The Andes

Venezuela recalls ambassador from Peru

Caracas has recalled its ambassador from Lima in response to Peru’s decision to grant political asylum to wanted Venezuelan opposition leader Manuel Rosales.

The Andes

Webs of intrigue tangle Bolivia conspiracy case

Bolivian authorities say the dismantling of a commando made up mainly of foreign mercenaries could lead to the people behind around a dozen different attacks carried out since 2006 in Santa Cruz.

Central America

Nicaragua: police sign “Plan Mexico” pact

In a ceremony in Managua, Nicaraguan National Police director Aminta Granera and US ambassador Robert Callahan signed an agreement making Nicaragua a member of the Mérida Initiative.

Southern Cone

Chile: three charged in “Caravan of Death”

Three retired Chilean military officers were charged with the murder of 14 prisoners in the 1973 “Caravan of Death,” in which some 90 political prisoners were killed.

Africa

Somali pirates extend reach —to Seychelles

Suspected Somali pirates who attempted to board an Italian cruise ship but were repulsed by Israeli security guards were later picked up by the Seychelles coast guard backed up by French forces.

Iraq

Iraq PM claims US raid violated SOFA

Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki denounced a US military raid as violating the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and demanded the soldiers involved be turned over to Iraqi authorities.

Planet Watch

Indigenous climate summit meets in Alaska

At the first global gathering of indigenous peoples on climate change, delegates meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, demanded an immediate moratorium on new fossil fuel development.