Gustavo González

SANTIAGO -The loss of more than 40 young soldiers in a snowstorm in southern Chile late last week has sparked a fierce debate on the country’s compulsory military service. Twenty-one bodies have been found so far, and the search for the remaining 19 continued Tuesday in the foothills of the Antuco volcano, where more than … Continue reading “Tragedy Fuels Calls for End to Chile’s Compulsory Military Service”

SANTIAGO – North Korea, Iran, and Iraq, the countries that U.S. President George W. Bush labeled the "axis of evil" in early 2002, are the main unofficial issues being discussed at the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which opened Saturday in the Chilean capital. Bush arrived in Santiago late Friday amidst a massive security … Continue reading “‘Axis of Evil’ Is Uninvited Guest at APEC”

SANTIAGO – Just a few days before the 31st anniversary of Chile’s Sept. 11, 1973 coup d’etat led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet, the former dictator will be questioned by a judge in connection with the forced disappearance of opponents during his 1973-1990 regime. Pinochet will appear Thursday before Judge Juan Guzmán in a case in … Continue reading “Judge to Question Pinochet”

Although Chilean President Ricardo Lagos won authorization from the Senate to send army troops to join the multinational force in Haiti, the fact that he announced the decision before seeking congressional approval ruffled feathers among both his ruling coalition and the opposition. The first contingent of 120 special forces troops will travel Wednesday to the … Continue reading “Chilean President’s Decision to Send Troops to Haiti Triggers Political Storm”