News from Latin America and Mercosur

Unasur delegation expected Tuesday in Caracas 'to follow the political dialogue'

While the death toll climbs to at least 36, the Venezuelan government announced opposition lawmaker Machado is no longer a member of the National Assembly

The Unasur (Union of South American Nations) committee to follow the political dialogue in Venezuela will be meeting in Caracas Tuesday and Wednesday this week in Caracas, reported officially the Ecuadorean Foreign minister, Ricardo Patiño.

Published in: Politics, Venezuela, Unasur. 10 comments

Argentina ready to sign for the Israeli Kfir Block 60 fighter aircraft

The Kfir has been flying for the Ecuadorian and Colombian air forces

Argentina is advancing in negotiations with Israel for the purchase of the multi-purpose combat aircraft Kfir Block 60, which is supposed to replace the aging Mirage III, on service for over four decades.

Published in: Politics, Argentina, International, Latin America. 37 comments

Venezuela's state prosecutor says security forces have 'committed excesses'

Luisa Ortega said that at least 60 investigations have been opened

Venezuela's top state prosecutor has affirmed that security forces had committed “excesses” in breaking up nearly two months of opposition protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro that have left at least 34 dead

Published in: Politics, Latin America, Venezuela. 100 comments

The Falklands/Malvinas: Brazil’s next regional headache?

When Foreign Secretary William Hague recently visited Brazil, the Falklands/Malvinas issue was not on the agenda, according to Stuenkel

By Oliver Stuenkel (*) - Brazil, foreign policy observers often point out, is blessed. Contrary to many other emerging powers such as China or India, it is located in a region that rarely experiences interstate tension or war. Not only can Brazil live on a relatively small defense budget, while India is the world's largest arms importer. Br...

Published in: Economy, Energy & Oil, Politics, Argentina, Brazil, Falkland Islands, International, Latin America. 119 comments

Falklands yomp recreated by royal marines from HMS Protector

Recreation of the raising of the British standard outside Government House

A team of five Royal Marines from ice patrol ship HMS Protector yomped in full kit in the Falkland Islands from San Carlos to the Islands’ capital Stanley, following the exact route of 45 Commando in 1982, thirty two years ago.

China's manufacturing sector contracted in March, according to private survey

Exports dropped 18% in February with a 23bn deficit

China's manufacturing sector showed further contraction in March, according to a new report which mainly tracks activity in smaller factories. The HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) gave a reading of 48.1 for March, compared to 48.5 in February.

South Georgia reindeer eradication project to recover natural environment almost completed

Reindeer were introduced in the island in the early 1900's to feed whalers

After many years of planning, and two field seasons on the ground, the main part of the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, SGSSI, Reindeer Eradication Project is now all but done, according to the latest South Georgia newsletter. An estimated 3.140 animals have been sacrificed over a six-week period.

Despite backlash from the extreme right, France will stick to economic reforms, says minister

Marine Le Pen, the great winner of last Sunday's local elections

President Francois Hollande's government will stick to planned economic reforms and spending cuts despite being punished in local elections where the anti-immigrant National Front (FN) made gains, the French finance minister said on Monday.

Malaysia officially declares that Flight MH370 crashed in the Indian Ocean

Prime Minister Najib Razak made the announcement while the US Navy dispatched a vessel to locate the aircraft's black box

The Malaysia Airlines plane that disappeared over two weeks ago crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced on Monday. New satellite analysis from Britain had shown that Flight MH370, with 239 people on board, was last seen in the middle of the Indian Ocean west of Perth, Australia, he said in a statement.

Brazil militarizes favelas in Rio do Janeiro to guarantee 'law and order'

Rio governor Sergio Cabral requested support from the federal government

The Brazilian government announced on Monday, 80 days before the start of the 2014 World Cup, that the military will help occupy several “favelas,” or shantytowns, in Rio de Janeiro to guarantee security in an area currently controlled by violent drug trafficking outfits where some 100,000 people live.

S&P downgrades Brazil’s sovereign debt rating to BBB minus

Bad news for Dilma Rousseff ahead of October's presidential election

Standard & Poor's cut Brazil's sovereign debt rating closer to speculative territory in a blow to President Dilma Rousseff administration. Brazil had its long-term debt rating downgraded to BBB minus, the agency's lowest investment-grade rating. S&P changed its outlook to stable from negative, meaning further downgrades are unlikely for now, which will come as a relief for both politicians in Brasilia and financial markets.The move was widely expected but the timing surprised some investors.

Chilean police cuts short mass protest that turned violent

�This is not a protest against Ms Bachelet or for her, it's just an alert for the political class� (Pic AFP)

A mass protest was cut short in Santiago, Chile, after police dispersed activists with tear gas and water cannon. According to protest organizers over 150,000 people had gathered in the city center to urge newly-elected President Michelle Bachelet to push ahead with her reform program.

Brazil, France and Mexico to file papers before the US Supreme Court in support of Argentina

The case is being closely watched because of its potential impact on future sovereign debt restructurings.

Brazil, France and Mexico are expected to file papers in the US Supreme Court on Monday backing Argentina in its legal battle with bondholders who refused to take part in debt restructurings from the country's 2002 default, according to a source familiar with the litigation.