Bolivia reached a “friendly” agreement Aug. 8 to compensate Royal Dutch Shell for its stake in the nationalized gas pipeline company Transredes. The accord was signed by Energy Minister Carlos Villegas and Shell representative Jose Maria Linardi in the presence… Read moreBolivia, Shell Oil reach pipeline compensation deal
The Colombian government should ensure an independent investigation into misuse of the Red Cross emblem by security forces during the July 2 hostage rescue operation, Human Rights Watch said Aug. 7. A videotape made public Aug. 4 shows a soldier… Read moreColombia: investigate “misuse” of Red Cross insignia
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez signed 26 new laws regulating the armed forces, public administration, social security system, banks, agricultural production, and the tourism industry on July 31—the final day of the 18-month period during which the National Assembly granted Chávez… Read moreVenezuela: Chávez issues 26 decrees, extending state power
A meeting between presidents Evo Morales of Bolivia, Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and Cristina Fernández of Argentina was called off because of violent opposition protests in the southern Bolivian city of Tarija. The leaders had planned to sign energy integration… Read moreBolivia: summit cancelled due to opposition protests
Bolivian national authorities are investigating a clash between miners and police that left two dead and 30 wounded in the region of Huanun Aug. 4, Government Minister Alfredo Rada confirmed. Rada said the incident was sparked when the police moved… Read moreBolivia: two dead as miners clash with police
Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez was in Spain on July 25, where he proposed discussions about Europe’s new policies towards immigrants from Latin America—and also used the visit to mend fences with President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and King Juan Carlos… Read moreChávez, Juan Carlos hug and make up
On July 22, Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez Frias met with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow as the two countries signed agreements for joint work on energy projects in Venezuela. Chávez said the accords would promote “a strategic alliance in… Read moreChávez does Moscow, seeks “strategic alliance”
by Nikolas Kozloff, NACLA News When you consider John McCain’s ties to Big Oil, the GOP candidate’s claim to be a political maverick taking on special interests is nothing short of absurd. According to Progressive Media USA, a Washington, DC-based… Read moreMcCAIN’S BIG OIL TIES —FROM IRAQ TO COLOMBIA
Continue ReadingMcCAIN’S BIG OIL TIES —FROM IRAQ TO COLOMBIAby Bill Weinberg, The Nation Colombian paramilitary commander Diego “Don Berna” Fernando Murillo—ex-boss of Medellín’s feared Cacique Nutibara Bloc—was arraigned in federal court in Manhattan last month on cocaine charges that could land him in prison for thirty years. He… Read moreCOLOMBIA’S HEART OF DARKNESS IN MANHATTAN —AND D.C.
Continue ReadingCOLOMBIA’S HEART OF DARKNESS IN MANHATTAN —AND D.C.Retired Colombian army colonel Guillermo Armando Gordillo confessed to the Fiscalía (attorney general) his participation in the slaying of eight people, including three children, at the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó on Feb. 21, 2005. The Fiscalía said… Read moreColombia: army colonel admits participation in Peace Community massacre
Raúl Hasbún, alias Pedro Bonito, a banana plantation owner turned paramilitary chieftain, gave preliminary testimony in Medellín about his participation in several massacres, including against the Peace Community [of San José de Apartadó]. Massacres were a practice to ensure control… Read moreColombia: banana executive admits participation in Peace Community massacres
Two more Colombian paramilitary commanders pleaded guilty July 29 in US federal court to drug conspiracy charges. Ramiro Vanoy Murillo, 60, and Francisco Javier Zuluaga Lindo, 38, entered their pleas before US District Judge K. Michael Moore in Miami. Under… Read moreColombian paras cop plea in Miami; “New Generation” wreaks terror in Nariño
