Latin America

World News

Some Activists Skeptical Of Vatican-Led Venezeulan Peace Talks

6:40pm November 07, 2016

by John Otis

The Vatican is mediating talks between Venezuela's government and an opposition seeking to recall the president. Some activists think the government may be using these negotiations to stall for time.

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With Opposition Sidelined, Nicaragua's Ortega Easily Wins Third Presidential Term

1:41pm November 07, 2016

by Eyder Peralta

Daniel Ortega, the former Marxist revolutionary leader, took more than 70 percent of the vote. Earlier this year, the courts essentially blocked his main opponent from seeking office.

Thousands of Nicaraguans protested last weekend against Daniel Ortega, who is running for a third term as president in Sunday's election. Critics say he has effectively eliminated all serious opposition. The banner reads, "Ortega Sells the Homeland."

Nicaragua's Ortega Headed For Re-Election — With His Wife As VP

4:45am November 05, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

Daniel Ortega is poised to extend his lengthy rule and has elevated his wife to his vice presidential running mate. Critics say he has eliminated all serious opposition.

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This peat soil in Sumatra, Indonesia, was formerly a forest. Clearing and draining such land releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases.

Deforestation Opponents Enlist Powerful Ally: Big Food. But There's A Catch

6:02pm November 03, 2016

by Dan Charles

Hundreds of food companies have promised to keep their suppliers from cutting down forests. A global coalition of environmental groups is watching to see if the companies are keeping their promises.

How Venezuela's Economy Collapsed And Led To Political Unrest

5:26pm November 02, 2016

by Robert Smith

Venezuela has one of the worst economies in the world with food shortages and massive inflation. NPR's Planet Money team explains how it got so bad.

At Calderón cemetery near Quito, Ecuador, a woman shares a meal as a way to remember her loved ones.

Bread Babies And Purple Drink: Ecuador's Spin On Day Of The Dead

2:32pm November 02, 2016

by Amy E. Robertson

While Mexico's Día de los Muertos is better known in the U.S., the day is observed through Latin America, with customs as diverse as the people. In Ecuador, it's Dia de los Difuntos.

FARC rebels met at a conference in September to endorse a peace deal with the Colombian government. A subsequent rejection of the deal by voters has left them in limbo.

World News

Peace May Be On Hold, But Colombia's Rebels Are Eager To Become Civilians

10:31am November 02, 2016

by John Otis

FARC rebels are awaiting the day when they can put down their weapons. In the meantime, they've become more sedentary. Some guerrillas have gained weight from inactivity. Others are expecting babies.

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Lawmakers In Venezuela Suspend Political Trial Of President Maduro

4:41pm November 01, 2016

by John Otis

In Venezuela, the opposition-led Congress suspended a political trial of President Maduro as the government freed several jailed political activists.

World News

Venezuela's Government Holds First Talks With Opposition In Two Years

5:21am October 31, 2016

As the nation's economic crisis continues, many in the fear the government is stalling on concessions and opponents plan to march on Thursday to give a symbolic pink slip to President Nicolas Maduro.

Protesters Continue Effort To Recall Venezuelan President

5:00pm October 30, 2016

Demonstrators are taking to the streets in Venezuela after election officials suspended an opposition effort to recall President Nicolas Maduro. Hannah Dreier of The Associated Press has the latest.