The Argentine justice system has requested Uruguay to repatriate a plane allegedly used in the infamous Condor Plan, a coordination effort between South American dictatorships during the 1970s and 1980s. The aircraft, a Hawker Siddeley twin-jet, is believed to have been utilized in the transfer of detainees during this dark period of political repression.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Tuesday signed a decree whereby the opening of new petrol stations was suspended for the next five years in all of the country's urban areas citing environmental concerns. The measure will thus be in force for the remainder of Peña's term in office and is already in force, it was explained.
President Santiago Peña highlighted Paraguay's productive model and spoke about his country's future in terms of economic and financial development in the panel “Spotlight on Latin America” sponsored by the Financial Times, it was reported Monday in Asunción. The head of state also pointed out that the technology incorporated into the agricultural production system will allow Paraguay to achieve the development it has longed for.
US Ambassador to Asunción Marc Ostfield Thursday urged the Paraguayan Police, the Attorney General's Office, and the Judiciary to be strong against the influence of coercive sectional interests. During his speech before President Santiago Peña at the Police Academy graduation ceremony, he also reiterated his country's support in the fight against corruption, organized crime, and impunity.
The South American Common Market (Mercosur) will start negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan next month, Paraguay's Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano acknowledged in an interview with the Nikkei economic newspaper. Paraguay currently holds the rotating presidency of the regional bloc.
Paraguayan prosecutors agreed Monday to press charges against former President Mario Abdo Benítez following complaints filed by fellow former head of state Horacio Cartes, it was reported in Asunción. Although both leaders belong to the Colorado Party -also known as the National Republican Alliance or ANR- Cartes currently chairs the grouping.
The Latin American Economic Climate Index (ICE) released this weekend by Brazil's Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) highlighted Paraguay as the Mecca for business ventures in the region given the country's outstanding performance.
Paraguayan authorities signed an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of the United States to fight organized crime in an unprecedented event of cooperation between the two countries, it was reported. The deal provides for the creation of a group specialized in identifying threats and preventing major events affecting domestic and regional security.
European Union (EU) Environment Commission envoy Emanuele Pitto told Paraguayan exporters Thursday in Asunción that there would be no turning back from Rule 1115 banning raw materials and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation. The measure not allowing imports nor exports of these goods has been in force since June 29 last year.
Paraguay's Central Bank (BCP) announced this week that inflation in February amounted to 0% from January's values despite increases in education and food, particularly eggs, it was reported in Asunción. In the same month last year, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) had gone up 0.5%. However, these achievements have a price tag.