Obama lauds Colombian president for heeding court
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
BOGOTA — President Barack Obama is applauding Colombian President Alvaro Uribe for accepting a court decision that prevents him from running for a third term.
Obama says Uribe’s respectful heeding of the Feb. 26 ruling by the Colombian Constitutional Court “will resonate in the Americas” as an “invaluable example.”
More...Teresa Gutierrez, grandmother of Colombian TV, dies at 81
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Celebrated Colombian TV star Teresa Gutierrez died Tuesday afternoon in her home in Bogota aged 81.
Gutierrez appeared in approximately 36 soap operas during her long career. After a successful career in radio broadcasting, her screen debut came on the day that television was first broadcast in Colombia in 1954.
In her latest TV role in the hit Telemundo soap “The Victorinos,” Gutierrez played the grandmother of an upper-class mobster doomed to die by a fortune-teller’s prophecy.
More...Neo-con support for Uribe reveals double standard
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Last month the Colombian constitutional court rejected a bid by right-wing President Alvaro Uribe to hold a referendum that might have seen him elected to an unprecedented third term in office – and US hawks think that’s a good thing.
At first glance, this seems odd, because Uribe is the best friend the US has in Latin America, with Colombia being the recipient of the third largest amount of US military aid after Israel and Egypt (Afghanistan and Iraq aside) ever since former President Bill Clinton introduced the anti-drugs Plan Colombia programme in 1999. Uribe is also an avowed enemy of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez.
More...Colombia’s Uribe arrives to attend Chilean new president’s inauguration
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe arrived on Wednesday to attend the inauguration of Chilean President-elect Sebastian Pinera.
Upon his arrival at Santiago International Airport at 4: 30 p.m. local time (1930 GMT), Uribe expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Chileans who were affected by the Feb. 27 quake .
More...Colombia Ruling Party Backs Former Uribe Aide for President
By Admin Thursday, March 11, 2010
BOGOTA – President Alvaro Uribe’s Social Party of National Unity chose former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos as its standard-bearer in Colombia’s May 30 presidential election.
Santos’s nomination became a virtual certainty after a Feb. 26 ruling by the Constitutional Court overturned a law authorizing a referendum on amending the country’s charter to allow Uribe to seek a third consecutive term.
More...Canadian firm makes new oil discovery in Colombia
By Admin Thursday, March 11, 2010
Canadian-owned Pacific Rubiales has made a new oil discovery at an exploration well located in Colombia’s Llanos Orientales region, a media report said.
The results are promising and bode well for the field’s future, Pacific Rubiales CEO Ronald Pantin said.
“The exploration campaign continues to produce valuable information that will allow us to understand the region’s geological complexity,” Pantin told the business daily Portafolio.
More...Colombians in Florida vying for seat in their homeland
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Fernando Toro sat with a small group of close supporters at a Colombian restaurant in east Orlando, sipping black coffee and strategizing over how to win election to Congress.
Although Toro has been an American citizen since 2005 and could contend for political office here, he is not vying for a seat in the U.S. Congress but rather in the Congreso de la República de Colombia, the legislative body of his fatherland in South America.
More...Seminar promotes Mexico and Colombia to Macau
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
The Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America (MAPEAL), with the support of IPIM, held a seminar yesterday to promote business, tourism and investment opportunities of Mexico and Colombia.
The event’s guest speakers Andrés Peña, Acting Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong and Macao and Alejandro Ossa Cardenas, Director of Proexport Beijing, Embassy of Colombia - Commercial Office talked about the business opportunities of Mexico and Colombia and shared with the audience their in-depth knowledge about their home countries.
More...The Road Ahead for Colombia-Venezuela Relations
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
In announcing on March 8 that Venezuela is interested in restoring diplomatic ties with Colombia, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro noted that any improvement will not take place while current Colombian President Álvaro Uribe remains in office. The jab was just one of many that Bogotá and Caracas have traded over the past eight tumultuous years, but the conciliatory rhetoric suggests that the two countries may be turning a corner in bilateral relations.
More...Santos to Lead Colombia’s U Party Ticket with Garzón as Vice President
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Colombia’s Partido Social de la Unidad, a coalition of parties that support President Álvaro Uribe, officially presented former Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos as its candidate for the May 2010 presidential elections on Monday. The next day, Santos chose Colombian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Angelino Garzón as his vice president and said he would offer Uribe a ministerial position if elected president. Garzón and Santos worked together in former President Andrés Pastrana’s cabinet between 1998 and 2002.
More...Latin Pop Star Juanes Meets With USAID to Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
Colombian pop star and humanitarian leader Juan Esteban Aristizabal, a.k.a. Juanes, met with staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to exchange ideas and discuss possible opportunities for partnership. The conversation focused on USAID’s programs in Latin America as well as the work of Fundacion Mi Sangre, a non-profit organization founded by Juanes and dedicated to peace building in Colombia, the artist’s home country.
More...Uribe denounces “foreign meddling” in Colombian elections
By Admin Thursday, March 11, 2010
FARC is pressin the Colombian government to issue security protocols for hostage release.
President Álvaro Uribe said on Monday that his country can not allow foreign countries to impose a president in Colombia. Uribe said that Colombians “have to choose the candidate they want, the policies they want instead of the policies intended to be imposed from outside,” DPA reported.
More...Bogota Colombia Business
Rights groups slam EU free trade deal with Colombia
Friday, March 12, 2010
The European Commission concluded trade negotiations with Lima and Bogota this month, following nine rounds of talks. The agreement, if ratified by the European Parliament, would fully liberalize commerce in some sectors between the bloc and the two Latin American countries.
The possible deal has sparked an outcry in some quarters because of concerns over the South American country’s human rights record.
Colombia Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare Report Q2 2010Friday, March 12, 2010
In The Q210 Business Environment Ratings table for the Americas, Colombia scores 51.7, falling one place to seventh among the 10 major markets in the Americas. The country’s population (expected to reach almost 50mn in number by the end of the decade), combined with rising per-capita expenditure will provide opportunities for drugmakers. However, the persistent shortcomings of the intellectual property (IP) and pricing and reimbursement regime continue to hamper the more direct involvement of foreign companies.
Canada Tables Free Trade Agreement with ColombiaFriday, March 12, 2010
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today followed through on a commitment made in last week’s Speech from the Throne by tabling legislation to implement the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. At the same time, the government is also tabling parallel labour and environment agreements with Colombia.
American News
American Eagle heads to the Middle East
Friday, March 12, 2010
American Eagle Outfitters is bringing its T-shirts, jeans and belts outside of North America for the first time, the teen clothier said Thursday, opening a pair of flagship stores in the Middle East.
The new stores will open this month in Dubai and Kuwait City in a partnership with franchiser M.H. Alshaya Co.
Al Qaeda Calls On American Muslims To Attack U.S.Monday, March 8, 2010
PATRICK QUINN AP
CAIRO — Al-Qaida’s American-born spokesman on Sunday called on Muslims serving in the U.S. armed forces to emulate the Army major charged with killing 13 people in Fort Hood.
In a 25-minute video posted on militant Web sites, Adam Gadahn described Maj. Nidal Hasan as a pioneer who should serve as a role model for other Muslims, especially those serving Western militaries.
World News
NATO ‘suspends’ relations with Kosovo force over show of weapons
Monday, March 8, 2010
Pristina - The NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) said Sunday it has suspended relations with the local security force after it violated its status as an unarmed organization by displaying arms at a ceremony. The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) members took part in a March 5 ceremony celebrating the guerrilla army which fought the Serbian army and police in the 1990s.
“KFOR has temporarily suspended support, mentoring and training activities of the KFS ... in response to the appearance of an armed, military-style KSF honour guard during the Martyrs’ Commemoration Ceremony,” KFOR said in a statement.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Baghdad - Iraqis have been struggling to form a new political order since the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein in April 2003. Here are the first key steps in its establishment of a new democracy:July 2003: The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), a caretaker administration, starts work under US supervision. In September it names a transitional government.
Brazil
Deco wants to leave Chelsea for Brazil in summer
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Chelsea midfielder Deco has revealed he hopes to leave the club this summer and return to his native Brazil to be closer to his children and play first team football.
Deco, who represented Portugal after moving to the country and gaining citizenship, joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2008, on a three-year contract.
He has not been a first-choice member of Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI this season, starting just 10 Premier League games, and claims a move to Brazil would be his preference at the end of the season.
Snubbed and Excluded from Brazil and Friends Club US Applauds New AllianceFriday, February 26, 2010
Latin American and Caribbean nations are to set up a new regional bloc of all the countries in the Americas, with the exception of the United States and Canada. The decision was formalized Tuesday at a regional summit of the so called Rio Group in the Mexican resort of Cancun.
The alliance will embrace 32 states and is seen as an alternative to the Washington-influenced Organization of American States (OAS), the main regional body set up in 1948 under US guidance as a means of combating communism in the region.
Honduras
Honduran Minister says that drug trafficking routes from Venezuela have increased
Friday, February 19, 2010
Óscar Álvarez, Honduras’ Minister of Security, said in Bogotá that authorities from the Central American country have detected between 250 and 300 drug trafficking routes, with most of the aircrafts departing from Venezuela and run by the Mexican cartels.
Honduras and Colombia Sign PactThursday, February 18, 2010
Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez and Honduran Minister of Security Oscar Alvarez signed an agreement that allows the sharing of intelligence on drug trafficking, kidnapping and organized crime between Colombia and Honduras.
Alvarez said that cooperation with Colombia will mean the creation of joint intelligence units, anti-narcotics units, anti-terrorism units and anti-kidnapping units, and more.
Venezuela
Venezuela-bound ETA suspect held in Portugal
Friday, March 12, 2010
MADRID — Portuguese police have arrested a suspected member of the Basque separatist group ETA in Lisbon as he tried to board a flight to the Venezuelan capital Caracas, Spanish media reported Friday.
Andoni Zengotitabengoa, 30, was detained at Lisbon airport after he presented a Mexican passport which turned out to be false, the online edition of daily Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported.
The Chávez ChallengeFriday, March 12, 2010
In the media, President Hugo Chávez seems to be portrayed more commonly these days as a threat to golf, which he considers “bourgeois” and is trying to eradicate in Venezuela, than to regional stability.
If only that were the case.
Overshadowed by America’s strategic distractions with the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and with terrorism, and nettlesome nuclear troubles with Iran and North Korea, to name a few, Chávez is all but flying under the threat radar.
Canada in the News
Schweitzer asks to import Canadian drugs to save on state programs
By Admin Friday, March 12, 2010
HELENA - Gov. Brian Schweitzer jumped back into the issue of prescription drug pricing Thursday, saying he has asked the federal government to allow Montana to import lower-priced drugs from Canada for use in state-funded programs.
At a Capitol news conference, Schweitzer said he sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius, asking her to “certify” importation of prescription drugs for use in Medicaid, Healthy Montana Kids, the state employee health plan and for state institutions.
Features
One Latin American market for the bold
Thursday, March 11, 2010
For many investors, Colombia remains a grey spot on their mental maps of South America.
La Violencia, the 50-year dark age in its recent past, came to an end with the close of the 20th century. But the memories are fresh, and the impact on the local economy and international perceptions of the country lingers. This reputation still prevents most foreigners from investigating Colombia’s potential – and that spells opportunity.
Travel tourism
Touring the Colombian Coffee Plantations
Friday, March 12, 2010
Colombia is the coffee lover’s Mecca. Colombia produces ten percent of the world’s Arabica beans, exporting ninety percent of that so the world can enjoy the rich taste of Colombian coffee. Even the aroma itself is satisfying. Visiting Colombian coffee plantations can also be an immensely satisfying experience. Coffee, the region’s most important export, is helping draw tourists to Colombia. They may come for the coffee, but they are captivated by the beauty of the land, the diversity of the culture, and the hospitality of the coffee growers of Colombia.
Restaurant reviews
Eye on Food: Cafe de Colombia
Friday, March 12, 2010
222 S Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, 818-558-3985
The first ache of the flu came the day I went to this little unassuming wonder and oh, how thankful I am that our friends suggested it.Welcoming as your abuela’s home with a side of rebel (look up on the wall for the Shepard Fairey Immigration Now poster), Cafe Colombia is an adorable joint where the food is just as warm as the decor. We shared a plate of Arepas to start. Similar to a pupusa, these little round corn cakes stuffed with cheese were delicious. Each kind , the sweet corn Suprema, white corn Mozzarepa, and the Queso, were their own blend of savory that made me want to order another plate and call it a day.
Sports
Colombians find their ‘ambassador’ on the golf course
Friday, March 12, 2010
Golfer Camilo Villegas, who will play at Doral this weekend, has spurred pride and patriotism among his fans who appreciate not only his game but his character.
You can’t miss it at this weekend’s big golf tournament at Doral, the human mass of yellow, blue, red and noise undulating around the Blue Monster course like a giant Colombian flag.
But what makes the gallery following Camilo Villegas isn’t size, noise or color.
Colombian Camilo Villegas landed the Honda Classic titleWednesday, March 10, 2010
Colombian Camilo Villegas landed the Honda Classic title at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, after holding off a European challenge led by Justin Rose.
Rose shot a sparkling six-under-par 64 in his final round to jump to third place on seven under for the tournament, and fellow Englishman Paul Casey finished a shot behind in a share of fourth place with Fiji’s Vijay Singh.
...No one seems to know how many there are. Passersby are too busy going to and fro their business to contemplate the growth of their ranks. They are the “canchosos” (street dogs) who roam freely...
Step aside, Julio Iglesias and all you other romantic Latino singers, Paco the Parrot is here.
While soap opera fans the world over are watching the never-ending misadventures of “Bety la fea” (Ugly Betty), there is another every day soap opera going on in a certain Anapoima mandarino tree.
If you think parrots like “The Dancing Parrot” are captivating on television, you should see them in their natural habitat. And now you can on CFP’s sister site, Bogota Free Planet (BFP)!