|
Energy
SHCP: Mexico Earns USD 3.5 Billion In 2009 Oil Hedge
December 8, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) announced that the government saw a net income of around USD 3.5
billion this year due to its oil hedge program, which held the price of the commodity at USD 70 per barrel. SHCP
noted that the government saw USD 5 billion in revenue but had spent approximately USD 1.5 billion on the program,
which was in the form of "put" options that the country had purchased in order to protect the economy from
fluctuations in the oil markets. Mexico arranged the 2009 hedge program through Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Goldman
Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. SHCP said that the government has already hedged 230 million barrels of oil at USD 57-
per-barrel for 2010. The 2010 agreement is costing the state around USD 1 billion.
Pemex To Cut Chicontepec Spending, Increase Cantarell Investment
December 8, 2009
State-run oil company Pemex announced it is cutting spending on the Chicontepec oil basin, where it expects
production to increase to 40,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d) by the end of the year, to MXN 21.1 billion in 2010 from
the MXN 27.1 billion it destined for that purpose in 2009, adding that it also decided to nearly double funds for the
Cantarell field and that it will invest as much as MXN 46.9 billion there next year, an 84% increase when compared
with figures for 2009. Pemex noted that Chicontepec missed its output targets in September, prompting the firm to
reconsider its investment. Pemex said that it has entailed overall investment of MXN 220 billion next year on
exploration and production, roughly the same amount as this year.
Judge Rules Against SME Union In LyFC Case
December 11, 2009
Mexican District Judge Guillermina Coutiño ruled that President Calderon's closure of state-run power company Luz y
Fuerza del Centro (LyFC) was legal, denying an injunction sought by the electricians union (SME). Judge Coutiño
found that the shuttering of the firm was not primarily designed to deny workers their jobs but to close a wasteful
operation that had strayed from its original purpose. Judge Coutiño also ruled that the workers didn't have the right to
demand the continued existence of a government entity "whose operation doesn't benefit the people and hurts public
finances, for the purpose of keeping their jobs." SME said it will appeal and added it is presenting its case before the
International Labor Organization (ILO).
Pemex Proposes Eliminating Some Subsidiaries
December 9, 2009
State-run oil company Pemex submitted a restructuring proposal destined to improve efficiency in management by
eliminating its subsidiaries and replacing them with divisions. According to members of the company's Board, the
148-page proposal opens the possibility of centralizing the administration and creating new directions in a model
similar to that of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) power utility.
back to top
Mining
CAMIMEX: Mexico's Gold Production To Increase 20.9% In 2009 From 2008
December 8, 2009
According to figures from the National Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX), Mexico's 2009 gold production will be 60 tons, a
20.9% increase when compared with figures from 2008. In addition, CAMIMEX said it estimates Mexico's gold
production to increase to between 70 and 75 tons next year due to further investments in the country in gold projects.
Authorities Arrest Three Mine Workers In Activist's Death
December 8, 2009
Authorities arrested three workers of Canadian mining company Blackfire Exploration's Mexican unit in connection
with the killing of an anti-mining activist in the town of Chicomuselo in the state of Chiapas. The State's Attorney
General's Office said it had "cleared up" the case of the recent killing of Mariano Abarca, an activist who was
demanding that the Blackfire barite mine in Chicomuselo be closed. Barite is used to produce drilling fluids.
Meanwhile, further information suggests that Blackfire was a victim of extortion by the mayor of Chicomuselo, to
whom the company was allegedly paying MXN 10,000 a month, providing airline tickets and setting up liaisons with
Latin soap-opera star and nude model Niurka Marcos in exchange for the mayor to use his power to prevent locals
from vandalizing and protesting against Blackfire's mine
DOJ: ASARCO To Pay USD 1.8 Billion To Clean Up More Than 80 Sites
December 11, 2009
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that environmental cleanups at more than 80 sites in 19 states will
move forward with nearly USD 1.8 billion paid by U.S. bankrupt copper miner ASARCO to federal and state
governments. The funds will pay for cleanup at abandoned lead smelters, metal refineries and copper and other
mines. The Tucson-based company paid the money to settle environmental claims it faced during its bankruptcy
proceedings. The legacy of contamination at the century-old company's mines and smelters was a prime reason for
its 2005 bankruptcy filing. ASARCO just emerged from four years of bankruptcy reorganization after being purchased
by Mexico City-based Grupo Mexico (GMex), and all the settlements were funded. The closing of the bankruptcy deal
earlier this month ended a years-long battle waged by GMex to reacquire the firm it first bought in 1999. GMex lost
control of ASARCO in the bankruptcy proceedings but won a court auction for the company last month by offering
USD 2.2 billion to creditors together with an estimated USD 1.4 billion in cash held by ASARCO.
back to top
Trade & Investment
Ternium Announces USD 40 Million Investment In Nuevo Leon
December 11, 2009
Steelmaker Ternium, a subsidiary of Italo-Argentine conglomerate Techint, announced a USD 40 million investment
for a logistics complex in the San Nicolas de los Garza municipality, in the state of Nuevo Leon. According to the firm,
the new facility will help it reduce by 60% the delivery time of its products and, hence, improve the services it provides
to its clients.
South Korea Seeks FTA With Mexico
December 11, 2009
According to recent reports, South Korea's Ambassador Whan-bok CHO might be seeking a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with Mexico as he praised the benefits of an eventual deal with the country, noting that South Korean
investments in Mexico could double within two years. However, officials at Mexico's Ministry of Economy (SE) say
that local entrepreneurs and several industrial chambers disapprove of an FTA with South Korea due to the difficulties
of entering that market. SE specified, however, that the farming and agriculture sectors support the negotiation of the
deal.
Slim: Low Interest Rates Indicate Now Is The Proper Moment To Invest In Mexico
December 11, 2009
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim said that right now is the proper moment to invest in Mexico as low interest rates
make the country more attractive for companies. Slim noted that governmental policies that promote fiscal stability
have created an attractive environment for investments as low interest rates maintained by the central bank (Banxico)
make loans inexpensive and Mexico's peso (MXN) exchange rate to the dollar (USD) boosts exports.
back to top
Banking, Insurance & Finance
CNBV Sees Lending Increasing By 15% In 2010
December 11, 2009
Mexico's Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) said that it expects lending to increase by 15% in 2010 on
expanded business borrowing and a growing number of mortgages. CNBV said that the country's banks are in a
position to lend more money next year now that they have strengthened their balance sheets. CNBV added that there
will be more growth in commercial credit and home lending and less in consumer credit. Overall bank lending in
Mexico slid 8% in October as compared with a year ago, while consumer credit dropped 21%. Meanwhile, U.S.
banking group Citi's Mexico unit Banamex said that Mexican banks will likely grow lending at a faster rate than the
country's gross domestic product next year as Mexico bounces back from its worst recession since the 1995 peso
crisis. Other sources indicated that the amount of credit cards delivered by banks fell 3.8 million to 22.3 million in
September.
CNBV Allows BBVA Bancomer To Enter Alliance With Retailers
December 8, 2009
Spanish-Mexican bank Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer announced the National Banking and Securities
Commission (CNBV) authorized it to form business alliances with a number of the country's biggest retailers and
other companies, including retail and beverage company FEMSA's Oxxo convenience store chain; supermarket
operators Wal-Mart de Mexico and its peer Chedraui; Benavides pharmacies chain; and government-run telegraph
service Telecomm-Telegrafos. Under the deals, Bancomer's clients will be able to make cash deposits and pay bills
at the registers of around 12,000 establishments starting next year.
back to top
Business & Industry
DIAGEO Says It Is Interested In Possible Sale Of FEMSA's Assets
December 10, 2009
U.K.'s wine & spirits manufacturer DIAGEO, which has a presence in more than 180 countries, said that it is
interested in acquiring all or a part of Mexican conglomerate FEMSA's beer operations as the latter has announced a
possible sale of its brewery. DIAGEO said it could purchase FEMSA's assets jointly with another company. Interested
parties include Heineken, AB-InBev and SAB-Miller. DIAEGO estimates the acquisition to cost between USD 7.5
billion and USD 9 billion.
Arca Places MXN 2.5 Billion In Local Notes
December 8, 2009
Mexican soft-drink bottler Embotelladoras Arca said it placed MXN 2.5 billion in notes on the local market. Arca, which
bottles and distributes Coca-Cola brands, said the proceeds from the placement will be used mainly to pay MXN 1.92
billion in 2010 short-term liabilities. Arca added it sold MXN 2.1 billion in five-year notes paying 0.95 percentage
points above the 28-day interbank TIIE rate and MXN 400 million in seven-year notes paying a fixed rate of 9.5%.
Sigma Alimentos Launches USD 250 Million 10-Year Bond With 7.15% Yield
December 9, 2009
Mexican frozen and processed foods maker Sigma Alimentos announced it launched a USD 250 million, 10-year
bond offer with a yield of 7.15%. The yield came in at 377 basis points (bp) above comparable U.S. Treasuries,
slightly wider than the guidance given earlier this week for a yield of 350 bp over Treasuries. Deutsche Bank and
Santander are lead bookrunners on the offer, which is rated BBB- by both Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings. The
company plans to use proceeds from the deal toward refinancing existing debt.
back to top
Automotive
AMIA: Mexico's November Auto Production Up 2.9% On Year To 176,655 Units
December 9, 2009
According to the Mexican Auto Industry Association (AMIA), Mexican auto production rose in November from the
year-ago month, posting its first increase in more than a year. AMIA said that production was up 2.9% from November
2008, at 176,655 units. AMIA reported that it was the first time since October 2008 that production rose from a year
earlier. Exports in November slipped 2.6% from the year-ago month to 134,873 units, while domestic new car sales
continued to lag, falling 17% from the year-ago month to 64,913 units. After seeing year-on-year declines as high as
50% earlier this year, Mexico's auto production has started to recover, helped by improved demand for cars in the
U.S.
back to top
Housing & Mortgaging
Homex To Price USD 250 Million 10-Year Bond This Week
December 7, 2009
Mexican home builder Desarrolladora Homex said it will bring to market a USD 250 million 10-year bond this week to
help pay for its recently announced push into Brazil. The news comes as Homex, one of Mexico's largest homebuilding
companies, looks for capital to fund its expansion plans, which include establishing a larger presence in
Brazil. Proceeds from the deal will also go toward paying down debt and other corporate purposes. Credit Suisse and
HSBC are lead bookrunners on the deal.
back to top
Construction & Infrastructure
SCT Awards Contract For Railroad Beltway To Businessman Vazquez Raña
December 7, 2009
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that it awarded a MXN 1.3 billion contract to build and
operate a railroad beltway for the port of Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, to a consortium formed by infrastructure
concerns Union Presforzadora, Innovaciones Tecnicas en Cimentacion and Promotora y Desarrolladora Mexicana,
led by businessman Olegario Vazquez Raña's Tradeco Infraestructura. Vazquez Raña's proposal outbid that of peers
ICA, CICSA — owned by billionaire Carlos Slim — and those of Spain's Acciona, Sacyr, FCC, OHL, Isolux Corsan
and Aldesa, among others.
Cemex Raises USD 1.25 Billion, EUR 350 Million In Debt Placement
December 7, 2009
Cemex announced it raised USD 1.25 billion through a seven-year bond offer and EUR 350 million in eight-year notes
as the company looks to get itself back on its feet and refinance some of its massive debt load. Investors were quick
to purchase the new paper with many using the bonds as a play on an economic recovery in Mexico and surrounding
markets. Strong demand helped the company increase the size of the deal and offer a yield at the tighter end of
where market watchers had anticipated. The dollar and euro deals were upsized from the original plans to raise USD
1 billion and EUR 300 million, respectively. The offer would put Cemex in a better position to meet the deadlines
under its financing agreement, as it still has to pay USD 1.7 billion before December 2010 and an incremental USD
2.8 billion before December 2011 in order to avoid an increase in interest rates, according to analysts at Credit
Suisse.
back to top
Transportation
CONCAMIN, CANACAR, CANAERO: Mexico's Transportation Industry Falls In 2009
December 11, 2009
Members from Mexico's Industrial Chambers Confederation (CONCAMIN) demanded the Communications and
Transport Ministry (SCT) set up a joint-action strategy between the government and the private sector in order to
enhance the development of Mexico's transports and logistics services. CONCAMIN noted that railroad activity has
fallen 20%, air travel 7% and airfreight 20%; maritime transportation has dropped 40%, road transportation shrank
30% while vehicles' production might have fallen 70%. Estimates from the CANACAR, the private organization
representing the majority of Mexico's freight haulers, indicated that the sector's operations might end 2009 with a 30%
drop when compared with 2008. In addition, the National Air Transport Chamber (CANAERO) said that Mexico's air
industry will close the year with a drop of between 10% and 15%.
back to top
Telecommunications & Technology
Mexico's Cofetel Seeks Digital-TV Agreement With The U.S.
December 11, 2009
Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) said it is seeking to sign an agreement with the U.S. for
assistance in the transition process to digital TV services. Cofetel said that although a bilateral treaty between Mexico
and the U.S. on digital-TV, low boost TV and analog TV already exists, Mexico will be as many as 12 years behind
the U.S. in the transition process by 2021, which compels the institution to seek further assistance and cooperation in
those services. Cofetel also blamed the technological lag on a lack of digital receivers in most of Mexico's
households.
Cofetel: Spectrum Auctions Might Be Complete In 1H 2010
December 9, 2009
The Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) said it expects to complete two auctions of spectrum for
wireless broadband and phone services during 1H 2010. The auctions will probably be structured so that the
spectrum blocks are awarded to companies making the highest bids. Cofetel plans to auction nine blocks of spectrum
in the 1850MHz-1990MHz band in eight of the country's nine mobile telephony operating regions, including Mexico
City. Cofetel also said it will offer seven blocks of spectrum between 1710MHz and 2170MHz in a separate auction in
all nine operating regions, which could give winners a nationwide presence with spectrum capable of supporting thirdgeneration
(3G) wireless services such as high-speed Internet.
Signals: Telmex's Internet Services In Mexico Are More Expensive Than Abroad
December 9, 2009
According to Argentinean telecommunications markets consulting firm Signals Telecom, the Internet services
Mexican telco Telmex supplies in Mexico are much more expensive than those it offers in other Latin American
countries where it has a presence. Signals Telecom also said that Cable TV providers (CATVs) in Latin America have
entered the Internet market and boosted competition there, although the process has been rather slow in Mexico.
Signals said that in terms of the speed/quality-price relation, Mexico's broadband Internet services are among the
region's most expensive
Iusacell To Delist From BMV Stock Market
December 11, 2009
Mexican mobile phone company Grupo Iusacell announced plans to delist its shares from the Mexican stock market
(BMV) to cut costs. The company, controlled by media and retail businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, called a
shareholders meeting for December 30 to vote on the proposal. Iusacell said that, so far, 95% of its shareholders
have expressed their intention of supporting the decision. Once the delisting is approved, the company plans to carry
out an offer to purchase outstanding shares.
back to top
Media & Entertainment
Univision To Launch TV Production Firm; To Increase Spanish Content
December 7, 2009
U.S. Spanish-language TV giant Univision Communications said it has created and plans to launch a TV production
company shortly. The newly created Univision Studios will produce soap operas (dubbed telenovelas), reality shows,
dramas, entertainment specials and other programs for its Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision channels as well as
Univision.com and Univision Movil for mobile devices. Univision Studios will add to the 4,000 hours of original
programming already produced by Univision annually and will help the firm to compete further with Mexican media
conglomerate Televisa, the world's leading producer of Spanish content. Univision, which benefits from a steady
supply of telenovelas produced by Televisa, believes it needs greater diversity in content.
CIE Restructures MXN 5.6 Billion Debt
December 7, 2009
Mexican out-of-home entertainment company Corporacion Interamericana de Entretenimiento (CIE) said it
successfully restructured a MXN 5.6 billion debt, extending maturities by five years. CIE reported MXN 2.6 billion in
local debt instruments and another MXN 3 billion worth of bank loans — some of them in dollars — that needed to be
restructured to improve its financial health. The company, which runs the Mexico City horse track and bingo halls
across the country, agreed to pay the TIIE interbank rate plus 3% for peso-denominated debt and LIBOR plus 3% for
dollar-denominated debt.
Televisa Splits Units, Creates SOFOM
December 7, 2009
Mexican media conglomerate Grupo Televisa split its Telesistema Mexicano subsidary, one of its two main business
units and through which it controls its open and pay TV operations to create the Grupo Telesistema S.A. subsidiary
and the Kapa Capital unit, a multiple purpose nonbank finance company (Sofom). As a result, operations from Kapa
Capital will be placed under a different and more flexible regulation, as the firm won't have patrimonial links with any
financial or banking group and as SOFOMs benefit from special regulation.
back to top
Hospitality & Tourism
Banxico: Tourism Income Registers Historic Fall
December 11, 2009
According to figures from the central bank (Banxico), tourism revenue fell an historic 16.95% year-on-year between
January and October to USD 9.1 billion, the largest drop in 27 years. Banxico also said that income from cruise ship
visitors fell 15% during that period to USD 4.3 billion. Banxico said the reasons behind the drop are the A/H1N1
influenza outbreak, the crime wave in Mexico, and the global economic downturn, among other less important factors.
Marriott Announces Threefold Increase In Mexico Hotels
December 8, 2009
U.S. hotel chain Marriott International announced it will increase threefold the number of hotels it has in Mexico over
the next decade as it seeks to exploit demand in developing countries. The deal with Mexican firm Pulso Hotelero to
open 36 moderately priced Fairfield Inns starting in 2011 will increase the number of Marriott hotels in Mexico from 19
to 57 across five of its brands. Marriott plans to kick off the expansion with two hotels: 120 rooms in Cabo San Lucas
and 139 rooms in Guadalajara, in the states of Baja California and Jalisco, respectively. Both would be Marriott's first
hotels in those locations.
back to top
Economy
President Calderon Names Agustin Carstens To Central Bank
December 9, 2009
President Calderon designated Finance and Public Credit Minister Agustin Carstens as the next governor of the Bank
of Mexico (Banxico), replacing Guillermo Ortiz whose second six-year term finishes at the end of the month.
Carstens, who was ratified by the Senate's full house, has served as Finance Minister since Calderon took office in
December 2006. The 51-year-old, who holds a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago, had held several
positions at Banxico between 1980 and 1999, including director of economic research, treasurer and chief adviser to
the governor. He also served as deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2003 to
2006. Meanwhile, Calderon appointed Social Development Minister Ernesto Cordero to fill the vacancy created atop
SHCP. Cordero will be replaced by Heriberto Felix Guerra, deputy Minister for the Small- and Medium-sized
Enterprises division at the Ministry of Economy (SE). The outgoing central bank chief, Mr. Ortiz, helped to steer
Mexico out of its financial crisis in the mid-1990s as finance minister, and as central-bank chief brought double-digit
inflation down to below 4%, helping Mexico get an investment-grade credit rating from Wall Street. In addition, the
Senate also ratified former Minister of Economy Eduardo Sojo to head the National Statistics Institute (INEGI).
SHCP: Economy Could Grow Above Earlier Estimate Of 3%
December 8, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that it probably factored in more negative factors in its 2010
economic growth forecast earlier this year than it would now, noting that the country's economy will likely grow above
the 3% official forecast for 2010 as consumption and investment accelerate. SHCP said that improving credit
conditions are also boosting domestic consumption.
SHCP Issues JPY 150 Billion In 10-Year Samurai Bonds; Country Risk Falls
December 9, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) announced that Mexico issued JPY 150 billion in Samurai bonds due
2019 with a 2.22% coupon. In addition, SHCP said that Mexico's country risk, measured through J.P. Morgan's Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus (EMBI+), fell 10 basis points (bp) to 169 from its earlier measurement on
November 27.
back to top
Border & Migration
Mexico-U.S. To Standardize Border Cities Summer Clock
December 10, 2009
Mexico's Lower Chamber approved an initiative from the house's Energy Commission to standardize Mexico's border
cities' summer clock with that of U.S. counterparts. Under the new Law, Mexico's border municipalities and main
cities' official summer time will start at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and end at 2:00 a.m. on the first
Sunday of November.
back to top
Politics
President Calderon, Canada's Governor General Hold Meeting In Mexico City
December 11, 2009
President Calderon and Canada's Governor General Michaëlle Jean met at the Los Pinos official Presidential
residence in Mexico City as Mrs. Jean was on a two-day official visit to the country. During the meeting, the leaders
pledged, among other things, to fight organized crime through the creation of bilateral strategies. They also pledged
to enter negotiations on the recently established visa requirement on Mexican citizens to travel to Canada. So far, the
parliamentary representatives of three Canadian Provinces have demanded that Canada's federal government lift the
visa requirement for Mexicans. Mrs. Jean visited Mexico to celebrate the 65th anniversary of formal bilateral relations.
Honduran Government Authorizes Ousted President To Go To Mexico
December 10, 2009
Honduras' interim government announced that it has authorized ousted President Manuel Zelaya to leave the country
and go to Mexico if he drops his demand to be reinstated. Although no final deal appeared to have been worked out,
and there was no indication Zelaya was preparing to leave his refuge in the Brazilian Embassy, the politician said he
was negotiating what he called a "consensual solution" to his stay in the embassy, where he has been holed up –
surrounded by soldiers – since slipping back into Honduras on September 21 in a failed effort to regain his office and
prevent last month's election to choose his successor. Zelaya said he had talked with both Mexican President
Calderon and Dominican President Leonel Fernandez. The talks apparently centered on a dignified solution for
Zelaya, who has refused any form of political asylum that might hinder his efforts to drum up opposition to the forces
that removed him from the presidency in a June 28 coup. Zelaya has rejected asylum in favor of a looser status that
would allow him to campaign fully for his return.
SRE Minister Espinoza Meets With Raul Castro
December 11, 2009
Foreign Affairs Minister Patricia Espinoza met with Cuban President Raul Castro in the latest sign that Mexico and
Cuba have somehow repaired hostile diplomatic relations that appeared during former President Vicente Fox's term.
In Havana for a one-day visit, Patricia Espinosa discussed with Castro the debts his communist government has run
up with Mexican companies, as well as the fight against drug smuggling and a recent agreement to repatriate Cuban
migrants detained in Mexico while trying to enter the U.S. illegally. Espinosa said she invited Castro to come to
Mexico ahead of a regional summit in February. She also said President Calderon's long-promised trip to Cuba would
become a reality sometime during the first three months of 2010.
Mexico, Turkey Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Cooperation
December 10, 2009
The governments of Mexico and Turkey announced that they agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in scientific
research arts, double taxation, trade, tourism and security matters, among others, and said they will further discuss
common issues. Although concrete measures were not announced, leaders from both countries, between which
annual trade amounts to USD 450 million, noted that they can increase cooperation in security issues and exchange
information and experiences as they both are transit countries for illegal drugs and narcotics.
Lower House's 2010 Austerity Project Plans Drastic Cuts To Deputies
December 11, 2009
The recently announced Austerity Project from the Lower Chamber of Congress for 2010 plans a total cut of MXN 400
million in wages, salaries and fees, major and minor medical expenses, food, domestic and international travel and
subsidies for parliamentarians, among others. The adjustment represents a 10.04% reduction in the total budget
allocated for the Lower House, taking it to MXN 4.75 billion from the MXN 5.15 billion that were originally entailed for
that purpose. Sources say that the cuts represent as much as MXN 127.5 million in savings.
back to top
Justice, Safety & Crime
Carstens, Napolitano; Garcia Luna, Bersin Agree To Enhance Cooperation
December 12, 2009
Agustin Carstens signed, as Finance and Public Credit Minister of Mexico, a broadened declaration of principles with
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to boost cooperation in security and intelligence information
flow. Both officials jointly noted that the common objective is to maintain coordinated work and efforts to identify,
detect and address security threats at the border. In addition, Mexico's Federal Security Minister Genaro Garcia Luna
and Alan Bersin, the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and
Special Representative for Border Affairs, renewed their commitment to jointly fight organized crime during the recent
inauguration of the new intelligence center for Mexico's Federal Police.
Mexico, Israel To Share Intelligence To Fight Crime
December 12, 2009
The governments of Mexico and Israel announced that they share intelligence and "sensitive" information on
hemispheric security issues to jointly and better fight crime. Israel and Mexico said that they also agreed to cooperate
on training and added that they have been analyzing the procedures and methods of organized crime groups. During
an official visit to Mexico, top government officials from Israel met with Mexican counterparts to strengthen bilateral
ties.
UNODC: Drug Traffickers Start Exploring Terrorist Activities To Force Deals
December 12, 2009
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mexican drug cartels are turning to terrorist
activities in order to further subdue the population and authorities to reach agreements. UNODC supported President
Calderon's fight against drug cartels and added that Mexicans won't resign their freedom, even under the pressure,
threats and violence from the cartels. Meanwhile, Transparency International (TI) said that there is a high level of
infiltration of criminals within Mexico's officials and institutions, leading the country to the state of insecurity it currently
experiences. TI said Mexico is among Latin America's most corrupt countries, below only the Dominican Republic and
Haiti, and occupies the 80th rank among the 180 studied countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Mexico's governors
pledged during the XXXVII ordinary meeting of the National Conference of Governors (CONAGO), to fight crime and
corruption and work to ensure security in the country.
U.S. To Launch Surveillance Aircrafts To Detect Smugglers
December 7, 2009
U.S. federal border police announced that they will soon launch an unmanned surveillance aircraft with marine radar
to patrol the coastline for drug smuggling boats. The remote-controlled plane acquired by the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection agency (CBP) is an adapted and unarmed version of the Predator drones built by California-based
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and flown by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The new drone, able to
stay aloft for up to 20 hours, will be used to scour the Pacific, Caribbean and Gulf coasts for drug smugglers.
Ciudad Juarez Is Dominated By Fear; Nationwide Drug War Death Toll Above 7,000
December 7, 2009
Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, is believed to be the most dangerous city on the American continent at the
moment. The city has had about 2,250 killings this year, a rate of 173 per 100,000 residents. That compares with 37
in Baltimore, the deadliest U.S. city with a population of more than 500,000. Meanwhile, unofficial press reports and
tallies indicated that so far this year, the annual drug war-related casualties have surpassed 7,000, the highest figure
when compared to previous years.
Mexican Cartel Recruitment Of Youngsters Concerns Authorities
December 7, 2009
U.S. authorities have expressed concern regarding the most recent recruitment trends shown by criminal rings.
Authorities say the adult prison gangs are basically recruiting wide-eyed children, literally, in both Mexico and the U.S.
to join and undertake their criminal activities, only because the system doesn't treat them the same way. Last month,
the Texas Department of Public Safety warned parents about Mexican gang recruitment and the Border Patrol is
continuing a "scare and awe" campaign highlighting the risks, including torture and death, of cartel employment that
seems to promise street status and easy money. The cartels control the routes leading north to the Rio Grande, and
those who study the problem have for years suspected they have formed alliances with street gangs on the U.S. side
to help distribute the product.
AI: Complaints Of Army Torture And Abuse Rise Amidst Drug War
December 11, 2009
According to human rights group Amnesty International (AI), complaints of torture, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary
detentions by the Mexican army have jumped as soldiers have been dragged into a long, gruesome battle with
powerful drug cartels. AI said in a report that Mexico's National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH) received
some 2,000 accusations of abuse by the military in 2008 and the first six months of 2009, a sharp jump from 367
complaints in 2007 and 182 in 2006.
Inter-American Court Of Human Rights Rebukes Mexico On Murdered Women Case
December 11, 2009
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which is the human rights protection system of the Organization of
American States (OAS), delivered a sharp rebuke to the Mexican government, accusing it of inaction in preventing,
investigating and prosecuting the murders of young women in the state of Chihuahua. In a recent ruling in the case of
three young women whose bodies were found in a cotton field in Ciudad Juarez in 2001, the court ordered Mexico to
solve those cases and to overhaul its procedures for investigating the murders. The ruling also said Mexico's
government must publicly acknowledge its international responsibility.
GDF To Kick Off Surveillance Camera System In Mexico City
December 8, 2009
Marcelo Ebrard, head of Mexico City's government (GDF), announced that a surveillance camera system installed in
the city, known as the "Bicentennial Security System", is scheduled to start operations on December 17. Ebrard said
2,100 devices out of the total 8,000 to be installed across the city are the ones to begin operating in this first phase.
The 2,100 cameras will be located in the Gustavo A. Madero, Miguel Hidalgo and Azcapotzalco districts.
U.S. Citizen Sought By FBI Is Arrested In Mexico
December 8, 2009
Mexican prosecutors announced the arrest of Michael Cornelius Burke Jr., a suspect wanted by the FBI in the 2004
rapes of two young girls in Pennsylvania. Salvador Mikel Rivera, Attorney General of the state of Veracruz said Burke
Jr. was arrested in the town of Emiliano Zapata. Authorities located the 43-year-old Burke thanks to the aid provided
by civil organizations in Mexico and in the U.S. that track fugitives. Burke is wanted for unlawful flight to avoid
prosecution for failing to show up for sentencing in May 2007. He pleaded guilty in April 2006 to the rape and assault
of two girls ages 10 and 13 in Abington, Pennsylvania.
back to top
Health & Science
GDF Announces Creation Of Biometropolis Medical Complex
December 7, 2009
Mexico City's government (GDF) announced the joint creation, along with the National Autonomous University of
Mexico (UNAM), of the Biometropolis medical complex in Mexico City, featuring the best hospitals and health
research centers. GDF said that the project aims at establishing Mexico City as the leading Latin American capital in
terms of health care and research, focusing on treatment and cures for cancer, diabetes, nutrition issues, geriatrics,
cardiovascular issues and infectious diseases.
back to top
Arts & Culture
Millions Of Mexicans Celebrate Our Lady Of Guadalupe
December 12, 2009
Millions of Mexicans in Mexico and abroad observed the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrating yet another
anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin to an indigenous villager shortly after the Spanish Conquest nearly five
centuries ago. December is the holiest month for many Mexican Catholics, and for legions of them, devotion is
displayed with a yearly pilgrimage to Mexico City's sprawling Basilica de Guadalupe, which adorns the location where
the mother of Jesus Christ is said to have appeared to Juan Diego. The event is celebrated abroad with masses,
processions, traditional Mexican food and other cultural and religious displays.
NY MOMA Launches Retrospective Gabriel Orozco Exhibit
December 12, 2009
New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) opened a retrospective exhibit of Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco's
work that will last through March 1, 2010 and features 80 of Orozco's most important masterpieces.
back to top
|
