IMF mission expected in Argentina any moment; Pres Fernandez expects to reach an accord by March 31

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 28 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Argentine president Alberto Fernandez revealed to media accredited at Government House, Casa Rosada, that in the coming days an IMF mission is scheduled to arrive in Buenos Aires to address economic issues. “My main concern is to calm down the economy and Argentina”, Fernandez…

Brazil promulgates heavy handed anti crime bill

BRASILIA, Dec 28 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has signed into law an anti-crime bill that toughens measures to stem a rampant deadly crime wave, although he vetoed some parts of the bill, the government said. The anti-crime package, which was approved by Brazil’s Senate earlier this month, toughens…

Bolivia slams Spain’s bid to use arms in diplomatic row

LA PAZ, Dec 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Bolivia on Friday slammed its formercolonial ruler Spain for allegedly “trampling” its sovereignty in a deepeningdiplomatic row. The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since Mexico granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales, who resigned on Nov 10 in the face of…

President of Venezuela pays tribute to Manuela Saenz, South America’s feminist and freedom fighter

CARACAS, Dec 28 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro paid tribute to the heroine of the Independence of South America, Manuela Saenz (1797-1856), 222 years after her birth. ‘222 years! We proudly celebrate the birth of the general’s wife and heroine of the Patria Grande, Manuela Sáenz. A feminist…

Mexico remains firm regarding asylum for Bolivians

MEXICO CITY, Dec 28 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — Mexico stands firm in its position under international law to grant asylum to the nine Bolivian refugees at its diplomatic headquarters in La Paz, despite the police siege. On his Twitter account, Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard ratified the government’s stance in the…

Russia reiterates support for dialogue in Venezuela

Moscow, Dec 28 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — Russia reiterated its call to support the process of dialogue in Venezuela and its rejection of foreign interference in the South American nation, where opposition forces continue to promote acts of violence. Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, María Zakharova, recalled that last Sunday,…

Chilean president sign decree calls for referendum for new constitution

A protester in Santiago holds a sign calling for a ‘constitutional assembly for more democracy’  SANTIAGO, Dec 28 (NNN-Xinhua) — Chilean President Sebastian Pinera signed on Friday the decree that calls for a constitutional referendum that will focus on the possibility of drafting a new constitution. “With great joy and…

Price of electricity for Zambians will double next month: Government

Zambian President Edgar Lungu  LUSAKA, Dec 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Zambia’s state power firm Zesco said it will increase the price of electricity by an average 113 percent for all customers beginning next month as the African nation seeks to attract investment into power generation, according to the country’s energy regulator.…

Burundi: Pres Nkurunziza restates decision to quit in 2020

Pierre Nkurunziza BUJUMBURA, Dec 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Burundi’s president has again indicated he will not run for another term next year in the politically volatile East African nation. Pres Pierre Nkurunziza told reporters he planned to hold another press conference “before handing power to our successor.” His insistence on running…

UN extends investigation of Dag Hammarskjold’s mysterious 1961 death

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United NationsGeneral Assembly on Friday approved a resolution extending the investigation into the mysterious 1961 death of secretary-general Dag Hammarskjold. The Swedish diplomat had been traveling in southern Africa for a missionwhen his plane crashed. The text, initiated by Sweden and co-sponsored by…