Evo and Peru: Conflict over a terrorist

Relations between Bolivia and Peru have sunk to a low point after Lima’s demand that Bolivia extradite Walter Chavez Sanchez, and close friend and advisor to Evo Morales.  Sanchez allegedly has ties to terrorism, which makes one wonder, "why is Bolivia supporting him?"

Evo Morales Names Friend as President of YFPB

Bolivian leader Morales has appointed a longtime crony to be head the country’s state-run oil and natural gas company.  This posting has aroused cries of nepotism and corruption from Bolivia’s opposition, which fears that the country is headed down the wrong path.

NEWS:

• President Bush is scheduled to travel to Brazil, Uruguay, Columbia, Guatamala, and Mexico in an effort to highlight a "common agenda" of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
• Al-Qaeda threatens to attack Mexico, Venezuela, and Canada as part of its plan to hit those countries that supply the U.S. with oil.
• President Bush has begun lobbying for the formation of a free trade area (FTA) between Columbia and Peru.  China and Peru are exploring possibilities for an FTA.  Peru and Chile seek to settle border issue,
• Ecuador’s Congress has consented to hold a plebiscite on the formation of a national Constituent Assembly.  Ecuador delays payment of debt interests.  Ecuador boosts security at Columbian border.
• Hugo Chavez moves to take control onf Venezuela’s largest communications company, CANTV. Chavez invites Peruvian leader to energy summit in Caracas.  Chavez TV show to be broadcast daily.  Chavez threatens to nationalize supermarkets.
• Bolivia to consolidate customs service with neighboors.  Glencore seeks compensation from Bolivia.  Bolivia suspends 14 foreign oil firms’ contracts.
• Nicaragua joins LatAm electricity plan.
• Brazil to pay more for gas from Bolivia.
• Calderon vows no yield in war on drug cartels.

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