|
Energy
Pemex: Weatherford, Halliburton, Schlumberger Bid For Gas Project
July 8, 2009
Pemex announced that oil services giants Weatherford International, Halliburton and Schlumberger have submitted
proposals for a natural-gas drilling contract in the Burgos Basin. Pemex added that Mexican companies Industrial
Perforadora de Campeche and CCC Fabricantes y Construcciones also participated in the bidding process. Pemex
said the three-year contract is scheduled to start in mid-August.
Pemex To Take Bids On Corindon Gas Block In September
July 10, 2009
Pemex announced it will receive bids in September for the Corindon natural gas project in the Burgos Basin. Pemex
added that after bids are submitted, it will take it around four months to elect a winner for the 15-year contract to
develop the gas block. Pemex began offering Burgos gas blocks in 2003 under long-term service contracts, attracting
local and foreign oil companies, including Spanish-Argentine Repsol, Brazil's Petrobras, Texas-based Lewis Energy
and Argentina's Tecpetrol. In June, Pemex announced it will be offering a total of three new blocks in Burgos under
the service model. Each block is expected to produce between 50 million and 100 million cubic feet a day of natural
gas.
Pemex To Boost Oil Exploration In Southern District; Invest In Cantarell
July 7, 2009
Pemex announced plans to increase exploration in the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche and Oaxaca
to book reserves and offset declining output at existing wells. Pemex said it is seeking companies to design oil wells
and oversee exploratory drilling starting in November under a two-year contract. Pemex plans 18 exploration wells in
the southern district—comprising the mentioned states—this year and in 2010, up from 3 in 2008. In addition, Pemex
announced it will invest MXN 2.8 billion in the Cantarell oil field to increase its output recovery rate there to 48%.
back to top
Banking, Insurance & Finance
BBVA Bancomer To Build New Offices For USD 900 Million
July 6, 2009
Spanish-Mexican bank BBVA Bancomer announced plans to invest USD 900 million in the construction of two new
office buildings in Mexico City’s Bosque de Chapultepec area to consolidate its presence in the capital. BBVA
Bancomer said the 163,000 square-meter projects are expected to create about 14,000 direct and indirect jobs in the
next three years. Construction is scheduled to start later in 2009, with both projects to be finished by the end of 2012.
HSBC’s Mexico Credit Card Portfolio Down 10% On Economy Woes
July 9, 2009
The Mexican unit of UK-based financial group HSBC Holdings said it has seen a 10% contraction in its consumer
credit portfolio this year as the economic crisis has made some clients wary about taking on debt. Nevertheless,
HSBC said it has defaults in credit card lending under control and it is helping clients restructure their monthly
payments. Firm executives said the value of HSBC's credit card portfolio stands at approximately MXN 29 billion.
GNP: Insurance Sector To Contract In 2009
July 10, 2009
Mexican insurance company Grupo Nacional Provincial (GNP) said it expects the sector to contract this year as a
deep recession reduces sales of automobile and life insurance policies. GNP said, however, that there should be
good growth in health insurance premiums, with a marginal increase in property and casualty premiums as well.
Nevertheless, GNP said that given the large size of auto insurance, the sector as a whole is not really seen as
growing. According to data from insurance regulator CNSF, the industry's direct premiums surged 15.9% year over
year to MXN 65.13 billion in 1Q, when GDP shrank 8.2%.
back to top
Business & Industry
IMEF’s June Manufacturing Index Highest In Eight Months
July 6, 2009
Mexico's Institute for Finance Executives (IMEF) announced that its manufacturing index in June reached its highest
level in eight months, leading IMEF to consider this a possible sign that the recession has hit bottom. The index, in
which a reading below 50 points indicates contraction and above 50 points indicates expansion, was 48.2 last month,
up from 46.8 in April but below the 51.9 level a year earlier. IMEF said its nonmanufacturing index, which measures
activity in services, rose to 47.4 in June from 45.9 in May, but was below the 51.5 reading in June 2008. The
nonmanufacturing index recovered the upward trend that was interrupted in May by the influenza outbreak, but
continues to show contraction.
Pepsi Bottling Group’s Mexico Sales Fall 7% In 2Q
July 8, 2009
Executives at Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), the manufacturer and distributor of U.S. soft drink maker Pepsi’s products,
said PBG’s sales in Mexico fell 7% during 2Q, although cash flow increased by 6% due to favorable exchange rates
from the USD/MXN parity. PBG specified that net revenue in Mexico during that period amounted to USD 299 million,
down from USD 394 million in 2Q 2008; operative profit was USD 17 million in 2Q 2009, down from the USD 29
million registered in the like-2008 period.
back to top
Automotive
GM Cuts 300 Jobs In Mexico, Sees No More Shutdowns
July 10, 2009
U.S. automaker General Motors (GM) announced it will cut 300 more jobs in Mexico as it reels from a sharp decline in
U.S. and Mexican demand, but added it does not expect further plant shutdowns in the country. GM Mexico said the
layoffs, which are part of the firm’s restructuring process to emerge from bankruptcy protection in the U.S., would hit
nonunion workers. GM said the restructuring process did not include permanent closures of any of its plants in
Mexico. GM Mexico has been periodically shuttering its three major plants to pare inventories amid a steep drop in its
exports. GM's local production fell 42% during the first four months of the year.
back to top
Housing & Mortgaging
Geo, Prudential Financial In New Real Estate JV
July 8, 2009
Mexican home builder Corporacion Geo and a unit of financial services provider Prudential Financial announced they
will invest in large housing projects under a 10-year joint venture (JV). The two firms said the first project involves an
initial investment of USD 110 million to build 18,000 homes on 360 hectares in the northern city of Tijuana, in the
state of Baja California. Geo said it will build 80% of the homes, while land will be sold to other builders for the
construction of the remaining houses. Under a separate JV agreement, Prudential Real Estate Investors has invested
USD 426 million over the last six years to purchase land for 84 Geo projects.
back to top
Construction & Infrastructure
ICA Sells USD 192 Million In New Shares
July 10, 2009
Mexican construction and engineering firm ICA said it raised USD 192 million through the sale of 130.4 million new
shares as part of a capital increase. ICA said its CPO shares priced at USD 1.46 each, while its American depository
receipts priced at USD 5.90. ICA said about 70% of the shares were sold abroad, while the remaining 30% were sold
in Mexico. The company said the placement agents have 30 days to sell 19.6 million additional shares, worth
approximately USD 29 million, if an overallotment option is exercised.
UN Recognizes Cemex’s Social Program
July 7, 2009
Mexican cement maker Cemex announced that it won the United Nations (UN) Habitat prize in the Accessible
Housing Solutions category for its Patrimonio Hoy y Centros Productivos de Autoempleo social program. Cemex’s
program, which was the only Latin-American firm’s initiative to be recognized by the UN, seeks to improve families’
quality of life by promoting self-employment in the construction sector.
PDI Secures USD 11.1 Million Contract For Bridge In Quintana Roo
July 10, 2009
Mexican construction firm Proyectos y Desarrollos de Infraestructura (PDI), owned by businessman Alfonso Romo,
announced it was awarded a USD 11.1 million contract by the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) for the
construction of a bridge in Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo. Other bidders included Empresas ICA and over 20
other firms.
back to top
Retail
Walmex’s 2Q Net Profit Rises 16%
July 8, 2009
Wal-Mart de Mexico (Walmex), the Mexican unit of U.S. retailer Wal-Mart, said 2Q profit rose 16% as price cuts
helped the company increase sales. Walmex said net income rose to MXN 3.8 billion in 2Q from MXN 3.2 billion in
the like-2008 period. Walmex noted that total sales rose 11% to MXN 63.9 billion as price cuts drew more buyers to
the company's low-cost goods. Expenditures rose only 7%.
back to top
Transportation
SCT Grounds Aviacsa For The Third Time On MXN 292 Million Debt
July 6, 2009
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) grounded Mexican low-cost airline Aviacsa for the third time in
less than two months due to a MXN 292 million debt related to considerations that must be paid to the Services for
the Navigation in Mexican Airspace (SENEAM) agency. SCT had grounded the company earlier last month on safety
concerns but a judge had allowed the firm to resume operations. Aviacsa appealed SCT’s latest decision regarding its
debt and noted it had been awarded court protection in 2007, but the judge in charge of the case dismissed the
protection and ruled against the company. SCT said Aviacsa will be allowed to resume operations as soon as it
regularizes its situation. Aviacsa employees demonstrated at Mexico City’s airport and marched toward governmental
offices in support of the company.
back to top
Telecommunications & Technology
SCT Prepares Transition From AM Frequencies To FM Frequencies
July 9, 2009
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that it is preparing the transition from AM frequencies
to FM frequencies as the distribution of spectrum for broadcasters in the first region of the country to move toward
digital technology is ready. SCT said it will seek to hasten the transition process in the remaining five regions of
Mexico to promote the national use of digital platforms and that it will work with the Federal Telecommunications
Commission (Cofetel) in order to achieve the conversion of one region per quarter. The first region includes the states
of Yucatan, Campeche and Chiapas.
Telmex Sells MXN 8 Billion In Bonds
July 8, 2009
Telmex announced that it sold MXN 8 billion in long-term bonds in two separate placements. Telmex specified that it
sold MXN 4 billion in two-year bonds, yielding 0.74 percentage point above the benchmark 28-day TIIE interbank rate
and MXN 4 billion in four-year bonds to yield 0.95 percentage point above TIIE.
LG To Restructure Mexico Plants, Invest USD 100 Million
July 7, 2009
South Korean electronics manufacturer LG Electronics said it would restructure its Mexican production bases to focus
on flat-screen TVs and appliances and to boost output from the country by more than 50% by 2012. LG said that it
would integrate three plants currently operating in Mexico into two, closing its facility in Mexicali and expanding plants
in Reynosa and Monterrey, all in Northern states. In addition, the company said it will invest USD 100 million in Mexico over the next three years and aims to increase production in the country to USD 4 billion in 2012, from USD
2.6 billion in 2008.
Hitachi In Final Stage Of Talks To Sell Mexico TV Plant
July 9, 2009
Japanese electronics maker Hitachi said it is in the final stage of talks to sell a TV assembly plant in Mexico and is
turning to contract manufacturers to produce the bulk of its flat-panel televisions in the U.S. and Europe as part of
ongoing cost-cutting measures to turn around its loss-making TV operations. Hitachi said that it is also considering
the sale of another Mexican TV facility. Details on the potential buyers for the two plants and their locations were not
disclosed.
back to top
Media & Entertainment
CIE Shareholders Approve MXN 1.2 Billion Capital Increase
July 10, 2009
Executives from Mexican out-of-home entertainment firm Corporacion Interamericana de Entretenimiento (CIE)
announced that stakeholders approved the company's plans to raise MXN 1.2 billion through the sale of 200 million
new shares. CIE said that existing shareholders will have the right to buy one new share for every 1.8 shares held.
The new papers will cost MXN 6 each. CIE said it will use the funds to pay down debt and for working capital.
back to top
Farming & Agriculture
OECD Praises Governmental Programs To Support Agriculture
July 6, 2009
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) praised the programs the federal government
has implemented to support the country’s farming and agriculture sector, saying such programs have yielded
optimum results. A report by OECD said the current administration’s 2007-2012 agriculture program combines
effective measures to achieve the economic development of rural areas and the supply of healthy foods, ensuring the
sector’s revenue and environmental and social sustainability.
back to top
Economy
Banxico, SHCP: Mexico Moves Toward Economic Recovery
July 8, 2009
According to the central bank (Banxico), Mexico's economy could expand next year by more than the approximate
3% forecast by the government. In addition, the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that an expansion of
gross domestic product (GDP) by nearly 3% next year seemed realistic. The government said that Mexico’s economy
has entered a recovery process but that much will depend in the future on what happens with the U.S. economy.
Private sector economists surveyed by Banxico in June expect GDP to grow 2.1% next year, after shrinking 6.3% in
2009, its biggest contraction in over a decade.
Banxico: Influenza Outbreak Caused Mexico’s GDP To Fall By 10% In 2Q
July 7, 2009
According to officials at the central bank (Banxico), the recent A/H1N1 influenza virus outbreak affected Mexico’s
economy severely, leading to a probable 10% contraction in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2Q. The
sectors that suffered most from the sanitary crisis were tourism and services in general. Banxico said that in other
countries that have suffered from similar situations, tourism has recovered in approximately five months, while the
general economic activity returns to normal levels in about four months. Mexico’s GDP shrank 8% in 1Q. The Finance
and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) noted that it has invested over MXN 800 billion since 2008 in anticyclic measures
to address the global economic downturn, which has affected Mexico the most, according to data from the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), and which might cause the country’s GDP to shrink by 7.3% in 2009.
President Calderon Attends G8, G5 Leaders’ Summit
July 8, 2009
President Calderon attended the Leaders’ Summit from the Group of Eight (G8) most industrialized countries and the
Group of Five (G5) largest emerging countries in Italy, where they discussed economic issues, climate change, trade
and other international matters. The G8 and G5 said they are working toward an agreement to hold a trade summit
before the Group of 20 gathers in September. President Calderon proposed that the G5 become an autonomous
entity in 2010 and reunite before the G20 summit to consolidate those five countries’ positions regarding the current economic crisis. President Calderon also insisted that the creation of a green fund is a better way to address climate
change than the carbon credits.
Mexico Becomes Member Of MIGA
July 8, 2009
Mexico announced it became the 175th member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which is
part of the World Bank Group. Mexico’s belonging to the MIGA—whose mission is to promote foreign direct
investment (FDI) into developing countries to help support economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the quality
of life—will allow the country to benefit from the guarantees the organization offers to investors against risks on
money transfers, expropriations and breaches of contracts, among others.
Banxico's Reserves Down On Dollar Sales
July 8, 2009
The central bank (Banxico) announced that its international reserves fell by USD 256 million to USD 74.1 billion in the
last week of June as it made a USD 250 million auction to private banks in order to support the peso and slow down
the depreciating trend. Reserves have fallen by approximately USD 11.3 billion since the beginning of the year,
following a USD 11.8 billion sale to local financial institutions. Banxico started dollar auctions in October after a sharp
decline in the MXN/USD parity.
OECD: Mexico’s Unemployment To Worsen In 2010, Despite Possible Recovery
July 8, 2009
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mexico’s unemployment rate
will worsen in 2010, regardless of probable improvements in the country’s economic situation and in a scenario where
Mexico would have overcome the worst phase of the current economic downturn. However, President Calderon said
his administration, along with the private sector, created approximately 20,000 jobs in June as part of joint efforts to
boost employment amid the recession.
Banxico: Inflation Falls To 5.74% In June
July 9, 2009
The central bank (Banxico) said that the year-on-year inflation rate in Mexico fell to 5.74% in June as consumers were
hit hard by the current recession. The figure came in below expectations, with the consensus among the country's
largest financial institutions being that the consumer price index (IPC) would rise 0.21% last month. The reading was
lower than expected as prices fell for some fruits, chili peppers and beef. Banxico has lowered borrowing costs every
month since January in a bid to jump-start the economy, which is mired in its worst recession since 1995.
INEGI: Consumer Confidence Improves In June
July 6, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), consumer confidence in Mexico rose in June, after falling to an
all-time low the previous month during the A/H1N1 influenza virus outbreak that led to the suspension of a number of
economic activities. INEGI said its confidence index rose to 81 points from 78.3 in May, with confidence rising in all
five categories. Consumers were more optimistic about the economy compared with a year ago, as well as about
prospects for the coming year. Consumers also had improved views of their own situations and prospects, and felt
more able to buy big-ticket items than in May.
back to top
Border & Migration
U.S. Senate Backs 700 Miles Of Fencing On Border
July 8, 2009
The U.S. Senate voted to require actual fencing along 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) of the U.S. border with Mexico
rather than vehicle barriers and high-tech equipment. The plan by Democratic Senator Jim DeMint won approval by a
54-44 vote as the Senate began a second day of debate on a USD 42.9 billion measure to fund the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) for the budget year beginning October 1. DeMint said the U.S.-Mexico border "has become
a battleground" as drug and weapons traffickers, along with illegal immigrants, move too freely.
Mexico, U.S. Boost Efforts To Save Immigrants’ Lives
July 7, 2009
Officials from the Mexican government and the U.S. Border Patrol announced that they will enhance efforts to warn
migrants about the dangers of crossing illegally into the U.S., mostly this summer, as temperatures in the desert are
more deadly than in other times of the year, among other threats. Authorities from both Mexico and the U.S. also
made a demonstration of water rescues for endangered immigrants.
Canada Imposes A Visa For Mexicans, Czechs
July 13, 2009
The Canadian government announced that starting July 14, Mexican nationals will require a visa to travel to Canada,
as well as people from the Czech Republic, following the Canadian government’s decision to crack down on an alleged flood of what it considers bogus refugee claims. The decision has left thousands of Mexicans stranded at
airports in Mexico and flooding neighboring streets near the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City, awaiting a resolution
and prompting popular discontent and governmental responses, including imposing a visa for Canadian diplomats in
Mexico. The Czech Republic also expressed the nuisance such a decision represents by withdrawing its Ambassador
in Canada.
back to top
Politics
PAN Loses Ground, PRI Recovers Trust, Null Vote Gains Impressive Strength
July 7, 2009
Results from the very recent midterm elections in Mexico indicated that the currently ruling rightist National Action
Party (PAN) was fiercely struck by voters, giving a strong comeback to former major political force Institutional
Revolutionary Party (PRI), which ruled Mexico for 71 consecutive years until it lost the presidency in 2000. PAN
admitted defeat in the 500-seat lower house of Congress as well as in some governorships and municipal presidents’
offices. PAN’s defeat prompted its leader, German Martinez, to step aside. In addition, an important percentage of
voters nullified their votes nationwide following a media campaign to use a null vote as a protest against Mexico's
major parties, a decision that led "null voters" to become the fourth or fifth major "political force." President Calderon
addressed the people after the elections and underlined the strength of Mexico's democracy with what was "an
unmistakably open and fair process."
PRD Leaders Meet To Promote Unity
July 10, 2009
Leaders from the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), headed by Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, and including
the governors of the states of Michoacan and Zacatecas, Leonel Godoy and Amalia Garcia, respectively, met during
the party’s extraordinary meeting to agree on a plan to bring unity to their splintered political organization and
integrate a legislative agenda for their representatives in the Chamber of Deputies in the coming Congress. The PRD
took a beating in last week’s elections, blamed mostly on the division brought about by two different leaders haggling
for the party’s presidency.
Colombia Requests Extradition Of Mexican, Alleged Pro-FARC Activist
July 10, 2009
Colombian authorities have requested the extradition of Mexican activist Lucia Morett, who was detained along with
members of Colombia’s Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) during a raid launched by Colombian
President Alvaro Uribe on a rebel camp along the Colombia-Ecuador border in 2008. Colombian authorities are
accusing Morett of cooperating with terrorists and have issued an order for her arrest in Colombia. The South
American country has also asked Interpol to capture Morett "wherever she may hide."
back to top
Justice, Safety & Crime
U.S. House Approves More Funds In Merida Initiative Aid Package
July 9, 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the final USD 235 million tranche of funds for the Merida Initiative
antidrug aid package for Mexico. In June, the U.S. Congress passed a war funding bill, including USD 420 million for
the initiative. Of the funds, USD 260 million were destined to purchase aircraft for Mexico's Navy, and USD 160
million were awarded to Mexico as part of the U.S. Department of State's (DOS’s) Narcotics Control International
Program.
U.S. Ambassador To Mexico Nominee Speaks On Crime At Hearing
July 9, 2009
Carlos Pascual, President Barack Obama's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, told a U.S. congressional
hearing that success in defeating organized crime in Mexico must be based not just on overhauling the police force,
but on building effective judicial institutions. Carlos Pascual told members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations
Committee during confirmation hearings for hemispheric ambassadors that the Merida Initiative must be seen as part
of the shared effort that includes up to USD 6 billon from the Mexican government.
Activists: "Narco-Violence" Is Taking Deadly Toll Along U.S.-Mexico Border
July 9, 2009
According to activists, violence along the U.S.-Mexico border is taking a deadly toll among people linked to organized
crime, but it is also including innocent bystanders finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. U.S.
authorities said that the number of American citizens killed in Ciudad Juarez for reasons linked to drug trafficking
have skyrocketed. In the past 14 months, at least 10 murders of U.S. citizens have occurred in Ciudad Juarez, and
the bodies have turned up at different spots in the city. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a travel alert for
five countries, including Honduras and Mexico, and is warning Americans of the increase in violence along the U.S.-Mexican border zone.
Rights Organizations Accuse Army Of Drug War Torture
July 9, 2009
According to local citizens and rights organizations that provided documents, interviews with victims, political leaders
and human rights monitors as evidence, the army used brutal tactics in its current war on drugs. The groups said the
army used harsh methods that terrorized residents across the country in battling drug cartels. Officials conceded that
abuses have occurred but said the cases were isolated. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has
received more than 2,000 complaints about the army and has documented 26 cases of abuse, 17 of which involved
torture.
Pope Supports Mexico’s Fight Against Drug Traffickers
July 9, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI encouraged Mexico to continue its fight against drug traffickers, violence, lack of equity and
poverty and said that a moral renovation is also required in Mexico, in addition to the measures already being
implemented by the government. The Pope also said, while receiving the newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to
the Vatican, that the education of consciences and the construction of a culture of life should also be part of the
efforts.
Drug-Related Murders, Abductions Frighten U.S. Mormons In Mexico
July 9, 2009
U.S. Mormons in Mexico said they are living in fear after the recent killing of Mormon antikidnapping activist Benjamin
Le Baron and another man in the state of Chihuahua. An armed group burst into the home of Le Baron, who had led
demonstrations to denounce a spate of kidnappings in Chihuahua, including the abduction of his brother Erick, and
took him away. The Federal Attorney General's Office (PGR) said it launched an investigation into the murders.
Authorities also said they will give arms and training to members of an anticrime group in the Le Baron Mormon
community, as well as providing security through the presence of federal forces.
Oklahoma Sets Tax On Remittances In Fight Against Drug Traffickers
July 9, 2009
Oklahoma announced the entry into force, starting July 1, of House Bill 2250, under which it will charge USD 5 on
remittances amounting to USD 500 or less that are sent to Mexico in order to allegedly keep further control over
Mexican drug lords’ funds. The law also enables the state’s government to freeze the bank accounts of businesses or
financial institutions suspected of having links with drug cartels.
CIDE: Crimes In Mexico City Rise By 40%
July 8, 2009
According to the Center of Economics Investigation And Teaching’s (CIDE) Victimization and Institutional
Effectiveness survey, crimes in Mexico City increased by 40% in 2008, and 37% households said a member of the
family living there had suffered from crime during the year. CIDE said results could be linked to the increase of
juvenile unemployment and a surge in organized crime’s activities. CIDE added that there were increases in all types
of felonies registered in the study and said that the effectiveness of authorities was perceived as very deficient by the
population.
Police Capture Suspects In Attacks On Feds
July 12, 2009
Federal agents captured two suspects in connection with a series of attacks on federal forces across the western
state of Michoacan that left five officers and two soldiers dead. The men were arrested following a shootout with
federal police in the Pacific port city of Lazaro Cardenas in which one gunman was killed. Police also seized three
assault rifles, a pistol, bullets, a bulletproof vest, four radios and an SUV. Police accuse the suspects of being
involved in a series of brazen attacks on federal police stations in Michoacan and two other states. Authorities say the
attacks, one of the boldest offenses carried out against the government, were in response to the arrest of Arnoldo
Rueda Medina, a reputed main operative of La Familia cartel. La Familia has publicly offered a truce to the
government and said it was open to negotiations; the government categorically refused to deal with criminals.
French President Sarkozy Insists On Repatriation Of Kidnapper
July 8, 2009
French President Nicolas Sarkozy took the opportunity to talk to President Calderon at the G8 and G5 Leaders
Summit in Italy and insisted that French kidnapper Florence Cassez be extradited to France to serve her sentence in
her home country. President Calderon said that the conditions for the extradition of Cassez have not been met and
that Mexican authorities will not repatriate her, as France does not provide the required guarantees ensuring she will
be punished accordingly for her crimes. Cassez was sentenced to 60 years in prison on kidnapping charges, a
sentence that was reduced from an initial 90 years.
SEMAR Incinerates 8 Tons Of Marijuana
July 9, 2009
The Navy Ministry (SEMAR) announced that it has incinerated nearly 8 tons of marijuana seized on the country's
northern Sea of Cortez after navy vessels chased down two speedboats headed for the United States and arrested
five drug trafficking suspects. SEMAR said that it was unclear to which crime group the drugs had belonged. Further information was not provided.
Three Mexicans Arrested On Drug Charges In Australia
July 9, 2009
Three Mexicans were arrested in Sydney on charges that they smuggled 144 kilos of cocaine worth AUD 31.6 million
into Australia. The cocaine was shipped from Mexico to Australia in six steel containers at the end of 2008 and stored
north of Sydney, the country's largest city. The containers were transported to Castle Hill, a neighborhood in the city's
northwest section. Police seized the cocaine and arrested the three suspects after conducting searches at three
houses. If convicted on drug charges, the suspects face punishment ranging from a fine of AUD 825,000 to life in
prison.
back to top
Health & Science
Shriners To Decide Fate Of Six Children's Hospitals
July 8, 2009
Shriners Hospitals for Children, a one-of-a-kind health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by
providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs, is deciding whether to
close six of its hospitals. Using an annual USD 2 member assessment, the Shriners Hospitals system opened in 1922
with a facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, that specialized in treating polio. The modest start has grown into a network of
hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico that operates on USD 856 million a year in donations and
investment proceeds. The board of trustees proposed the closure of the six hospitals, all in the United States.
Nobel Laureate Molina Suggests That More Funds Should Be Entailed For Science
July 8, 2009
Mexican chemistry Nobel Prize winner Mario Molina said that Mexico needs to improve the level of its scientists and
ensure that more and better students dedicate themselves to scientific activities but added that in order to do so,
more funds should be awarded for research and to provide employment guarantees to scientists. Molina stressed that
there is a tight link between a country’s development and the quality of its researchers.
back to top
Sports
Diver Espinosa Wins Gold Medal In Universiade
July 6, 2009
The National Physical Culture and Sports Commission said that diver Paola Espinosa won Mexico's first gold medal
at the Belgrade 2009 Universiade sports event. Espinosa collected a total of 354.45 points in the women's 10m
platform final for the title. She had previously won bronze for the synchronized dive event at the Beijing Olympic
Games. Mexico’s wins so far include a gold medal for Espinosa, a silver medal for fellow diver Yahel Castillo, and two
bronze medals in Taekwondo for Jannet Alegria and Salvador Perez.
Panama-Mexico Draw 1-1 In Gold Cup Encounter; Mexico Beats Guadeloupe 2-0
July 10, 2009
Mexico was held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in an ill-tempered Gold Cup game in which three players and the Mexican
coach were sent off. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was banned for three matches by regional soccer body
CONCACAF after clashing with Panama midfielder Ricardo Phillips during the match. Ten minutes from the end of
the 1-1 draw, Aguirre left his technical area and stuck his foot out in front of the player just as the ball crossed the
touchline. Mexico beat Guadeloupe 2-0 at a later classifying match in the same tournament.
back to top
|
