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Energy
Pemex 1Q Crude Output Down 8.4% At 2.67 Million B/D; Oil Revenue Falls 60.8%
April 22, 2009
Pemex announced that oil production fell 8.4% during 1Q to 2.67 million barrels per day (b/d) due to a drop in the
Cantarell oil field's output, which amounted to only 787,000 b/d in the said period. Pemex has been increasing
production at the Ku–Maloob–Zaap field, which surpassed Cantarell during 1Q, to 797,000 b/d. Meanwhile, revenue
from oil exports, which were 1.4 million b/d in 1Q, fell 60.85% to USD 4.4 billion, down from USD 11.4 billion in 1Q
2008, when 1.2 million b/d were exported.
U.S. Ex–Im Bank Approves USD 900 Million Loan To Pemex
April 23, 2009
The U.S. Export–Import Bank (Ex–Im Bank) said it approved USD 900 million in direct long–term loans for Pemex.
The bank said the loan would help sales from hundreds of small and large U.S. companies in Texas, Louisiana,
Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and potentially other states. The
exports consist mainly of engineering services, oil field equipment, offshore platforms, drilling and well services, and
upgrade and rehabilitation services. Pemex is Ex–Im Bank's largest borrower.
Obama Announces Energy Partnership To Start With Mexico, Brazil, Chile
April 23, 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama affirmed during the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago his commitment to
creating an "Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas," a framework that will start with Brazil, Chile, and
Mexico. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said that discussions are under way with Mexico on renewable energy
and energy efficiency, biofuels collaboration with Brazil, and bilateral talks with Chile.
National Coal Producers Reach Price Accord With CFE
April 21, 2009
Coal producers in the state of Coahuila settled a dispute with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), which agreed
to raise the price paid for Mexican coal. The government of the state of Coahuila said the CFE agreed to purchase
3.3 million tons a year of coal from small producers at USD 3 per million British thermal units under a three–year
renewable contract. This is equivalent to USD 63 per ton. The dispute, which had halted deliveries of coal to two CFE
plants, emerged over the different prices the firm was paying for local coal and imported coal. Mexican producers
were demanding USD 89 a ton instead of the USD 52 the CFE was paying.
CFE Awards Contract To Alstom To Build Geothermoelectric Plant
April 24, 2009
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has awarded a USD 58.4 million contract to the Mexican unit of French
energy infrastructure provider Alstom to build the "Los Humeros II" geothermoelectric plant, which will be
interconnected to the National Electric System grid in the state of Puebla. Works on the facility will start in May of this
year and are expected to be finished in 2011. The plant will have a 25 MW capacity.
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Trade & Investment
INEGI: March Trade Surplus At USD 160 Million
April 21, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico registered a USD 160 million trade surplus in March,
compared with February's deficit of USD 491 million and a USD 1.24 billion surplus in March 2008. Exports fell 25% to USD 18.71 billion, while imports sank 21% to USD 18.55 billion. INEGI said oil exports plummeted 62% in March to
USD 1.9 billion, while manufacturing exports fell 17% to USD 15.78 billion. Consumer goods imports dropped 28% to
USD 2.46 billion. Imports of intermediate goods, used in production processes, slipped 23% to USD 13.56 billion, and
imports of equipment and machinery were down 7.5% at USD 2.54 billion.
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
Mexico Expects To See Benefits Of IMF Credit Line Without Using It
April 20, 2009
The government expects the USD 47 billion flexible credit line it secured with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
to pay dividends, even if it doesn't use it. The IMF approved the request to open the credit line earlier this month,
making Mexico the first country to obtain access to the funds designed to help countries with solid macroeconomic
and fiscal policies manage a deterioration of the global crisis. Finance and Public Credit Minister Agustin Carstens
reiterated that the facility is a contingency measure, and that the government doesn't expect to draw on the line. He
said the mere announcement generated immediate benefits that outweighed several times the cost of acquiring the
line.
Senate Approves Bill To Regulate Bank Fees, Rates
April 21, 2009
The Senate approved a bill that would give the central bank (Banxico) greater authority to regulate the interest rates
and commissions that banks and finance companies charge consumers, as well as boost competition in the credit
card payment system. The bill, which now goes to the Lower House of Congress for debate, says Banxico should
confirm loans are made under "accessible and reasonable conditions." Measures include giving Banxico the power to
establish the interest rates banks pay on deposits and charge on loans, banning some types of fees altogether, and
requiring lenders to offer a basic credit card product with a credit limit of no more than MXN 11,000.
Banxico Loans USD 3.22 Billion At Federal Reserve Swap Auction
April 21, 2009
The central bank (Banxico) said it loaned USD 3.221 billion of the USD 4 billion it offered at an auction for short-term
dollar credits to the banking system. The program, which takes advantage of a USD 30 billion swap line Banxico has
with the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), is designed to ease short–term borrowing conditions in dollars for Mexican
companies. The 264–day loans were awarded at a 0.0321% premium to a benchmark overnight rate. Total demand
for the credits was USD 3.221 billion. Banxico added that Mexican companies appear to be having an easier time
obtaining short-term financing in dollars based on the results of the auction.
Banorte Offers Insurance For Immigrants In U.S.
April 21, 2009
Mexican bank Banorte has begun to offer life insurance to immigrants working in the U.S., to protect their families
back home. The insurance, being rolled out first in the state of Zacatecas, covers the death of immigrants working
abroad and will pay their families up to MXN 50,000 as well as costs and arrangements for repatriation to Mexico and
a funeral. About 12 million illegal immigrants are thought to be in the U.S., most of them working in low–paying jobs in
agriculture, the service industry, and construction.
One-Month Cetes Yield Falls 22 BP As Banxico Slashed Key Interest Rate
April 22, 2009
The yield on one–month Cetes fell as investors bet the central bank (Banxico) would keep cutting borrowing costs
after it slashed its key rate by 75 basis points (bp) to 6% earlier this month and warned that the economy will contract
more than expected in 2009, raising expectations of more rate cuts in coming months. The yield on 28–day Cetes (T–
Bills) fell 22 bp to 5.84%, while yields on longer–term Cetes were also lower. Yields on the three–month Cetes shed
23 bp to 5.76% and the six–month issue fell 22 bp to 5.75%. Meanwhile, the yield on Mexico's 30-year peso bond
plunged 1.43% to 8.35% compared to its last auction.
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Business & Industry
Medicines Manufacturers Plan New Commercialization Schemes For Medicines
April 23, 2009
The Mexican units of global laboratories Roche Syntex and AstraZeneca announced that they are working on final
details to launch new commercialization schemes for their medicines, looking forward to setting of same sale prices
nationally and seeking new distribution channels. According to the National Medicines Distributors Association
(ANADIM), maximum prices for medicines that are set by laboratories for the final consumer can be as high as 42%
over the basic production costs. The new prices won't allow drug stores to establish discounts on medicines but are seeking to benefit final consumers.
GModelo 1Q Net MXN 3.02 Billion, Down From MXN 3.25 Billion Year On Year
April 21, 2009
Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo (GModelo) announced that its net profit fell in 1Q on higher expenses, while sales and
operating profit grew from a year ago. GModelo said net profit was MXN 3.02 billion, compared with MXN 3.25 billion
in 1Q 2008. Net profit excluding minority interests was MXN 1.78 billion, down 14% from a year ago. Sales in the
quarter rose to MXN 16.97 billion, up from MXN 16.16 billion, and operating profit was MXN 4.52 billion, compared
with MXN 4.44 billion a year ago. GModelo said its Mexican sales rose 1.3% to 8.3 million hectoliters, with a 17% rise
in sales of imported beers and 0.9% rise in domestic brands.
Court Rules SAT Must Pay Alsea MXN 370 Million In VAT Refunds
April 21, 2009
A court in the state of Tamaulipas ruled that the Federal Tax Authority (SAT) must pay Mexican restaurant and fast–
food chain operator Alsea a certain amount as a refund of value–added taxes (VAT). Mexican bank IXE Grupo
Financiero estimated the VAT refunds to be awarded to Alsea at MXN 370 million, which is equivalent to
approximately 35% of the company's 2008 EBITDA, 56% of its short–term liabilities, or 68% of its cash.
Codusa Signs Debt–Restructuring Deal
April 22, 2009
Mexican paper manufacturer Corporacion Durango (Codusa) signed a restructuring agreement with creditors, which
will reduce its bond debt by more than half. Codusa said holders of around USD 357 million in 2017 notes will receive
USD 250 million in new seven–year senior guaranteed notes, new Codusa shares equivalent to 6% of the company's
equity, and USD 10 million in cash. Holders of around USD 151 million of the 2017 notes, who are people somehow
connected to the company, will exchange them for new Codusa shares worth 35% of the company's equity.
IFC Lends USD 24.5 Million To PASA
April 23, 2009
The International Financial Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's (WB) financial arm, lent USD 24.5 million to PetStar
and its Avangarde and Innovative del Norte subsidiaries for the enhancement of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
recycling plant in Toluca, in the state of Mexico (Edomex). The plant, which was inaugurated recently, will have an
initial capacity to recycle over 30,000 tons of plastic bottles, or 1 billion bottles per year. PetStar is a subsidiary of
Monterrey-based environmental services firm Promotora Ambiental (PASA).
Bimbo Bakeries Workers Vote Overwhelmingly To Join Teamsters
April 21, 2009
Drivers and mechanics with Bimbo Bakeries, the U.S. division of Mexican baker Bimbo, recently voted by a nearly 2–
to–1 margin to become members of Teamsters Local 997 in Fort Worth, Texas. The 73 workers joined the Teamsters
in seeking job security and protections provided by a strong Teamsters contract. Until the recent vote, the Fort Worth
hub was the largest and only nonunion Bimbo location in Texas. There are more than 4,000 Teamsters working at
Bimbo Bakeries in the U.S.
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Automotive
General Motors Shuts Silao Plant For A Week, Plans New Closures In May
April 20, 2009
U.S. automaker General Motor's (GM) Mexico unit said it shut operations for a week at its pickup and sport utility
vehicle plant in Silao, in the state of Guanajuato, due to weak demand in the U.S. The GM plant in Silao, which
produces such vehicles as the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Silverado, halted operations for seven days. The
Silao plant is one of four major plants GM operates in Mexico and which the firm plans to shut again in May. GM said
it will temporarily close 13 assembly plants in the U.S. and Mexico, laying off more than 26,000 workers to pare back
a bloated inventory. GM said the shutdowns are not a sign that it is headed into bankruptcy protection.
Delphi Closes Mexico Plant, Lays Off Over 1,000 Workers
April 23, 2009
U.S. auto–parts manufacturer Delphi announced that it will close its wiring and electric circuits–producing plant in the
state of Chihuahua. Delphi, which used to provide auto parts for U.S. automaker General Motors (GM) and which
entered bankruptcy proceedings, will lay off 1,017 workers at its Chihuahua plant. It is the second plant Delphi has
closed in Chihuahua in less than a year. GM said that it has been negotiating with Delphi to make sure the supply of
parts continues during Delphi's bankruptcy case. GM said it has proposed "fair and reasonable" terms that have been
rejected by Delphi and its lenders.
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Construction & Infrastructure
Cemex CEO Confident Debt Refinancing Agreement Will Be Reached Soon
April 23, 2009
Lorenzo Zambrano, chairman and chief executive (CEO) of Mexican cement giant Cemex, said that the company has
deferred some near–term debt payments as it pursues a refinancing agreement with banks. Zambrano said he's
confident an agreement will be reached soon to refinance USD 14.5 billion in debt. Shareholders of Cemex approved
a proposal to issue new shares in lieu of cash dividends. Under the proposal, Cemex will issue 334.5 million new
CPO shares, with shareholders receiving one new CPO for every 25 held. In addition, Cemex said it will seek to
realize an additional USD 200 million in cost savings this year, part of an ongoing effort to ensure its ability to honor
its financial obligations. Cemex laid off 7,500 employees during last year's third quarter, equivalent to more than 11%
of its total workforce, and the company said it will continue to reduce staff "if the drop in the market requires it."
Hess–Group To Open MXN 140 Million Plant In Yucatan
April 21, 2009
German construction materials supplier Hess–Group announced it will invest MXN 140 million to install its first Latin–
American plant in the Mexican state of Yucatan. The company will create 60 jobs at its new plant. Hess–Group said
that it hopes to duplicate its expansion plans.
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Retail
INEGI: February Retail Sales Fell 8.6%
April 24, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexican retail sales plunged by 8.6% in February compared to
the same month a year ago, as consumers shunned purchases of discretionary goods. INEGI said February's retail
sales were down 0.54% from January, while the Mexican Retailers Association (ANTAD) reported a 1.4% drop in
same–store sales in February, in part due to two fewer shopping days this year compared to February last year.
INEGI said wholesale sales were down 10% in February compared with the same month a year ago.
Soriana To Cut MXN 2 Billion In Costs
April 22, 2009
Mexican retailer Soriana said it has begun a cost–cutting plan to save MXN 2 billion annually, to better face the
economic slowdown. Soriana said it will reduce energy and maintenance expenses, improve store logistics, and
rework distribution routes as part of the plan that went into effect in the second half of March. Soriana, which
employed nearly 94,000 people as of the end of last year, also said it had cut an unspecified number of jobs.
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Transportation
Mexico Sees President Obama Acting Quickly To Solve Truck Dispute
April 23, 2009
Jose Luis Paz, head of the trade office at Mexico's embassy in Washington D.C., said President Barack Obama has
promised to move quickly to open U.S. roads to Mexican trucks in order to halt Mexico's retaliation on 89 products
worth USD 2.4 billion of U.S. exports. The U.S. committed in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to
open its roads to Mexican trucks. The duties range between 10% and 45% on about USD 1.56 billion worth of U.S.
manufactured goods and USD 892 million of agricultural goods, based on 2007 trade volumes.
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Telecommunications & Technology
Cisco Systems Invests USD 5 Billion In Mexico
April 24, 2009
U.S. telecomm company Cisco Systems announced that it signed an agreement to invest USD 5 billion in Mexico
over a five–year period in projects from the federal government, which include the creation of a direct
intercommunication system to be used for contacts between the President, the Ministries, and the government's most
important offices. The agreement was signed between Cisco's president and the Education, Economy and Social
Development ministers.
America Movil Invests USD 237 Million In Panama To Consolidate Its Operations
April 22, 2009
Mexican mobile cell phone service provider America Movil invested USD 237 million in Panama through its local
subsidiary Claro in order to consolidate its operations, as the company faced fierce competition from Spanish, Irish,
and British firms in Panama's mobile telephony market and as technical obstacles hurt its performance at the
beginning of the year. The USD 237 million were disbursed to address a dispute with Spanish competitor Telefonica
Cable and Irish peer Digicel as America Movil entered the Panamanian market.
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Media & Entertainment
Government Obtains MXN 689 Million In Contributions From Gaming And Raffles
April 26, 2009
The Interior Ministry (SEGOB) said that the government obtained MXN 689 million in contributions last year from
gaming and raffles, a 175% increase compared to contributions earned in 2006, which amounted to MXN 393 million.
SEGOB said that the government should strengthen its capacity to obtain larger amounts of contributions from that
sector as those funds are earmarked for public welfare.
Dish Launches Service In Mexico City
April 20, 2009
Satellite television provider Dish Mexico has launched its service in Mexico City and the surrounding urban area,
reinforcing its competition against media conglomerate Grupo Televisa. The launch brings to 10 the number of cities
where Dish Mexico offers service since it started operations last November. Dish said it eventually expects to create
between 5,000 and 6,000 new jobs. Dish competes with Televisa's satellite TV unit Sky through a billing and
distribution agreement it has with Telmex.
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Hospitality & Tourism
Grupo Carso Enters Tourism Market, Launches Ostar Hotel Group
April 22, 2009
Mexican conglomerate Grupo Carso entered the local tourism market and announced it launched its Ostar Hotel
Group with six units located in Mexico City and in the states of Morelos, Veracruz, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, and
Tabasco. The buildings are controlled by Grupo Carso but operated by Ostar, which was created exclusively to
operate the hotels, which are the Hotel Geneve Ciudad de Mexico, Hotel Racquet Cuernavaca, Hotel Veracruz
Centro Historico, Hotel Francia Aguascalientes, Calinda Beach Acapulco, and Hotel Viva Villahermosa.
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Economy
OECD: Mexican Economy To Fall 3%; Country To Be First To Overcome Crisis
April 22, 2009
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mexico's economy could fall 3%
this year, but the country would start a recovery process in 2010, sooner than any other Latin–American state
affected by the global economic downturn, as its anticyclic and resource–accumulation–oriented policies could lead it
to a hasty recovery. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Mexico is the first Spanish–speaking
economy in the world, beating Spain and ranked 11th worldwide. Nevertheless, a list published by U.S. News
indicated Mexico is the economy most likely to collapse due to the economic crisis. The list was made with analysis
and reports from rating agencies.
INEGI: Unemployment Rate Falls To 4.8% In March
April 22, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico's unemployment rate fell 4.8% in March from 5.3% in
February but remained above its year–earlier level, which was 3.8%. INEGI added that said urban unemployment
also fell in March to 5.9% from a 12–year–high 6.4% in February. Meanwhile, figures from the Labor Ministry (STPS)
indicate that the March jobless rate was lower than expected, as the number of people employed in the formal
economy increased by about 13,300. The formal economy has shed more than half a million jobs since last October,
when the global financial and economic crisis began affecting Mexico's economy.
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Politics
Mexico Approves Of U.S. Ambassador Set To Aid In Drug War
April 21, 2009
The Mexican government has approved Washington's choice of Cuban–American security expert Carlos Pascual as
the new U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Carlos Pascual was proposed by President Barack Obama in March. He was
approved by Mexico earlier this month. Pascual, whose appointment must be ratified by the U.S. Senate, will face the
task of helping to stop the flow of guns and drug cash into Mexico from the U.S. as Mexico grapples with its biggest
threat to stability in years.
Survey: Mexicans Optimistic On Relations With U.S. After Obama Visit
April 20, 2009
According to a survey conducted by the Maria de las Heras public opinion firm, Mexicans believe that things will go
better in the country after the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama and see his attitude towards drug trafficking and
migration as different from his predecessor's. The survey indicated 51% of the respondents believe the U.S.–Mexico
relations have been improving since Obama became President, while 18% believe they will be "just as good"; 62%
said they have a better opinion of Obama after the visit and 46% described it as a good thing that will benefit Mexico.
Some 67% of Mexicans said that the U.S. government has shifted its stance on drug trafficking and only 21% said
they believe there would be no real change.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
President Calderon Proposes Expanding Army's Power
April 23, 2009
President Calderon submitted a bill to Congress that would allow the government to declare temporary states of
emergency and expand the army's power in the country and give the military access to civilian court and police files.
The proposal drew immediate responses from human rights activists, who say soldiers should not be doing the job of
police. Calderon's government has already dispatched 45,000 troops to drug–plagued areas, mostly along the U.S.
border, where cartel battles have cost more than 10,700 lives since Calderon took office in December 2006.
Arizona Attorney General: U.S., Mexico Must Attack Smuggling Concerns
April 20, 2009
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said the violent smuggling operations that send drugs and immigrants into
the U.S. from Mexico are a problem for both governments to confront. Goddard advocated a stronger crackdown on
people who illegally buy guns on behalf of cartels and a closer examination of vehicles driving through American ports
of entry into Mexico. Goddard says another way to attack smuggling groups is to have American and Mexican
authorities work together in money–laundering investigations.
Navy Participates In UNITAS Gold 2009
April 20, 2009
The Mexican Navy Ministry (SEMAR) said that Mexico is participating in the UNITAS Gold 50–09, a multinational
naval exercise hosted by the U.S. Navy, which is under way off the coast of Florida. Participating navies include those
of Canada, Brazil, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and for the first time
as a full participant, Mexico. The German Navy is the only non–Western Hemisphere participant. UNITAS Gold is the
U.S. Navy's longest-running annual exercise. It was started in 1959 and thus this year marks its 50th anniversary.
Official: Mexican Army Will Fight Drug War For Years
April 21, 2009
Monte Alejandro Rubido, who recently joined President Calderon's National Security Council as a technical director,
was quoted as saying that Mexico will keep the army on the streets to quash drug cartels until at least 2013 as violent
killings continue. Rubido said troops would stay at the core of the war on drug cartels that have slaughtered nearly
2,000 people so far this year, mainly rival smugglers and police. However, operations by the army such as a massive
security crackdown, which includes soldiers storming into bars to search customers and other actions, have reduced
killings in Mexico's most violent city—Ciudad Juarez—but are also beginning to chafe with residents, threatening
support for Calderon's war on cartels.
DEA Dallas Office: Mexican Cartels Unloading Drugs To Italian Mafia
April 21, 2009
According to the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Dallas office, Mexican drug traffickers are
funneling cocaine to Italian organized crime, and some shipments are moving through Dallas. Experts say warring
cartels battered by unprecedented U.S. and Mexican government crackdowns are increasingly looking to Europe as
an expansion market. Experts added that Mexican cartel operatives in North Texas are dealing with Italy, Spain, and
others, operating their logistical center from Dallas and coordinating between Mexico, Central America, and Europe.
Attack On Prison Convoy Leaves Policemen, Officials As Casualties
April 20, 2009
Authorities said that gunmen ambushed a prisoner transfer convoy in the state of Nayarit, killing eight officers and government officials in an attempt to free Jeronimo Gamez, a high–level cartel operative and cousin of Arturo
Beltran–Leyva, one of the three leaders of the cartel bearing that last name. Police said it was a well-planned attack
intended to free Gamez, who was arrested in Mexico City in January and was being moved to a prison in Nayarit's
capital, Tepic. None of the nine prisoners being escorted escaped.
Mexico Steps Up Patrols After Two Soldiers Killed
April 23, 2009
The army said it has stepped up patrols in a remote, mountainous drug hotspot in northern Mexico, after gunmen
killed two army lieutenants in the region. The discovery happened days after Roman Catholic Archbishop Hector
Gonzalez Martinez created a stir by saying that Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" (Shorty) Guzman lives near
the town of Guanacevi, in the state of Durango, and that "everybody knows it except the authorities." Local news
media reported that the bodies were found with a sign that read "neither the government nor priests can defeat El
Chapo," an apparent reference to the archbishop's comments and the government's posting of a USD 2.1 million
reward for Guzman in March.
Alleged Priest Detained In Pederast Ring Bust
April 23, 2009
An alleged priest was detained along with six other men who are suspected of being a part of a pederast ring that
produced and distributed child pornography on the Internet. Prosecutors said that the group displayed sexual
intercourse between adults and children. The alleged priest worked at the San Pedro Apostol parish church in
Veracruz. Another of the men allegedly worked at the Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) information systems department.
Arrests were made in the states of Yucatan, Aguascalientes, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla, and in the Federal District.
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Health & Science
Mexico Announces Measures To Control Influenza Outbreak
April 23, 2009
Authorities have set emergency measures to control the current influenza outbreak that has spread to other countries.
The measures include the closing of schools nationwide, and the closure of public places in certain parts of the
country, including restaurants, theatres, concert halls, and gyms, among others. Measures also include emergency
broadcasting, advertising to prevent infection, free medical attention, free supply of masks—which are out of stock—
and medicines whenever influenza is diagnosed. President Calderon also issued a decree that gives the government
further means and powers to address the outbreak. Meanwhile, residents of some cities are staying home in fear of
the contagion.
WHO Declares Mexican Influenza Outbreak A Health Emergency; Alert At Level 5
April 26, 2009
The World Health Organization has declared the influenza outbreak in North America a "public health emergency of
international concern," and has raised the alert level to 5, only one level below the maximum alert stage. Several
cases have been confirmed in Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and other countries in Europe and the Middle East. The
death toll in Mexico has reached almost 160 people, but authorities say that deaths caused exclusively by the
mutated Influenza A–H1N1 virus are below 10. Other deaths have been caused by other types of influenza viruses,
pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses and their corresponding complications. Meanwhile, several countries have
strongly advised against travelling to Mexico in the following weeks, while others such as Cuba and Argentina have
shut their borders to flights to or from Mexico.
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Arts & Culture
Ancient Mayans Used Palygorskite Rare Clay To Make Blue Pigment
April 21, 2009
Scientists have determined following new research that the ancient Maya civilization used a rare type of clay called
palygorskite to produce Maya Blue, a unique bright blue to greenish–blue pigment. As part of the research, the
Spanish research team defined the features of palygorskite clay on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These findings
will make it possible to ascertain the origin of the materials used to produce this pigment, which survives both time
and chemical and environmental elements. The team traced the route followed by the Maya to obtain palygorskite
clay, one of the basic ingredients of Maya Blue.
Mexico To Send Kite Show To 2010 Shanghai Expo
April 20, 2009
Mexico announced it will send giant, brightly colored kites, called papalotes, to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo to
promote investment, tourism, and trade. During the Expo, Mexico's pavilion will be a display of the past, present, and
future of the nation's major cities. The "glimpse of the past" section will show Mexico's pre–Hispanic, Colonial–era, and 19th–century buildings on three giant screens. The "glimpse of the present" will show the present reality of the
nation's major cities. The "vision of the future" will use interactive tables to show the nation's main sustainable
development projects. The kites will play an essential role, acting as a symbol of progress and a link between Mexico
and China, where kites have a deep cultural significance.
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Other
Mexico City Building Collapse Injures 13 People
April 23, 2009
Mexico City's Civil Protection Department said that at least 13 people were injured when the roof of a concert hall
collapsed in the central neighborhood of Roma. The accident took place in the Casa Veerkamp music instruments
dealer's auditorium. The collapse occurred just as the audience was leaving a concert held in the building. Although
some 150 people had attended, most of them had been able to leave before the roof caved in.
World's Largest Flower Grows In Veracruz
April 23, 2009
The governor of the state of Veracruz and scientific authorities announced that the world's largest flower,
Amorphophallus Titanum, also called Cadaverous Flower, was found in the mountainous region of Rio Blanco. The
flower's growing period lasts three days and occurs every 40 years. Researchers from all over the world are expected
to visit the spot to perform field work studying the flower, which can measure as much as two meters and weight
75kg.
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