|
Energy
PRI To Seek Changes In Territorial Limits Treaties
March 31, 2008
Former Foreign Affairs Minister and current president of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Commission Rosario Green announced that the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) will seek to broaden the Mexico-U.S. treaty on Territorial Limits, specifically at the “Doughnut Hole” area, to prevent U.S. oil companies from extracting Mexican oil in border fields by means of the so-called “straw-effect.” In addition, Green said that diplomatic action to protect the border oil fields is urgent and that the PRI will soon submit a formal request to the Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) to negotiate a limits treaty with Cuba, including specifications on hydrocarbons exploitation at the Gulf of Mexico.
Lopez Obrador Accuses Government Of Favoring Spanish Firm In Energy Deals
April 1, 2008
Leftist former presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) said that President Calderon has awarded favorable contracts to Spanish energy firm Repsol without seeking competitive bids. AMLO said that Repsol buys gas in Peru at very low prices and sells it to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) at very elevated prices. CFE said it carried out the supply tender in a transparent fashion, and no companies involved in the process filed any complaints. CFE said that Repsol was the only final bidder in the tender because competing firms were unable to guarantee supplies for the 15-year contract period. In addition, CFE said that Mexico will save USD 1.5 billion over the contract with Repsol compared with reference LNG prices in South Texas. The contract is for up to 500 million cubic feet a day of LNG.
Pemex-Shell JV Deer Park Refining To Provide Turbosine To U.S. Army
April 4, 2008
Pemex and Shell Oil Joint Venture Deer Park Refining was awarded an USD 882.8 million contract to sell turbosine to the U.S. Army. The contract, which was awarded through the U.S. Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), calls for Deer Park to provide turbosine to the U.S. Army until April 30, 2009, at a fixed price. The turbosine will be produced at Deer Park’s Texas refinery.
Pemex Signs Exploration Contract With TDI-Brooks
April 1, 2008
Texas-based offshore surface geochemical exploration company TDI-Brooks signed a six-month MXN 27.2 million contract with Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (PEP) to look for hydrocarbons in superficial and deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico’s northern area, by obtaining 266 sediment samples. TDI-Brooks works with U.S. companies that are currently exploring the Gulf of Mexico, as well as with other oil firms such as Petrobras, Elf and Repsol.
back to top
Trade & Investment
NAFTA Trade Between U.S., Mexico, Canada Could Reach USD 1 Trillion In 2008
April 6, 2008
According to the U.S. Trade Secretary, trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico via the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could reach USD 1 trillion in 2008. The three countries currently exchange some USD 930 billion in goods each year. The official mentioned the importance of the accord, which has engendered debate within the U.S. presidential campaign, noting that the region was competing better in international markets through the pact. Among the benefits produced by NAFTA has been the creation of new jobs and the growth in the manufacturing sector.
back to top
Banking, Insurance & Finance
Volkswagen Launches Bank
April 1, 2008
The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) said it has given approval to operate banks to both German automaker Volkswagen and Mexican Money Exchange firm Consultoria Internacional. The Volkswagen Bank will begin without branches, operating via telephone and at customer centers in Mexico City (DF), Guadalajara, Monterrey and Puebla. It will offer deposits, investment accounts and car loans. Consultoria Internacional will start operations in 24 states, with 92 branches mostly in commercial and tourist locations, focusing on currency exchange and remittances.
BBVA’s Bancomer To Add 4 Million New Clients By 2010
April 3, 2008
Bancomer, the Mexican arm of Spanish banking group Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), plans to add 4 million clients and open about 300 branches by the end of the decade as it extends financial services to people who previously had little or no contact with a bank. Bancomer said it expects to reach 18 million clients in 2010, starting from 14 million last year. BBVA has invested heavily in its Mexican franchise in the last four years by opening hundreds of new branches, developing new products, and acquiring the country’s leading home finance company, Hipotecaria Nacional, in 2005.
HSBC Aims To Double Product Use In Mexico After Client Boom
April 4, 2008
The Mexican arm of British bank HSBC said it wants to double the number of financial products and services its clients use over the next years after adding about 2.6 million new customers since it entered Mexico in late 2002. Executives have said that they would like to see HSBC get up to four or five products per customer, which they described as a medium-term objective. HSBC paid nearly USD 1.14 billion for Mexico’s fourth-largest banking group Grupo Financiero Bital in late 2002; and it then changed its name to Grupo Financiero HSBC.
ING Eyes Mexico, Brazil Markets, Sees Cheaper Deals
April 2, 2008
Dutch financial services group ING said it wants to expand in emerging markets to tap demand for savings and pensions, and said financial market turmoil has cut the cost of potential deals. ING stated that its growth strategy for Latin America would focus on Brazil and Mexico, as these two states make up almost three-quarters of the region’s wealth management assets. ING would seek alliances and partnerships to distribute its products, and smaller takeovers would be considered in the said countries.
back to top
Business & Industry
Cemex Sells USD 257 Million In Axtel Shares To Pay Down Debt
March 31, 2008
Mexican cement giant Cemex said that it has sold about USD 257 million in shares of Mexican fixed-line phone company Axtel to pay down debt. Cemex said the 119 million CPO shares it sold represent about 9.5% of Axtel’s common equity, and about 90% of its total holding in the telecommunications firm. Cemex took on considerable debt last year to finance its acquisition of Australian building materials firm Rinker. Axtel said the divestiture was made via a three-year forward agreement with banks Credit Suisse and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria that will allow the cement company to benefit from the potential appreciation of Axtel’s share price during the life of the agreement.
Wendy’s Signs Two Development Agreements In Mexico
March 31, 2008
U.S. restaurant operating and franchising company Wendy’s International announced it has signed development agreements to open Wendy’s restaurants in Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo Leon, and in Mexico City (DF). Under the said deals, two new franchisees will build and operate more than 60 restaurants over the next seven years. The first of these restaurants is expected to open before the end of 2008. Wendy’s existing franchisee, Wenco-Mexico, currently operates 12 restaurants in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, in the state of the same name. The new DF franchise is an affiliate of Corpogas, and Grupo Refran will operate the Monterrey franchises.
Vitro Inaugurates New EUR 3 Million Plant In Spain
April 2, 2008
Mexican glassmaker Vitro said it has spent more than EUR 3 million on the installation of a new production line for laminated glass at its Spain facility. The new plant will contribute to total production topping 96 tons of glass per day, and will be focused on supplying the auto and the construction sectors in the Iberian Peninsula. Flat glass represents approximately 50% of Vitro revenue. The global flat glass market is valued at USD 20 billion. Vitro Cristalglass is Vitro’s Spanish subsidiary.
La-Z-Boy: Some Operations Slated For A Shift To Mexico
April 3, 2008
U.S. easy-chair maker La-Z-Boy plans to consolidate its domestic cutting and sewing operations in Mexico, affecting 1,050 employees. The change is set to occur between 18 months and 2 years, and production is expected to begin in early 2009. La-Z-Boy plans to stop production at its Tremonton, Utah, plant this summer, affecting 630 workers. The company will shift production to its five remaining facilities, adding 400 positions. La-Z-Boy forecast USD 25 million in cost savings starting in 2011.
back to top
Automotive
SanLuis Initiates Work Stoppages At Its Coahuila Plant
April 2, 2008
Mexican autoparts manufacturer SanLuis initiated work stoppages at its suspension production facility in the state of Coahuila. The work stoppages will impact more than 700 workers during a six-week period. SanLuis is attributing the work slowdown to the ongoing strike at American Axle Manufacturing that is affecting the global production of truck parts for General Motors. SanLuis is expecting to initiate training sessions for some of the affected workers.
back to top
Construction & Infrastructure
Chavez To Nationalize Cement Industry, Mexico Backs Seriously Affected Cemex
April 7, 2008
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered the nationalization of Venezuela’s cement industry, saying his government cannot allow businesses to continue exporting raw materials needed to help tackle a domestic housing shortage. Chavez had originally said the cement companies, which include Mexico’s Cemex, will be paid fair compensation in the state takeover of what he called “a strategic industry.” Nevertheless, Venezuela later said that it will take control of the three foreign-owned cement businesses, but will let the current owners keep minority shares. Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez made the announcement after talks with representatives of Cemex, France’s Lafarge and Switzerland’s Holcim. Ramirez said that the move could be handled much like the nationalization of oil projects last year: “That is to say, a share of participation by the Venezuelan state of a minimum of around 60%.” The foreign companies have not yet indicated if they would accept the terms and stay on as minority partners. Last week Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) condemned the nationalization and summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to discuss the issue.
Government Sees Port, Airport Tenders In 2008
April 2, 2008
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that the government will start the tender for its planned huge Punta Colonet container port, in the state of Baja California, by midyear, and the terminal should be in operation in four to five years. The head of SCT, Luis Tellez, said at the Latin American Investment Summit that there was a lot of interest from U.S., Mexican, European and Asian companies to build the Pacific coast port, which could cost up to USD 6 billion. Tellez also said a tender for a concession to build and operate an airport in the Riviera Maya resort area will open in 2H, 2008, and he saw no competition issues with airport operator Asur taking part in the bidding process.
SCT To Open Six Road Tenders Between April 2008 And May 2009
April 4, 2008
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that between April this year and May 2009 it will open tenders for six road projects, which include the “Del Pacifico” project on the Northwestern Pacific coast – which is currently open for bidding – the Mexico-Bajio project, the Del Sol project, a road in the state of Michoacan, a road in the Southeastern region and a road in the Gulf of Mexico area.
back to top
Transportation
Mexico City Chooses Developers For Public Transport Hubs
March 31, 2008
The Mexico City (DF) government said it has chosen partners to develop four public transport hubs in the capital, kicking off an infrastructure plan focused on the city’s public transport needs. The DF government’s Finance Ministry (SFDF) said four partners – amongst them billionaire Carlos Slim’s infrastructure development company Ideal and the retail chain Chedraui – plan to invest a combined USD 340 million in the development of the four hubs in different parts of the city. The projects involve organizing passenger flows through the hubs, which join busy Metro stations with other means of transport such as buses, while providing public parking and other services. They also involve construction of commercial infrastructure such as stores, restaurants and other amenities, which can be rented out by the developers.
Abertis, New GAP Partner
April 1, 2008
Spanish telecommunications and services provider Abertis became the brand new partner of Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) after it completed its purchase from Spanish group ACS of 100% of Desarrollo de Concesiones Aeroportuarias (DCA), a holding company with stakes in 15 airports in Mexico, Jamaica, Chile and Colombia. In Mexico, DCA is one of three shareholders – with a 33.33% stake – in Aeropuertos Mexicanos del Pacifico (AMP). AMP is in turn the main shareholder and strategic partner of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) with a 17% stake.
back to top
Telecommunications & Technology
Cofetel To Sell Wireless Licenses In 2Q
March 31, 2008
The Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) has authorized the sale of wireless licenses starting in 2Q as part of a larger spectrum auction program aimed at boosting competition in the sector. The Communications and Transport Minister Luis Tellez said that the 2008 auction program, which Cofetel and the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) have worked on together, is the most important program in the history of telecommunications in Mexico, due to the amount of spectrum available for mobile and fixed (telephony) services. Tellez said SCT has recommended that Cofetel complete the first auction – of 1900 megahertz mobile telephony licenses – within the next 45 days, and finish the other auctions within 180 days.
SCT: Telmex To Offer TV Services In 2008
April 2, 2008
The Communications and Transport Minister Luis Tellez said that Telmex, which already operates 90% of the country’s fixed telephone lines, will be authorized this year to provide TV services through its own network. Tellez said Telmex must comply with a series of conditions regarding competition and market opening in order to have its concession modified. Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said that achieving competition in the telecommunications sector in Mexico remains an important challenge for the government, and stressed that Telmex is seen as a firm having a deep influence on legislative processes, on the courts and on the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel).
Unefon Keeps Demanding To Be Reimbursed MXN 46 Million By SCT
April 1, 2008
Unefon, a sister company of Mexican mobile operator Grupo Iusacell, continues to demand from the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) a MXN 46 million (plus taxes) reimbursement for being wrongly charged a tax related to its purchase of spectrum during a previous administration, between 1998 and 1999. Unefon and Iusacell stepped up media pressure against leading members of President Calderon’s cabinet who are being blamed for having levied the said fee on Unefon when it did not pay for its wireless concession before a set deadline.
Cablemas Tender For USD 175 Million Bonds Timed For May
April 4, 2008
Mexican cable company Cablemas will tender for its USD 175 million, 9.375%, 2015 bonds in May. The Cablemas tender is expected to follow an announcement by the Federal Competition Commission (CFC) validating the conversion of a USD 256 million loan from Mexican broadcaster Televisa into a 49% stake in the company. Cablemas and TVI, a Monterrey-based cable company recently acquired by Televisa, tapped a JPMorgan traditional bank loan to fund its acquisition of Mexico-based fiber-optic network company Bestel. Bestel will allow Cablemas to more fully explore its options in the telephony sector. Cablemas and partners Televisa and TVI expect to focus synergies in Bestel-related activities in the telecommunications sector.
Cofetel, Cofemer: Network Interconnection Process Advances
April 3, 2008
The Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) submitted to the Federal Regulatory Commission (Cofemer) the Fundamental Technical Plan for Interconnection and Interoperability, whose main objective is to serve as the instrument facilitating the technological and market transition toward next-generation communications networks. Cofemer will be revising the Plan in order to move forward on the interconnection process. Interconnection processes and technological transitions aim at allowing telcos to provide better-quality communications services at lower prices.
back to top
Media & Entertainment
Televisa Begins Making Chinese Soap Opera
April 3, 2008
Mexican broadcaster Televisa said it has started production of its first Chinese-language soap opera, as the media giant taps the vast Asian market in search of new business. Televisa will make a new version of Colombia’s 1999 hit soap Yo Soy Betty la Fea about a goofy, mustachioed, bushy-browed but brainy girl who climbs high in the corporate ladder and wins the love of a top executive. Televisa, the biggest producer of Spanish-language content in the world, said that it will partner with China’s Hunan broadcaster, production house Nesound and Colombia’s RCN in the production of the new soap, due to air in September.
back to top
Farming & Agriculture
Mexico Starts Move Toward Genetically Modified Crops
April 2, 2008
Mexico is preparing to allow experimental production of genetically modified crops, although it’s too soon to say when the first commercial crops might be grown. Last month, the government published regulations for pilot tests with genetically modified crops, drawing renewed complaints from groups opposed to their introduction, particularly in the case of corn. However, the executive secretary of the governmental Commission On Biosecurity and Genetically Modified Organisms (Cibiogem) denied that commercial use of transgenic crops was imminent. Requests for experimental growing permits listed on the Cibiogem website include corn, cotton, soybeans and alfalfa. Proposed strains include crops that are insect-resistant, or tolerant of herbicides. Alvaréz said that under the regulations, Cibiogem has 60 days to determine what safety measures are needed to process applications, but that it’s too early to say when the first commercial growing could begin.
U.S. Farmers Begin Producing In Mexico
March 31, 2008
U.S. farmers have started to move their production to Mexico in order to avoid the negative effects of the tightening of anti-immigrant laws in the U.S. Additionally attractive is the fact that Mexican labor is about ten times cheaper than U.S. labor. However, the production migration has led to an increase in land lease prices and to an oversupplied market that has been affecting Mexican producers. Some of the U.S. farming companies that migrated their production to Mexico include Bill Packer, Capurro and Sahara, in the state of Baja California; Veg Packer and Driscoll are now established in the state of Guanajuato.
back to top
Economy
Banxico Sees Serious Inflation, Growth Risks
April 4, 2008
The Governor of the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) Guillermo Ortiz said that inflation and economic growth risks remain high due to rising food prices and economic headwinds from a slowdown in the U.S. The estimate for core inflation in 2008, which excludes energy and fresh produce, rose to 3.91% in March from 3.74% in February. Expectations for economic growth this year slipped to 2.67% in March from 2.77% in February. Banxico’s most recent estimate is for GDP to grow between 2.75% and 3.25% this year, while the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) is estimating 2.8% growth. SHCP expects the economy to accelerate in 2009 after a slowdown this year and estimates that GDP will grow 4% in 2009.
Mexico Sells USD 1.25 Billion Warrants For Peso Debt
April 3, 2008
Mexico sold warrants to exchange foreign bonds worth USD 1.25 billion for peso-denominated and inflation-linked local bonds. The warrants exchange a basket of dollar- and euro-denominated securities into two separate baskets of peso-denominated bonds. The first basket are Bonos maturing in 2014, 2017 and 2036. The second basket are Udibonos, or inflation-linked bonds, maturing in 2017 and 2035.
SHCP Collections From IETU Are 48% Higher Than Expected
April 3, 2008
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that between January and February it collected MXN 8.5 billion from the flat corporate tax Impuesto Empresarial a Tasa Unica (IETU). SHCP noted that the figure is 47.9% higher than what it had originally expected to collect during the said period.
Exporters, Importers To Save MXN 2.5 Billion With New Customs Regulations
April 4, 2008
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) recently issued a decree eliminating and simplifying a series of customs and foreign trade procedures that would transfer administrative expenditures – formerly paid by companies – to the government. The Economy Ministry (SE) estimated that with the said new regulations, exporters and importers might save up to MXN 2.5 billion per year.
back to top
Border & Migration
Western Union And Partners Address Robust Remittance Market
April 2, 2008
U.S. remittance giant Western Union said that it was rolling out a service that would enable consumers in the U.S. to send money to relatives in Latin America using their cellular phones. Western Union has teamed with Texas companies RadioShack and Affinity Mobile of Dallas, to offer the service. Customers can go to any of RadioShack’s stores in the U.S. and purchase one of Affinity’s prepaid mobile phones. The phone kit includes a “stored value” card that functions as a debit card and can be accessed from the cell phone. After activating the card, the consumer can load as much as USD 2,500 on it, using cash or a credit card. To send money, the customer types a few keystrokes into the cell phone to determine how much to send and to whom to send it.
Michael Chertoff Waives Acts To Allow Completion Of Border Fence
April 3, 2008
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff waived the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and other environmental protections to allow the government to finish building 700 or so miles of border fence by end 2008 without undertaking legally mandated reviews of the consequences for threatened wildlife and their habitats. According to environmental experts, sensitive areas in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas would be affected. The U.S. Congress gave the Homeland Security Secretary waiver authority in 2005.
back to top
Politics
Mexico Seeks To Prevent Negative Changes To SPP
April 3, 2008
Foreign affairs officials said that Mexico will participate in the upcoming North American Leaders’ Summit, to be held in New Orleans April 21-22, and try to protect the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America agreements (SPPs) ahead of the U.S. Presidential elections and the 2008 government change. Mexico will seek to ensure that the current SPP agenda suffers little or no changes under the new U.S. Presidency. Mexico wants to guarantee continuity in the cooperation mechanism’s performance and ensure that the new U.S. government will not make an inefficient use of progress reached so far.
U.S. Official Says Calderon Leads Mexico Toward A Step Forward
April 2, 2008
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon said that Mexico is on the verge of a “great step,” whose success the U.S. wishes to ensure, under the lead of President Calderon. Shannon also said that Mexico is under a dynamic change and ready to take a step forward in its social and economic development, and that the U.S. is looking forward to helping Mexico be successful. Shannon stressed that the U.S. wishes to have a developed and safe neighbor south of the border, which is possible with Mexico’s current leader, popular commitment and vision.
Senate Criticizes IFE’s Request For Budgetary Increase
April 3, 2008
The Senate approved a document in which it says it entirely disagrees with the Federal Electoral Institute’s (IFE’s) decision to ask for an increase in its budget. The country’s three major parties along with other minor institutions voted in favor of IFE using resources obtained through savings resulting from the 2008 reduction to public financing for the parties and political groups.
Alberto Begne Reelected As Alternativa Socialdemocrata’s President
March 31, 2008
Alberto Begne Guerra was unanimously reelected as President of minor leftist party Alternativa Socialdemocrata, beating the party’s founder Patricia Mercado. The party’s Vice President will be Luciano Pascoe, who formerly was the party’s representative at the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE). In addition, the party’s name will change to Partido Socialdemocrata.
back to top
Justice, Safety & Crime
Ambassador Garza: U.S. Could Heighten Mexico Travel Alert
April 5, 2008
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza said that due to high levels of violence in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, it could be necessary for Washington to issue a heightened alert on travel to Mexico later this month. The Ambassador noted that some 200 organized-crime-related murders – out of a total of more than 800 nationwide – have occurred in that city so far this year. Some 2,000 cars also were stolen in the metropolis between January and February, while bank robberies have reached “record levels” and there has also been a rise in extortion through kidnappings. The current alert is found on the State Department’s Web page and warns of narcotics-related violence in many areas of the country and the harassment of U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas.
PGR Counts 4,363 Executions In 15 Months
April 2, 2008
According to a document prepared by the Federal Attorney’s Office (PGR), 863 persons have been executed so far during 1Q in 26 of the 32 states. The figure reflects a 71% increase compared to the 2007 period. PGR also said that organized-crime-related executions since the beginning of the current administration amount to 4,363.
Agents Seize USD 6 Million In Nuevo Laredo Drug Bust
April 4, 2008
Federal police arrested five alleged drug cartel gunmen and seized from them USD 6 million in cash during an operation in the state of Tamaulipas. The seizure marked the latest blow against the Gulf Cartel. Authorities said the arrested men are members of “the Zetas,” a paramilitary group of gunmen led by deserters from elite Mexican army units. The five men were arrested at a checkpoint about 15 miles south of Nuevo Laredo. After their arrest, they led police to a safe house in the border city, where the cash was discovered in eight large suitcases.
Bishop Says Drug Traffickers Finance Churches
April 6, 2008
A top Roman Catholic leader suggested that violent drug traffickers have been “generous” to their communities, drawing a swift rebuke from another high-ranking church official and from ruling-party politicians. Texcoco Bishop Carlos Aguiar Retes, president of the Mexican Bishops Conference, said drug lords had financed public works in rural areas that are little served by the government and also had built churches. Bishop Aguiar said drug lords should be forgiven if they repent; Mexico City Cardinal Norberto Rivera, the nation’s highest-ranking churchman, said through a spokesman that the bishop’s comments could be misconstrued as being soft on the traffickers.
Judges To Get Protection In Nuevo Leon
April 1, 2008
The legislature of the state of Nuevo Leon voted unanimously to provide protection, including bodyguards and armored vehicles, to judges and their families in light of threats by drug traffickers. Up until now, the law only provided for protection for the governor, the public security ministry and the attorney general, among others. The legal reforms will take effect once they are published in Nuevo Leon’s official gazette.
CNDH: Mara Gangs Have Taken Root In Mexico
April 2, 2008
National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) reported that Central America’s brutal Mara gangs have taken root in Mexico because law enforcement is too busy fighting drug smuggling to go after them. CNDH said that some 5,000 members are now active in about 200 cells in Mexico. The Mara 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs are known throughout Central America and in some U.S. cities for their brazen tactics, which often include beheading their enemies. Many Mara members moved into Mexico after Central American nations began implementing tough anti-gang laws in recent years. Some travel through Mexico to reach the U.S. In the state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala, 63% of the Mara members detained by authorities are Mexican citizens.
Mexican Mayor Faces Trafficking Charges In New York
April 3, 2008
The newly elected mayor of a city in the state of Puebla was returned to New York to face charges of trafficking cocaine into the U.S. Ruben Gil, 41, who was elected in November, is charged with participating in a “far-reaching narcotics trafficking conspiracy” that involved the transportation and delivery of cocaine to co-conspirators in the New York metropolitan area in 2006 and 2007. Gil was arrested in California on March 23 as he tried to fly into Los Angeles. His name was on a watch list because of his suspected drug-trafficking activity. If convicted, Gil faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Officials Liberate 133 Inmates In Chiapas
March 31, 2008
Officials from the state of Chiapas are releasing more than 100 prisoners after determining there is little or no evidence against them. The Justice Minister of Chiapas said the state government reviewed 360 files forwarded by farming and religious groups and determined there was little or no evidence in 133 cases. About 50 of those released hadn’t consumed anything but water with honey for 38 days to protest what they call their political imprisonment. Local bishops and human rights activists had organized demonstrations calling for their release.
back to top
Health & Science
Mexican Scientists Discover Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis
April 3, 2008
Mexican scientists Adolfo Martinez Palomo and Julio Sotelo Morales recently discovered that multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease, is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox. The discovery will not only make it possible to control the most important neurological disease, but also puts an end to decades of speculation regarding the disease. The scientists’ study can be found in the most recent issue of the Annals of Neurology.
Non-Smokers Protection Law Enters Into Force
April 3, 2008
A recently passed law banning smoking in virtually all public spaces in Mexico City (DF), has gone into force. The owners of restaurants and bars, which can be fined or even closed if they ignore smoking in prohibited areas, are bristling at the regulations. Smokers who refuse to put out their cigarettes face fines ranging from USD 50 to USD 150 and 36 hours in jail.
Mexican Director Iñarritu Takes On Meth Abuse
April 1, 2008
Acclaimed Mexican film director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, whose works include Babel and 21 Grams, has created a series of TV ads aimed at discouraging methamphetamine use by U.S. teenagers. Three public-service spots Iñarritu directed for a nonprofit anti-drug program called the Meth Project began airing in Montana, a rural Western state where abuse of the addictive synthetic stimulant has reached alarming proportions. At the time the Meth Project campaign was launched in 2005, Montana was ranked fifth in the U.S. for meth abuse, according to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Meth Project organizers say their campaign is working.
CHHS Forbids Mexican Chewing Gum
April 1, 2008
The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) said it forbid the sale, distribution and consumption of some Mexican-made chewing gum because the amount of lead in the product is higher than the state’s allowed levels. CHHS said that the amount of lead it found in the “Yosi Megapack” chewing gum brand is nearly six times higher than the amount of lead a product is allowed to have in California without representing a threat of human health.
back to top
Sports
Lorena Ochoa Romps To Second Major Victory By Five Shots
April 6, 2008
The world’s top-ranked women’s golfer Lorena Ochoa underlined her dominance in the women’s game by charging to a second successive major title by five shots at the Kraft Nabisco Championship. The 26-year-old Mexican, a stroke ahead overnight, fired a flawless five-under-par 67 to pull away from the field on a breezy sun-drenched day at Mission Hills Country Club. Ochoa, who clinched her first major title at last year’s Women’s British Open, closed the door on the chasing pack with a three-birdie run from the eighth before finishing at 11-under 277. It was the 20th LPGA victory of her career, and her third this year in just four starts.
FMF Fire Soccer Coach Hugo Sanchez After 16 Months
March 31, 2008
The Mexican Soccer Football Federation (FMF) fired Coach Hugo Sanchez after only 16 months on the job. The former Real Madrid striker, widely regarded as the finest player Mexico has produced, was sacked two weeks after the under-23 team, which he also coached, failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. The FMF said the decision had been taken by a meeting of the federation’s executive committee, which is made up of the presidents of the 18 first-division clubs. The media have identified a list of possible long-term replacements, including Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, currently with Portugal, Argentine Jose Pekerman and Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning coach Marcelo Lippi.
back to top
Arts & Culture
Smuggled Artifacts Stored In Dallas Customs Vaults Returned To Mexico
April 2, 2008
U.S. customs agents and Mexican diplomats said that a treasure trove of about 100 artifacts, believed to be pre-Columbian, is on its way to Mexico. Among the antiquities is a stone mask of a broad-featured man, which is believed to come from the Olmec civilization, the oldest in the Americas, and it dates as far back as 1000 BC. Other items include figurines in jadeite, precious stones symbolically linked to fertility for the people of ancient Mesoamerica and once valued more than gold. No one has been charged with smuggling the goods into the U.S., though it is illegal to traffic in antiquities under U.S. law. Since 1827, Mexico has prohibited the exportation of archaeological items. Some of the seizures were made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
back to top
|
