Dutch FM wants to keep Cuba relations low-key

<p style="text-align: justify;">Relations between the Netherlands and Cuba should not extend beyond diplomatic contact through embassies, Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal told parliament today.The minister said open dialogue with the Cuban authorities was not justified because Cuban leaders had failed to implement any significant political or economic reforms. Read More

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Piedad Cordoba Leaves Colombia after Death Threat

<p style="text-align: justify;">Bogota, Aug. 19 (Prensa Latina) Former Colombian senator Piedad Cordoba left the country after receiving a death threat, sources close to the human rights activist confirmed.Senator Ivan Cepeda, of the opposition Alternative Democratic Pole, said that Cordoba told him by telephone last night that she was leaving the country because the threats had intensified and her life was in immediate danger. Read More

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Peruvian University Acknowledges Cuban Ambassador's Work

<p style="text-align: justify;">HAVANA, Cuba, Aug 18 (acn) The Ricardo Palma University of Peru acknowledged outgoing Cuban ambassador in Lima Luis Delfin Perez for his work as head of the diplomatic mission in the Andean country for the last five years. Rector Ivan Rodriguez awarded the Cuban ambassador with the Ricardo Palma Medal which is granted to outstanding personalities, PL news agency reported. Read More

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Chavez Ratifies Sovereign Use of International Reserves

<p style="text-align: justify;">By: Ana Luisa Brown. Caracas, Aug 18 (Prensa Latina) President Hugo Chavez reaffirmed Thursday that Venezuela will use its international reserves according to the country's interests, without subordinating itself to foreign powers or institutions. In a second article for his column "Notes from the Rear Guard" in the Orinoco Mail newspaper, Chavez decried what he called a campaign to create confusion and destabilization by using the issue of reserves. Read More

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WHO and PAHO Convene Drawing Contest on Gender and Health in Cuba

<p style="text-align: justify;">2011.08.17 - 14:40:00 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu.HAVANA, CUBA.-&nbsp;&nbsp; The Pan-American and World Health Organizations (PAHO and WHO) to Cuba, convene a drawing contest for high school children to promote knowledge on gender and health. A specialist from the Center on Information and Knowledge Management, explained ACN that the drawings, on the occasion of the Latin American Medicine Day (December 3) will be assessed in terms of creativity and originality, in relation to the subject and the message.&nbsp; Read More

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Ecuador to Build Its First Wind Farm

<p style="text-align: justify;">By: Indira Santana.00:13Quito, Aug 17 (Prensa Latina) Ecuador's first wind farm to generate electricity will begin to be built in September in the southern province of Loja, according to the Electricity Corporation of Ecuador (Celec). The project, worth 34 million USD, will provide a total of 15 megawatts to the national power system, and should be operational in 2012. Read More

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Hugo Chavez Says His Cancer is "Not Serious"

<p style="text-align: justify;">By Caitlin Bronson on August 17, 2011 5:59 AM. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has “never felt healthier” after returning from Cuba, where he underwent a second round of chemotherapy to treat his cancer. According to the Daily Telegraph, Chavez is unsure whether he will need a third round of treatment or a second round of radiation. “I could stand here talking for five hours,” he boasted to journalists at the presidential palace, where he returned Saturday. “I’m doing very well. In fact, I’ve never been better. Read More

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Writer Isabel Allende Cancels Chile Tour, Backs Students

<p style="text-align: justify;">By: Ana Luisa Brown. Santiago de Chile, Aug 16 (Prensa Latina) Unequal opportunities is the main issue behind student demands, affirmed writer Isabel Allende, who declined a national tour organized by Chilean Education Ministry. "The alternative of a free education with quality is a basic demand, and profit is part of the neoliberal system, which no longer works," the celebrated novelist told La Tercera newspaper. Read More

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Argentina: Election Campaigns in Full Swing

<p style="text-align: justify;">By: Osmany González Tocabens. Buenos Aires, Aug 15 (Prensa Latina) Primary elections in Argentina concluded with the selection of seven slates of candidates for the Oct. 23 elections. Shortly after the nationwide open, simultaneous and compulsory primary elections ended on Sunday, one of the presidential candidates, Ricardo Alfonsin, of the Union Alliance for Social Development (UDESO), said that "now is when the serious campaigning starts." Read More

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Panama Canal Turns 97, Expansion Works Continue

<p style="text-align: justify;">By: Estela McCollin.Panama, Aug 15 (Prensa Latina) The Panama Canal marks its 97th anniversary with a program to expand its operating capacity and increase the value of its role in world commerce.Alberto Aleman Zubieta, canal administrator, told reporters that the latest project will improve opportunities for national development.Since its transfer to Panama more than 11 years ago, the canal has contributed about 6.4 billion USD to the National Treasury. Read More

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