Latin America

“Maduro is Condemned to Negotiate”, says Chavez’s Biographer

Last weekend, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro went to Fort Paracamay, in the country’s north, to oversee and take part in military exercises, but with a very clear objective: to show his followers and the world that he has the Armed Forces’ support and loyalty. And, it is precisely this support that will shape the South American country’s immediate future…

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Brazilian Mining Co. Pledges Payments for Mudslide Victims

The Brazilian mining giant Vale has promised to pay 100,000 reals (27,000 dollars) to the families of each of the people killed when one of its dams burst and released a massive mudslide, website G1 reported Wednesday. Meanwhile, Police arrested five people over the devastating dam collapse in Minas Gerais last week that killed at least 99 people, with nearly 300 still missing.

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Venezuelans Demand Maduro Resign and Plea for Humanitarian Aid

Venezuelans took to the streets of their country on Wednesday, launching a fresh round of protests to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to step down and spur the army to allow the entry of humanitarian aid from the United States. Maduro has denied any crisis and rejected numerous offers of foodstuffs and medicines.

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Russia Says US Worsening Venezuela’s Crisis with Sanctions

US sanctions against Venezuela are exacerbating the South American country’s crisis and undermining the international financial system, Russia’s top diplomat said on Tuesday. Venezuela is supposed to make its next debt service payment of about 100 million dollars on a 3 billion dollar loan to Russia in late March.

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Crusade Against Sex Education Undermines Progress Made in Latin America

The crusade against comprehensive sex education by conservative and religious sectors undermines progress in Latin America and could further drive up rates of teen pregnancy, communicable diseases and abuse against girls and adolescents. Brazil, where far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took office on Jan. 1, backed by the country’s neo-Petencostal churches, is a case in point.

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