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Region

US pressures CA on reproductive health
During a recent conference held in Puerto Rico by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), US Congressman Chris Smith (Rep.- NJ) urged Latin American countries not to reaffirm the 1994 Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) – an international document that guides countries’ economic development and population growth policies. Together with John Klink, a private-sector advisor to the US, Smith put extreme pressure on the region´s governments to reaffirm their original reservations to ICPD, particularly on the issue of abortion and young people’s sexual and reproductive rights. The strategy was unsuccessful, but specialists are concerned that the US continues to exert undue influence on the region’s reproductive health policies.

Panama

Constitutional reforms mark shift in power
The broad approval of constitutional reforms proposed by president elect Martin Torrijos revealed the waning power commanded by the outgoing president, Mireya Moscoso, over the legislators of her own party. Meanwhile, special sessions at the Legislative Assembly continue to discuss Moscoso’s proposed “Firm Hand” Plan. Although the proposals, which include penal reforms and new immigration laws, were initially rejected by a slim majority, Torrijos’ party has now agreed to their re-evaluation

Guatemala

Community radios to begin bilingual news
On September 2, the Guatemalan Federation of Radio Schools (FGER) will commence broadcasting of its Mayan Network -Maya K´at - a news service in 10 languages directed to a broad range of indigenous communities historcially excluded by language from most news programs
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Tourism, key sector for government
Tourism, which has recovered internationally since 2001, has generally had a positive impact on local economies. Those responsible for promoting tourism in Guatemala have exploited the country’s competitive advantages and, together with government authorities, have embarked on plans to offer a first class “product” via the National Tourism Cabinet. However, the sector´s economic gains have yet to "trickle down" to significantly affect local economies.

Region

“Catastrophic” situation facing immigrants
Last month the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the overthrow of Anastasio Somoza on July 19, 1979 and the beginning of 10 years of Sandinista rule. In an interview with Central America Report, FSLN founder Tomás Borge expressed both pride and self criticism regarding the Sandinista period and discussed the future for the most important leftist party in Nicaragua?

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Nicaragua

Interview with FSLN founder Tomás Borge
Last month the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the overthrow of Anastasio Somoza on July 19, 1979 and the beginning of 10 years of Sandinista rule. In an interview with Central America Report, FSLN founder Tomás Borge expressed both pride and self criticism regarding the Sandinista period and discussed the future for the most important leftist party in Nicaragua?

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Inforpress Centroamericana inforpre@inforpressca.com

13 August 2004