Exclusive: Brazil targets Argentina with trade licenses

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil escalated a growing trade fight with Argentina on Monday by increasing the bureaucratic obstacles for importing a list of perishable products, a senior government official told Reuters, putting at risk its involvement in a major regional trade group.

Peru Miner Volcan Sees Producing 22.5 Million Ozs Silver This Year

Peruvian mining company Compania Minera Volcan SA (VOLCABC1.VL) said Monday that it aims to increase its silver production this year To 22.5 million ounces.

Argentina's Banco Frances Sees Loan Growth Slowing To 25% In 2012

Argentina's BBVA Banco Frances SA (BFR, FRAN.BA) said Monday it expects its loan portfolio to grow about 25% this year, after increasing almost 49% in 2011.

Strong 6.2 quake hits Chile-Peru border

A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook an area of southern Peru near the border with Chile early Monday, seismologists said, prompting people to flee their homes but reportedly causing no casualties.

Chavez breaks silence, says governing Venezuela

CARACAS (Reuters) - President Hugo Chavez broke a week-long silence on Monday to deny he had left Venezuela rudderless during cancer treatment in Cuba and to promise a resounding re-election win in October.

Venezuela's Chavez breaks silence to call state TV

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez broke his one-week silence on Monday to call state TV from Cuba where he is receiving treatment for cancer.

William Hague 'ambushed' by Argentina ambassador over Falkland Islands

Argentina's new ambassador to London ambushed William Hague over the Falklands Islands on Monday, asking him at a public meeting whether he was ready to "give peace a chance" by opening talks on the islands' future.

Hugo Chavez says Venezuela should quit OAS rights body, which has criticized his government

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday that his government should pull out of the Organization of American States' human rights body.

Venezuela's Chavez to head back to Cuba for more cancer treatment

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday he will return to Havana to undergo more cancer treatment.

Venezuelan official: Ex-judge received drug money

Venezuela's justice minister on Monday accused a former Supreme Court magistrate of receiving money from drug traffickers.