Latin America

Thursday, September 5th 2019 - 09:50 UTC
Bolivia admits forest fires has destroyed 1.7 million hectares

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares, officials said on Wednesday, amid a US$11 million effort by the government to contain them.
Thursday, September 5th 2019 - 09:34 UTC
Ex First Lady of Honduras sentenced to 58 years in jail on charges of fraud

The former first lady of Honduras Rosa Elena Bonilla, wife of ex-president Porfirio Lobo, was sentenced on Wednesday to 58 years in jail on charges of fraud and undue appropriation of funds, a spokesman for the nation's highest court said.
Thursday, September 5th 2019 - 09:20 UTC
Lopez Obrador prepared to go after his (corrupt) predecessors and their administrations

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the public should have the right to choose whether ex-presidents should face trial once a bill has passed Congress making it easier to hold referendums.
Tuesday, September 3rd 2019 - 09:14 UTC
US is not seeking a military intervention of Venezuela: it’s Russian and Cuban military that want Maduro to stay

The United States is not seeking a military intervention as a solution to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, the U.S. envoy to the troubled South American nation said in an interview published by a Venezuelan online news site on Sunday.
Tuesday, September 3rd 2019 - 09:00 UTC
Peruvian hairless dogs tradition spans back to pre-Columbian times

Sumac's name may mean “pretty” in Peru's native language, but there is no denying it: she is ugly. She is a “perro peruano sin pelo”, a Peruvian hairless dog with wrinkly leather skin and sparse patches of hair. She and her other hairless friend, Munay, meaning “loved by everyone”, spend their days wandering their home: Lima's ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana.
Monday, September 2nd 2019 - 08:39 UTC
Francis stamps his legacy: names 13 new “progressive on social issues” cardinals

Pope Francis appointed 13 new cardinals in a surprise move on Sunday, again putting his stamp on the future of a Church he wants to be more open as most of those named are considered progressive on social issues.
Saturday, August 31st 2019 - 09:40 UTC
Colombia sends “clear message” to dissident FARC: in a raid nine narco-terrorists are killed

Colombian troops killed nine FARC dissidents in a raid on Friday in what the president said was “a clear message” to their leaders who have formally rejected a 2016 peace agreement and announced a return to arms. President Ivan Duque said he had authorized the military operation in rural areas of Colombia's south.
Friday, August 30th 2019 - 09:53 UTC
Colombian guerrilla leaders criticize the peace accord and return to the jungle to resume fighting

A former senior commander of the dissolved FARC rebel army in Colombia announced on Thursday he is taking up arms again along with other guerrillas who have distanced themselves from a historic peace accord signed with the government.
Friday, August 30th 2019 - 09:07 UTC
Mexican president claims he was spied with a “sophisticated camera”, but downplays the situation, “I have nothing to hide”

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday a “sophisticated camera” had been found in his offices, but added that he was unconcerned because he has nothing to hide.
Friday, August 30th 2019 - 07:40 UTC
Central America suffering the worst outbreak of dengue fever in decades

Central America is grappling with its worst outbreak of dengue fever in decades - and scientists say the disease is likely to spread and become more frequent in the future due to climate change.