The rescued hostages Carnival of Latin America and the Caribbean

LatinAmer Welcome to this week’s Carnival of Latin America and the Caribbean. Today’s big story: Colombian military rescues Farc hostages
Soldier and high-ranking police officers freed by 300-strong raid after 12 years in captivity

The defence minister, Gabriel Silva, said the 300-strong raid, which took six months to plan, was carried out with “surgical” precision.

This is extraordinary, and points to the increased security in the country. Three hundred personnel and six months in the making, with no security leaks. Congratulations to the people of Colombia.
Check out today’s podcast for more news on Colombia, and Venezuela.

ARGENTINA
Argentine journalists testify about persecution of colleagues during Dirty War

BRAZIL
Brazil sees silver lining in BP spill: more rigs

Security in Brazil
A magic moment for the city of God
Proper policing, better government and a stronger economy are starting to make a difference in the more violent and squalid districts of Brazil’s former capital

CARIBBEAN
Regional countries raise concerns about Gulf oil spill with Hillary Clinton
Clinton promises U.S. help in Caribbean drug fight
US promises $600m in aid

BARBADOS will benefit from a wide-ranging, Caribbean aid package of some US$300 million, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in the island yesterday.The package comprises $US45 million committed to the State Department for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) in 2010 and the Obama administration’s request for US$79 million in the 2011 financial year.

Clinton also announced the administration’s commitment to provide US$162 million for Caribbean HIV/AIDS programmes and US$8 million to fund regional climate change and energy projects.

Clinton unveils Caribbean security plan

CHILE
Carta: Campaña “un árbol por cada chileno”

COLOMBIA
Liberación de Mendieta, nuevo golpe a las FARC

Colombia’s presidential election
Staying the course
By placing the presidency almost within the grasp of Juan Manuel Santos, Colombian voters chose consolidation over idealism

CUBA
Desperation Is No Substitute For Shame

The 74 — Initial Analysis The 74 — The Plot Thickens

More subsidized lunch rooms will close; move will reportedly save Cuba $27 million

EU resists pressure to normalise with Cuba

Cuban journalist released from jail, ‘deported’ to E. Cuba

1 prisoner is freed, 6 others are relocated

Model Town

ECUADOR
Clinton talks tax to Latin America, saying rich must pay their share
US secretary of state strikes a note worthy of Fidel Castro or Hugo Chávez during tour of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia