“Fixing” relations with Latin America

On June 19th the House Foreign Affairs Committee debated how to "fix the broken relationship with Latin America". We decided to give our readers excerpts of the introductory remarks of Rep. Lantos (D-CA) and the response of Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN).   These show that our topics shape the discourse and deliver early insider views. The increased anti-Semitism in the region as well as Ethanol, Free trade and Chavez are some of the topics we have been covering and here, the Democrat chairman Lantos and the Republican Dan Burton highlight the issues which have been brought up by our writers.

NEWS:

• Colombia : FARC terrorists kill 11 lawmaker hostages.
• US Congress prolongs American-Andean free trade.
• Iran, Venezuela in "axis of unity" against U.S. Sign various agreements.  Copa America: soccer fans in Venezuela shout against Chavez. Chavez in Russia – the Duma denies Chavez permission to address the plenary session. Venezuela may withdraw bid to join Mercosur – attacks capitalism. Venezuela : Climbing inflation in June. Venezuela’s membership in Mercosur viewed as complicated.
• Ecuador : President Correa attacks the press.
• Argentine first lady to run for President.
• Protests of Lopez Obrador again in Mexico.
• MERCOSUR Winds up Summit in Paraguay.
• Province of Santa Cruz declares independence from Morales authoritarianism.

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