Latin America

• Monday, July 23rd 2018 - 06:53 UTC

  Mexico and Canada optimistic about NAFTA trade talks with the US

  

  The finance ministers for Mexico and Canada on Sunday said they were optimistic about NAFTA talks with the United States, even as trade tensions spurred by U.S. tariffs dominated the G20 meeting of world economic leaders in Argentina.

• Friday, July 20th 2018 - 10:47 UTC

  Peru shocked at the extent of corruption in the Judicial branch; head Justice resigns

  

  The head of Peru's judicial branch resigned on Thursday in the wake of a mounting corruption scandal involving secret phone recordings capturing numerous judges making behind-the-scenes deals on everything from promotions to criminal sentences.

• Friday, July 20th 2018 - 10:11 UTC

  Double miss for a redesigned Spanish submarine

  

  An attempt to deploy a new submarine for Spain's navy has run aground again, after it emerged it cannot fit in its dock, Spanish media report. The S-80 boat was redesigned at great expense after an earlier mistake meant it had problems floating, and it was lengthened to correct the issue.

• Friday, July 20th 2018 - 07:47 UTC

  Latin American markets and currencies slide on fears of global trade war

  

  World trade tensions pressured Latin America's major indexes on Thursday, falling in line with other global markets, after the European Union said it was preparing possible retaliatory measures if the United States imposes tariffs on EU cars. Brazil's Bovespa dropped 1.25%, and Argentina's Merval, 0.85%.

• Thursday, July 19th 2018 - 07:50 UTC

  Brazilian Real and Argentine Peso lose ground against the dollar

  

  Latin American currencies fell against the dollar across the board on Wednesday as traders continued to focus on recent statements by key U.S. monetary policy makers.

• Wednesday, July 18th 2018 - 07:12 UTC

  Ortega determined to quell rebellious Masaya by Thursday, Sandinista Liberation Day

  

  Nicaraguan national police and armed pro-government civilians laid siege to a symbolically important neighborhood that has recently become a center of resistance to President Daniel Ortega's government. Government forces began advancing on the Monimbo neighborhood in the city of Masaya before dawn Tuesday.

• Wednesday, July 18th 2018 - 06:50 UTC

  “Transitional justice system” to help end Mexico's drugs war, anticipates president elect Lopez Obrador

  

  Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has given his future interior minister “carte blanche” to explore the possibility of legalizing drugs in a bid to curb violent crime, she said on Tuesday.

• Tuesday, July 17th 2018 - 11:11 UTC

  UK assumes presidency of G13 group of donors to the development of Guatemala

  

  The UK has assumed the Presidency of the G13, a forum of countries and multilateral organizations representing the largest donors to the development of Guatemala. UK’s six months’ presidency, which starts this month, reflects our desire to keep building a strong relationship with Guatemala, and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

• Tuesday, July 17th 2018 - 09:49 UTC

  Nicaragua: UN Secretary General deplores and condemns violence against civilians

  

  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday deplored and condemned the ongoing violence against civilians, including against students, in Nicaragua.Speaking on behalf of Mr. Guterres at the UN Headquarters, Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that “the use of lethal force is not only unacceptable but is also in itself an obstacle to obtaining a political solution to the current crisis”.

• Tuesday, July 17th 2018 - 09:35 UTC

  Cuban new constitution expected to support foreign investment, free markets and private property

  

  Cuba is planning a series of potentially far-reaching changes, with a new constitution set to recognise the free market and private property, while dividing political powers between a president and a prime minister.