Topic: Union of South American Nations

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Venezuela's Maduro globe trots: building regional ties or a domestic distraction?

On his first official trip abroad, Venezuela's new leader is visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. But a domestic dispute over the legality of Maduro's presidential victory drags on at home.
South American leaders likely to back Venezuela's Maduro in emergency meeting

Despite complaints from some Venezuelans that Sunday's election had irregularities, analysts say leaders in the region will likely support Mr. Maduro’s election in order to maintain stability.
Hugo Chavez legacy: a wedge between US, Latin America (+video)

Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, who died Tuesday, made it his mission to sway Latin American leaders away from the US and toward his brand of populist socialism. Chavez made strides, but his influence in the region had been waning.
Latin America Monitor Wikileaks' Assange marks Day 100 inside Ecuadorean embassy

Ecuador says it will host Assange in its London embassy indefinitely, but the decision to continue supporting the Wikileaks founder could have negative repercussions for the Andean nation.
Latin America Monitor Viva Assange! Latin American groups rally around Ecuador's asylum decision. (+video)

Latin American groups say that Ecuador's decision to grant asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is a matter of sovereignty.
Latin America Monitor Assange asylum case ripples through Latin America

Ecuador's decision to grant asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could have an impact on extradition cases throughout Latin America.
Will WikiLeaks founder Assange go free?

Ecuador's government offered asylum to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, on Thursday. But the British government will not allow him safe passage out of their country where he's been living in the Ecuadorian embassy for the past 60 days.
Paraguay isolated over president's ouster

The trade group Mercosur suspended Paraguay's membership after Fernando Lugo was impeached last week, though it stopped short of sanctions. Paraguay's absence has paved the way for Venezuela to be admitted.
Does Paraguay risk pariah status with president's ouster?

Ousted president Fernando Lugo denounced his removal as a 'parliamentary coup,' and hinted that domestic and international pressure could reverse his impeachment.
Latin America Monitor Paraguay upheaval: Is this a coup?

Paraguayan President Lugo faces impeachment proceedings today, launched by congressional rivals after a land eviction led to 17 deaths last week. A guest blogger explores the implications.
A sharp contrast between CELAC's style and UNASUR's substance

As Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez struggles to make CELAC into an anti-US regional body, alternative group UNASUR is actually being productive, says blogger James Bosworth.
Is Latin America prepared for a debate over geoengineering?

Latin America faces four major questions on the controversial topic of using technology to intentionally reshape aspects of Earth and its atmosphere in a way that counteracts climate change.
Nestor Kirchner remembered as Latin American statesman

Nestor Kirchner, former president of Argentina, died Wednesday. Kirchner was married to the current Argentine president, Cristina Fernandez.
State of siege in Ecuador as Rafeal Correa takes on rebel police

State of siege in Ecuador continued Friday. Residents say the worst appears over, but tensions could flare anew if Rafeal Correa goes ahead with cuts in police benefits.
Ecuador coup attempt shows fragility of Latin American democracy

The standoff between Ecuador President Rafael Correa and police ended Thursday night but the alleged Ecuador coup attempt underscores the region's instability.
Mexican Independence Day: Across Latin America, bicentennial parties abound

Mexican Independence Day marks the 200th anniversary of freedom from Spanish rule. This year, five Latin American countries mark their bicentennials by taking stock of progress and challenges ahead.
Colombia denies Chávez's accusations that it plans to invade Venezuela

One day after Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez ordered troops sent to the border, Colombia denied Saturday that it had any intention of invading its 'brother country.'
Hugo Chávez oil threats: Why Chávez won't cut off oil to the US

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez threatened to cut off oil to the US on Sunday. The latest Chávez oil threat comes amid a rising diplomatic spat with neighboring Colombia, a staunch US ally in the region.
Felipe Calderon calls Arizona immigration law racial profiling

In a speech today to the US Congress, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said the new Arizona immigration law amounts to acceptance of racial profiling. He also called for an assault weapons ban.
Latin America leaders propose new bloc that excludes US, Canada

As the Rio Summit came to a close Tuesday night, Latin America leaders announced that they would start a new regional bloc that excludes the US and Canada.
Venezuela vs. Colombia: Two leaders seek outside mediation

After bridge explosions, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Colombia's Alvaro Uribe agree on one thing: current conflict won't be resolved without outside mediation.
South America: Will defense spending trigger an arms race?

Venezuela's Chávez recently bought tanks and missiles from Russia. Several countries – including Brazil, Colombia, and Chile – are increasing their defense spending in a region that faces no major external threats.
Chávez stirs anxiety over US military deal in Colombia

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez sought a region-wide censure of the pending agreement at a summit Monday in Quito, Ecuador. But other leaders were declined to condemn it outright.
Opinion: Boiling point in Bolivia

Internal conflict could destabilize the region. Here's what Washington can do.