Latin America
Latin AmericaUnasur calls for preservation of institutions and democratic principles in Venezuela
The Union of Southern Nations (UNASUR) expressed on Monday its “energetic condemnation” of the violent episodes recorded over the last week in Venezuela during conflicting opposition and pro-government marches, and called for “the preservation of institutions and democratic principles” in the divided nation.
OAS expresses concern about Tuesday's protests in Venezuela, calls for dialogue
The Organization of American States (OAS), expressed concern on Monday over the possibility that new protests in the streets of the capital of Venezuela “could lead to more acts of violence that would only further separate the positions of the government and the opposition and polarize to an even greater degree the sensitive political moment the South American country is going through.”
Uruguay will appeal to a cut in state-run utilities rates, if necessary, to keep inflation under control
Uruguayan President Jose Mujica admitted that annual inflation would likely remain between 7 and 9% for the rest of his administration, above the government's target maximum, but he will appeal to a cut in state-run utilities rates if necessary to keep the index under control.
Mercosur condemns violence in Venezuela and calls for dialogue
Mercosur country members, in an official release rejected all acts of violence and condemned the destabilization attempts against the government of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
Uruguay and Venezuela will further increase energy related cooperation
Uruguay will renew the contract for the purchase of Venezuela oil and accept the stake increase of that country in a local bio-fuels corporation during the scheduled visit of President Nicolas Maduro to Montevideo next month; it was announced by the Uruguayan Foreign affairs ministry.
Maduro blames Washington and expels three US consular officials
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Sunday he was expelling three U.S. consular officials, accusing them of conspiring with the opposition forces to foment unrest as violent protests ran into a fifth straight night. The expulsions come after two weeks of sporadic protests against across the country.
Hague underlines close links with Colombia; meets President Santos Monday
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague was received on Sunday in Cartagena by Colombian Foreign minister María Angeles Holguín and on Monday is scheduled to meet with Juan Manuel Santos at the Palacio Nariño, seat of the Executive in Bogotá. Mr. Hague on Monday evening will be flying to Brazil.
Uruguay's budget surplus reached 2.3% of GDP in 2013
Despite a decade of sustained growth Uruguay's fiscal deficit reached 2.3% of GDP last year, which is an improvement over 2012, when it reached 2.8%, but above the government's target of 2.1%. In money terms this means the budget red was equivalent to 1.154bn dollars, including 350 million dollar losses from government owned companies.
Argentina/Brazil diplomatic incident almost triggers another Mercosur stall
In what was described as a “shameful incident”, Brazil had to retract from statements made by one of its diplomats, a condition demanded by Argentina to continue negotiations for a Mercosur common tariffs reduction proposal which was taking place in Caracas. The incident occurred last week but only came to light over the weekend.
Brazil, the most dangerous country for Latam journalists, according to RSF
More than 20 years after the fall of the dictatorships and civil wars that dominated Latin America, the region continues to be marked by a strong retaliation against the press, according to Reporters Without Borders, RSF, most recent annual index on the state of press freedom, which was published on Feb. 12.
