LatAm News Translations

Café & Cabeza - Your Daily Dose of Bilingual Inspiration

2022-07-27T21:00:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you but I could use a little more positive talk in my life! No se tu, pero a mi me gustaria un poco mas de la habla positiva en mi vida!

Mexicans genetically predisposed to obesity, study says

2012-08-02T23:18:00.001-04:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Thursday, August 2, 2012 in "La Jornada" (lajornada.unam.mx) and "Vanguardia" (vanguardia.com.mx) under the heading "Los mexicanos tienen predisposición genética a la obesidad, según estudio" by Emir Olivares Alonso.

Photo: Vanguardia archives

MEXICO CITY – Mexicans have a high predisposition to develop overweight and obesity, conditions which lead to chronic illness and metabolic complications. This is according various joint studies conducted by the Faculty of Chemistry (FQ) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán and the National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico.

The most relevant findings include the identification of a genetic variant of metabolic risks – exclusive to Mexicans – which change the function of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 and provoke a lowering in the levels of good cholesterol, or HDL, which works to clean the arteries.

Samuel Canizales Quinteros, researcher at the FQ and work group coordinator, said that when this transporter functions well it generates normal to high levels of HDL, the particles of which possess anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Also, he said, “people with good cholesterol tend to live longer.”

Researchers found a variant affecting Mexican indigenous and mestizo popopulations that provokes an amino acid (arginine to cysteine at position 230). The scientist added that studies have been done in groups of people from Africa, Asia and Europe and “in none have we seen this change”.

This mutation increases the risk of having obesity and if the pancreas is affected it causes inadequate secretion of insulin, thereby increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

The research team is now looking for other variants exclusive to America in order to explain why certain illnesses, like non-alcoholic fatty liver and type 2 diabetes among others, are more prevalent on the continent.

Canizales is also heading other projects related to the investigation of genes that increase the probability of obesity and overweight, given the rising number of cases and the related risk factors for developing diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver and certain types of cancer.

One of the lines of investigation reveals that the FTO gene, linked to the amount of fat in the organism, the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and the convertase 1 protein (PCSK1), increases the risk of morbid or class III obesity nearly four times in Mexicans, but does not seem to cause such an increase for class I and II obesity, the most common types.

Another group is concerned with understanding what happens when fat accumulates in the liver; One of the other co-morbidities associated with obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver, which can progress into complications like cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma.

For this, one of the objectives raised in this analysis is determining non-invasive molecular markers, which allows for the identifications of subjects in risk of showing complications. In terms of affliction prevalence, the researcher estimated that it is present in around 70 percent of those who are obese, a rate that increases 90 percentage points if the individual is severely or morbidly obese.

Complex Disease

“Mexico occupies first place in childhood obesity, and in adults also counts among the top places on a global scale. As such, our study group includes more than 4,000 school aged children, which allows us to identify genetic and environmental risk factors.”

Canizales, who has for more than a decade been conducting projects focused on the obesity genome and related co-morbidities, admitted that the problem cannot be considered solely a genomic one; It is a complex disease shaped by many factors, like sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and genetic susceptibility.

The idea of collaborating in a multi-disciplinary way with other research institutions multiplies efforts for treating obesity and lowering obesity rates in the country.

“We hope that our results will be useful for the future development of diagnostic tests and preventative programs,” he said.

Curfew lifted as peace restored in Chillán

2010-03-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

Translated By Brian Schwarz

Originally published in Friday, March 5, 2010 in "Diario La Discusión" of Chillán, Chile (diarioladiscusion.cl) under the heading Con una hora menos prosiguió Toque de Queda en la intercomuna

CHILLAN, CHILE – Authorities and community leaders have evaluated the “state of calm” being enforced in the area of Chillán and Chillán Viejo and this morning should decide if the measure will continue to be employed.

Twenty-four people were detained during the first night the curfew was in place in the adjoined towns. The measure, which places restrictions on individual rights, had been implemented due to the mood of unrest experienced in the city following the earthquake.

Local authorities and leaders detailed the positive effects of the measure, which effectively brought an end to the practice of neighbors arming themselves to defend their villages and homes for fear of looting.

Commander Juan Jose Diaz of the 9th Infantry Regiment of Chillan said during the first night of vigilance of the exception measure there was absolute calm in the city.

Earthquake in Chile kills 82; death toll expected to rise

2010-02-27T10:25:00.012-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Saturday, February 27, 2010 in "La Segunda Online" of Santiago, Chile (lasegunda.com) under the heading Terremoto sacude centro sur del país: gobierno confirma 82 muertos

SANTIAGO, CHILE – The Chilean government raised to 82 the number of deaths caused by the earthquake that shook the south central region of Chile this morning.

According to Minister of the Interior, Edmundo Pérez Yoma, 34 of the dead were reported in the region of Maule. He added that the death toll reached 13 in Santiago, 10 in the region of O’Higgons, four in Valparaiso and three in La Araucanía, some 415 miles to the south of Santiago.

In the region of Bío Bío, where the epicenter of the earthquake was reported early Saturday morning, 10 were confirmed dead. But according to sub-secretary of the Interior, Patricio Rosende, that figure is expected to rise.

For now communications problems persist, the official said, confirming too that the government declared a state of emergency for the entire area affected by the quake, including the regions of Valparaíso and La Araucanía, which spans some 500 miles of the country.

No property damage estimates have been given, however, the international airport in Santiago was closed due to some damages to its facilities and it has been reported that several secondary bridges have collapsed.

The quake, which registered a magnitude of 8.8 [on the Richter Scale], had its epicenter in the region of Biobío and was felt as far away as the capital Santiago, where it twisted the balconies of buildings, downed bridges, sparked fires and cut power, telephones and Internet service. These services are just this morning being partially restored.

Ti grenn fè gwo pyebwa

2010-01-16T22:00:00.004-05:00

A little seed makes a big tree. By texting "QUAKE" to 20222 you can donate $10 directly to the Clinton Bush Haiti Relief Fund. You will be charged on your next cell phone bill. Find out more by clicking the ad above.

Massive flood of Haitians seek to enter Dominican Republic for food, water, candles

2010-01-13T22:01:00.008-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Wednesday, January 13, 2010, in "El Nacional" of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (elnacional.com.do) under the heading Haitianos buscan llegar RD en masiva avalancha

DAJABON, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Hundreds of Haitians congregated today before the gate that divides Haiti and the Dominican Republic in an attempt to cross over to Dominican soil to buy food, water and candles to provide light during the night, this following the crash of the country’s power system and potable water supply.

Meanwhile, others challenged military security as they tried to enter the border city of Dajabón seeking call centers in order to reach their families who live in Port-au-Prince.

Troops in charge of the customs border crossing, located in Dajabón, only allowed passage for Haitians with passports stamped with Dominican visas.

According to Haitian eyewitnesses, the earthquake was felt with great intensity in Ouanaminthe, Cap-Haïtien, Fort Liberté, Trou-du-Nord, Milot and other towns in North Haiti, although damage was minimal.

They reported that road bridges that link Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince suffered serious damage affecting transit between these two key cities.

Still, transit between Cap-Haïtien and the rest of the towns in North and Northeast Haiti, including Dajabón, is normal. But the transport of goods from the Dominican Republic to the neighboring nation was paralyzed by the prevailing confusion on the day of the earthquake.

Trucks filled with food, construction materials and other goods began making their way Wednesday toward Ouanaminthe, Cap-Haïtien, Fort Liberté and other North Haiti towns.

The Border Security Specialized Body (CESFRONT) and the northern border national guard have strengthened strategic points in the zone to prevent a massive flood of undocumented Haitians in Dominican territory.

While the situation in Ouanaminthe and other towns in the North and Northeast Haiti is normal, Haitians who reside in this area recount with great horror the earthquake that has devastated Haiti.

Revolutionary Communist Party of Argentina commemorates 42nd year

2010-01-09T21:49:00.005-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published in "Jujuy al Día" of Jujuy, Argentina (jujuyaldia.com.ar) under the heading 42 º aniversario del Partido Comunista Revolucionario.

[This article was published in a traditional newspaper but it is not a traditional piece of journalism. It is from the Communist Revolutionary Party of Argentina's (PCR) point of view. It does not necessarily reflect the views of this blog or its sponsors.]

SAN SALVADOR DE JUJUY, ARGENTINA – The Communist Revolutionary Party of Argentina (PCR), was founded January 6, 1968. Commemorating its 42nd anniversary with celebratory toasts and activities in San Salvador de Juyjuy and Liberator General San Martín, the PCR took the opportunity to reaffirm its communist principles at a very unique time in the Argentine world.

In 2010, we will commemorate by raising flags the bicentennial and the struggle of Belgrano and San Martín. [Manuel Belgrano participated in the Argentine fight for independence; General José de San Martín led decisive campaigns in the wars for independence in Argentina, Chile and Peru.] Meanwhile, the national government uses the reserves of the “bicentennial fund” to pay debts to imperialist money-lenders, leaving thousands jobless and hungry.

This is why it is necessary to build a revolutionary part that is capable of joining the Democratic Popular Revolution that our country needs in order to end dependence on all imperial powers and large estates and to achieve national greatness and wellbeing of the people. One of the objectives of the political struggle is to protect the working class and other populist sectors from maelstrom of the crisis and its consequences being paid by the working class and other populist sectors, which is something that the government of Cristina Kirchner is incapable of achieving.

On the contrary the “anti-crisis” measures that were announced only benefit a handful of monopolies, large landowners, bankers, speculators and money launderers. The PCR is working to regroup patriotic and populist efforts so that by way of public protest another type of politics and government may be imposed.

Because we love Sandro

2010-01-04T21:25:00.014-05:00

This is a bit of a departure from the regular entries here on LatAm News Translations, but today the beloved Argentine singer Sandro de América, born Roberto Sánchez and known as the 'Argentine Elvis', ceased to exist (as the Argentines say). So I was compelled to translate the lyrics to his popular song Porque te amo, or Because I love you. We'll miss you Sandro!

Because I Love You
by Sandro de América (Roberto Sánchez)
Translated by Brian Schwarz

From the intense emotion welling up in your eyes, I can feel you’re suffering, as I am. This situation clouds reason, impedes thought on how this singular drama that exists between the two of us must end. We’re trying to pretend we’re only friends when in reality the passion is intensifying, biting at the heart and forcing me into silence. I love you. I love you.

Your ruby red, crimson lips seem to whisper a thousand things, without speaking. And I am here, seated before you, feeling as if I’m bleeding, unable to speak, trying to say somehow it would be better if I leave here, to see you no more. Why should I care at all? I already know I’ll suffer. But in the end I’ll have a quiet heart, and I’ll finally be able to shout… I love you. I love you. I love you.

Porque te amo
by Sandro de América (Roberto Sánchez)

Por ese palpitar
que tiene tu mirar
yo puedo presentir
que tú debes sufrir
igual que sufro yo
por esta situación
que nubla la razón
sin permitir pensar
En que ha de concluir
el drama singular
que existe entre los dos
tratando simular
tan solo una amistad
mientras en realidad
se agita la pasión
que muerde el corazón
y que obliga a callar
yo te amo......yo te amo

Tus labios de rubí
de rojo carnesí
parecen murmurar
mil cosas sin hablar
y yo que estoy aquí
sentado frente a ti
me siento desangrar
sin poder conversar
tratando de decir
tal vez será mejor
me marché yo de aquí
para no vernos mas
total que mas me da
ya se que sufriré
pero al final tendré
tranquilo el corazón
y al fin podré gritar
yo te amo
yo te amo
yo te a a mo

Bolivia announces UNASUR summit

2010-01-04T19:37:00.004-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published January 4, 2010 in "La Prensa" of Managua, Nicaragua (laprensa.com.ni) under the heading Bolivia anuncia cumbre de Unasur

LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (AFP) – The Bolivian government announced Monday in La Paz that the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) will host a summit in Quito, Ecuador, January 27 and 28, to discuss the issue of the seven U.S. military bases in Colombia.

“We will be arranging a meeting of the heads of state of UNASUR, January 27 and 28, where we will discuss exclusively the issue of the military bases” in Colombia, said Bolivian defense minister Walker San Miguel, interviewed by the private radio station Erbol.

The Bolivian official announced that “the Bolivian government will take its well-known stance” at the meeting, referring to La Paz’ firm criticism of the U.S. military bases, a position clearly shared by Colombia’s neighbors, Venezuela and Ecuador.

The existence of more than six bases staffed with U.S. personnel has generated a total impasse in the region, which feels uncomfortable with the foreign presence”, said the defense minister, Bolivia’s point person on the Colombia-U.S. military situation.

At the last meeting of UNASUR, held in Quito last November, defense ministers agreed to organize a regional meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in order to discuss the matter.

UNASUR, headquartered in Ecuador, is comprised of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Perú, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela. [UNASUR in this article refers to the voting body formed by the UNASUR treaty, signed in 2008, which aims to organize South America in a model similar to that of the European Union with a common currency, parliament, and passport.]

More scandal than glamour at runway show in Punta del Este

2010-01-04T17:52:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published January 4, 2010 in "Observa" of Montevideo, Uruguay (observa.com.uy) under the heading Poco glamour y mucho escándalo

PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY - Featuring his classic “moving heads”, Argentine hairstylist Roberto Giordano this Sunday held his traditional runway show in Punta del Este. This time, the soiree was absent of the big Argentinean stars such as Susana Giménez, Moria Casán, Diego Maradona or Viggo Mortensen, who have been known to occupy the first few rows fronting the catwalk.

This year Giordano chose the Hotel Conrad as the backdrop for his show. He was accompanied by his personal friend and co-director, famous Argentinean hairstylist Teté Coustarot, who thanked national customs director Ricardo Prato following the incident in which the dresses that were used in the runway show were confiscated.

Lacking famous names at the event, Giordano pointed out that among the crowd were inspectors from the [Uruguay’s] internal revenue service (DGI), which was on hand doing audits.

Unlike in past years, the show was not held outside, nor did it register any relevant surprises. Apart from models like Sofía Zámolo, Dolores Barreiro and Rocio Guirao Díaz, among others, very few recognizable faces were to be seen.

The mother of chocolate magnate Ricardo Fort was one of the special guests. Marta Fort appeared to be very cordial with those present and even gave a CD as a gift to Giordano. Actor Gabriel Corrado, another who never misses the classic event, enthusiastically applauded each of the models.

Also pointed out among those in attendance were singer and actress Lola Ponce, who is famous in Italy, and Argentine fashion designer Carlos Di Domenico.

U.S. antiterrorist paranoia aimed at Cuba, other countries

2010-01-04T13:57:00.007-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published in the Cuban state-sponsored news source “Granma” (granma.cubaweb.cu) under the heading Paranoia antiterrorista de EE.UU. arremete contra Cuba y otros países. Pictured at right: Cuban President Raúl Castro

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of its antiterrorist paranoia, the U.S. government announced Sunday it will be reinforcing security measures at air terminals throughout the country. The new measures apply stricter controls to passengers arriving from 14 nations, Cuba among them, which Washington accuses of “terrorism supporters”.

North American authorities said the decision is part of a campaign to implement “long term, sustainable security measures”, according to new regulations of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

A high official declared to the AFP news agency [afp.com/afpcom/en] that the controls apply to all passengers who come from or have passed through 14 countries, which include, apart from Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria, and other countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen. The other countries have yet to be specified.

The desperate measure applies to all airlines, be they U.S. airlines or not, and will be effective in the U.S. as of Sunday at midnight.

A political website, which cites a high-ranking official from the Obama administration, also said that “100 percent of those passengers born in or who arrive from those countries will be subject to a rigorous body search and a manual inspection of their personal effects”.

According to U.S. authorities, in a DPA transmission, these procedures guarantee maximum air security in the country from this point forward.

The new supervisory measures will also include, “when necessary, the latest, most advanced detection and imaging technologies,” Europa Press added.

Gay marriage, adoption rights open path to equality in Latin America

2010-01-03T16:37:00.020-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published in “El Tiempo” of Bogota, Colombia (eltiempo.com) under the heading Poco a poco se abren paso las bodas gays en América Latina

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – For the gay community, 2009 was a year of great advances in the fight for equal rights in a region where fierce resistance stems from a strong Catholic tradition.

With the celebration in Argentina of Latin America’s first gay marriage and the legalization of this type of wedding in Mexico City, the gay community closed the year with important advances in its fight for equal rights, this in open conflict with the strong tradition of Catholicism throughout the region.

The Argentine wedding took place just two days after the Mexico City’s legislative assembly approved December 21 a law that would allow gay couple to marry. That law becomes effective in Mexico in February.

Buenos Aires and Mexico City, as well as Uruguay and Colombia, already allow civil unions, but marriage among people of the same sex was not made legal in the region until now.

The controversy over gay marriage carries with it a debate over adoption rights for couples of the same sex.

Along these lines, this year there were advances in Uruguay. A new law passed to authorize adoption for gay couples while another passed which allows name and sex records to be changed.

In El Salvador, an attempt to expressly block gay marriages failed. While clauses that prohibit sexual discrimination were included in the constitutions of Bolivia and Ecuador.

In Colombia, an ongoing judicial struggle indicates that couples of the same sex may win adoption rights, according to Germán Rincón, member of Colombia Diversa.

Even Cuba seems to have left marginalization behind and has raised the possibility of permitting legal unions and adoptions.

On the other hand, in Costa Rica the highest court rejected a plea to legalize gay unions. And in Peru, the government passed a new police law mandating severe sanctions for officers who are gay, because they affect the image of the institution.

Mexico among countries negotiating to buy France’s vaccine overstock

2010-01-03T15:27:00.002-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published January 3, 2009 by RFI: Radio France Internationale Español (rfi.fr/actues/pages/001/accueil.asp) under the heading París vende vacunas by Auxilio Alcantar

PARIS, FRANCE - The World Health Organization feared that the [influenza A, or H1N1] epidemic would spread rapidly in Europe and France wanted to be prepared for it. So without thinking twice about it, French health minister Roselyne Bachelot wrote a check for $869 million Euros to buy 94 million doses of the vaccine.

The idea was that each person would receive a double injection of the product that was made by four laboratories: the French Sanofi-Pasteur, Swiss Norvatis, the British Glaxo Smith Kline and the U.S.-based Baxter. Nevertheless, November 20 it was realized that just one dose per patient provided sufficient protection.

The vaccination campaign started up October 21, and since then just five million people have been vaccinated. At first, it was because of strong reservations concerning the (possible) side effects of the vaccine and now because the epidemic’s peak already has passed.

The vaccine cannot be stored for long because of limits on the medicine’s expiration date and because the virus’ strains mutate. As such, France has begun to sell off its store of the vaccine in the foreign market.

Qatar already bought 300,000 doses, Egypt could be getting two million, and negotiations are underway with authorities in Mexico and the Ukraine. Apparently the vaccines will be sold at the price at which they were bought, which is 7 Euros per unit.

In September France gave nine million doses to the WHO, in a joint effort with the United States, Australia and Brazil to grant 10 percent of the respective stock to provide populations in poorer nations with access to the vaccine.

Until now the H1N1 virus has caused 200 deaths in France, 12,000 in the world, and 10,000 in the United States, the country most impacted.

Exodus from Buenos Aires to the Atlantic begins

2009-12-31T12:16:00.008-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Thursday December 31, 2009 in "Pagina/12" of Buenos Aires, Argentina (pagina12.com.ar) under the heading Comenzó el éxodo a la costa atlántica

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - By 8:00 a.m. today some 70 cars per minute were passing by the vehicular control post at kilometer 32 of the Gutiérrez spur of the Buenos Aires-La Plata expressway heading to state highway 2 and onward to the Atlantic coast.

“Fortunately, for the moment there haven’t been any accidents", said chief officer José Ruiz of the Buenos Aires highway patrol.

"Overall, traffic is flowing, and the only congestion is at the 20 kilometer marker of the Buenos Aires-La Plata expressway, in Quilmes”, he added.

Ruiz recalled that “during the whole day yesterday there was a great movement of vehicles heading toward the coast that only tapered off around midnight, but [this morning] between 4:30 and 5:00 it started to increase again”.

Ships turned away from Acajutla as port shuts due to union strikes

2009-12-31T00:34:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published December 30, 2009 in "El Diario de Hoy" of San Salvador, El Salvador (elsalvador.com) under the heading Barcos se alejan de Acajutla, cerrado por protesta sindical

ACAJUTLA, EL SALVADOR – Port employees have blocked the entrance to port installations in El Salvador since last Monday December 28 and have threatened to worsen their protests if the port authority does not soon responsd to their demands, which are direct contracts with CEPA [Ecuador’s port authority] or better salaries.

Ships that load and offload at the port of Acajutla have seen delays in their operations due to the dock worker-provoked labor strike. Since Monday, some 400 members of the El Salvador seaport worker’s union (STIPES) have blocked rights of way to CEPA installations in Acajutla, Sonsonate, forcing bulk carriers and containerships to divert shipments to the Guatemalan port of Quetzal.

The greatest losses have fallen on the shoulders of importers. Representatives from this sector say that ships carrying apples, grapes and toys, which were slated for distribution for year’s end festivities, cannot be offloaded at the port due to the strike.

The protests are designed to ask that the government extend direct contracts to employees who currently work for the three different sub-contractors operating through CEPA.

The demonstrators claim that these businesses do not offer fair treatment of its employees, who are humiliated by receiving low salaries of $7, $10, or $15 per month. These payments were confirmed through pay stubs and Social Security documents.

The majority of the [affected] employees work in the loading and offloading of ships.

General secretary of the union, Gregorio Elias, said that since Monday night they have initiated the strikes by blocking rights of way to CEPA [port facilities], due to a lack of response from the port authority.

“We want to be contracted directly with CEPA or that the subcontractors commit themselves to giving a fair salary with all the requirements of the law to their employees”, [Elias] told El Diario de Hoy on Tuesday December 29.

The unionists insist that the current president committed himself during his political campaign to fight the way CEPA manages its workforce, but that for now things remain unchanged.

CEPA president Guillermo López Suárez holds that he has personally met with the union about 30 times and that the most recent meeting on December 24 supposedly resulted in an impasse between the union and the port authority.

On this occasion, [López Suárez said], the conditions set forth by the plaintiffs [unionists] were accepted, including [the request] to contract directly with the unions. So when protests worsened December 26 he was surprised.

The public official made clear that CEPA does not intend to engage in “jobbery” with opportunists who have seen the opportunity to negotiate.

The workers also have denounced [CEPA’s] failure to fulfill a resolution agreed upon five months ago that would have made effective the new contracts for 2010.

Members of the union have said that demonstrations would begin to increase starting next Monday and do so until a response is received from the government.

Livestock sales in Uruguay find Web success

2009-12-30T20:05:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published December 30, 2009 in "Espectador" of Montevideo, Uruguay (espectador.com) under the heading Camponegocios: buenas ventas

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - Camponegocios.com closed its first month of operations with 97 percent of its supply sold. The livestock-trading portal sold in one month nearly 1,000 heads of cattle.

The first Web portal for the buying and selling of cattle and sheep closed its first month of business Thursday, December 24 with more than 300 authorized businesses.

The total amount [earned] from operations was more than $200,000.

Shares [listed on the site] sold within an average of 10 days, marking a great achievement regarding transaction speed for Camponegocios.com. On December 24 Camponegocios fulfilled its fastest transaction to date, selling a batch of cattle within two hours.

Manager of Camponegocios.com, Fabián Artigue, said that “without a doubt, this makes [one] believe that these transaction speeds and the security of authentications are here to stay”.

Producers from diverse parts of the country participated in Camponegocios’ first month of operations. The departments most active in the purchase of livestock via the portal were Río Negro, Salto, Paysandú, Durazno, Maldonado, Lavalleja, and Flores, among others.

Artigue said that “beyond the numbers, the important thing is that users are able to experience the speed, security and efficiency of the system”.

Moreover, during this first month of operations, Camponegocios made presentations to various cooperatives throughout the country, giving more than 500 producers the opportunity to get to know this new portal.

Costa Rica anticipates the return of 75,000 Nicaraguans

2009-12-30T18:53:00.001-05:00

Translation by Brian Schwarz

Originally published December 30, 2009 in “La Prensa” of Managua, Nicaragua (laprensa.com.ni) under the heading Costa Rica espera el retorno de 75 mil nicas by Josué Bravo

PENAS BLANCAS, COSTA RICA – Costa Rican border authorities at Peñas Blancas and Los Chiles have been preparing since December 28 to facilitate the entrance of tens of thousands of Nicaraguans who, before and during Christmas, left through these borders to vacation in their homeland.

Migration and immigration director Mario Zamora calculates that most of the estimated 75,000 Nicaraguans who work in Costa Rica and left for vacation during this December holiday season will return to the country either Friday, January 1 or Sunday, January 3.

To manage the inflow, the control operation that facilitated [the Nicaraguans’] exit will be reversed, Zamora said. Besides providing more support at migration windows, police control in Peñas Blancas, Los Chiles and the surrounding areas will be amplified in order to confiscate false documents and prevent the passage of illegals [into the country].

It is during these final days of December and early January that large quantities of Nicaraguans are turned away from the border for evading migratory controls. Between December 28, 2008 and January 7, 2009, border officials turned away 2,400 Nicaraguans who had entered illegally at Peñas Blancas and Los Chiles

Figures for this season’s [migration] have not yet been released by the public safety ministry.

The safety ministry did report that as the Nicaraguans were departing, safety minister Janina del Vecchio and public forces chief Erick Lacayo visited Peñas Blancas where they verified the dynamic flow of people across the border and confirmed the high level of collaboration between the two countries’ police forces and with the Nicaraguan military.

Today and January 3, Peñas Blancas will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On January 1 the service schedule will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. And from January 3 to January 7, the schedule will return to 6 a.m. to midnight.

In Peñas Blancas, as with other of the country’s borders, migration [officials] installed an electric plant to avoid computer crashes in the case of power outages.

Chinese company cements deal to buy Chilean iron ore mine

2009-12-30T16:31:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published December 30, 2009 in “El Mercurio” of Santiago, Chile (elmercurio.com) under the heading Empresa china concreta millonaria compra de mina de hierro en Chile by Franco Vera Mejías

VALLENAR, CHILE - Chinese company Shunde Rixin Development Co. (Rixin) this week acquired a 70 percent stake in the exploration rights to a Chilean iron ore deposit, located some 700 kilometers from Santiago near Vallenar. According to various Chinese and U.S. sources, the mine has mineral reserves of around 5 billion [metric] tons, making it the fifth largest in the world.

Chilean [mining] industry sources said the exploitation rights to the Chilean mine were sold by another Chinese company, and that the transaction value was less than $10 million. Nonetheless, the total cost of the project will reach a value to fluctuate between $1.9 billion and $2.2 billion, according to estimates given by Rixin president Li Zihao in a press release.

The Chinese state mining company Minmetals is also involved in the project. Yesterday the company announced that although it will not provide financial assistance, it will help in the sale of the mined iron ore, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) digital edition.

Price controls

According to the president of Rixon, the purchase of exploitation rights to the project, which should be in operation in 2012, is aimed at helping curb the foreign “monopoly” on the sale of iron ore.

WSJ reported that China has been making moves recently to break free from price controls set by Australian and Brazilian iron ore producers.

Rixin’s president has said that the mine – the name of which is still unknown – could supply China with 30 million tons of ore by 2012, and after 2014 [production] could reach 120 million tons annually.

Once operations begin, shipments of Chilean iron ore could reach 10 percent of all Chinese iron imports.

Shunde Rixin Development Co. is a private textile exporter, car trader and metals-mining company located in [China’s] Guangdong province.

Bees kill man for urinating on hive

2009-12-30T12:25:00.004-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Wednesday, December 30, 2009, in “Nuevo Ojo” of Lima, Peru (ojo.com.pe) under the heading Abejas lo matan por orinar en panal

NUEVO CHICLAYO, PERU – The stings of thousands of killer bees caused the death of a rural man who, in a state of drunkenness, urinated on a beehive in the Amazonas region of Peru.

Luis Quispe Salazar, 30, was attacked over the weekend while making his way to his home in the Nuevo Chiclayo section of Utcubamba province’s Cajaruro district.

The unfortunate individual had apparently been drinking to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones. Close friends of the victim said he had decided to head home alone and that because he was completely drunk he did not account for the dozens of killer bee hives along the road.

Witnesses of the incident said the killer bees, which are known to attack people when they feel their nests or their queen are in danger, stung the unfortunate man over his entire body for more than an hour.

The man was found by some of his neighbors who were passing through the area. These neighbors then informed the man’s family of what happened. Immediately he was taken to the EsSalud Good Samaritan Hospital of Bagua Grande, and despite attempts at first aid the man died as the venom had already affected his vital organs.

Brazilian Senate approves Venezuela’s entry to Mercosur, Paraguay's vote pending

2009-12-16T20:38:00.003-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Wednesday, December 16, 2009, in “Diaro Frontera” of Merida, Venezuela (diariofrontera.com) under the heading Senado de Brasil aprobó ingreso de Venezuela al Mercosur

BRASILIA, BRAZIL – The Brazilian Senate yesterday narrowly approved Venezuela’s entry into Mercosur amidst strong concerns from the opposition regarding Hugo Chavez’s motives. The outcome was 35 votes in favor and 27 opposing.
Adding Brazil’s approval to those of Argentina and Uruguay just Paraguay’s vote remains.

Venezuela signed on to Mercosur in 2006 and its incorporation has already been ratified by Argentina and Uruguay, but final approval is still pending in Paraguay’s parliament, where the majority opposes [admission].

In the Brazilian parliament, approval was blocked for years after Chavez accused its senators in 2007 of being controlled by the United States.

“We don’t need to buy into the racket and the worn-out politics that this quasi-dictatorship, established by Colonel Hugo Chavez, will provoke in Mercosur, a Mercosur in the throes of death”, declared social democrat Arthur Virgilio, part of Brazil’s opposition.

“We do not accept that (Venezuela) enter without [agreeing to] the fundamental commercial and democratic obligations” required by Mercosur: “I speak to the conscience of every one of the senators, don’t let yourselves be pressured by the government to vote [affirmatively]”, opposition conservative senator Heráclito Fortes.

Communist ally of the government Inacio Arruda countered: “Democracy is consolidating more than ever in South America, and what we need to do is expand Mercosur, because the enlarged block plays a more important role in the international context.”

“We have to walk the path of regional integration. I cite as an example the European Union”, declared pro-government senator Aloizio Mercadante.

But even allies of the government were critical of Chavez’ administration: “I vote for the admission of Venezuela to Mercosur, because I vote for what is good for my country. I’m not going to vote because of Hugo Chavez. He is mortal, one day he will die,” said centrist senator Wellington Salgado.

“A very expressive minority said ‘no’ to the admission of Venezuela to Mercosur, and living ex-presidents of the Republic are against Venezuela being in Mercosur,” affirmed Senator Virgilio after casting his vote, referring to but not mentioning by name [former presidents] Senate President José Sarney and [senator] Fernando Collor, both allies of the government but critics of Chavez.

“We hope with patience and optimism that the final formal and legal element will be achieved so that Mercosur may have its fifth star” with the incorporation of Venezuela, Venezuelan foreign minister Nicolás Maduro said last week in Brasilia.

The admission of Venezuela will transform Mercosur into an economic block consisting of 250 million inhabitants, 76 percent of South America’s gross national product and 300 billion dollars [annually] in trade, according to congress’s data.

Hospital inaugurates Paraguay's first pediatric cancer reverse isolation ward

2009-12-15T15:21:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Monday, December 14, 2009, in “Ultima Hora” (ultimahora.com) under the heading Inauguran primera sala estéril para niños con cancer

SAN LORENZO, PARAGUAY – The Acosta Ñu Pediatric Hospital of San Lorenzo inaugurated the country’s first pediatric cancer reverse isolation ward in a ceremony Monday that was attended by Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo.

The ward, which will be in use starting in January, will help protect children from contracting potentially fatal infections while their immune systems are down due to ongoing chemotherapy treatments.

The isolation center will have four rooms, each equipped with an air filtration system, audiovisual alarm, and special antibacterial floors, windows and doors. The equipment was installed by experts from Argentina.

Brazilian hydroelectric company ITAIPU Binacional donated $110,000 for purchase of the specialized equipment, the Mitai Association of Fathers [of children with cancer], gave $15,000 for furnishings, and the Health Ministry gave $163,400 [figure converted from the Paraguayan guaraní currency] to cover the project’s construction costs.

Chile and Panama call for swift restoration of democracy in Honduras

2009-12-15T14:08:00.003-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in " Panamá América" (pa-digital.com.pa) under the heading Chile y Panamá llaman a restaurar "al más breve plazo" democracia en Honduras

SANTIAGO, CHILE - Chile and Panama today called for the “quickest possible” restoration of democracy and rule of law in Honduras, promising to support steps taken by Organization of American States (OAS) in the Central American country.

Panamanian foreign secretary Juan Carlos Varela and his Chilean counterpart Mariano Fernández made the call in a joint resolution signed following political meetings held today in Santiago.

After the meeting, both appeared before the press and were asked about the differences of opinion Chile and Panama have expressed with regard to recognizing the November 29 elections, won by conservative Porfirio Lobo.

Panama is one of the few countries that have recognized the elections, while Chile maintains its rejection of [Ecuador’s] electoral process.

“There has been some discussion, because there have been new events in Honduras, and I believe that (both countries) now hold a very similar position,” Fernández said.

Meanwhile, Varela, who also serves as Panama’s vice president, figured that “the positions of both countries have been very close”.

"We all condemn the coup, but the Honduran political crisis is deeper than the military operation that took place,” stressed Varela, referring to the ouster of [then president] Manuel Zelaya on July 28.

“The November 29 elections have distanced the position of some countries, but we are all seeking reconciliation for the Honduran people and a return to democratic order,” Varela said, adding, “I feel we are all moving toward a point where we will soon accompany the Honduran people through their process of reconciliation”.

According to Varela, the de facto government must make conciliatory steps toward the removal of de facto leader Roberto Micheletti and give way to a transitional government in order to restore national unity and leave the crisis behind.

The message here is that coups must be condemned and that militaries can not interfere in the political affairs of the country”, Varela said. “And also democratically chosen governments must respect the political institutions of the country, because if not they create unnecessary circumstances.”

Union threatens to block nation's roads in protest of education funding gap

2009-12-15T12:49:00.006-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Monday, December 14, 2009 in "La Hora" (lahora.com.gt) under the heading Magisterio anuncia bloqueos en todo el país en apoyo a la reforma fiscal by Luis Arevalo

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA - In protest of a denied request for additional funds to bolster the Ministry of Education’s [Mineduc] budget, the agency’s workers' union has advised that tomorrow it will paralyze the country by blocking many of the nation’s roadways.

Spokesperson Joviel Acevdy said that unless congress approves at least 12 million Guatemalan quetzals [approx. $1.5 million] to shore up Mineduc’s budget, teachers would not finish out the 2010 school year and that blockages would continue until the funds are approved.

Acevedy said that government representatives had been warned of tomorrow’s anticipated actions and that their warnings were ignored. Now they are waiting for congress to arrive at a favorable agreement with them, and if not, he said, the union is prepared to continue its strike for several days.

The union has it may take other measures if a favorable agreement is not reached. These include include staging protests before congress that would continue until their demands are met.

[original continues]

Cienfuegos Refinery completes annual production plan

2009-12-12T09:53:00.002-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Friday, December 11, 2009 in "Cinco de Septiembre" (5septiembre.cu) under the heading Cumple Refinería de Cienfuegos plan anual de producción by Ramón Barreras Ferrán

[NOTE: Free press does not exist in Cuba, hence the “official” tone of this article.]

CIENFUEGOS, CUBA – In another demonstration that stability and efficiency are primary strengths of the Cienfuegos Petroleum Refinery since restarting operations, the plant’s annual production plan – which calls for more than 20.8 million barrels of processed crude – has been completed 11 days ahead of schedule.

That figure is expected to grow in the remaining days of December, bringing the number closer to 40 million barrels of processed crude. The new success of the Cuban-Venezuelan joint venture company, PDV-Cupet, which is charged with administration of the plant, makes for an excellent introduction to the next Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), the first diplomatic efforts for which began in Havana today.

In time, [the success of Cienfuegos plant] will be joined by the kick off of the plants that will form [the company] Polo Petrochemicals of Cienfuegos, the first of which will be POLIALBA, or the Polyethanol Bags Factory.

The project to increase capacity from 65,000 to 150,000 barrels of crude daily at the Camilo Cienfuegos Refinery now will successfully be under way.

As part of the anticipated investments in the expansion program, four new storage tanks are in the final phase of completion, thanks to the progress made by the builders using a designated automatic welding machine for making the five steel wrings that hold the structure together.

Currently, the plant has the capacity to store 4.2 million barrels. The new tanks will be essential to hold even more crude and to securely maintain finished products, such as aircraft fuel.

The expansion program has the possibility of increasing added value through profound conversion schemes and by obtaining prime materials for the petrochemicals industry, which will guarantee its economic viability.

Planned projects include reactivating the diesel hydrorefinery in order to improve production quality, completing a comprehensive study of the bay for the provision of crude and delivery of finished products in a secure manner, as well as the revitalization of the Matanzas-Cienfuegos oil pipeline.

The building of a liquid natural gas plant that would double the country’s current production capacity is also forecast.

Eliana and Osvaldo: The first gay couple to formalize their union in Río Cuarto

2009-12-11T22:14:00.005-05:00

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Friday, December 11, 2009 in "La Voz" (lavoz.com.ar) under the heading Eliana y Osvaldo, la primera pareja gay en formalizar su unión

RIO CUARTO, ARGENTINA - Eliana Alcaraz, 43, and Osvaldo Quevado, 47, became the first gay couple to register their civil union in Río Cuarto in a ceremony carried out at city hall.

Today, the couple of 23 years finally held a certified wedding ceremony, although Eliana was named “Ariel Ceferino”, the name that appears on his national identity document (DNI), according to Telediario Digital.

“I’m happy, proud. We’re going for more…for marriage. Thanks to all who have come with us”, said Eliana, according to Río Cuarto radio station Lv16.

The father of bricklayer Osvaldo appeared emotional at the end of the ceremony. “I’m happy that it turned out like this”, he said. “They are both hard workers. (…) They have been together 22 years. She is a very good person…they get along very well”.

Alcaraz’ mother said of her daughter, “She has a heart of gold; she deserves this”.

One of the witnesses of the union was town councilwoman Viviana Yawny, a proponent of the civil unions project.

Mayor Juan Jure met this noon with the couple to greet them, and he excused himself from being absent [at the ceremony], saying he would be traveling. He did promise, however, to attend the reception tonight.