The Andes

Venezuela: oil slump stalls economic growth

Venezuela’s economic growth is at a virtual stand-still, as the price of oil has dropped from an average of $87 per barrel last year to an average $42 per barrel so far in 2009.

The Andes

Colombia: pyramid victims kidnap nine

A total of nine people have been kidnapped in Colombia by victims of pyramid schemes trying to recoup their losses. Kidnappings rose in Colombia in the second half of 2008, as the pyramids collapsed.

The Andes

Colombia scores blow against Valle Cartel

Colombian security forces arrested 112 suspected members of the paramilitary arm of the Norte del Valle Cartel in an area of Chocó department near the border with Panama.

The Andes

Venezuela: Chávez seizes oil service companies

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez sent troops to take over companies that provide services for the oil industry. “This is a revolutionary offensive,” he told workers near Lake Maracaibo.

The Andes

Chávez refuses cooperation against FARC guerillas

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez defied the request of his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe to help catch FARC guerrillas that apparently fled to Venezuelan territory after a deadly battle.