|
Energy
Pemex Sees Ku Maloob Zaap’s Output At 830,000 B/D Over Next Seven Years
June 11, 2009
Pemex said that its now largest oil field, Ku Maloob Zaap, will maintain peak oil production longer than expected,
giving the firm more time to find and develop new fields. Pemex said it hopes that by injecting nitrogen and drilling
more technically advanced horizontal wells at Ku Maloob Zaap, the field will maintain production of roughly 830,000
barrels per day (b/d) for the next seven years. Pemex also sees Cantarell field’s output improving this year as the
company has implemented new remediation programs to extract as much oil as possible, including the reopening of
wells that produce significant volumes of water that were shut in recent years. With these programs, Pemex said it will
increase oil production slightly from current levels during the rest of 2009 to meet its target of 2.7 million b/d.
Pemex Awards MXN 3.27 Billion Petrochemical Plant Contract To ACS
June 12, 2009
Pemex announced that it awarded a MXN 3.27 billion contract to a consortium led by Spanish construction firm
Actividades de Construccion y Servicios (ACS) for the upgrade of its La Cangrejera petrochemicals complex, in the
state of Veracruz. The consortium, which also includes local engineering company Senermex Ingenieria y Proyectos,
will be in charge of the first enhancement phase of La Cangrejera, which produces paraxylene, used in the production
of polyester fibers and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic. Improvements during this phase aim at increasing
efficiency and double production at the facility.
President Calderon: Pemex To Award MXN 5 Billion In Contracts For SMEs
June 11, 2009
President Calderon announced that Pemex will seek to spend MXN 5 billion on small- and medium-sized companies
(SMEs) once a program for that purpose is analyzed and discussed by Pemex’s administrative council. The program,
to be presented and included in the Comprehensive Business Plan, seeks to develop the potential of domestic energy
providers. The contracts are part of a reform passed last October, which was aimed at restructuring the oil industry,
promising new, more flexible contracts designed to also attract foreign firms and encourage renewable energy
technologies.
CFE Awards USD 393 Million In Contracts For The Construction Of Wind Farms
June 10, 2009
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced that it signed two contracts jointly worth USD 393.6 million for
the construction of two new wind farms in the state of Oaxaca. CFE specified that Mexican consortium Energias
Ambientales de Oaxaca will build the USD 176.6 million Oaxaca 1 wind farm, while Spain’s Iberdrola Renewables will
be in charge of the USD 217 million La Venta 3 project. Each wind farm will have a 101 MW capacity, create
approximately 1,000 jobs and enable Mexico to avoid releasing about 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere each year.
Consortium Led By Iberdrola Secures USD 160 Million Contract For Power Lines
June 12, 2009
A consortium operated by Spanish power group Iberdrola announced that it secured a USD 160 million contract to
enlarge and modernize power lines in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas. The consortium, also formed by Spanish
engineering company Elecnor and Colombian utility Electricas de Medellin, will build nine transmission lines – whose
joint length is 196 kilometers – and six substations in those states.
Siemens To Invest MXN 160 Million In Queretaro
June 9, 2009
German conglomerate Siemens announced that it will invest MXN 160 million in a new facility in the state of
Queretaro to produce, distribute and maintain equipment for energy transmission and distribution substations. The
plant will be located at the El Marques industrial park and will create 200 direct jobs. Siemens had announced in
March that it would invest USD 25 million to build three electric energy producing projects for Aceros Corsa, Grupo
Modelo and Grupo Kuo.
Pemex To Tender Three Gas Blocks In July
June 12, 2009
Pemex announced an upcoming tender for three natural gas blocks in July, in an effort to draw more international
energy companies to Mexico. The blocks will be offered under a multiple-service-contract model in which interested
companies have the opportunity to make gains in Mexico but not own and sell the natural gas produced. Each block
is expected to generate between 50 million and 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Mexico is also working
on new incentive-based oil services contracts to draw experienced international companies into areas where Pemex
lacks experience, such as the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Pemex Seeks Platform For Offshore Field; Bids For Maintenance On Gas Plant
June 10, 2009
Pemex announced an upcoming offshore platform tender for the Kambesah oil field in the Campeche Sound. The
platform will operate three wells there, where the firm expects production to average 13,700 barrels of oil per day
(b/d) and 9.3 million cubic feet of natural gas a day. In addition, Pemex said it is seeking bids for maintenance work
on an offshore plant that processes gas for reinjection into the Cantarell crude deposits.
back to top
Trade & Investment
INEGI: March Gross Fixed Investment Falls 4%
June 11, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico’s gross fixed investment fell 4% in March from the yearago
period. Spending on equipment and machinery in March fell 7.3%, within which investment in domestically
produced items dropped 6.9%. Expenditures on imported equipment and machinery slipped 7.5% while construction
investment declined 1.9% from a year earlier. Gross fixed investment is a measure of spending on machinery,
equipment and construction.
back to top
Banking, Insurance & Finance
Banorte To Acquire Ixe Pension Fund Assets
June 10, 2009
Mexican bank Grupo Financiero Banorte announced that it has agreed to buy local peer Ixe Grupo Financiero’s
pension fund business for an undisclosed amount in order to expand its market share and increase profitability.
Banorte said its pension fund subsidiary, Banorte Generali, will acquire 312,489 retirement accounts with assets
under management of MXN 5.45 billion. The transaction has been approved by pension fund regulator Consar and is
now subject to a favorable ruling by the Federal Competition Commission (CFC). In a separate operation, Banorte
has established an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program on the U.S. over-the-counter market. Banorte said
the ADRs will trade under the ticker symbol GBOOY and that each ADR will be equivalent to five of its local shares.
Banorte named The Bank of New York Mellon (BK) as the depositary bank of its ADR program.
Compartamos To Sell Up To MXN 2 Billion In Bonds As Part Of Broader Plan
June 8, 2009
Mexican microfinance bank Banco Compartamos announced plans to sell up to MXN 2 billion in bonds to fund its
lending operations. The firm noted that the placement is part of a MXN 6 billion program that would allow the firm to
sell stock certificates (Cerburs) with a maturity of approximately 42 months on the local financial market.
Compartamos provides small, mainly working capital loans to low-income business owners, such as crafts
manufacturers and food vendors, who frequently work in the informal economy.
AXA To Invest USD 100 Million In Mexico
June 8, 2009
French insurer AXA announced that it will invest USD 100 million in Mexico over the next three years in order to
improve its operational procedures, train its sales personnel and strengthen the firm itself. AXA added that it is maintaining its investment plans for Mexico despite the current global economic downturn and said it plans to hire
1,000 employees in Mexico this year. AXA, which arrived in the Mexican insurance market between the summer and
fall of 2008, said it has a current client base of 5 million.
Actinver Taps Itau To Invest In Brazilian Equities
June 15, 2009
Mexican financial services company Grupo Actinver announced that it will start investing in Brazilian equities as part
of a wider effort into stocks, as low interest rates make fixed-income assets less attractive. Actinver has reached an
alliance with Brazil’s Itau Securities, the securities arm of Itau Unibanco, to help manage the new joint fund Actinver
Acciones Brasileñas (ACTINBR). Actinver said the aim of the new fund is to give their clients the option of investing in
a diversified portfolio of leading companies in the Brazilian market. Meanwhile, Itau Unibanco will also start operating
in Mexico through the said alliance. Both firms jointly announced the start of operations of ACTINBR, which was
green-lighted to begin offering its services by Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) in 2008.
MetLife Mexico Aims For Market Share Gains In 2009 Regardless Of Recession
June 12, 2009
The Mexican arm of U.S.-based insurer MetLife said it aims to grow its market share this year amid a deep recession
in the country as it continues to expand its sales force. MetLife noted that its growth in premiums this year is expected
to be between mid and high single digits. MetLife Mexico, which had a 14.5% market share last year on premiums of
MXN 29.81 billion, is hiring between 300 and 400 new agents this year as it looks to sell more insurance and pension
products to affluent consumers.
Visa: 62% Of Mexicans Used A Debit Card In 2008
June 9, 2009
Credit card payments firm Visa said that based on a recent survey, approximately 62% of Mexicans used a debit card
last year. According to Visa’s findings, debit cards are becoming Mexicans’ preferred form of payment due to the
benefits they offer in terms of security, control and convenience. Visa said it surveyed 1,009 adults from different
social classes between 18 and 64 years of age in the cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City. The study
found that 75% of participants used at least one banking service last year, up from 66% in 2007.
CONDUSEF Fails Five Banks In Credit Card Information Supply
June 11, 2009
Financial services consumer protection agency Condusef gave “failing grades” in a recent report on credit card
transparency to five banks, including the Mexican arm of the UK’s HSBC, and local institutions Banco Amigo, Banco
del Bajio, Banca Mifel and Banregio. Condusef failed the banks due to a lack of transparency in credit card contracts,
statements and advertisements.
back to top
Business & Industry
Grupo Bimbo Places MXN 10 Billion In Local Notes
June 11, 2009
Mexican bakeries company Grupo Bimbo placed MXN 10 billion in notes on the local debt market to refinance loans
used to acquire the U.S. bakeries of Canada-based George Weston in January. Bimbo said that demand for the fiveyear
and seven-year notes was MXN 14.7 billion. The issuance includes MXN 5 billion in five-year notes paying 155
basis points over the 28-day TIIE interbank rate, MXN 2 billion in seven-year notes at a fixed annual rate of 10.6%,
and MXN 3 billion in seven-year inflation-indexed notes paying a real rate of 6.05%.
Coca-Cola Femsa To Invest USD 119 Million In Colombia In 2009
June 9, 2009
Mexican soft drink bottler Coca-Cola Femsa (KOF) announced plans to invest USD 119 million in Colombia this year,
mostly aiming at expanding its business of water and fruit juices. The investment would be among the largest
announced by KOF in Latin America this year. The company invested USD 50 million in Colombia last year, and it
decided to keep expanding its water business in that country as sales of water and juices grow between three and
four times faster than sales of carbonated beverages in Latin America. Earlier this year, KOF acquired a 50% stake in
rival Agua Brisa, the water-bottling company owned in Colombia by Bavaria, the local unit of SABMiller, for USD 46
million. Additionally, KOF will invest USD 8 million to purchase new trucks, cases, and warehouses to boost Brisa’s
sales after taking the company over in June.
Genomma Lab Acquires Three Sanborns Brands For MXN 300 Million
June 8, 2009
Mexican over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and personal care products maker Genomma Lab announced it acquired three drug brands from retailer Grupo Sanborns for MXN 300 million. In addition, Genomma Lab said that its
expansion plan also included the acquisition of the Jockey Club, a brand of beauty and personal care products for
men, for MXN 42.4 million.
Heinz Inaugurates MXN 158 Million Child Nutrition Plant
June 9, 2009
U.S. food company Heinz’s Mexican subsidiary announced that it inaugurated a MXN 158 million child nutrition facility
at Tlaquepaque, in the state of Jalisco. Heinz’s new plant, which is the second yet opened in Mexico, will produce
baby foods, 80% of which will be exported to Central and South America. The new facility is expected to create
approximately 1,000 jobs and contribute to the strengthening of the country’s farming product supply chain and foodproducing
services.
Codusa Creditors Approve Debt Restructuring
June 13, 2009
Mexican paper manufacturer Corporacion Durango (Codusa) said its creditors voted unanimously in favor of the
company’s USD 500 million debt restructuring agreement, which it now expects to complete within weeks. Holders of
approximately USD 357 million in 2017 notes will receive USD 250 million in new seven-year senior guaranteed
notes, new Codusa shares equivalent to 6% of the company’s equity, and USD 10 million in cash. Holders of around
USD 151 million of the 2017 notes, who are related to the company, will exchange such notes for new Codusa shares
worth 35% of the company’s equity.
back to top
Automotive
AMIA: Mexico Automobile Production, Exports Slump In May
June 8, 2009
According to the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), Mexico’s automobile production fell 39.4% to
108,162 units in May when compared to the like-2008 period, stung by slumping U.S. demand and the influenza virus
scare. AMIA said vehicle exports fell 44.3% to 83,910 units and domestic sales 38% to 53,438 units in May, when
compared to last year’s period. AMIA also said the numbers were adversely affected by poor consumer confidence in
Mexico and weakness in the global auto industry.
Chrysler-Fiat Agreement Excludes Mexico Contracts, Among Others
June 10, 2009
According to sources from U.S. automaker DaimlerChrysler, the agreement under which it yielded Italian peer Fiat a
stake in the U.S. company and which was signed earlier this year excludes six contracts DaimlerChrysler had signed
previously, including one with DaimlerChrysler Mexico. In May, Fiat and Chrysler, which have entered into a strategic
partnership and will share equipment and distribution centers, said they were eyeing Mexico as a possible option to
install their car assembly operations.
Navistar Seeks To Build More Heavy-Duty Trucks In Mexico
June 9, 2009
U.S. truck manufacturer Navistar International said it wants to lower its costs for assembling heavy-duty trucks by
shifting more production from Canada to Mexico. Most of Navistar’s heavy-duty trucks have been built at the
company’s Chatham, Ontario, plant. But Navistar said it is considering moving some of Chatham’s volume to a plant
in Escobedo, in the state of Nuevo Leon, where the firm’s heavy-duty rigs are built for the Mexican market.
back to top
Construction & Infrastructure
GCC Announces Talks With Creditors Continue
June 9, 2009
Mexican cement maker Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) said it is still in talks with creditors regarding
outstanding debt. GCC said it will “continue negotiating with a view to reaching a satisfactory agreement” with
creditors. The company also said it has obtained a four-year, USD 30 million revolving line of credit with government
export development bank Bancomext. GCC operates in Mexico, the U.S. and Bolivia, with annual production capacity
of 4.9 million tons of cement.
back to top
Retail
Comerci Agrees In Principle To Restructure Debt
June 11, 2009
Mexican debt-ridden retailer Comercial Mexicana (Comerci) has agreed in principle with most key creditors regarding
the terms of repayment of its debt and hopes to bring on board more holders to finish restructuring by end-2009.
Comerci noted that Barclays, Goldman Sachs Group, Bank of America, Santander and Banamex have agreed on the
total amount the company seeks to repay in eight years. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and other local debt holders were
not part of the agreement yet, which calls for a total payment of USD 1.535 billion to all creditors. JPMorgan even
tightened its grip on Comerci by refusing to extend the standstill deal that had frozen legal action in a U.S. court
against the company. Comerci responded to JPMorgan’s suit and countersued, saying some derivatives instruments
sold by the bank were illegal under Mexican and New York law.
back to top
Transportation
Aviacsa’s Losses On Operations Suspension Reach MXN 4 Million Per Day
June 11, 2009
Mexican low-cost airline Aviacsa, which was temporarily grounded by the Communications and Transport Ministry
(SCT) after officials reported irregularities in the maintenance of 25 planes, said daily losses during the suspension
period amounted to between MXN 3 million and MXN 4 million. Aviacsa’s suspension lasted only a few days as it was
allowed to resume operations by a judge who struck down the government order. SCT appealed the ruling, but the
judge’s second ruling was definitive and upheld Aviacsa.
Grupo Senda Seeks Support From Nafin, Bancomext
June 9, 2009
According to sources from the bus transportation sector, Mexican bus operator Grupo Senda is seeking aid from
government-run development banks Nacional Financiera (NAFIN) and Bancomext as it has been severely hit by the
global economic downturn. Sources said that Senda has had steady losses of MXN 750 million in the past three
quarters, and that it faced operational losses for the first time in 1Q.
back to top
Telecommunications & Technology
Cofetel: Mexico Telecom Sector 1Q Growth Weakest In Six Years
June 8, 2009
According to the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel), the telecom sector grew 13.3% year-on-year
during 1Q, its weakest expansion in more than six years. Cofetel said growth in its telecommunications production
index was affected by declines in traffic in mobile as well as national and international long distance telephony. The
number of fixed lines grew 4.2% year-on-year to 20.66 million at the end of the quarter. National long distance traffic
measured by minutes fell 0.9%; incoming international long-distance traffic dropped 9.3%, while outgoing traffic
plunged 16%. Cofetel said the number of mobile subscribers grew 11.4% to 76.6 million. Telecommunications prices
fell 5.75% in real terms during the quarter as operators continued to offer deals on services and reduced line
installation fees.
back to top
Media & Entertainment
Cablevision Secures MXN 3.7 Billion From Stock Sales
June 8, 2009
Mexican cable TV operator Cablevision announced that it obtained MXN 3.9 billion from stock sales among the firm’s
shareholders. Cablevision said the resources could be destined to pursue its expansion plans in the triple play sector.
Cablevision said it sold 657.4 million shares at MXN 5.62 per share. Cablevision stockholders refused to purchase
61,895 titles that could be sold to interested persons and other firms, previously approved by the company’s board.
Televisa, Univision Rest Their Case, Televisa Executives Testify In Trial
June 11, 2009
Televisa and its U.S. licensee Univision rested their cases in a lawsuit to determine if Televisa can transmit its TV shows to U.S. markets on the Internet. U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez, who is hearing the case without a jury,
ordered the parties to return to his Los Angeles courtroom for closing arguments on July 8, at which time he may
issue a tentative ruling. Gutierrez gave no sign of how he would rule in the case. Executives from Televisa testified
that they kept the right to stream popular Spanish-language shows to U.S. audiences over the Internet in a licensing
agreement with Univision, and said the arrangement would benefit its U.S. licensee’s ratings.
back to top
Hospitality & Tourism
President Calderon Inaugurates The Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort
June 11, 2009
President Calderon led the inauguration ceremony for the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya, an
exclusive resort of 490 luxurious and private suites in the Mexican Caribbean. The property required investment of
USD 250 million, which was fully provided by Mexican investors. President Calderon praised the creation of 500 direct
jobs and 8,000 indirect jobs by the resort. With the opening of the new property, Grupo Velas offers a total
accommodation of 1,170 suites distributed over four hotels.
back to top
Economy
Banxico: Inflation Slows To Seven-Month Low In May
June 9, 2009
According to the central bank (Banxico), annual inflation in Mexico slowed in May to a seven-month low. Banxico said
twelve-month inflation fell to 5.98% as seasonal electricity subsidies kicked in and food price increases slowed.
Consumer prices fell 0.29% from April, as administrative, housing and transportation costs dropped. Domestic
demand for goods fell 0.52% from the month before. The inflation rate had not been below 6% since October 2008.
SHCP Sees Solid 2009-2010 Balance Of Payments
June 10, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that a recovery in the world economy toward the end of the year
should lead to improvement in Mexico’s investment and other foreign revenue, supporting the balance of payments
this year and next, leading to a surplus. SHCP sees a weaker peso boosting the country’s exports, while an economic
recovery abroad will bring greater investment, remittances and tourism revenue in 2010. SHCP reiterated, however,
that the government will have to seek measures in the coming months to increase next year’s revenue and cut
spending, or face greater temporary budget deficits.
SCJN Rules That SHCP Must Return MXN 4 Billion On IMPAC Tax To Private Firms
June 9, 2009
The Supreme Court (SCJN) has ruled that the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) must return approximately
MXN 4 billion to some companies that sought court protection against article seven of the Law on Asset Taxes
(IMPAC), as the article was declared unconstitutional. Certain judicial authorities acknowledged that the decision and
its consequences complicate some fiscal issues for Mexico, given the economic situation the country has been
through lately, amid the global economic downturn.
back to top
Border & Migration
Border Patrol Finds 73 Illegal Immigrants In Truck
June 9, 2009
The U.S. Border Patrol (BP) reported that a truck driver was arrested at a checkpoint in California after 73 illegal
immigrants from Mexico were found in the back of his rig. BP said the 50-year-old driver from Mexico was in custody
awaiting prosecution for alien smuggling. A BP agent said that most of the 53 men and 20 women were being
returned to Mexico and that an immigrant from Guatemala would be charged with illegal reentry of a criminal alien.
U.S. Judge: Illegal Immigrants’ Rights Were Violated
June 9, 2009
U.S. federal immigration judge Michael Straus ruled that federal agents violated the constitutional rights of four illegal
immigrants in raids that New Haven officials say were retaliation for a city program that provided ID cards to foreigners in the country illegally. The raids took place in New Haven on June 6, 2007, and immigration officials
denied they were retaliatory. Straus said that the agents entered the immigrants’ homes without warrants, probable
cause or consent and put a stop to deportation proceedings against the four. Immigration officials said all four are
from Mexico, but the defendants cited their Fifth Amendment rights in refusing to say what country they are from.
back to top
Politics
Influenza Crisis Brings U.S., Mexico Together
June 6, 2009
According to analysts and the media, in the wake of the A/H1N1 influenza crisis and in the face of globalized
mounting hysteria, the response of both Mexico and the U.S. was an almost perfect display of the cooperation and
partnership Presidents Obama and Calderon had promised at an earlier first official meeting. Analysts said that when
some in the U.S. called for shutting the border, President Obama forcefully rejected the idea and Homeland Security
Secretary Janet Napolitano called it “pointless,” a decision that reports indicate not only made practical sense – since
the virus had already jumped to the U.S. – but the symbolism carried great weight in Mexico, as several countries
hastily canceled flights to Mexico and some halted trade after the outbreak. All three large Mexican political parties, in
a rare demonstration of agreement, applauded the Obama administration’s response and Mexico did its part to act
responsibly.
Politicians Win Dispute Against SCT, Ministry Might Have To Pay MXN 1.5 Billion
June 9, 2009
Former Senator Diego Fernandez de Cevallos and former Federal Attorney General Antonio Lozano Gracia who
represent two landowners’ groups in the port of Altamira, in the state of Tamaulipas, were awarded court protection
against the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) regarding a 1981 decree that expropriated the land where
the Altamira maritime terminal is located. The decision might lead to a stoppage of activities at the terminal and to an
approximately MXN 1.5 billion indemnity to be paid by SCT. A final ruling favoring the landowners is expected soon,
which could be the trigger to ensuing battles over land between the government and other groups in the country, also
leading to probable expenditures of billions of pesos in indemnities.
Mexico Honors Former U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza For Bolstering Ties
June 10, 2009
Mexico has bestowed the Order of the Aztec Eagle, its highest honor available for foreigners, to former U.S.
Ambassador Tony Garza. Foreign Affairs Minister Patricia Espinosa said that Garza was recognized for his work in
helping to strengthen ties between the two countries. Espinosa praised Garza’s efforts in bringing Mexico and the
U.S. to work together “to face and overcome important challenges such as organized crime.” Garza served as U.S.
Ambassador from November 2002 to January 2009, under then-President George W. Bush.
back to top
Justice, Safety & Crime
U.S. Releases Antidrug Plan For Mexican Border
June 6, 2009
The Obama administration released the National Drug Control Policy, a counternarcotics strategy for the U.S.-Mexico
border that calls for deploying new technology, stepping up intelligence gathering and increasing interdiction of ships,
aircraft and vehicles that are smuggling drugs, guns and cash. Among other things, the strategy says federal
agencies should modernize airborne sensors and extend surveillance of boats “from the coast to beyond the horizon.”
It also calls for improving tracking devices that can be hidden in illegal shipments and, when necessary, allowing
more banned items to move through smuggling networks to expose their leaders. The initiative comes as President
Obama has pledged to support and increase cooperation with President Calderon’s crackdown on drug cartels by
expanding the focus of U.S. efforts to contraband flowing in both directions between the two countries.
U.S. Issues Report On 15 Mexican, Latin American Firms With Drug Ties
June 11, 2009
The U.S. Department of the Treasury (DOT) announced that it could seize goods and properties from some
Colombian and Mexican citizens with proven links to drug cartels. In addition, the DOT said it identified 15 Mexican,
Colombian and Caribbean companies with drug ties through the detainees. The firms allegedly launder money for
Colombian drug lord Fabio Enrique Ochoa Vasco, a.k.a. Juan Carlos Martinez Perez. The firms include
Granproductos Agricolas, Grupo Constructor Inmobiliario Pacar and Cimientos la Torre, located in the Mexican state
of Jalisco. Other firms are located in the Colombian cities of Medellin, Envigado, Cali, Girardot, Bogota, Santa Marta
and Barranquilla.
Scandal Surges From PAN Politician’s Apparent Pact With Beltran-Leyva Cartel
June 13, 2009
A scandal has erupted in Mexico after the release of a leaked recording in which mayoral candidate Mauricio
Fernandez, from the ruling National Action Party (PAN), appears to acknowledge making a preelectoral pact with the
Beltran-Leyva drug cartel to ensure peace once in office. Fernandez, PAN’s candidate for mayor of San Pedro Garza
Garcia – a wealthy suburb of Monterrey – can be heard telling his supporters on the recording: “What I did make very
clear is that I don’t want any (local drug) sales, obviously.” Fernandez, a member of the family that owns the ALFA
group, one of Mexico’s largest industrial conglomerates, said that the recording disseminated presents extracts from a
discussion with a group of supporters that have been taken out of context. The politician said a plot had been hatched
to benefit his rival in the mayor’s race from the once-dominant, opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI),
Juan Carlos Perez Gongora.
SEDENA Detains Ten Soldiers For Aiding Cartel; Cartels’ Operatives Nabbed
June 14, 2009
The National Defense Ministry (SEDENA) announced that ten soldiers have been turned over to prosecutors for
allegedly providing information to the Sinaloa drug cartel. In a separate operation, Olga Cristina Lerma Lizarraga, a
woman wanted in the U.S. for allegedly smuggling USD 2 million in cocaine-trafficking profits for the Sinaloa mob was
arrested in the state of Jalisco and will be extradited to the U.S. SEDENA also said that in a third operation, soldiers
arrested Mario Alberto Cardenas, a nephew of former Gulf drug cartel leader Osiel Cardenas Guillen. Mario Alberto
Cardenas is suspected of being the head of a group involved in trafficking cocaine in the city of Matamoros. The
suspect confessed that he and another uncle, Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen, were in charge of receiving drugs in Playa
Bagdad, a popular beach area in the state of Tamaulipas. A fourth military operation led to the capture of Jose
Filiberto Parra Ramos, a suspected cartel member accused of leading bloody battles for smuggling turf routes in the
northern city of Tijuana. Parra Ramos appears in a U.S. DEA poster of ten men it believes are locked in a violent turf
battle in Tijuana.
Federal Agents, Soldiers Arrest Cops Protesting Military Operations
June 9, 2009
Federal police and soldiers arrested 7 police officers out of a group of more than 100 who staged a protest in the
state of Nuevo Leon against army operations targeting officers allegedly working for drug traffickers. The officers
initially blocked streets to protest the operations launched by the army, which has arrested scores of cops suspected
of being on the payroll of drug traffickers. As a result of the protest, authorities in Nuevo Leon started confiscating
rifles from municipal police and the legislature in the state unanimously approved a bill banning city and state police
from carrying personal cell phones while on duty in an effort to prevent corrupt officers from communicating with drug
gangs.
back to top
Health & Science
Mexico To Host International Ministerial Meeting On Influenza In July
June 8, 2009
Mexico will host an international meeting of Health Ministers over the new A/H1N1 influenza virus next month in the
Caribbean beach resort of Cancun, in the state of Quintana Roo. Ministers from 40 countries and World Health
Organization (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan are expected to take part in the meeting scheduled for July 1-3.
WHO said the world is in the earliest days of the pandemic, as it announced the alert level was raised from Phase 5
to Phase 6, the highest level. Mexico’s Health Ministry (SSA) said WHO’s declaration does not change the country’s
approach to controlling the spread of the virus.
back to top
Arts & Culture
Archaeologists Claim Discovery In Mexico City Of First Tomb Of An Aztec Ruler
June 11, 2009
Archaeologists said they might have found, while exploring a site opened up by earthquake damage, the first tomb of
an Aztec ruler in Mexico City. According to a report in the media, if archaeologists are right, the site may yield one of
the greatest treasures of antiquity, the sort of haul that fires the imagination of people far beyond academic circles.
Fourteen gold objects from the site, which could prove to be the early pickings of a much richer harvest, will feature in
the British Museum’s exhibition on Moctezuma II, the last great Aztec ruler.
back to top
Other
UNAM Wins Spain’s Prince Of Asturias Communication And Humanities Prize
June 10, 2009
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was awarded Spain’s 2009 Prince of Asturias Prize for
Communication and Humanities for its commitment to “disseminate culture, humanism and new technologies.”
UNAM, which in 2007 was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, was founded in 1910 in Mexico City to
succeed the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, itself founded in 1551 following the University of Salamanca
model. UNAM, the largest university in Ibero-America, with 300,000 students and more than 30,000 professors,
manages the National Library and the National Periodical Library, as well as its own system of 141 libraries.
IMSS Fires Official Over Day Care Fire; Sources Of Tragedy Found
June 11, 2009
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) said it fired its representative in the state of Sonora and would provide
financial assistance to the parents of the more than 40 children who died in a fire at a day care center. IMSS said it
ordered the “removal” of its director in Sonora, Arturo Leyva, to speed up the investigation and determine who may
have been responsible for the tragedy at the facility in the state capital of Hermosillo. The agency’s technical
committee decided to pay MXN 155,000 in compensation for each child killed in the blaze. Some of the survivors
were receiving treatment in the U.S. Authorities said the fire was caused by a damaged air conditioner in a
neighboring warehouse. Investigations are still underway.
UNICEF: 3.6 Million Children Are Working In Mexico
June 11, 2009
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are approximately 3.6 million children and youths
between five and seventeen years old working in Mexico, an unacceptable figure given the size of the country’s
economy. UNICEF said one of its 2009 objectives is to prevent a negative effect of the current global economic
downturn being an increase in child labor worldwide
back to top
|
