Brazil: Independence Day Erupts with New Protests

Terra reported on September 7, 2013 ; Brazil’s independence day, protesters returned back to the streets. Protests took place in over 100 cities; Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo through organization on social networks. Reports show the number of protesters is a lower then that of June. Protesters engaged in numerous acts of vandalism. Police responded with the use of tear gas. Although Dilma’s popularity dropped in June, in early August, an announcement in favor investment in public services and political reform, increased from 30% to 36%. Read Article

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Amazonas, Brazil: Mayor Accused of Corruption and Sexual Exploitation Testifies to CPI

Globo reported on August 27, 2013 that the mayor of Coari, Adail Pinheiro, testified against sexual exploitation charges. According to the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (CPI), Pinheiro was part of a network for sexually exploiting minors. Federal prosecutors report hearing contradictions in Pinheiro’s statements however wiretaps conducted by the […]

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Brasilia, Brazil: Arrival of Corruptive Senator in Brazil Will Not Affect Bilateral Relations

Globo reported on August 25, 2013 that the Bolivian Senator who took asylum in the Brazilian embassy in La Paz since May 28, 2012 will not affect relations between both countries according to the Bolivian Minister of Communication. As Senator Roger Pinto arrived in Brazil on the 24th, he no longer has refugee status and […]

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Brazil: Foreign Doctors Arrive in Brazil to Begin Government Program

Globo reported on August 24, 2013 that the first group of foreign doctors in the More Doctors program arrived in various cities of Brazil on Friday (23). The doctors include 145 foreigners; many from Cuba, and 99 Brazilians who attended school overseas. The doctors will need to participate in a three-week course about law and […]

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Peru and Brazil Strengthen Alliance on Border Concerns

On August 23, 2013 Terra reported that the governments of Peru and Brazil signed an agreement in Lima, Peru to help increase development and improve border control in the region as an effort to promote trade. Issues among discussion included human and drug trafficking. Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Patriota will visit Peru this […]

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Brazil: President states violence against blacks and the poor to be most critical issues

Globo reported on August 5, 2013 that President Dilma stated in a speech at the Presidential Palace that violence against young blacks and the poor is one of the most potent issues in Brazil today. Her statement is a reflection of the recent disappearance of Mason Amarildo Souza who went missing in the Rochina favela […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Protest in Response to Uruguay’s Call for Marijuana Legalization

Globo reported on August 4, 2013 that a protest was held at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro in response to Uruguay’s movement towards the legalization of marijuana. Protesters for “Marijuana March” held signs in favor of the legalization of marijuana in Brazil. In addition, demonstrators protested against the governor Sérgio Cabral. Read Article

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Dictator’s Son of Equatorial Guinea Accused of Money Laundering in Brazil

primeiraedicao.com.br reported on July 7, 2013 that the son of the African dictator, Teodorin Nguema Obiang Mangue of Equatorial Guinea is accused of money laundering in Brazil. In a document of American Justice, it is suspected that Nguema spent more than US $65 million in goods and services in 2008. His expenses include that of […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 1,200 Demonstrators Protest on Final Day of the Confederations Cup

Globo reported on June 30, 2013 that the final day for the Confederations Cup, about 1,200 people protested outside the Maracanã stadium. The protest began early in the morning with 5,000 participants holding signs about ending corruption and refusing to privatize the Maracanã stadium. The protests, which became confrontational between protesters and the police, resulted […]

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Brazil: Survey Reflects 27% Drop in Public Approval of Dilma Administration After Protests

Globo reported on June 29, 2013 that the public approval of the Dilma administration according to the Datafolha research survey stated that approval has dropped to 30%. Prior to the commencement of the protests nationwide, public approval was 57%. This drop is considered the largest since Dilma entered office. The survey also shows that the […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Scientists Propose Agenda to Decriminalize Drug Use

ebc.com.br reported on May 21, 2013 that Brazilian scientists presented an agenda to Viva Rio; a non-governmental organization, to decriminalize the use of drugs as well as adopt more open-minded policies towards drug users. This agenda is an attempt to reform drug laws and will be presented to Congress. An issue with the current drug […]

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Public education will not be privatized in Colombia

The House of Representatives rejected on Monday October 3, 2011 a bill to reform post-secondary education in Colombia, El Tiempo reports. Colombia’s education Minister, Maria Fernanda Campo, said that the government seeks to improve the quality of higher education and to make it more accessible, especially for poor young people. She also said that the […]

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Mexico and Costa Rica Negotiate Agreement to Fight Drug Trafficking

The presidents of Mexico and Costa Rica have signed an extradition treaty as well as an official agreement to exchange information and intelligence to better combat drug trafficking, El Informador reports. The agreements were signed at the beginning of a two day state visit to Mexico by Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla. Additionally, a cooperation […]

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Ecuador: Luxury Cars Get Environmental Tax Up to $1,248 Per Year

According to Andes.info.ec a new Tax Reform Pro Heath proposal includes a maximum environmental tax on luxury vehicles of $1,248 per year. Reportedly, this number is four times smaller than the $5,200 figure mentioned a month ago. The tax applies to vehicles that have a motor larger than 3,000 cubic centimeters. Vehicles with motors between […]

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Lima, Peru: Gas From Block 88 Enters Domestic Markets Legally

According to Andina.com.pe the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) announced they are using legal mechanisms for natural gas reserves in Block 88 to enter the domestic market. The Minister of Energy and Mines, Carlos Herrera Descalzi says their priority is to help the domestic market before exporting the natural gas from Block 88. […]

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Ecuadorian President Says Colombia Agrees to Ratify Maritime Border

According to ElUniverso.com Colombia and Ecuador will begin a formal agreement to establish their maritime border. After meeting his counterpart in Lima for the inauguration of Peruvian president Ollanta Humala, Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa says they are both in agreement on the issue and that there is no controversy surrounding the matter. Correa says he […]

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Ecuador: Anonymous Begin Operation Condor Libre, Response to El Universo

According to ElUniverso.com the group of Internet hackers, Anonymous, threatened yesterday, Wednesday August 3rd, to begin attacking Ecuadorian government websites in retaliation for limiting the freedom of expression and the ruling against the Ecuadorian news company, El Universo. Anonymous announced the threat of attacks via the website, YouTube, through uploaded videos. The group is calling […]

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Peru Appoints New Ambassador to United States, Harold Forsyth Mejia

RPP.com.pe reports the new government of Ollanta Humala has appointed the diplomat Harold Forsyth Mejia as the Peruvian ambassador to the United States. Forsyth succeeds Luis Valdivieso and was previously Peru’s ambassador to China, Colombia and Italy. An official government resolution with the support of President Ollanta Humala and the Peruvian Chancellor Rafael Roncagliolo was […]

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Pan-American highway closes in demand for light and roads

Residents of four townships, two in Veraguas and two of the Ngobe Bugle, halted the Pan-American highway for an hour and a half near the Ojo de Agua neighborhood due to unfulfilled promises by the government informed La Estrella. Their demands for the construction of 8 miles of road and the installation of electricity in […]

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Santo Domingo, Ecuador: Sympathizers of Seven Council Members Take Municipality Building

According to ElComercio.com supporters of seven council member of La Concordia in Esmeraldas took the municipality building at 5:30 today, Tuesday August 2nd. The mayor, Walter Ocampo was not in the building at the time of the incident, but reported that the protesters stormed the building, broke windows and doors and attacked employees. El Comercio […]

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Rigoberta Menchu, candidate for presidency in Guatemala

Rigoberta Menchu, Guatemalan indigenous leader and Nobel Peace prize winner, is now officially a presidential candidate for elections taking place next September 11 reported Andina. Menchu is the ninth presidential candidate recognized an endorsed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. This is the second running for Menchu, she also ran in 2007 but received a low […]

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The (MICI) in Panama fail to halt illegal mining

Roberto Henriquez said that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has no legal mechanism to stop illegal mining taking place in Panama due to the repeal of Act 8 reported La Estrella. The Act allowed the collection of fines, which would have avoided the law gap against the recent illegal mining allegations. Read article.

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Mexico City: Rescue of Xochimilco Lake District Planned

The local administration is presenting a plan of action to save the famed river boat district of Xochimilco, El Universal reports. The wetlands district has experienced extreme deterioration, despite investments by state and federal agencies. The local government is pairing with the Ministry of Environment and the Natural Resources commission to estimate the costs of […]

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Ecuador: El Universo Refuse Judges’ Sentence, Correa: Fines Go Toward Yasuni-ITT Park

ElComercio.com reports the lawyers for El Universo and the ex-columnist of the article, ‘No To Lies’ are rejecting a courts’ sentencing for slander against President Rafael Correa and his government. The three directors of El Universo and the columnist were sentenced to three years in prison and fines of $30 million and $10 million for […]

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Ecuador: 10,000 Bureaucrats Want To Use Forced Retirement Decree For Benefits

According to ElComercio.com the National Confederation of Public Servants (Conasep) calculated that about 10,000 bureaucrats are interested in the new decree, which announced a voluntary retirement due to age. Officials say article 81 of the Organic Law of Public Service (Losep) establishes that workers under the age of 70 can take advantage of the new […]

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Ecuadorian newspaper appeals court decision

The Ecuadorian newspaper, El Universo, said it would appeal to fines and prison charges that a court ordered after the publication of a controversial article on President Rafeal Correa reported El Universal.mx. The court sentenced a former newspaper columnist and three directors to time in prison, as well as a 40 million dollar fine. The […]

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Ecuador: The Federation of Public Workers Opting for Strike

According to ElComercio.com the Federation of Public Workers in Ecuador has signaled, through their union representative, they are leaning toward going on strike. The union representative, Miguel Garcia says the decision comes after the government’s Executive Decree 813 that establishes obligatory or bought resignations for state workers. As of now, Garcia says the union has […]

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Noreiga returns to Panama within the year

Hugues Goisbault, the French ambassador to Panama, confirms that Antonio Noriega will return to Panama this year reported TVN noticias. Noreiga, serving his sentence for money laundering in Paris, is returning at end of his extradition. The process is normal and will be carried out by Panamanian authorities after signing a decree. Read Article.

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Ecuadorian President To Attend Inauguration of New Peruvian President

RadioSucre.com.ec reports that Ecuador’s Foreign Minister, Ricardo Patino has confirmed that President Rafael Correa will attend the inauguration of newly elected Peruvian President, Ollanta Humala in Lima, Peru. Patino says that President Correa will go on to UNASUR meetings that are going to be held after the inauguration. The two presidents met two weeks ago […]

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12 Towns in the State of Mexico Offer Free Internet

The state of Mexico (encompassing all of Mexico City and nearby outlying regions) has the highest number of Internet users in the country, despite the small number of communities that offer efficient Internet access. However, twelve towns within the state are offering free wireless Internet access to their residents. Access is available in the town […]

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Chile Files Response in Hague to Peruvian Lawsuit, Appeals to Ecuador

According to ElComercio.com on Monday July 11th Chile filed their defense to a Peruvian border demand presented before the International Court of The Hague, which included a recent border agreement between Peru and Ecuador that was favorable to the Chilean capital of Santiago. In 2008 Peru filed a complaint that stated a border was not […]

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Ecuador, Manabi Receives Funds to Improve Security

Hoy.com.ec reports on Wednesday July 6th that Ecuadorian Interior Minister, Jose Serrano announced the Manabi Province will receive $15 million for security improvements. Serrano says that Manta will be the first city with security cameras installed on all urban transportation services. Officials report that the Pacific Eloy Alfaro Refinery, the Municipality of Manta and the […]

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Peru: Brother of President-Elect Ollanta Humala Talking Gas Projects With Russia

According to Peru21.pe the younger brother of President-elect Ollanta Humala, Alexis Humala has been negotiating gas projects with Russian government officials on behalf of the Humala government in the last few days. The article says that Alexis Humala has been talking to the Russian company Gazprom and it’s vice-president about possible cooperation and strategic alliances […]

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Peruvian President Alan Garcia Dismisses Presidential Bid 2016

ElComercio.com reports that Peruvian President Alan Garcia has said he will not run for a third term in 2016. President Garcia cautioned President-elect Ollanta Humala on taking his children with him to the Presidential Palace, calling the environment harmful. The president will end his latest term on the 28th of July. President Garcia says that […]

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Ecuadorian Military Guard Ordered to Withdraw from Water Plant

According to Hoy.com.ec last night, July 4th, the Ecuadorian military guarding the water plant of Victoria del Portete, a rural community of the Cuenca province, was withdrawn. Officials say Governor Humberto Cordero, ordered the withdrawal of police and military stationed at the water plant since Saturday. Additionally, officials say that the governor acted with the […]

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Ecuador Signs Agreement, 130 Million Barrels of Oil to China

According to Hoy.com.ec the state owned Petroecuador has signed an agreement with China to sell 130 million barrels of petroleum to Chinese state oil company, Petrochina, within a period of six years. Marco Calvopiña, the president of Ecuadorian Petroleum says that he hopes Ecuador can deliver 60,000 barrels per day to complete the contract in […]

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Puno, Peru: Residents Strike Demanding Officials Comply with Mining Royalties

According to RPP.com.pe people from the Lampa province in the Puno region, blocked the main road that leads to the city of Juliaca today Thursday June 30th. Protesters say this is the first day of a 48-hour strike to demand that government officials comply with an increase in mining royalties. Officials say that residents are […]

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Ecuador: 20% of Legal Weapons Entered Into UTCA Database

According to ElComercio.com Ecuadorian officials of the Criminology Department have a computerized system (UTCA) that archives bullets to identify firearms. A microscopic image of each bullet is placed in the database for identification. However, officials report the database is incomplete. In 2009, Ecuadorian armed forces recorded about 170,000 bullets into the database. Then on June […]

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Peruvian Central Reserve Bank Releases New 10 and 20 Sole Bills

According to Gestion.pe the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) today, Thursday June 30th, introduced new 10 and 20 soles into the Peruvian money circulation. These new banknotes feature designs that increase money security and prevent counterfeiting, say BCR officials. The new 10 sole has the face of Jose Abelardo Quinonez on the front and the image […]

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Honduran consul in Chiapas, Mexico threatened by Los Zetas

The Honduran Minister of External Affairs confirmed the removal of the Honduran Consul Patricia Villamil in Chiapas, Mexico, due to concerns for Villamil’s personal safety after she received death threats by the terrorist group Los Zetas. According to El Heraldo newspaper, sources have revealed that the Mexican government is prepared to designate the consul as […]

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Mexico, Buscaglia says violence won’t cease until it targets political elite

As reported by Proceso, U.N. consultant Edgardo Buscaglia stated on Thursday that 65% of electoral campaigns receive money from illegitimate sources including drug cartels. Buscaglia believes that Mexico needs a new strategy to combat narco-trafficking that is harsh but not repressive, but such a strategy will not develop until drug violence reaches the political elite […]

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Obama nominates Anthony Wayne for U.S. ambassador to Mexico

On June 8 President Obama announced his nomination of Earl Anthony Wayne for the position of ambassador to Mexico. Wayne is presently the respected deputy ambassador to Afghanistan and previously served as ambassador to Argentina. He has diplomatic experience in economics, national security and anti-terrorism, however little is known about his view of U.S.-Mexico relations. […]

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Argentine Senate bans human trafficking

The fourteen voting members of the Senate met yesterday and passed a law banning human trafficking in Argentina, according to diarioelargentino.com. The “Trafficking Act” was pushed through by the CTA and Red Alerta who also proposed the creation of a program for the Prevention, Assistance and Protection of Human Trafficking. The new law requires the […]

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