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Energy
Mexico, U.S. Carry Out Binational Hydrocarbons Spillage Drill MEXUS-GULF 2008
June 9, 2008
Mexico and the U.S. have successfully carried out the Binational Hydrocarbons Spillage Drill MEXUS-GULF 2008, which consisted of spilling about 250,000 gallons of fuel after a simulated collision between a ship and a platform. The drill allowed measuring both countries' response capacity to address a similar event as well as preparing and improving emergency teams. Mexico's Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, Pemex, the government of the state of Tamaulipas, the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry (SEMARNAT), service stations, the National Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters (CENAPRED) and the Federal Environment Protection Agency (PROFEPA) carried out MEXUS.
Pemex To Increase Refining Of Heavy Crudes
June 10, 2008
Executives from Pemex have said that the company plans to increase the volume of heavy crudes it processes in its domestic refining network through upgrades to existing plants and new refineries. Heavy crudes, which are more difficult to refine into gasoline, diesel and other high-value transportation fuels, now account for around two-thirds of Mexican crude production. Pemex's refining network mainly relies on lighter grades; heavy grades of crude account for between 35% and 40% of processing rates at the domestic refining network. Mexico's refining industry needs investment of about USD 50 billion from 2009 through 2017.
Fuel Subsidies Seen Staying Until Midterm Elections
June 12, 2008
Fuel subsidies are costing the government billions of dollars, but political concerns prevent President Calderon from adjusting gasoline and diesel prices any time soon. Mexico passed a 5% gasoline price increase in January to be implemented gradually by mid-2009, but that has been overshadowed by the surge in world oil prices to record levels. The government expects subsidies for gasoline and diesel to rise fourfold this year to USD 19 billion; and with 2009 congressional elections on the horizon, Calderon is not likely to raise fuel costs.
Governors Demand Part Of Oil Surplus Money
June 14, 2008
Governors have said that they will demand the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) distribute about MXN 19 billion from oil surplus money that their states are owed by law. The governor of the state of Chihuahua said that the criteria the federal government used to calculate and say that there is no oil surplus violates the Income Law. The governor said that federal authorities will meet with local finance ministers and review figures, and depending on SHCP's new response regarding the oil surplus, a meeting of the National Governors Conference could be summoned. Chihuahua's governor said that SHCP has miscalculated the oil surplus by using an erroneous formula. The government said that not only is there no surplus oil money, but also that Pemex had actually lost nearly MXN 11 billion in the first three months of the year.
International, Local Companies Attracted By Etileno XXI Project
June 13, 2008
According to officials from Pemex and the Energy Ministry (SENER), international and domestic concerns, including Chevron, Dow Chemical, Grupo Alfa, Grupo Mexichem and Grupo Idesa have said they are interested in the USD 2.8 billion Etileno XXI petrochemical project. The project is expected to have the capacity to generate 1 million tons of ethylene and its derivates per year. Bids for the project will open by the end of the year.
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Mining
Billionaire German Larrea Testifies In Asarco Case
June 10, 2008
Mexican billionaire and CEO of mining company Grupo Mexico (G-Mex) German Larrea defended himself in a U.S. court against claims he was part of a scheme that pushed miner Asarco LLC into bankruptcy. Larrea, head of G-Mex's Americas Mining Corp. unit, is accused by Asarco of stripping the bankrupt concern of a valuable stake in Southern Peru Copper Corp. Larrea said that the decision to put Asarco in bankruptcy in 2005 was a "low cost solution" aimed at cleaning up Asarco's outstanding liabilities and that he never thought the bankruptcy process would drag on for years. Larrea said U.S. Chapter 11 law was different than in Mexico.
U.S. Judge: Ruling On Sterlite Asarco Bid Before July 2
June 14, 2008
A U.S. federal bankruptcy judge said he would issue a ruling before July 2 that could clear the way for Sterlite, the Indian subsidiary of London-based metals and mining major Vedanta Resources, to pursue a USD 2.6 billion bid for the working assets of bankrupt copper miner Asarco LLC. Judge Richard Schmidt also extended the period of exclusive control by Asarco's board over the debtor company until he issues his ruling. The bid by Sterlite will die if not approved by the court by July 2. Asarco's board favors Sterlite's plan and urged Schmidt in hearings to approve a USD 52 million breakup fee Sterlite wants as protection to pursue the bid through the end of the year.
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
Bank Lending To Private Sector Drops By MXN 24 Billion
June 10, 2008
According to reports by the central bank (Banxico) banking institutions' lending to the private sector dropped by MXN 24 billion during 1Q compared to the same 2007 period. Lending to the private sector in 1Q 2007 amounted to some MXN 81 billion, whereas in 1Q 2008 lending amounted to MXN 57 billion, equivalent to a 29.6% decrease.
BMV Launches Own IPO
June 13, 2008
Mexico's Stock Exchange Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) launched its own initial public offering (IPO) after 18 months of delays and is expected to value the company at about USD 1 billion. BMV's flotation was first announced last year and follows a global trend of stockmarket IPOs. It will be the second exchange to list in Latin America after the Brazilian Bovespa exchange's IPO in October 2007. Guillermo Prieto Treviño, BMV's president, has said that the 24 brokerage houses that own the exchange had agreed to float 45% of the company.
AMIS's New President Announces Focuses Of His Administration
June 11, 2008
Juan Ignacio Gil Anton, the new president of Mexico's Insurance Association (AMIS), said he will focus on boosting micro-insurance, obtaining broader participation of the sector in health insurance, mostly the popular insurance, as well as solidifying the new obligatory auto insurance CUIDA, boosting promotion of private insurance among those belonging to the Social Security and Services Institute for Government Workers (ISSSTE), and negotiating changes to insurance regulation as well as the creation of a national reinsurer for natural catastrophes with the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) and National Insurance and Finance Commission (CNSF).
AMIS: New Regulation Required For Insurance Companies
June 10, 2008
According to Mexico's Insurance Association (AMIS), one of the challenges that the institution faces is succeeding in obtaining Congressional changes to the Insurance Institutions and the Insurance Contracts Laws, as the regulation is not correctly updated if compared with international standards. Meanwhile, the Finance and Public Credit Underminister said that federal authorities are already working on a set of changes to the regulatory framework for the insurance sector in order to improve the entrance of new customers to the insurance market.
IETU To Impact Insurance Sector Operability
June 11, 2008
According to Mexico's Insurance Association (AMIS), the flat corporate tax IETU will affect the insurance sector's operability, as it will contribute to a decapitalization of the sector. AMIS said it considers IETU an unconstitutional tax and said it expects the Supreme Court's (SCJN), upcoming ruling on the issue to favor insurers.
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Business & Industry
President Calderon Announces Set Of New Measures In The Medical Sector
June 11, 2008
President Calderon announced a set of new measures in the social security system, including the completion of 43 hospital construction and improvements works that had been delayed for 20 years; a decree by means of which cheaper medicines will be purchased and save the federation about MXN 3 billion. President Calderon said the recently signed decree will allow institutions such as the Social Security and Services Institute for Government Workers (ISSSTE) to carry out successive auctions or subsequent discounts.
Grupo Modelo Monitoring InBev Bid For Anheuser-Busch
June 15, 2008
Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo (GModelo) said it is monitoring the USD 46.9 billion bid by Belgian-Brazilian peer InBev for its U.S. partner Anheuser-Busch. InBev said that it has offered USD 65 a share for Anheuser-Busch, in an unsolicited bid that would merge the companies into the world's leading brewer. GModelo has said that it will be monitoring the situation. Grupo Modelo is 50% owned by Anheuser-Busch. Sources have said that InBev has reached out to GModelo and indicated that if it takes control of Anheuser, it would "be happy to keep Anheuser's 50% stake, sell it back to GModelo, or buy GModelo outright with InBev stock." InBev has also warned Anheuser-Busch against doing a reported deal with GModelo, saying it could endanger the premium price it's willing to pay for its peer.
CHRISTUS Muguerza, Sekure Healthcare, IntelHealthGroup Sign Agreement
June 11, 2008
California-based health coverage provider Sekure Healthcare announced an agreement with the Mexican unit of U.S.-based CHRISTUS Health System, CHRISTUS Muguerza, and Mexican healthcare consulting and medical travel company IntelHealthGroup. The agreement allows Sekure Healthcare members to utilize their insurance benefits at CHRISTUS Muguerza Alta Especialidad Hospital in Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo Leon. Additionally, IntelHealthGroup, which facilitates access to quality medical facilities in Mexico, will provide its services to Sekure Healthcare members and to those wishing to travel to Mexico for their healthcare needs. CHRISTUS Muguerza Alta Especialidad Hospital is Mexico's first hospital to be accredited by Joint Commission International.
Ajemex, Tetrapak Launch Testing For New Package
June 10, 2008
Mexican softdrink maker Ajemex and Swedish food processing and packaging firm Tetrapak have started testing for the new presentation of the Big Nectar brand in 1L and 250ml bottles. Ajemex has invested USD 10 million for a new production line to be located at the firm's facility in the state of Puebla. Later this month, Ajemex will launch new nectar and juice flavors in order to compete in the growing juice and nectar market, valued at about USD 640 million. Ajemex seeks to compete against peers Jumex, Jugos del Valle and Pascual.
Mexichem Acquires Comindustrias Del Peru
June 12, 2008
Mexican chemical firm Mexichem has acquired the industrial textiles division of Peruvian company Comindustrias Del Peru. Mexichem said it will merge the firm with its Geosistemas unit, which produces erosion control products for construction projects. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Mexichem said that its acquisition is a step toward "absolute leadership" in the Latin American market for civil engineering products.
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Automotive
Mahle GMBH Acquires Clemex Mexico
June 10, 2008
German auto parts producer Mahle GMBH announced it acquired Mexican peer Clemex Mexico and its subsidiaries. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Clemex Mexico will continue to operate under its current name until the beginning of next year, when it will be merged with Mahle. Clemex employs about 400 people and reported sales amounting to USD 16 million in 2007.
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Construction & Infrastructure
Cemex Confirms Sale Of Assets Of Venezuela Unit
June 10, 2008
Mexican cement maker Cemex sold USD 355 million worth of assets in Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe that were previously part of its Venezuelan unit. The asset sale occurred after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the nationalization of Venezuela's cement industry, which is dominated by Mexico's Cemex, France's Lafarge and Switzerland-based Holcim. The rest of the Cemex unit is still in the process of being nationalized. Cemex defended the sale saying the nationalization announced by Chavez only affects assets in Venezuelan territory and therefore does not cover operations abroad.
ICA Wins Mexico City Metro Project
June 12, 2008
A consortium led by Mexican construction firm Empresas ICA (ICA) won a contract to build a new line of the Mexico City (DF) Metro system with a MXN 17.58 billion bid. ICA teamed up with Grupo Carso's construction unit Cicsa and France's Alstom to bid on Line 12 of the Metro, which will run east-west across the south of the capital. Alstom will be responsible for electrical and mechanical aspects of the project, and ICA and Cicsa for the construction. Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and Canadian train and airplane manufacturer Bombardier have both expressed interest in providing the trains for Line 12.
ICA Secures Tihuatlan-Avila Camacho Road Project
June 10, 2008
Mexican construction company Empresas ICA was awarded a contract for the 45 km Tihuatlan-Avila Camacho road project. The new project complements the Nueva Necaxa Tihuatlan project the company was awarded last year, which is valued at some USD 700 million.
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Retail
FEMSA To Open Between 20 And 40 Oxxos In Colombia
June 9, 2008
Mexican conglomerate FEMSA announced it will open between 20 and 40 Oxxo convenience stores in Colombia during the next 12 to 18 months as part of its expansion plan. Investment to open the Oxxo stores is expected to amount to between USD 5 million and USD 10 million. FEMSA opened 73 Oxxo stores in Mexico during the first three months of the year, totaling 5,636 in the country.
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Transportation
Government Suspends Airline Magnicharters On Safety Grounds
June 11, 2008
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) suspended budget airline Magnicharters saying the carrier was unable to guarantee passenger safety. SCT said that the airline has 90 days to correct the problems detected, in which case it could then resume operations. SCT said routine inspections by civil aviation authorities turned up anomalies in maintenance and training of staff. The company was also found to be in a difficult financial situation, which limits its possibilities of maintaining a healthy and sustainable operation.
Truckers Protest On Roads, Border Crossings Against IETU
June 11, 2008
CANACAR, the private organization representing the majority of Mexico's freight haulers, announced that it will resume protests on roads and border crossings as a way to pressure the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) in order to obtain fiscal treatment that allows them to continue operating without risking disappearing. CANACAR said that about 30,000 small companies could cease operations because of the increased taxes deriving from the flat corporate tax IETU.
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Telecommunications & Technology
Telmex Completes Spinoff Operations In South America
June 10, 2008
Telmex Internacional has completed spinoff of its South American operations, freeing the new company to expand its cable and satellite TV service along with telephone and data offerings in the region's fast-growing markets. Shares of Telmex Internacional rebounded from a soft opening to trade sharply higher following the completion of the said spinoff.
SEGOB Ratifies 131 Radio Concessions
June 11, 2008
The Interior Ministry (SEGOB) has ratified 131 expired radio broadcasting concessions which were demanded by the National Radio and Television Chamber (CIRT) since 2006. In 2007 the Supreme Court declared invalid an article in the so-called "Televisa Law" that automatically renewed radio and television concessions, but did not forbid the ratification. CIRT had recently urged SEGOB to ratify 150 expired concessions after stating that delaying the measure slows investment and technological improvements. SEGOB confirmed the possibility of awarding radio and TV concessions through bidding.
Tribunal Rules Against Grupo Radio Centro In Gutierrez Vivo's Infored Case
June 11, 2008
A federal court ruled in favor of Mexican businessman and journalist Jose Gutierrez Vivo in a case against Mexican radio broadcasting company Grupo Radio Centro (GRC). The court confirmed the validity of a 2004 arbitration award that compelled GRC to pay a USD 21 million indemnity to Vivo's Infored. However, GRC might seek by additional judicial means to lower the amount of the indemnity, although it cannot claim that the arbitration award is not valid.
CFC Authorizes Clear Channel's Acquisition Of 40% Stake In Acir
June 10, 2008
The Federal Competition Commission (CFC) authorized U.S. radio stations operator Clear Channel Communications to repurchase a 40% stake it had in Mexican peer Grupo Acir for USD 93 million. Acir sold a 20% stake to a Mexican billionaire's banking company Sinca Inbursa for an undisclosed amount.
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Farming & Agriculture
Mexico Says U.S. Warning Against Mexican Tomatoes Unfair
June 14, 2008
The government called a U.S. warning about the safety of Mexican tomatoes unfair, saying it was causing "severe damage" to Mexico's USD 900 million tomato industry. The Agriculture, Livestock & Rural Development Ministry (SAGARPA) said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) decision to put Mexico on a list of countries suspected of being the possible source of the recent salmonella outbreak in the U.S. "has no scientific basis" and is keeping Mexican tomatoes out of the U.S. market. Mexican growers said that consumption of tomatoes in Mexico has decreased despite repeated assurances that local produce is not contaminated. The FDA has cleared the state of Baja California of suspicion in the outbreak.
Mexico Says Free Trade Can Guarantee Food Supply
June 10, 2008
According to the Economy Ministry's (SE's) international commercial negotiations Underminister Beatriz Leycegui, countries should address the international food prices hike by implementing free trade policies. Leycegui said that free trade can guarantee sufficient food supply to the world's population.
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Economy
Inflation Hits 4.95% Annual Rate, Highest Since December 2004
June 9, 2008
The central bank (Banxico) said annual inflation rose to 4.95% in May, the fastest pace in more than three years. Banxico said that annualized inflation rose more rapidly than in any other month since December 2004, led by the swelling costs of food, oils, rice, wheat products and corn tortillas. Housing costs also climbed, likely due to the increased cost of building materials. Annual inflation was 4.55% in April. Mexico subsidizes gasoline and other fuels, and officials say that it has insulated the economy against even more abrupt price increases.
SHCP Says Government Respects Banxico's Decisions
June 9, 2008
The Finance and Public Credit Minister Agustin Carstens said that the executive branch respects the central bank's (Banxico's) monetary policy decisions, although it holds different views on current interest rates. President Calderon recently said that he would like to see Banxico lower interest rates to make credit cheaper for Mexican companies, noting that Mexico's inflation is about the same as that of the U.S., while interest rates in Mexico are much higher.
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Border & Migration
Spain, Mexico Sign Deal On Management Of Migratory Labor
June 12, 2008
As President Calderon made an official visit to Spain, authorities from both countries signed an agreement on the management of migratory labor. President Calderon said that the agreement was "an extraordinary example of understanding" between the two governments. Calderon said the deal allows Spanish companies to hire Mexican workers and thus allows the establishment of a mechanism to complement the Spanish workforce with Mexican professionals. The two sides also signed a document to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence from Spain and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.
U.S. Awards Virtual Border Fence Contracts To Boeing
June 10, 2008
The U.S. government will award St. Louis-based aircraft maker Boeing contracts for the construction of two sections of a high-tech fence to be built along the border with Mexico in Arizona. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the two fence sections would be an "operational configuration" of a 28-mile section of "virtual fence" built by Boeing and tested earlier. No financial details were disclosed.
CNDH Asks Government To Intensify Efforts To Protect Mexican Migrants
June 10, 2008
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) urged the government to intensify the protection it provides to Mexican immigrants in the U.S. who are subject to fast-track trials and deported by authorities from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. CNDH has reported that Mexican immigrants are being arrested since Streamline operation was implemented and are subject to "indignant" treatments and have absolutely no legal defense.
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Politics
President Calderon Starts First Official Visit To Spain
June 11, 2008
President Calderon visited Spain officially for the first time and met with King Juan Carlos, addressed the Parliament, met with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Spanish businessmen. Calderon outlined for Spanish legislators his plans to make Mexico a more secure and developed country, stressing the "strategic" role of Spain in aiding those efforts. Calderon said Mexico needs outside investment and trade to reduce its dependency on the U.S. Zapatero and Calderon also made clear their intentions to collaborate against organized crime and boost economic ties between their two countries. In addition, Mexico and Spain are calling for an easing of sanctions against Cuba in light of recent reforms by the island's government.
Santiago Creel Resigns As Head Of PAN In The Senate
June 12, 2008
The ruling National Action Party (PAN) has replaced its Senate leader Santiago Creel in a bid to drum up support for a controversial energy reform bill before Congress. PAN Senator Gustavo Madero took over as the party's leader in the Senate, replacing Creel who held the position since 2006. Creel will however remain as the president of the Senate. PAN President German Martinez said that Creel was replaced to give a renewed impulse to efforts to pass the energy reform bill presented in April by President Calderon, and was made with a view to next year's midterm elections.
Poll Predicts PRI Winning 2012 Election
June 6, 2008
According to a recent poll, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which was voted out in 2000 after 71 years in power, could retake the presidency in 2012 with Enrique Peña Nieto, the State of Mexico's (Edomex's) governor. PRI is the third-largest party in Congress behind the ruling conservative party (PAN) and the main leftist opposition party (PRD), yet it has retained a solid support base and governs about half of Mexico's 32 states. A survey by a private Mexican polling firm found 42% of respondents would vote in the 2012 presidential election for Peña Nieto, whom many expect will run as the PRI candidate.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
U.S. House Gives Boost To Aid For Mexico Drug War
June 11, 2008
The U.S. House of Representatives authorized spending USD 1.6 billion over the next three years to help Mexico and other countries fight drug cartels. The House authorized about USD 1.1 billion for Mexico between 2008-2010; however, the bill would not directly provide money to Mexico. Rather, it concentrates resources on equipment and training, and does not include cash payments of any kind. Nevertheless, the controversial human rights conditions placed on the aid package were intact, although softened in response to objections from Mexican officials and the White House. Mexico believes the conditions placed on the aid affect the country's sovereignty.
U.S., Mexico Launch Effort To Disrupt Cross-Border Weapons Smuggling
June 11, 2008
U.S. and Mexican customs investigation officials unveiled a cooperative effort called Operacion Armas Cruzadas (Operation Smuggled Weapons) to disrupt cross-border weapons smuggling through the sharing of databases and better monitoring of illicit sales at U.S. gun shops and gun shows. Mexican officials say at least 80% of all weapons used by drug traffickers in Mexico come from the U.S.
Spain, Mexico Pledge Mutual Support In Fight Against Crime, Terrorism
June 12, 2008
Mexico and Spain agreed to help each other in their respective fights against organized crime and terrorism. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero praised Mexico's efforts to combat crime gangs and narcotics trafficking, promising Madrid's full support. For his part, Calderon pledged Mexico's legal and police support for Spain's fight against the armed Basque separatist group ETA.
U.S., Mexico Share Customs Information To Crack Down On Money Laundering
June 13, 2008
The U.S. and Mexico will share customs information to crack down on money laundering by drug traffickers. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Julie Myers, who heads U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said the two countries have set up a joint unit to identify trade-based money laundering operations. Juan Jose Bravo, the head of Mexican Customs, said cooperation with the U.S. could help Mexico recover lost revenue from fake export receipts, tax fraud, and over- or under-invoicing of traded goods.
U.S. Sees Mexico Drug Gang Violence Worsening
June 9, 2008
A senior U.S. counternarcotics official said that a powerful coalition of drug gangs led by Mexico's most-wanted man is collapsing; meaning the surge in bloodshed and police killings will get worse. Internal conflicts, greed and pressure by the army are causing a split among gangs from the Pacific state of Sinaloa, with each group seeking new alliances to smuggle illegal drugs into the U.S. Meanwhile, President Calderon said that the U.S. should do more in the fight against drug trafficking; he said Mexico arrests about 20,000 persons involved in organized crime each year, while the U.S. does not provide figures showing results in the war against drug traffickers.
Bus Carrying Cuban, Central American Immigrants Hijacked In Mexico
June 12, 2008
The National Immigration Institute (INM) reported that armed men hijacked a bus carrying 37 detained Cuban and Central American migrants in the state of Chiapas after forcing unarmed immigration agents away at gunpoint. None of the agents were harmed. The bus was later found empty near the jungle city of Ocosingo. The Cubans had been detained on June 5 on Mexico's Caribbean coast near Cancun. Authorities ignore who carried out the attack or why, but stated that migrant traffickers have sometimes been known to kidnap groups of migrants from their rivals, and later ransom them off.
Authorities Report Killings, Arrests And Drug Cartels' Messages
June 15, 2008
Thirty-four deaths, most of them related to organized crime, were recorded over the past hours in the states of Chihuahua and Baja California; in addition, 62 persons were arrested with a shipment of two tons of marijuana. Drug cartels have been leaving messages with severed heads and bodies to emphasize the penalties for opponents. One was found with four heads left in coolers on a highway in the state of Durango.
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Sports
Mexico Defeats Belize 2-0 In World Cup Qualifying Match
June 15, 2008
Mexico began its World Cup qualifying campaign with an unconvincing 2-0 win over Belize. Belize, facing their neighbors for the first time, held out for over an hour before a goal by Carlos Vela and a Jared Borgetti penalty saved Mexico. The match, a second preliminary round first leg tie, was played in Houston as Belize does not have a stadium that meets FIFA requirements.
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Arts & Culture
UNAM Assesses Alliance With Google
June 9, 2008
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) said that searches for its publications through Google have amounted to about 250,000 between November 2007 and May 2008. In June 2007, UNAM and Google signed an agreement by means of which the Internet search engine placed some of UNAM's publications on the web. Currently, 700 publications from UNAM's catalog are available through Google Book Search.
Mexican Artist Lands Guinness Record With Quarter-Mile-Long Pencil Drawing
June 11, 2008
Mexican artist Filemon Treviño entered the Guinness Book of World Records with his quarter-mile-long (411-meter-long) pencil drawing, which is the world's largest. The Monterrey artist said he spent 6,000 hours and used 800 pencils to complete his representation of the heart and circulatory system, with symbols including doves, geometric shapes and hundreds of yards (meters) of intertwined tubes. He says breaking the record became an obsession that led him to neglect his health and was hospitalized seven times.
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Other
U.N. Recognizes Mexico's Environmental Efforts
June 5, 2008
The United Nations (U.N.) recognized Mexico's efforts to protect the environment and awarded President Calderon and the people of Mexico the Leadership Certificate for their outstanding participation in a world campaign to plant 1 billion trees. Mexico has contributed to the said effort with 250 million trees in 2007. In addition, Mexico and Central American countries will shortly launch a joint strategy to boost natural resources and ecosystems protection.
Nude Protesters Pedal To Support Environment In Mexico City
June 8, 2008
More than 500 men and women, half of them nude, pedaled along Mexico City's historic Reforma Avenue to the vast Zocalo square, chanting, "save your planet, use a bicycle!" The people pedaled to protest traffic congestion and chronic air pollution in the sprawling metropolis of about 20 million people. In order to address the said problems, the city's leftist government is promoting bicycle use and building a network of cycling lanes.
Mexican Mayor Hands Out Free Condoms, Viagra For Father's Day
June 12, 2008
Mayor Margarita Martinez from the town of Escobedo, in the state of Nuevo Leon, is handing out free Viagra and condoms for Father's Day as part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness about male health problems. Martinez says a strong family "requires a healthy man, and a healthy sex life is part of general health." The campaign includes four doctors and a team of nurses who give free health exams and determine which men could be given the pills, donated by pharmacies.
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