Uruguay

With half of all men in some developing countries already hooked on cigarettes, the tobacco industry is now courting lucrative new customers - young women, a report said Thursday.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - The leaders of South America named former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner as their secretary-general on Tuesday, setting aside their differences in hopes that the 12-nation Unasur group can consolidate into a regional force for unity, development and democracy-building.

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offered Wednesday to help Uruguay expand a refinery and supply it with crude oil.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - A plain-talking former leader of leftist guerrillas who once sought power through kidnappings and bombings is now the president-elect of Uruguay.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - Uruguay's likely next president tried to lead an armed revolution as a young man, hiding in sewers, killing a police officer and twice escaping prison through elaborately dug tunnels.