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Energy
SHCP: Oil Slump To Last Years, New Taxes Should Be Passed
September 15, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) announced that Mexico’s struggling energy industry will not recover
soon and thus urged legislators to approve new taxes to offset lower oil revenues. President Calderon’s
administration has proposed hiking income and consumption taxes in 2010 to offset lower revenues from crude
exports as output from Pemex is expected to remain weak. Mexico has traditionally relied on taxes on oil production
to pay for nearly 40% of government spending, but yields at its aging fields have pushed production down to near 20-
year lows.
Pemex Taps New Debt Market; Issues Bond In Swiss Francs
September 15, 2009
Pemex is tapping new debt markets as it raises cash to halt an alarming fall in output; the company sold a bond in
Swiss Francs (CHF) worth USD 337 million in its latest effort to finance an ambitious investment program. The issue
follows Pemex’s USD 1.5 billion of 5 1/2-year bonds earlier this month. Pemex looks to keep capital expenditures
stable next year, with the federal government’s budget proposal seeking investment of around USD 19 billion.
Pemex’s investment budgets in recent years have been more than double than what they were as recently as 2002.
ICA Fluor Secures USD 638 Million Contract For Clean Fuels Production Plants
September 14, 2009
The industrial engineering, procurement and construction company ICA Fluor, jointly owned by U.S. Fluor and
Mexican ICA, announced that it secured a USD 638 million contract from Pemex Refinacion to build the clean fuels
production units at the Cadereyta and Ciudad Madero refineries, in the states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas,
respectively.
Pemex Prepares Tender To Renovate Tanker Fleet
September 14, 2009
Pemex Refinacion said that it is preparing a tender for the financial leasing with option to buy of six oil tankers to
renovate its fleet. The total cost of the operation is currently estimated at MXN 10.6 billion, an amount scheduled to
be spent between 2010 and 2020. The average price per tanker is MXN 1.6 billion, including the corresponding
maintenance expenditures.
Subsidies On Electricity As High As MXN 118 Billion
September 14, 2009
The federal government announced that it has allocated as much as MXN 118.7 billion to be spent as a subsidy on
electricity tariffs during 2010, despite a possible price increase it has also planned. The government said that of the
total amount, MXN 83.7 billion is entailed to subsidy tariffs charged by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
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Trade & Investment
SHCP: Mexico Seeks Trade Agreements With China, India
September 18, 2009
According to Miguel Messmacher, director of the Finance and Public Credit Ministry’s (SHCP’s) Economic Planning
Unit, Mexico is seeking to broaden the range of countries with which it has trade agreements to include China and
India. Messmacher said Mexico has already reached an agreement with Brazil to establish free trade links, but is now
seeking to develop more such arrangements with the BRIC countries.
U.S. DOC: Mexico’s Exports To The U.S. Contribute To Ease Recession There
September 14, 2009
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), some Mexican exports to the U.S.—such as fruit, medical
equipment, aircraft parts and certain metals—contribute to the U.S. economy and help it endure the current
recession, despite a 27% generalized drop in Mexico’s exports to that country in the first seven months of the year.
DOC said that Mexico’s gold exports to the U.S. for purposes other than monetary uses grew 77%, fruit exports
increased 18%, livestock exports 14%, and aircraft parts exports hiked 29%, among other products.
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
Consar: Pension Savings Reach MXN 1.043 Trillion At The End Of August
September 15, 2009
According to pension fund regulator Consar, Mexico’s pension fund companies (Afore) reported compulsory
retirement savings of MXN 1.043 trillion at the end of August, up from MXN 866.8 billion a year earlier. Total assets
under management, including voluntary savings, as well as Afores’ regulatory capital, rose 21% on the year to MXN
1.064 trillion. At the end of August, 68% of Afores’ total assets were in government securities, 15.4% in domestic
private sector debt, 8.1% in domestic equities, 4.6% in international debt, and 3.9% in international equities.
CNBV Probes Trades In Bolsa Mexicana De Valores
September 17, 2009
The Banking and Securities Exchange Commission (CNBV) said it is probing possible illegal insider trading in stock
market operator Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) that happened last month ahead of an announcement it could sell
a stake to CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange operator. Over two days in late August, shares of
BMV surged about 19% in unusually high volume, with no obvious news driving the gains. On September 7, BMV
announced it was in talks to sell a minority stake to CME Group. Convictions in Mexico for illegal insider trading or
other serious market-related crimes are very unusual.
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Business & Industry
Tenaris To Invest USD 4 Billion In Mexico Over Next Five Years
September 17, 2009
Luxembourg-based steelmaker Tenaris, owned by Italian-Argentinean conglomerate Techint, announced during the
signing of an agreement with the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) University, that it will invest
USD 4 billion in Mexico during the next five years, and noted that the global economic downturn did not affect its
investment plans for the country.
LG Expands Mexico Plant, Creates 1,200 Jobs
September 17, 2009
South Korean electronics manufacturer LG Electronics announced that it will broaden its LCD screen producing plant
in Reynosa, in the state of Tamaulipas, in a move that will create approximately 1,200 new jobs. Investment for the
project is estimated at USD 100 million, taking LG’s total investment in the plant to USD 365 million and increasing
the number of employees to 2,500.
Genomma In Talks With FEMSA For Distribution Agreement
September 18, 2009
According to sources close to the matter, Mexican over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and personal care products
maker Genomma Lab is in talks with Mexican conglomerate Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA), owner of the
OXXO convenience stores chain, to distribute its products through as many as 7,000 OXXO stores. Genomma Lab
already has distribution agreements with Wal-Mart de Mexico, Grupo Sanborns and Farmacias del Ahorro, among
others.
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Housing & Mortgaging
Financiera Independencia Boosts SHF’s Credit Line
September 17, 2009
Mexican consumer finance company Financiera Independencia said that government-run mortgage development
bank Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal (SHF) has increased its credit line to the lender by MXN 100 million to MXN 700
million. Financiera Independencia said the credit line matures in March 2011 and is the company’s earliest maturity in
its funding. Financiera Independencia said its available credit lines now total MXN 4.2 billion, equivalent to 18 months of loan growth.
Corporacion Geo To Place USD 250 Million Bond
September 17, 2009
Mexican homebuilder Corporacion Geo announced it will place a bond yielding 9% and maturing in five years for as
much as USD 250 million in order to refinance short-term liabilities and working capital. Geo executives said it is a
private offering and that further information is expected shortly. Moody’s rated the issuance "Ba3", in range with
Standard & Poor’s ratings.
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Construction & Infrastructure
SCT Invests MXN 19.9 Billion In Roads During Third Year Of Calderon Administration
September 14, 2009
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that it invested MXN 19.9 billion to modernize roads
during the third year of the Calderon administration as part of the 2007-2012 National Infrastructure Program. Of the
funds, which were employed between September 2008 and August 2009, MXN 15.2 billion were federal fiscal
resources, MXN 1.5 billion were provided by the National Infrastructure Fund (FONADIN) while other amounts were
directly transferred to local administrations or assigned for special works. SCT added that 150 federal roadbroadening
and 58 federal road construction projects were concluded during the mentioned period.
Conagua Awards MXN 2.19 Billion Dam Contract To La Peninsular
September 20, 2009
Mexico’s National Water Commission (Conagua) announced that it awarded a MXN 2.19 billion contract to a
consortium led by construction firm La Peninsular Compañia Constructura to design and build a dam. Conagua said
the dam is scheduled to be completed in 2012 and will provide drinking water to nearly 2.4 million people in central
Mexico. Conagua said the dam will be 105 meters high and will have a capacity to store 911 million cubic meters of
water.
Court Refuses Protection To Cemex On Mary Nour Case
September 14, 2009
A judge in the state of Nuevo Leon denied court protection to Mexican cement maker Cemex against a probe for
alleged disloyal practices. Earlier this year, Mexican construction materials firm Compañia para el Desarrollo
Mexicano (CDM) filed a lawsuit against Cemex for alleged monopolistic practices after the latter prevented CDM from
selling 24,000 tons of Russian cement it had brought on the Mary Nour ship. Cemex had obtained a favorable ruling
from a judge in a move that kept the Mary Nour ship stranded with the cement at the port of Tampico, in the state of
Tamaulipas. CDM is seeking again to enter the market and have Cemex declared an actor with substantial power in
the Mexican cement industry.
Panama Launches Audit Of Mexican Firms, Could Nationalize Their Operations
September 17, 2009
Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli announced that his government will launch an audit of Mexican construction
firms Ingenieros Civiles y Asociados (ICA) and Proyectos y Construcciones (PYCSA) to secure precise information on
the total amount both companies earned through the 30-year concessions they were awarded to operate certain
roads in Panama. Martinelli noted there is a possibility the roads can be nationalized shortly.
Pinfra Inaugurates MXN 770 Million Highway In Sonora
September 18, 2009
Mexican construction firm Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura (Pinfra) inaugurated a MXN 770 million, 48.2-
long highway in the state of Sonora. The highway connects the U.S. West Coast and Baja California regions with the
Puerto Peñasco port in Sonora. Pinfra also said it was awarded a 30-year concession to operate the highway.
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Retail
ANTAD: Retailers’ August Same-Store Sales Up 1.5% On Year
September 14, 2009
According to data from the Mexican Retail Association (ANTAD), same-store sales at its member stores rose 1.5% in
August from the year-ago month despite a negative calendar effect. ANTAD added that total sales, which include
stores opened in the past year, rose 8.2% from August 2008 to MXN 71.3 billion. In the first eight months of the year,
same-store sales were up 0.1% from the 2008 period, and total sales were 7% higher. The association has more than
17,000 member stores, including 2,815 supermarkets.
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Telecommunications & Technology
SCT Delays Tender For Mobile Telephony Frequencies; Says AM-FM Frequencies Migration Ready
September 15, 2009
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that it will delay the mobile telecommunications
frequencies tender until the end of the year. Some foreign mobile telephony providers, such as Spain’s Telefonica,
have been expecting the tender to increase their market share and to compete further with local giant Telcel.
Meanwhile, SCT confirmed that the transition from AM frequencies to FM frequencies in the first region of the country
to move toward digital technology is ready. The first region includes the states of Yucatan, Campeche and Chiapas.
SCT Allows Axtel To Provide Triple Play In Early 2010
September 15, 2009
Mexican fixed-line carrier Axtel announced that the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) awarded it a
concession to provide satellite and pay TV services starting early next year. The move will boost competition in the
sector, mostly against media conglomerate Grupo Televisa. Axtel’s planned move into satellite television follows the
entry this year of Dish Mexico—a venture between MVS Comunicaciones and set-top provider EchoStar—which
forced Televisa to slash prices for its Sky satellite service.
Iusacell Secures Definitive Court Protection Against SCT’s Ruling
September 14, 2009
Mexican mobile telephony operator Grupo Iusacell announced that it obtained a district court’s support against a
resolution by the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) that limited the company’s products and services
portfolio, as well as denying an extension of its concession. Grupo Iusacell said that the court awarded it a definitive
suspension on the accord over which SCT had restricted the firm’s operations.
Mexican Students Win Technology International Contest
September 15, 2009
Mexican students Jorge Garcia, Antonio Luna and Angel Corona, from the Jesuit University of Guadalajara (ITESO),
won the Freescale Technology Forum Design Challenge Americas with their radio-controlled platform for airplanes,
dubbed SMAC-Based RC Plane Platform.
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Media & Entertainment
Cofetel: Rival For Televisa, TV Azteca Is Unlikely To Enter The Market Soon
September 14, 2009
The Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) said that a lack of available spectrum in nearly all of the
country’s cities, including Mexico City, is very likely to inhibit the entrance of new broadcasters able to compete or
rival local media giants Grupo Televisa and TV Azteca in the short term. In addition, Cofetel said that such a move
might compel the administration to revise the terms of the Land Digital Television Agreement (TDT). Mexico is
currently in the second phase of the "digitalization process," a phenomenon of technology migration that is happening
worldwide. It began in 2004 in Mexico and is expected to conclude by 2021.
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Economy
SHCP: Government Sells MXN 32 Billion In Bonds For State Administrations
September 14, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) announced that the government sold MXN 32 billion in bonds backed
by a stabilization fund to support state administrations whose budgets have been pressured by a drop in transfers
from the federal government as a result of the economic crisis. SHCP said that the proceeds from the placement,
made in recent days, will be distributed among state governments. The bonds, which have a maturity of 13 years,
were all placed on the local market. The bonds are backed by MXN 13 billion in a stabilization fund set up to support
state governments with money from windfall oil income when oil prices were above budget estimates.
SHCP: Government Sells USD 1.75 Billion In Two-Part Sovereign Debt
September 18, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) announced that the government sold USD 1.75 billion worth of debt in
a two-part reopening of existing 10-year and 30-year obligations, due 2019 and 2040, respectively. The sale
consisted of USD 1 billion of 5.95% 10-year notes priced at USD 106.125 to yield 5.126%. A second tranche
consisted of USD 750 million of 6.05% 30-year bonds priced at USD 100.10 yielding 6.042%. Barclays and JPMorgan
were the joint lead managers of the sale. The SHCP said that the yields were the lowest it has achieved to date on
10-year and 30-year maturities.
Banxico Warns On Inflation, Holds Interest Rate Steady
September 18, 2009
The central bank (Banxico) warned about an increased threat of inflation while holding borrowing costs steady, saying
the economy is emerging from a severe recession. Policymakers at the institution cut interest rates several times this
year to fight Mexico’s worst economic downturn since 1932, but now have their eye on an incipient recovery and a
proposal by President Calderon to raise taxes. Banxico left the benchmark overnight rate at 4.5% for the second
straight month; however, it also said it would consider possible tax increases and the economic recovery when
making future interest rate decisions.
SAT: Mexico Climbs 43 Positions In Ranking Of Countries With Less Tax Evasion
September 14, 2009
The Federal Tax Authority (SAT) announced that according to the World Bank’s (WB’s) Doing Business Report 2010,
Mexico climbed 43 positions in the ranking of countries where taxes are paid, reducing Mexico’s reputation as a
country with wide tax evasion. Nevertheless, the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) also said that Mexico has
the lowest tax collection rates in Latin America and that current evasion amounts to 25%.
PRI Opposes Government Sales Tax Proposal
September 15, 2009
Legislators from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which won last summer’s midterm congressional
elections, rejected President Calderon’s proposal for a new sales tax, dealing a blow to the government’s efforts to
reduce Mexico’s dependence on waning oil output. The backbone of the Calderon proposal, submitted along with the
2010 federal budget plan, is a controversial 2% tax on all sales, including food and medicine, which are currently
exempt from other taxes. The PRI said the sales tax would hurt the country’s poor. The tax has also been opposed by
entrepreneurial groups.
SHCP: Elimination Of Government Ministries Implies Cutting 10,000 Jobs
September 15, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that the government’s recently announced austerity plan, which
included eliminating three government ministries, will also compel the administration to cut approximately 10,000 jobs.
President Calderon had said that the measure will save as much as MXN 80 billion, whereas legislators from the
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) believe cuts would rather need to be made amid high-ranking officers in order
to save as much as MXN 100 billion.
Mexico’s July Unemployment Rate Among OECD Members’ Lowest
September 14, 2009
According to reports provided by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mexico’s
unemployment rate in July was among the organization’s members’ lowest, even below figures for Germany, the
United States and Spain. According to the report, Mexico’s July unemployment rate was only above Austria’s, Korea’s
and Japan’s.
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Border & Migration
Hispanic Legislators Accuse Obama Of Yielding To Anti-Immigrant Pressure
September 14, 2009
Hispanic legislators at the U.S. Congress criticized President Obama and accused him of yielding to pressure from
anti-immigrant groups on the U.S. Social Security System reform. Some Hispanic Democrats said that Obama’s plan
excludes undocumented workers and denies them any kind of social security, even if they wish to acquire health
insurance from private providers that would not benefit from the government’s subsidies.
U.S. GAO Audit: Border Fence To Cost USD 6.5 Billion Over 20 Years
September 17, 2009
According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit, it will cost U.S. taxpayers USD 6.5 billion over the
next 20 years to maintain the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. The report indicates that the USD 6.5 billion price
tag adds to the USD 2.4 billion that have been spent to build more than 600 miles of fence segments along the
southwest U.S. border, but noted that the efforts have not been enough to efficiently control illegal entries into the
U.S.
U.S. Astronaut Calls For The Legalization Of Undocumented Mexicans
September 14, 2009
U.S. astronaut Jose Hernandez, a California-born son of Mexican immigrants, said the United States needs to
legalize its undocumented immigrants. During a telephone interview with Mexico’s Televisa network, Hernandez
pushed for U.S. immigration reform—a key issue for Mexico that has been stalled in Washington amid fierce debate.
Meanwhile, NASA spokesman James Hartsfield told the press that Hernandez was expressing his personal views,
"not representing NASA, the astronaut office or any NASA organization in his responses."
ICIRR Talks About Undocumented Immigrants’ Contribution To U.S. Economy
September 17, 2009
Key Mexican immigration figures who entered the U.S. illegally and now are U.S. citizens talked in Illinois about their
contribution to the U.S. economy. During the so-called "Fiesta of Illegals" organized by the Illinois Coalition for
Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the former illegal aliens to the U.S. also talked about the adverse conditions
they faced in order to secure U.S. citizenship and their achievements as immigrants.
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Politics
Mexico’s Congress Is Largest In The Americas
September 15, 2009
Mexico’s Congress is the largest among countries in the Americas as it has more legislators than other nations whose
populations are larger than Mexico’s. According to press reports, Mexico’s population is 108 million and the federal
Congress is formed by 628 lawmakers, whereas Brazil’s 190 million citizens are represented by 594 congressmen,
and the 302 million U.S. citizens are represented by 535 lawmakers.
Minister Of Interior Calls For Agreements To Boost Mexico’s Development
September 15, 2009
During the 199th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, Minister of Interior Fernando Gomez Mont called for
agreements among Mexicans to achieve the country’s development and lead it to a deep transformation to ensure it
will be a nation of prosperity, equity and opportunities for all.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
U.S. DHS Praises Joint Efforts With Mexico In Fight Against Drug Cartels
September 16, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano praised the U.S. and Mexico’s joint efforts to battle drug
cartels and organized crime. Napolitano added that President Barack Obama’s efforts will be oriented toward safety
once the current debate on the U.S. Social Security System is over, and noted that the agreements reached with
Mexico since the beginning of the Calderon administration, in terms of security, are historic and have strongly
contributed to limiting arms flow into Mexico and illegal drug shipments to the U.S.
U.S. Probes Drug Lord Ties To Key Retired Official
September 17, 2009
According to U.S. authorities, former high-ranking U.S. antidrug official Richard Padilla Cramer, who held frontline
posts in the war on Mexico’s murderous cartels, also served as a secret ally of drug lords. Authorities said Padilla
Cramer led an office of two dozen agents in Arizona and was the attaché for Immigration and Customs Enforcement
in Guadalajara, in the Mexican state of Jalisco. But U.S. officials say Cramer allegedly advised traffickers on law
enforcement tactics and pulled secret files to help them identify turncoats.
U.S. Government: Gangs Recruit U.S. Soldiers, May Ally With Drug Cartels
September 16, 2009
The U.S. government issued a nationwide alert warning about an increasing number of active soldiers being recruited
by homicidal gangs in U.S. border states. Specialists and press reports added that authorities fear the soldiers and
the gangs might ally with Mexico’s drug cartels. Authorities in El Paso, Texas, noted that some cartel members have
already established links with middle-class residents of that and other U.S. cities, and that drug traffickers are
employing minors to smuggle arms and drugs into both countries.
Bulltick Capital: Violence To Cost Mexico 3% Of GDP
September 14, 2009
According to U.S. full-service financial services firm specializing in Latin America Bulltick Capital, Mexico’s crime
wave is severely affecting the country and could cost as much as 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009.
Bulltick’s estimate is nearly three times higher than that of Miguel Messmacher, who is the director of the Finance and
Public Credit Ministry’s (SHCP’s) Economic Planning Unit.
Authorities Close Drug Rehabilitation Centers After Attacks
September 17, 2009
Authorities closed ten unregistered drug rehabilitation centers in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, and said
they are going after others they fear may serve as cover or recruiting grounds for drug trafficking gangs in the
violence-plagued city across from El Paso, Texas. Gunmen have slaughtered 28 people this month at two rehab
centers in Ciudad Juarez in separate attacks that investigators blame on a bloody struggle between rival drug gangs.
U.S. Officials: Mexican Drug Cartels Reinforce Presence, Alliances Abroad
September 14, 2009
According to Admiral James Stravridis, Commander of the United States European Command, and Michael Braun,
former Chief of Operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mexico’s drug cartels are now operating
from Africa’s West Coast and shipping drugs to Europe. The officials said the drug lords allied with terrorists and run
business from bars and brothels, and added that they are starting to use the euro and replacing the dollar as their
main trading currency to maximize their benefits. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Mexican
drug cartels and Italian mafia groups have strengthened their ties in the U.S. and Europe and are jointly taking market
share away from Colombian peers.
Federal Government Announces Second Phase Of Chihuahua Operation
September 16, 2009
The federal government announced the start of the second phase of the Integral Security Strategy in Ciudad Juarez,
in the state of Chihuahua. The government said that during this second phase, local police will resume operations and
that the army will gradually be withdrawn, intervening only when requested by the state’s civil authorities.
People Of Mexico Acclaim Army During September 16 Annual Military Parade
September 16, 2009
The people of Mexico acclaimed their army more than ever during the latest annual September 16 military parade to
commemorate the country’s Independence Day. The parade had new features, such as an opening by female
soldiers and a rather unusual emotional charge explained by the gratitude that the people of Mexico feel toward the
country’s military, as they risk their lives in their daily fight against powerful drug cartels. Other features included the
possibility by the public to board tanks and helicopters, and the participation of people from NGOs against violence
dressed in white.
SSPF: Authorities Arrest 31 Police Officers For Alleged Drug Ties
September 14, 2009
The Federal Public Security Ministry (SSPF) announced that authorities arrested 31 police officers in the central state
of Hidalgo on suspicion of collaborating with the Zetas hit men group, the armed wing of the Gulf drug cartel. Ninetytwo
police were arrested there in June, and the latest 31 were detained earlier this month. The investigation began
last October, when federal police arrested seven suspected Zeta accountants and found evidence of monthly
payments to Hidalgo police from the gang.
Shooting In Mexico City Subway Leaves Two Fatal Victims, Several Wounded
September 19, 2009
A man scrawling graffiti inside the Balderas subway station pulled out a gun and began shooting when confronted by
police, killing an officer and a civilian who tried to take the assailant’s weapon away. At least eight bystanders were
also wounded before further law enforcers shot and subdued 38-year-old Luis Felipe Hernandez Castillo. After the
incident, police started randomly checking people for guns in the capital’s 175 subway stations and authorities
announced reinforced security measures. Meanwhile, Hernandez Castillo was jailed on double homicide charges
after psychological exams determined he is fit to stand trial.
Mexican Resident Sentenced By The U.S. For Participation In Fake ID Ring
September 18, 2009
A Mexican resident has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after admitting to playing a role in a massive
operation that manufactured and sold counterfeit identity documents in seven U.S. cities. U.S. Attorney David
Gaouette said that 46-year-old Pedro Castorena-Ibarra’s organization was one of the largest fraudulent ID rings in the
country. In addition, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents seized more than 3 million counterfeit
documents worth more than USD 20 million during the investigation. They said it operated for about five years in
Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas and New York City.
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Health & Science
SSA Confirms Third A/H1N1 Outbreak; Mexico Could See 5 Million Cases
September 19, 2009
The Health Ministry (SSA) confirmed that Mexico is currently experiencing the third outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza
since April and warned about the possibility that the virus might sicken as many as 5 million people in Mexico during
the upcoming winter flu season. The estimate is a higher number than officials had previously forecast. SSA added
that deaths from the virus could rise to as many as 2,000.
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Arts & Culture
Mexico Celebrates 199th Anniversary Of Independence Day
September 17, 2009
Thousands of Mexicans gathered across the country’s plazas and central squares to shout at the top of their lungs
"Viva Mexico!" on the eve of the celebration of independence from Spain. President Calderon led the ceremony at
Mexico City’s largest plaza, known as the Zocalo, amid Mexican traditional music and fireworks. Nevertheless, the
people were unable to forget the violence that is hurting the country and sadly remembered unprecedented brutality a
year ago, when grenades were tossed into the celebrating crowd in Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacan, by
alleged drug traffickers and killing many; an event the government considered to be a direct challenge to authorities
by criminal groups.
Mexican Peso Used As Main Trading Currency In The World For 300 Years
September 16, 2009
According to history experts, Mexico’s peso served as the main trading currency in the world for 300 years due to the
power and extension of the Spanish Empire. The currency, known as "Real de a ocho," "Peso duro" or "Peso fuerte,"
was Mexico’s legal tender during the 17th century and strongly contributed to the development of capitalism.
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Other
Mexico Holds Earthquake Practice In Remembrance Of 1985 Quake
September 19, 2009
Civil Protection authorities said that nearly 5.5 million people participated in an earthquake simulation, which included
private and public buildings, offices, schools and hospitals. The annual drill was held in remembrance of the most
devastating earthquake in Mexico, which happened on September 19, 1985, and had an 8.1 magnitude on the
Richter scale, killing more than 10,000 people and destroying thousands of buildings. Last year, approximately 4.5
million people participated in the simulation.
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