaningful solutions to Europe’s economic problems -– but is more likely to reveal divisions among member states about the structure of European economic governance.
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05/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America - External factors may compromise growth
Improvements in fiscal management in many of Latin American countries and the use of budget surpluses to pay down public debt have helped to cushion the region against the effects of deteriorating international economic conditions. According to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the region will continue to expand next year and, for the first time in 40 years, will complete a seven-year cycle of average per capita GDP growth of over 3% per year.
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05/09/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America - External factors may compromise growth
Improvements in fiscal management in many of Latin American countries and the use of budget surpluses to pay down public debt have helped to cushion the region against the effects of deteriorating international economic conditions. According to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the region will continue to expand next year and, for the first time in 40 years, will complete a seven-year cycle of average per capita GDP growth of over 3% per year.
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28/08/2008 | Frente Externo
European Union: Common policy on slowdown is unlikely
France announced on August 18 that the informal meeting of the EU economics and finance ministers on September 12-13 should focus on developing a coordinated response to the threat of Europe-wide recession.
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28/08/2008 | Frente Externo
European Union: Common policy on slowdown is unlikely
France announced on August 18 that the informal meeting of the EU economics and finance ministers on September 12-13 should focus on developing a coordinated response to the threat of Europe-wide recession.
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22/08/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Kyrgyzstan- External shocks underscore fragility
As a small, landlocked and mountainous country, Kyrgyzstan faces significant constraints in its development. Rapidly rising energy and food prices could threaten economic and social stability, and although increased regional integration has boosted economic performance, it has also exacerbated the country's vulnerability to global financial turmoil.
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22/08/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Kyrgyzstan- External shocks underscore fragility
As a small, landlocked and mountainous country, Kyrgyzstan faces significant constraints in its development. Rapidly rising energy and food prices could threaten economic and social stability, and although increased regional integration has boosted economic performance, it has also exacerbated the country's vulnerability to global financial turmoil.
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10/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Global disequilibrium remains unlikely
Booming oil revenues and the associated surge in global liquidity have raised the specter of imbalances of the type that led to the 1982 emerging market debt crisis.
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10/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Capacity and price distortions weigh on energy
Despite massive investment in new capacity and an aggressive energy efficiency program, China is still suffering from shortages of energy supply. These arise from its high rate of economic growth and the system for pricing energy.
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10/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Global disequilibrium remains unlikely
Booming oil revenues and the associated surge in global liquidity have raised the specter of imbalances of the type that led to the 1982 emerging market debt crisis.
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10/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Capacity and price distortions weigh on energy
Despite massive investment in new capacity and an aggressive energy efficiency program, China is still suffering from shortages of energy supply. These arise from its high rate of economic growth and the system for pricing energy.
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09/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America: Banks may face rising political risk
Banks in Latin America have enjoyed a prolonged credit boom which, coupled with strong and stable economic growth, has turned the region into a strategic market for many international banking groups.
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09/08/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America: Banks may face rising political risk
Banks in Latin America have enjoyed a prolonged credit boom which, coupled with strong and stable economic growth, has turned the region into a strategic market for many international banking groups.
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26/07/2008 | Medio Ambiente
Water policy coordination needed
As a consequence of climate change, population growth and increasing energy and agricultural demands, clean water shortages are expected to rise in coming decades. Addressing this fully requires significant research to identify new methods of water purification, with low energy demands and minimal environmental impact.
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26/07/2008 | Medio Ambiente
Water policy coordination needed
As a consequence of climate change, population growth and increasing energy and agricultural demands, clean water shortages are expected to rise in coming decades. Addressing this fully requires significant research to identify new methods of water purification, with low energy demands and minimal environmental impact.
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11/07/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Taiwan / China. Relaxed rules will boost capital flows
On June 26, Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced a new round of relaxed financial policies between Taiwan and China. Taiwanese businesses are to be allowed to expand their investments in China, and the door is being opened to Chinese capital through corporate mergers and acquisitions. In line with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's planned liberalisation of economic relations, the Executive Yuan (cabinet) has passed five measures to relax investment restrictions with China.
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11/07/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Russia: Inflation could challenge prospects for growth
The rapid rise in prices and nominal wages in Russia has raised doubts about short- to medium-term growth prospects. According to the Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat), average nominal wages in the first five months of 2008 were up 29.4% year-on-year. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation has also been rising rapidly with Deutsche Bank economists projecting 12.4% year-on-year inflation.
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11/07/2008 | Frente Externo
Turkey: AKP case adds to growing economic woes
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) made verbal submissions to the Constitutional Court yesterday in the closure case lodged against it in March. Aside from the political issues at stake, there is widespread belief that the case -- which could see the AKP closed for trying to establish an Islamist regime in place of the secular constitutional order -- is affecting the performance of the economy.
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11/07/2008 | En Parrilla
Taiwan/China: a new start?
The Taiwanese will watch the influx of Chinese tourists this week with dollar symbols in their eyes.
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11/07/2008 | Medio Ambiente
G8 '50%' pledge: half-baked?
Criticism of the recent G8 pledge to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050 may descend into mockery this week. The agreement strengthens a pledge made at last year's G8 gathering to seriously consider a 50% cut by 2050, and marks the first time the Bush administration has accepted a numerical target for global GHG emissions cuts. Yet the organisation's statement will cause it considerable embarrassment.
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11/07/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Taiwan / China. Relaxed rules will boost capital flows
On June 26, Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced a new round of relaxed financial policies between Taiwan and China. Taiwanese businesses are to be allowed to expand their investments in China, and the door is being opened to Chinese capital through corporate mergers and acquisitions. In line with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's planned liberalisation of economic relations, the Executive Yuan (cabinet) has passed five measures to relax investment restrictions with China.
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11/07/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Russia: Inflation could challenge prospects for growth
The rapid rise in prices and nominal wages in Russia has raised doubts about short- to medium-term growth prospects. According to the Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat), average nominal wages in the first five months of 2008 were up 29.4% year-on-year. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation has also been rising rapidly with Deutsche Bank economists projecting 12.4% year-on-year inflation.
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11/07/2008 | Frente Externo
Turkey: AKP case adds to growing economic woes
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) made verbal submissions to the Constitutional Court yesterday in the closure case lodged against it in March. Aside from the political issues at stake, there is widespread belief that the case -- which could see the AKP closed for trying to establish an Islamist regime in place of the secular constitutional order -- is affecting the performance of the economy.
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11/07/2008 | En Parrilla
Taiwan/China: a new start?
The Taiwanese will watch the influx of Chinese tourists this week with dollar symbols in their eyes.
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11/07/2008 | Medio Ambiente
G8 '50%' pledge: half-baked?
Criticism of the recent G8 pledge to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050 may descend into mockery this week. The agreement strengthens a pledge made at last year's G8 gathering to seriously consider a 50% cut by 2050, and marks the first time the Bush administration has accepted a numerical target for global GHG emissions cuts. Yet the organisation's statement will cause it considerable embarrassment.
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30/06/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
High commodity prices will persist
Commodity price inflation and volatility has affected a broad spectrum of products and is now affecting prices in downstream markets. There is strong consensus that prices will continue to be highly volatile and also remain at historically high levels through at least the remainder of 2008.
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30/06/2008 | Frente Externo
OSCE and Kazakhstan
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly convenes in Astana this week, foreshadowing Kazakhstan's stint as OSCE president in 2010.
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30/06/2008 | En Parrilla
Mercosur: rare harmony?
The 35th Mercosur summit, which will be held in Tucuman, Argentina on Tuesday, will see the six-month presidency of Mercosur pass from Argentina to Brazil, although the summit is also expected to offer a high-profile opportunity for Argentine farmers to raise their grievances over increased export taxes before a wider audience of regional heads of state.
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30/06/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
High commodity prices will persist
Commodity price inflation and volatility has affected a broad spectrum of products and is now affecting prices in downstream markets. There is strong consensus that prices will continue to be highly volatile and also remain at historically high levels through at least the remainder of 2008.
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30/06/2008 | Frente Externo
OSCE and Kazakhstan
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly convenes in Astana this week, foreshadowing Kazakhstan's stint as OSCE president in 2010.
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30/06/2008 | En Parrilla
Mercosur: rare harmony?
The 35th Mercosur summit, which will be held in Tucuman, Argentina on Tuesday, will see the six-month presidency of Mercosur pass from Argentina to Brazil, although the summit is also expected to offer a high-profile opportunity for Argentine farmers to raise their grievances over increased export taxes before a wider audience of regional heads of state.
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27/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Euro-area: Economic outlook
In its Spring Economic Forecast, published last month, the European Commission revised downwards its previous projections. Economic growth is now set "to ease significantly over the forecast horizon" in the euro-area, with outcomes of 1.7% real GDP growth in 2008 and 1.5% in 2009.
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27/05/2008 | Frente Externo
US: Obama's economic policies
Obama's economic policies With Senator Barack Obama closing in on the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, attention has shifted to his likely economic policy platform. He will attempt to outline sharp differences with the presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain, on taxes, fiscal spending, and international trade.
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27/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Euro-area: Economic outlook
In its Spring Economic Forecast, published last month, the European Commission revised downwards its previous projections. Economic growth is now set "to ease significantly over the forecast horizon" in the euro-area, with outcomes of 1.7% real GDP growth in 2008 and 1.5% in 2009.
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27/05/2008 | Frente Externo
US: Obama's economic policies
Obama's economic policies With Senator Barack Obama closing in on the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, attention has shifted to his likely economic policy platform. He will attempt to outline sharp differences with the presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain, on taxes, fiscal spending, and international trade.
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19/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
BoE optimism?
Until recently, the Bank of England (BoE)'s Financial Stability Reports (FSRs) warned about the dangers of underpricing risk, which led to excessive risk-taking by investors against a background of benign economic conditions. This was a key factor in last year's sub-prime meltdown.
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19/05/2008 | En Parrilla
Georgia: democratisation 2.0
Georgia's parliamentary elections on Wednesday are another touchstone for democracy. There is plenty at stake for Tblisi.
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18/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Dialogue with Islamists
President George Bush yesterday characterised "negotiation with terrorists and radicals" as "appeasement" during a speech to the Israeli Knesset. Despite Bush's reluctance, the debate over whether and how to engage in dialogue with armed Islamist groups is raging within both Middle Eastern and Western capitals.
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15/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
US: Hedge fund scrutiny
Hedge funds have been operating for roughly three decades. Traditionally, they catered to high net worth individuals, and were thus generally excluded from the financial services regulatory framework.
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14/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Russia: Cautious Putin
Now that Vladimir Putin has stepped down from the presidency and been installed as prime minister, he is directly and formally responsible for economic policy.
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14/05/2008 | En Parrilla
EU/LA: Chavez no-show?
It is not just the 45 leaders attending the Fifth EU/Latin America Summit in Lima this Friday who have an ambitious agenda. A simultaneous 'People's Summit' by labour and indigenous activists may draw up to 20,000 anti-globalisation protesters.
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09/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Clinton: dirt digging?
Barack Obama's large margin of victory last week in North Carolina was not enough to deliver the coup de grace to Hillary Clinton, who stays in the race following a narrow victory in Indiana.
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09/05/2008 | Frente Externo
EU: good neighbours
Last month, the European Commission presented its annual assessments of the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), calling the policy a "resounding success". The ENP currently covers 16 countries in the southern and eastern neighbourhood of the EU and aims to offer those partners closer cooperation with the bloc.
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08/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Food prices
Cyclone damage in Burma may further tighten the rice market, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation warned today. Food prices, particularly rice, have surged this year, fuelling inflation and increasing political tensions across the region.
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08/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
SE Asia: grain pain
Food prices, particularly rice, have surged this year, fuelling inflation and increasing political tensions across the region. Low productivity, inadequate investment and land encroachment are creating supply bottlenecks, challenging regional leaders to muster the political will to break up powerful marketing cartels and set aside competitive jealousies.
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06/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Bolivia: brink of a crisis
"Stand up cruceños, let's make history!" reads the motto of Santa Cruz, the largest and richest of Bolivia's nine departments. This week, an autonomy referendum in the province could add a bloody chapter to that book.
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06/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Ireland: Ahern's final day
Bertie Ahern steps down today as prime minister of Ireland to be replaced by current Finance Minister Brian Cowen. Later this week, his Northern Ireland counterpart, Ian Paisley, resigns as first minister of Northern Ireland to be replaced by his finance minister and long-time deputy, Peter Robinson. The quasi-simultaneous handovers raise questions about the future of the north-south relationship.
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06/05/2008 | Frente Externo
Super Tuesday III
Electoral arithmetic dominates Tuesday's Democratic primaries in mid-western Indiana and North Carolina in the southeast. Barack Obama has a lead of around 130 delegates over Hillary Clinton, with 72 delegates at stake in Indiana and 115 in North Carolina.
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05/05/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Mexico - Tourism outlook
Tourism has contributed significantly to Mexico's employment, foreign direct investment, and economic growth over the past three decades. However, challenges and obstacles could prevent the industry achieving its full potential. US economic recession is likely to highlight dependency on North American visitors, and the need to implement more ambitious policies to diversify tourist markets and countries of origin.
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05/05/2008 | Frente Externo
US elections - Wright: false prophet
Jeremiah Wright, the former pastor of Senator Barack Obama's Trinity United Baptist Church in Chicago, staged a press conference in Washington last week that was simultaneously amusing, bizarre and disturbing.
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30/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Paraguay- Lugo challenges
Fernando Lugo's victory puts an end to the 61-year Colorado Party rule in Paraguay. There is a new mood of hope and optimism in a country where emigration was rising and politicians are widely despised.
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30/04/2008 | En Profundidad
US: hegemon?
In international politics, hegemony now refers to either:
................................................................................................................................
29/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
'Great reflation'?
While expected policy fallout of the credit crisis centres on changes to regulatory regimes, the likely monetary policy may have far greater macroeconomic consequences.
................................................................................................................................
29/04/2008 | En Parrilla
North Korea: food crisis
On April 16, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that the food security situation in North Korea was bad and getting worse. It said that it was likely that external assistance would be "urgently required to avert a serious tragedy".
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25/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Cabinet chaos
Argentina's Economy Minister Martin Lousteau's resignation yesterday had been widely predicted and caused no surprise, apart from its timing. With the simmering agricultural dispute over export taxes set to be renewed, it was assumed that the government would seek to defer cabinet changes in order to avoid the perception that it had caved in to pressure from the farm sector.
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24/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Russia: Gazprom investment
The Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom plans to increase investment in gas production and transportation substantially while cutting spending on acquisitions.
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24/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Clinton credit crunch?
Senator Hillary Clinton this week embarks upon a furious fundraising effort in order to shore up the shaky finances of her presidential campaign.
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24/04/2008 | High Tech
Reaching the Great Unbanked
Mobile internet has given even the Great Unbanked an intimate relationship with their money.
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24/04/2008 | En Parrilla
Ending World War II?
Yasuo Fukada, Japan's embattled Prime Minister, will travel to Moscow this week to discuss a bitter territorial dispute that has rumbled on for over six decades.
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24/04/2008 | En Profundidad
Argentina: gridlock and gloom
Argentina is facing a week of strike and stalemate.
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24/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Reality bites for Gazprom
Gazprom has a new investment plan -- a ray of hope for its customers, who are worried that the gas monopoly has neglected its core business in favour of lavish and irrelevant acquisitions.
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21/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Mexico: Oil liberalisation
President Felipe Calderon on April 8 sent an ambitious oil reform to the Senate. If approved, reform of state oil monopoly Pemex should attract private investment -- domestic and foreign. However, approval probably will face legal challenges and political resistance -- both in parliament and on the streets.
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21/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Russia/Libya - Putin visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a brief visit to Libya on April 16-17. It was the first visit by a Russian president to Libya, which only emerged from isolation after eleven years of UN sanctions in 2003.
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21/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Italy: Berlusconi landslide
The conservative coalition of Silvio Berlusconi achieved solid and workable majorities in both houses of parliament in the general election of April 13-14. It did so even without the support of one of the key parties that was present in the centre-right's 2001-05 coalition, the Catholic and centrist-leaning UDC.
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21/04/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Food crisis
Since 2005, the rise (in real terms) in the price of almost every food item has revived fears of a return to global food insecurity. Some government policy responses to the food crisis have been unhelpful, and will aggravate the problem in the longer term.
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21/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Puerto Rico/US: Primary politics
Ahead of November's US presidential election, Puerto Rican politics is in disarray.
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06/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Africa: wheat and chafe
Leaders in Burkina Faso face a serious quandary this week, as unions threaten a general strike on Tuesday and Wednesday to protest against the rising cost of living.
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06/04/2008 | Sociedad
Who needs foreign languages?
The University of Cambridge recently announced that it would follow other UK universities and drop the requirement that applicants hold a GCSE -- the UK post-16 qualification -- in a foreign language.
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05/04/2008 | En Parrilla
Cristina: Ingrid photo-op
The continuing agricultural crisis has forced Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to cancel her visit to London for the summit of 'progressive governments' this weekend.
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04/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Venezuela - Debilitating distractions
The government of President Hugo Chavez has yet to regain traction after defeat in December's referendum on constitutional reform. Although Chavez promised that his administration would address popular concerns relating to crime, unemployment, housing and food shortages -- where lack of government action is seen to have cost it support in December -- it has only been in recent weeks that policy measures have been announced:
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04/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Egypt - Regime disaffection
Ever since it won 88 seats (out of 444) in the 2005 parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) has shown itself to be Egypt's most disciplined and well-organised political force:
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04/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Cuba - Raul reform
In the past few weeks, Cuban President Raul Castro has begun to implement some of his promised reforms. Initial agricultural liberalisation aims to raise food production and sell more products, including politically sensitive ones such as the tools required to undertake production.
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04/04/2008 | Frente Externo
Rebuilding Zimbabwe
When Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is finally replaced, his successor will face the daunting task of seeking to reverse the country's decade-long process of economic decline. Far-reaching action and reform will be required in two key areas:
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04/04/2008 | Sociedad
'Ethnicity'
Successfully integrating diverse groups of citizens within a common national identity is one of the greatest challenges of modern international politics and state-building. In some previous eras, the main fault lines dividing citizens in many parts of the world revolved around social class.
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28/03/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Can NATO evolve?
A failure to agree on a new comprehensive strategy when NATO leaders meet this week in Bucharest risks relegating the military alliance to irrelevance.
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28/03/2008 | En Profundidad
Argentina: agro aggro
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is facing down angry farmers as a two-week-old farm protest against new taxes on agricultural exports gains momentum.
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26/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Staying squeaky clean?
Senator Hillary Clinton and her rival for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, Senator Barack Obama, this week will continue to prepare for their next primary clash in Pennsylvania on April 22. Yet while their policy platforms are very similar, the two antagonists have adopted divergent strategies in a developing political war of attrition.
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16/03/2008 | En Parrilla
Obrador: el comeback
After a year in the political wilderness, the leader of a civil resistance movement rejecting the results of the 2006 Mexican presidential election returns to the stage this week.
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14/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Russia: rules of engagement
Russia is edging closer to passing a key law on foreign investment in 'strategic' industries. On Wednesday, the Duma should approve the draft on strategic enterprises legislation in the crucial second reading without any delays. The third reading is largely technical.
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14/03/2008 | Frente Externo
McCain's 'Veepstakes'
The interminable Democratic party struggle to select its presidential nominee presents the Republican challenger, Senator John McCain, with both an opportunity and a dilemma. Having locked up his party's nomination, McCain this week will give serious consideration to a shortlist of potential running mates.
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12/03/2008 | Frente Externo
US- Cuomo and Spitzer
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's political career may have been fatally undermined, but the use of litigation to catalyse regulatory and policy change that he pioneered will endure.
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12/03/2008 | Frente Externo
US/Middle East:: Policy damage control
Vice President Dick Cheney yesterday highlighted Iran's alleged "hatred for America" ahead of a trip to the Middle East beginning March 16. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the administration to shape events in the region.
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11/03/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Colombia - Regional isolation
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez yesterday (March 8)announced that his government would restore diplomatic relations with Colombia. The easing of the diplomatic standoff has revealed the FARC rebels' recent decline as a military force, as well as President Alvaro Uribe's growing domestic popularity.
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11/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Spain: Election prospects
A general election will be held in Spain on Sunday. All opinion polls have favoured the ruling Socialists (PSOE). Voters have been impressed by their record on health, social policy and the environment, but are critical of the government over immigration, housing and terrorism.
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11/03/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
FARC: strategic crisis?
The Colombian FARC guerrilla group has fallen into severe strategic crisis. The group has declined considerably since the late 1990s, when it had some 18,000 soldiers, military fronts across the country, and a growing stake in narcotics trafficking.
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11/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Malay malaise
The Malaysian government's delicate arrangements designed to manage the interests and prospects of ethnic groups may be unsettled in Saturday elections.
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04/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Bolivia: one country or many?
Bolivia's President Evo Morales meets with opposition governors on Monday to seek a way out of a political crisis that threatens to split the country. It is a matter of great concern for investors in the country's crucial gas sector.
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03/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Kremlin 'democracy'
Russian voters will elect a new president this weekend, but the outcome is hardly in doubt. First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is both genuinely popular and backed by the incumbent, President Vladimir Putin, which guarantees his accession.
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03/03/2008 | Frente Externo
Taming the Russian bear
Flag-waving, chest beating, anthem singing and myth excavating is underway in Russia. It is all part of Vladimir Putin's nation building project. Dmitry Medvedev, almost certain to be the next Russian president, will inherit the project from Putin. And as in many other policy areas, Medvedev will favour continuity.
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28/02/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Sadr calls the shots
Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's announcement on August 29 to freeze the activities of the Mahdi Army militia for six months has been vital to a 60% drop in attacks since the middle of last year. Yet the truce expires this week, and a return to hostilities could jeopardise those security gains.
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28/02/2008 | En Parrilla
PDVSA faces the music
On Friday, Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA will hope to overturn a recent order issued by a UK court freezing up to 12 billion dollars of its assets.
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28/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Clinton: wounded whale
The US media will this week cease to describe Senator Hillary Clinton as the frontrunner for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, following the thumping that she received in the February 12 'Potomac primary' at the hands of her rival, Senator Barack Obama. For by most statistical measures -- pledged delegate support, total popular votes won, and total delegates -- he will have nosed ahead of her for the first time. He may stay there, barring a major comeback by the Clinton campaign.
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27/02/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
Summit fails to deliver gas solutions
EVENT: The presidents of Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil met in Buenos Aires on February 23 to discuss impending natural gas shortages in the Southern Cone.
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20/02/2008 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Counter-terror bounties
Washington initiated its bounty programme in 1984, when legislation established Rewards for Justice, based in the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
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19/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Cuba- Fidel retirement
Fidel Castro today announced his retirement from formal duties due to continuing ill health. This means that the newly elected National Assembly will formalise Raul Castro as his successor when it meets on February 24. In the run-up, Raul has underscored his reformist line.
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18/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Serbia: Independent Kosovo
The parliament in Pristina declared independence from Serbia yesterday.
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17/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Pakistan - Election outlook
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari agreed today to work together after the February 18 election. They lead the two main opposition parties that are expected to capture the majority of votes in an election that will either move the country towards stabilisation or exacerbate a political crisis. The poll could also determine the fate of President Pervez Musharraf.
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17/02/2008 | Frente Externo
Europe: Ambiguous secularism
The leader of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, on February 11 defended his earlier call for a partial incorporation of Islamic law into UK law.
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17/02/2008 | Economia y Finanzas
G7 meeting
G7 central bank governors and finance ministers -- from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, France, Germany and Japan -- gathered in Tokyo on February 9. While promising to strengthen financial system stability, they eschewed calls for common fiscal and/or monetary actions to counter the impact of the sub-prime mortgage and related credit crisis:
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27/12/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Prospects 2008: Argentina Faces Policy Stasis
SUBJECT: The outlook for Argentina in 2008.
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07/10/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: inflation rise may force unpopular measures
EVENT: The National Statistics Institute (INDEC) is to announce September inflation figures today.
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12/09/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Atomised Elections Raise Instability Risk
EVENT: The deadline to formalise candidacies for the October 28 elections passed on September 8.
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30/08/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Public Spending Soars As Output Declines
President Nestor Kirchner on Friday signed an emergency decree raising the national government's budget spending for this year by 14.2 billion pesos (4.4 billion dollars), up 12% over the original budget.
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30/08/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America: IMF Faces Regional Resistance
SIGNIFICANCE: Rejection of the IMF in Latin America has grown with the aggressive posturing of Venezuela, but it also reflects the widespread perception that the institution deals differently with countries according to their political stance.
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22/08/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: China Trade Sends Warning Signals
SUBJECT: The steady decline of Argentina's trade performance vis-a-vis China since 2002.
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20/08/2007 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Serial Scandals Show Strategy Shortcomings
EVENT: Presidential candidate Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and running mate Julio Cobos launched their campaign on August 14.
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31/07/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Inflation, energy fears slow investment
SUBJECT: Indicators suggesting a slowdown in growth and investment.
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14/07/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Creative accounting risks sustainability
EVENT: Public debt rose by 8.1 billion dollars in 2006.
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10/07/2007 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Future government will face resistance
EVENT: Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's presidential candidacy was formally announced on July 1.
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23/05/2007 | Medio Ambiente
Climate change in Argentina and Chile.
SIGNIFICANCE: Although Argentina and Chile make only a small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, they are already seeing the effects of global warming and, in the longer term, face challenges that include risks to hydroelectric production.
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23/05/2007 | Medio Ambiente
Climate change in Argentina and Chile.
SIGNIFICANCE: Although Argentina and Chile make only a small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, they are already seeing the effects of global warming and, in the longer term, face challenges that include risks to hydroelectric production.
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16/05/2007 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Corruption Crackdown Remains a Promise
SUBJECT: Fallout from the May 8 arrest of former Skanska executives on bribery charges.
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16/05/2007 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Corruption Crackdown Remains a Promise
SUBJECT: Fallout from the May 8 arrest of former Skanska executives on bribery charges.
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09/05/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Reforms Needed to Tackle Stubborn Poverty
SUBJECT: The return of poverty indicators to pre-crisis levels.
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09/05/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Reforms Needed to Tackle Stubborn Poverty
SUBJECT: The return of poverty indicators to pre-crisis levels.
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17/01/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Provinces put pressure on primary surplus
The worsening fiscal prospects at the provincial level are likely to eat into the consolidated primary surplus in the coming years, and may force a new national bail-out of provincial debt.
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17/01/2007 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Provinces put pressure on primary surplus
The worsening fiscal prospects at the provincial level are likely to eat into the consolidated primary surplus in the coming years, and may force a new national bail-out of provincial debt.
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20/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina - Politics May Affect Automotive Expansion
SUBJECT: The impressive recovery of Argentina's automotive sector.
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20/12/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina - Politics May Affect Automotive Expansion
SUBJECT: The impressive recovery of Argentina's automotive sector.
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05/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Paraguay- Local elections boost Duarte re-election bid
Impact of the ruling Colorado Party's victory in local government elections.
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05/12/2006 | Frente Externo
Paraguay- Local elections boost Duarte re-election bid
Impact of the ruling Colorado Party's victory in local government elections.
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29/11/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Argentina: Military Reform Plans Fail to Halt Decay
Stated public policies often diverge from de facto practices, and this is also the case for military reform. While some positive developments are apparent, institutional decay is expanding, and there appears to be no political will to confront the most serious problems, with the armed forces used as a 'whipping boy' to increase presidential popularity.
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29/11/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
Argentina: Military Reform Plans Fail to Halt Decay
Stated public policies often diverge from de facto practices, and this is also the case for military reform. While some positive developments are apparent, institutional decay is expanding, and there appears to be no political will to confront the most serious problems, with the armed forces used as a 'whipping boy' to increase presidential popularity.
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24/10/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: Debt Declines But Long-Term Doubts Persist
Public debt fell in the first half of 2006, despite a quarter-on-quarter rise of 2.2% in the second quarter. However, public spending is rising faster than revenues with implications for the fiscal surplus.
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05/08/2006 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Lavagna Bid Stirs Presidential Contest
SUBJECT: A profile of Roberto Lavagna, likely opposition candidate in 2007.
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03/08/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Latin America: Consumer Spending Remains Uneven
SUBJECT: Household consumption in South America.
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28/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Chile/Argentina: Energy Politics Drive Relations
EVENT: Argentina accepted a lower-than-expected increase in a tax on natural gas exports to Chile at the Mercosur summit on July 20-21.
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27/07/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Paraguay: Bi-National Energy Issues Come To The Fore
EVENT: An Argentine agreement to write off part of the outstanding debt of bi-national hydroelectric company Yacyreta, expected on July 19, did not materialise.
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20/07/2006 | En Profundidad
Argentina: Domestic Agenda Mars Foreign Policy
SUBJECT: Increasing limitations on foreign relations.
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01/02/2006 | En Profundidad
Mercosur: regional ructions roll back trade accords
EVENT: Argentine President Nestor Kirchner made his first state visit to Brazil on January 18-19.
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01/02/2006 | Inteligencia y Seguridad
2006 Political & Economic Risk Map
Political, economic and social environments can shift at a moment’s notice, disrupting business operations for anyone involved in international commerce. Companies can be subjected to discriminatory action – or inaction – of foreign governments and third parties, potentially leading to forced shutdowns, relocations and other unforeseen expenses.
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01/02/2006 | Economia y Finanzas
Argentina: persistent inflation risks currency crisis
SUBJECT: The depreciation of the Argentine peso in early January.
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Center for the Study of the Presidency
Freedom House