Stories for May 3rd 2010
Mockus and his “Green Tide” Upsetting Uribe-Santos Continuity in Colombia
With less than a month for the Colombian presidential election the campaign has reaffirmed the surprising advance of what is known as the “green tide” of hopeful Antanas Mockus, who according to the latest public opinion polls figures ahead of incumbent candidate and former Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos.
Drug Traffickers, Cuba and FARC, Latam’s Main Predators of Press Freedom
There are 40 names on this year’s list of Predators of Press Freedom—40 politicians, government officials, religious leaders, militias and criminal organizations—that cannot stand the press, treat it as an enemy and directly attack journalists. They are powerful, dangerous, violent and above the law.
United/Continental Merger Create the World’s Largest Airline
Two US-based airlines, United (NASDAQ: UAUA) and Continental (NYSE: CAL) are merging in a 3.1 billion deal, creating the world's largest airline. The combined firm will have nearly 700 planes, 88,000 workers, and fly to 370 destinations in 59 nations.
Annual Antarctic Treaty Conference Opens Monday in Uruguay
Uruguay is hosting two Antarctic Treaty meetings which will officially be opened Monday May 3 in Punta del Este by Foreign Affairs minister Luís Almagro. Uruguayan authorities expect an attendance of over 350 foreign officials at the Thirty three Antarctic Treaty Consultative and the Thirteenth Committee on Environmental Protection meetings.
Kirchners Have Long Term Plans to Remain for Another 10 to 15 Years
Argentine former President Néstor Kirchner harshly criticized a sector of the press and the government's “opposition” in Congress that wants “to set the country on fire”, but in spite of all he was optimistic about a long term plan for Argentina.
Cuba’s May First Message: “Hard Work and Sacrifice” to Save the Revolution
Cubans were called “to work harder and sacrifice” in support of the Cuban revolution and the island’s Socialist model during Saturday May first International Workers’ Day.
Corruption Claims in Argentine/Venezuelan Trade Involve Néstor Kirchner
The Argentine political establishment is agitated after the heavy remarks made before a federal judge by former Argentine ambassador to Venezuela Eduardo Sadous, who said local businessmen had to pay kickbacks to former president Néstor Kirchner administration officials to be able to export their goods to Venezuela.
Organizers Confirm Argentina and Chile will Host the 2011 Dakar Rally
Organizers have unveiled the route for the 2011 Dakar Rally which will start and finish in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires and include a section through Chile. The 33rd edition of the “the world's toughest motor-sport event” will be the third to be run in South America after concerns about terrorists moved the rally in 2009 from its traditional route through the Sahara desert in North Africa.
Cuban “Ladies in White” Allowed to March on Catholic Church Request
Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Ortega announced Sunday he managed to convince Cuban authorities to lift the month-long ban on street protests by “Ladies in White”—the wives and mothers of political prisoners.
Auto Industry Investment Plans Confirm Brazil as One of Five Main Global Markets
The Brazilian automotive industry will invest 11.2 billion US dollars over the next two years to 2012, an amount that tops the 8.1 billion of the three preceding years, local media said Saturday.
