Argentine gov't accuses Citibank of illegal deal

The Argentine government has accused Citibank with striking an illegal deal by reach an agreement with US vulture fund creditors. Citibank was accused of abandoning its clients by striking an agreement with holdout investors for processing Argentine debt services.For failure to comply with Argentine law, authorities barred Citibank from trading on the local stock exchange.

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Argentine transportation workers walk out in general strike

Opposition labor unions paralyzed Argentina today with a general strike aimed at demanding lower income taxes. Workers shut down banks and public transportation across the country. Government oficials harshly criticized the measure, charging that it is a political strike in an election year. Officials also state that no union will be sanctioned for this measure. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires for teleSUR.

Argentine opposition critical of publicly owned company

Argentin'as Congress has begun to discuss the nationalization of the railways. The head of the Transportation Committee of the Lower House said that the opposition showed a critical attitude towards the new publicly owned company that will be created to build passes. The bill shows the goals that the Cristina Fernandez administration is pursuing for improving rail transportation.

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires for teleSUR

First-ever Primary Elections Held in Buenos Aires

The Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires held its first-ever primary elections Sunday. About 70% of eligible voters went to the polls to select the parties and candidates who will run in the July local elections. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Britain strengthening its military presence in the Malvinas

In what Argentine officials call a "clear provocation", Great Britain is strengthening its military presence in the Malvinas Islands, violating UN resolutions and international law. London claims the increased military presence is in response to the threat of an Argentine invasion, which Buenos Aires says is ridiculous. Observers charge that the British measures are designed to whip up nationalist sentiment at home for electoral purposes. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires

Prosecution of human rights violators proceeds in Argentina

A retired Argentine Air Force officer was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity committed under the military dictatorship. In 2003 under the government of president Nestor Kirchner the law preventing the prosecution of such human rights violations was repealed and since than over 500 military officials, businessmen, and clergymen have been convicted and 1,000 more await trial. Human rights advocates are now focusing on the collaboration between major corporations and the dictatorship. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Argentine gov't program seeks to aid small farmers

The Argentine government has moved to support small farmers struggling with a drop in international agricultural commodity prices. An agreement with the Argentine Agrarian Federation was announced to create a US$300 million fund to help small farmers. Large landowners oppose the measure and call on the government to eliminate the tax on agricultural exports. With the new measures small and medium farmers are expected to bring in a record harvest. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.

Solidarity with Venezuela urged at Emancipation and Equality Forum

Intellectuals and politicians from all over the world are attending the three-day Emancipation and Equality Forum at the Cervantes National Theatre in Buenos Aires. In their discussions on how to overcome neoliberalism, it was noted that 50 million people in Latin America have been lifted out of poverty in the last 15 years. Bolivia's Vice President insisted that Venezuela is the key to Latin America and that in case of a US invasion or any type of aggression the entire continent would lose. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires for teleSUR.

Concern grows in Argentina over politicization of judiciary

Concern is growing in Argentina over the increasing politicization of the judiciary branch, with many judges and courts being accused of using their position to attack and undermine the government of President Cristina Fernandez. Prosecutors pressing charges filed by their deceased colleague Alberto Nisman accusing the government of covering up Iranian involvement in the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Jewish community center are appealing the judge's dismissal of the case to a court of appeals which has a clear bias against the Fernandez administration. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires. 

Argentina to re-nationalize railways

In her speech to Congress on Sunday, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez announced that the nation's railways would be re-nationalized. The move is at least partially in response to the inefficient private management of the rail system. Fernandez announced other measures designed to protect and support domestic industry and job creation. 

Laureano Ponce reports from Buenos Aires.