Ecuador: Foreign minister strengthens cooperation with Iran
Ecuador strengthens ties with Iran through US$400 million credit for oil products and Petrobras reaches compensation agreement over former assets.
May 2012
Argentina: Bomb scare before Uribe visit
‘Bomb’ is found in Buenos Aires theatre before speech by Álvaro Uribe, TBA’s train licence is revoked, and the Supreme Court causes trouble for Clarín.
Cuba: Rains flood Sancti Spíritus
Rains flood Sancti Spíritus, Mariela Castro visits the US, questions arise concerning the internet cable, and UN denounces Cuba’s human rights record.
Mexico: Student protests sweep country
Students’ movement sweeps the country; Alleged perpetrator of Cadereyta massacre arrested; Mexicans invest heavily abroad.
Brazil: Dilma government vetoes new forest regulations
The President vetoes much criticised forest regulations, Amnesty Internation is outraged about violence against native Brazilians, and university graduates don’t benefit from the recent wage hikes.
Uruguay: Strikes cause petrol shortage
Strikes on fuel sectors bring petrol stations to standstill; new play is launched at Solis Theatre; Government delays response on insecurity issues
Venezuela: Ten arrests over fatal Colombia clashes
Venezuelan officials make ten arrests over deadly cross-border raid; further tensions stem from prison transfers; and British woman released from Margarita jail.
Chile 21/05/12
President Piñera announces plans for new social programs as Chile braces for the impact of the Euro Zone crisis. Protests lead to the closure of an unsanitary factory farm in…
Peru: Mummies discovered at Pachacámac
Over 80 mummies unearthed at Pachacámac; Taxi blown up by Chilean land mine; two terror suspects captured; police left dead in jungle; Peruvian clowns demand national holiday
Paraguay: Public protests shake Asunción
Public protests shake the capital; Lugo makes history on Asiatic tour; Paraguay celebrates first Tesape audiovisual conference.
Central America: 22 per cent increase in exports in 2011
22 per cent increase in Central American exports in 2011, as former Guatemalan dictator faces second genocide trial.
Bolivia: First steps toward same-sex marriage
First steps toward gay marriage, as MAS slams Adolfo Chávez for leaving the IX March and public institutions are considered the most racist.
Cuba: Oil well turns up dry
Oil well turns up dry, Enrolment in higher education down, Bay of Pigs document remains classified, and Cuba marks 110 years of independence.
Mexico: Military officials arrested for drugs trafficking links
Three generals and one colonel arrested for suspected links with drugs trafficking; students demand impartial media coverage; Carlos Fuentes dies.
Argentina: President Fernández visits Angola
President Cristina Fernández leads official visit to Angola, dollar controls tighten, and the Schoklender brothers are arrested.
Bolivia: Health workers achieve agreement with government
Health workers achieve agreement with government, as Tipnis march continues and Potosí governor asks government to militarize Mallku Khota mining area.
Uruguay: Army honours fallen soldiers
Army commemorates fallen soldiers; security demands are taken over by right-wing sectors; channel dredging postponed amidst controversy.
Paraguay: 201 years of independence
Paraguay celebrates independence day; police introduce initiative against cuidacoches; Gay rights activists take part in ‘kissathon.’
Brazil: President Dilma Rousseff inaugurates truth commission
President Dilma Rousseff inaugurates truth commission, Sérgio Cabral receives revealing text message, and the government wants more immigrants.
Chile 14/05/12
Chilean fuel imports up fivefold from 2003-2011, opposition and government clash over Bachelet video, and President to deliver annual State of the Nation address.
Ecuador: Mexican ‘narco’ airplane crashes in Manabi
Mexican ‘narco’ airplane crashes, carrying US$ 1.3 million. Correa affirms that drug-trafficking is not ‘out of control’. Ecuadorian Ambassador to US rejects extradition of Brockton murderer.
Central America: Killings in U.S.-Honduras drug raid prompt anger
Killings in U.S.-Honduras drug raid prompt anger, as U.S. granted observer status at SICA and Inmet wraps US$1.5 bi debt deal to fund Cobre Panama.
Haiti: Laurent Lamothe announces female friendly government.
Laurent Lamothe announces female friendly government; educational reform doesn’t make the grade; new orphanage provides hope.
Peru: New government corruption case
New government corruption emerges; Asian exports increase; gas leak hospitalises seven; policeman murdered; Peru wins world boxing championship
Venezuela: Prisoners at La Planta penitentiary end violent standoff
Inmates allow the government to close a Caracas penitentiary, opposition parties agree on ‘Tarjeta unitaria’ design for presidential ballot, and Venezuelan GDP grows 5.6% in first quarter