Mexico’s drug war or ours?
With the Democratic primaries coming to an end, the candidates’ experience on crucial matters of national security and foreign affairs has been largely discussed and scrutinized in the media. But both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have mistakenly pledged to re-examine trade policy with other countries– and that they will not ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia, our best and closest ally in Latin America. Now there is another controversy brewing in Congress, this time having to do with funding for the Merida Initiative, put forth by President Bush to assist Mexican President Calderon fight the drug cartels in his country.
Main News:
- FARC Was Planning an Attack in Madrid. Colombia’s FARC Confirm Leader’s Death. “Tirofijo” talked about Venezuelan monetary offer. Colombia’s FARC Hits Crossroads. Colombia Investigating Lawmakers, Foreigners and Journalists over Rebel Contacts.
- Venezuelan army upset about links with the FARC, says Miami Herald. Anti-Chavez Opposition Demands Return of RCTV Broadcast License. Venezuela information minister resigns. German expert warns against potential US operations in Venezuela. Venezuelan economy slows despite high oil prices. London terminates energy deal with Venezuela.
- Ecuadorian police capture member of Colombia’s ELN terrorist group.
- Argentine farmers suspend grain exports, meat sales as tax conflict deepens. Argentina moves up to USD 1.3 billion notes for Venezuela.
- Nicaraguan president to visit Iran in June; Ortega mourns death of “Tirofijo.” Colombian “FARC-politics” scandal hits Nicaragua. Nicaraguan leader threatens to nationalize Spanish electricity provider.
- Peru to sign trade pacts with Canada, Singapore. Peru’s government to invest 700 million soles in social programs.
- Brazil’s President Lula favors South American Central Bank. Petrobras announces discovery in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Bolivia calls for legal action against perpetrators of violence in Sucre. Morales, Chávez, Correa and Lula plan reunion in Brazil. Bolivian President Evo Morales Arrives in Havana.
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