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.