Regional News

Castro publishes his memoirs

05 Feb 2012, 4:04PM

Cuban leader Fidel Castro is publishing two volumes of his autobiographical memoir entitled "Time Guerrilla", the Cuban news media reported.

• Cuba criticises Twitter over Fidel rumours
• Almost 3000 Cubans freed in one week

Strong quake strikes off Peru coast

30 Jan 2012, 4:56PM

A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 shook an area in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of central Peru, US government researchers said. Read more

Ecuador clinic claimed to 'cure homosexuality'

26 Jan 2012, 1:50PM

A clinic in Ecuador that reportedly claimed to "cure homosexuality" has been investigated over alleged human rights abuses. Read more

• Ecuador clinics 'offer cure for homosexuality'

Argentina asserts right to Falklands

26 Jan 2012, 11:50AM

Tensions have been wracking up in recent weeks between Britain and Argentina over the Falklands - or Las Malvinas as they are known to Argentinians.
Read more

• Britain, Argentina tensions rise

Farming 'key to environmental challenge'

25 Jan 2012, 10:51AM

Agriculture is part of the solution to the world's environmental challenge and must play a key role at next June's Rio summit on sustainable development, the Brazilian head of the UN food agency says.
Read more

• China's interest in agriculture growing
• Griffith farmers hostile to river plan

Ortega starts third term in Nicaragua

11 Jan 2012, 5:17PM

Daniel Ortega has been sworn in for his third 5-year term as president of Nicaragua, shrugging off opposition complaints his re-election was illegal and vowing to govern with moderation. Read more

Messi the greatest, again

10 Jan 2012, 11:08AM

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, still only 24, won the World Player of the Year award for the third time in a row on Monday. Read more

Thousands evacuated in flood-hit Brazil

06 Jan 2012, 9:54AM

A dike burst in Brazil's flood-hit northern Rio de Janeiro state, forcing the evacuation of nearly 4,000 residents, authorities said.
Read more

• Abbott visits Queensland flood areas
• Philippine flood death toll stands at 1249

Lima gets first electric train

05 Jan 2012, 5:48PM

After a 25 year delay, Lima - home to nearly a third of Peru's population - is getting its first long-distance, low-cost mass public transportation system. Read more

• Dakar Rally gets off to symbolic start
• Peru's prime minister resigns: official

Ecuador upholds Chevron oil fine

04 Jan 2012, 6:34PM

A court in Ecuador fully upheld a 2011 ruling requiring US oil giant Chevron to pay $US9.5 billion ($A 9.18 billion) for environmental damage in the Amazon rainforest.
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• BP sues Halliburton over 'defective well seal'

Chile fires spread as police investigate

04 Jan 2012, 12:28PM

Forest fires in southern Chile, fuelled by intense heat and strong winds, have advanced further after destroying nearly 40,000 hectares, officials say. 
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• Arson suspect cursed US days before fires

Exxon 'awarded $908m' for Venezuela nationalisation

02 Jan 2012, 1:13PM

An international arbitration body has awarded Exxon Mobil Corp nearly $US908 million ($A898.30 million) in a dispute with Venezuela over compensation for the nationalisation of its assets, Exxon says.
Read more

• Chavez ponders US link to cancer cases
• WA utilities in Gorgon gas supply deal

Venezuela on track for SAmerica murder record

29 Dec 2011, 2:40PM

Venezuela is on track to set a new record murder rate and to remain South America's most violent country, according to data released by a crime watchdog. Read more

Argentina's Kirchner has cancer

28 Dec 2011, 12:48PM

Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will undergo surgery on January 4, her spokesman said Tuesday in a statement. Read more