<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Americas Society/Council of the Americas</title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org</link>
<description>The Americas Society and Council of the Americas offer the most trusted forum for debate and dialog on the compelling issues affecting the western hemisphere. Learn more about our programs, publications, and events.</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:25:04 -0500</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[ U.S. Business and Hispanic Integration: Expanding the Economic Contributions of Immigrants]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1145</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1145</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new AS/COA white paper demonstrates a collective commitment by private-sector leaders to promoting the integration of immigrant communities and offers best practices for encouraging Hispanic workforce development and community integration. It features case studies of business&prime; efforts to facilitate and promote integration and highlights Hispanic contributions to the U.S. economy. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Venezuela-Russia Deals, Brazil-Colombia Pacts, and U.S. Business at Bat for Immigration]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1146</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1146</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ecuador&rsquo;s assembly submits a constitutional draft, Mexico intercepts a drug  smuggling submarine, and Argentina buys back an airline. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Ecuador Update: The Constitutional Reform Controversy]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1141</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1141</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ecuador is in the midst of a controversial constitutional reform expected to be voted on October 2008. But recent regional tensions with Colombia, a government takeover of several media outlets, and a ministerial shake-up have decreased popular support to approve the measure. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Merida Initiative Update: Mexico's Fight Against Organized Crime]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1142</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1142</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Drug-related violence continues to plague Mexico despite President Calderon&rsquo;s efforts to stem the violence. Recent U.S. congressional approval of funding to help combat drug and gang violence is the first step in a larger multilateral assistance agreement. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ The 2009 Summit of the Americas: A New Opportunity]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1143</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1143</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ AS/COA Director of Public Policy Programs Juan Cruz Diaz draws on his experience at the 2005 Mar del Plata Summit to look ahead to next year&rsquo;s meeting of regional leaders, outlining steps that should be taken for a successful summit. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Private Hands, Public Lands in Cuba]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1144</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1144</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A Cuban reform allows private farmers use of state-controlled land, marking a departure from past policies. Whether the law is far-reaching enough remains to be seen, given that the government retains land ownership. Read more. An article in the Spring 2008 issue of Americas Quarterly explores the Cuban public's frustration with the slow pace of reforms. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Economic Revival in Peru]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1138</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1138</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Several economies in Latin America have thus far shown signs of being able to weather the U.S. credit crunch. Peru serves as a prime example, posting impressive growth results.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Iran and Islamic Terrorism in Latin America: An Emerging Threat? ]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1137</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1137</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In remarks to the American Jewish Committee, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth examines Latin American links with Iran, particularly with Venezuela. Citing evidence of activities by Hezbollah agents in South American, Farnsworth offers recommendations to counter negative influences that could lead to terrorist actions. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Interview: Helio Mattar, President of the Akatu Institute for Conscious Consumption on Corporate Social Responsibility in Brazil]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1135</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1135</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Brazil&rsquo;s Helio Mattar, who serves as the president of the Akatu Institute for Conscious Consumption and founded the Ethos Institute for Social Responsibility talks about the corporate social responsibility movement in Brazil and across the Americas. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Effect of U.S. Crisis, Peru Earns S&P Grade, and a LatAm Tourism Boom]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1136</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1136</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil reserves in Paraguay, experts debate where U.S.-Venezuela relations went  wrong, and the Argentine Senate votes on a controversial export tax. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Fourth Fleet Sets Sail]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1134</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1134</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As the U.S.  Navy reactivated its Fourth Fleet to manage operations in Latin American waters last week, U.S. officials responded to concerns from regional  leaders about the fleet&rsquo;s purpose.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ The Impact of Brazil on the Global Scenario]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1128</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1128</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ AS/COA's annual Latin American Cities Conference in S&atilde;o Paulo brought together high-level officials and leading experts to discuss Brazil&rsquo;s growing economic and political heft as well as the challenges posed by the recent global economic slowdown.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Henrique Meirelles, Presidente do Banco Central do Brasil na Conferencia Anual do AS/COA em  S&atilde;o Paulo]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1126</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1126</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Henrique Meirelles, Presidente do Banco Central do Brasil, fez um pronunciamentio na confer&ecirc;ncia e anual do Americas Society e Council of the Americas realizada em S&atilde;o Paulo no dia 10 de julho. O presidente exaltou import&acirc;ncia do banco em controlar a inflac&atilde;o neste per&iacute;odo de intensa volatilidade global. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Susan Segal's Welcoming Remarks at the 2008 Conference of the Americas]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1133</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1133</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As an opening speaker at the 2008 Latin American Cities Conference in S&atilde;o Paulo, AS/COA President Susan Segal highlighted Brazil's increasing importance worldwide, comparing it with Asian giants and emphasizing its role in promoting global trade talks. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: U.S. Ambassador Clifford Sobel on the U.S.-Brazilian Partnership]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1125</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1125</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S Ambassador to Brazil Clifford Sobel, speaking at AS/COA's 2008 Latin American Cities conference in S&atilde;o Paulo, highlighted the opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Brazilian partnerships in the areas of energy and security. Listen to audio of his remarks. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: Brazil's Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles on Keeping Inflation in Check]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1127</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1127</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking at AS/COA's annual conference in S&atilde;o Paulo, Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles delivered a major policy speech, outlining the bank&rsquo;s efforts to keep inflation under control. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: Ivan Ramalho, Vice Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade of Brazil]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1129</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1129</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Vice Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade of Brazil Ivan Ramalho spoke at AS/COA's 2008 conference in S&atilde;o Paulo, highlighting Brazil's steady growth in export revenues. Listen to an English translation of his remarks. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: Paulo Bernardo Silva, Minister of Planning, Brazil]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1130</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1130</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Addressing AS/COA's 2008 conference in S&atilde;o Paulo, Planning Minister Paulo Bernardo Silva talked about the important economic strides made by Brazil in the past 10 to 15 years but stressed the need for tax and labor reform to sustain growth. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: The Impact of Market Volatility in Brazil]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1131</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1131</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ During the AS/COA 2008 S&auml;o Paulo Latin American Cities conference, a panel of experts discused the effect of global market volatility on Brazil. Listen to a podcast of the panel discussion, with all Portuguese commentary translated into English. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Podcast: Brazil's Global Agenda and Competitiveness in the World]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1132</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1132</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In a spirited panel discussion at the AS/COA 2008 conference in S&atilde;o Paulo and moderated by AS/COA President and CEO Susan Segal, Jorge Gerdau of MBC/Grupo Gerdau and Eleazar de Carvalho Filho of Unibanco/BHP Billiton Brazil explored challenges against and opportunities for Brazilian competitiveness on the world stage. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Reactions to Hostage Release, LatAm Leaders at G8 Summit, and U.S. Candidates Pursue Hispanic Vote ]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1124</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1124</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Reactions to and analysis of the FARC's hostage release, Mexico's journalists under siege by criminal groups, and Panama's top court reverses dozens of pardons. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Betancourt's Liberation Stirs the Andes]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1123</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1123</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The  dramatic rescue of Ingrid Betancourt raises speculation about who may run in  Colombia&rsquo;s next presidential race. Meanwhile, her release places pressure on the  FARC to liberate all hostages. A recent AS/COA analysis takes a closer look at the FARC&rsquo;s diminishing power. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Coalition Tensions in Chile]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1121</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1121</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead  of the October municipal elections, Chile&rsquo;s two main political coalitions  are showing signs of internal conflict. Divisions in the Concertaci&oacute;n  and Alianza camps could have large consequences for the 2009 presidential race.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Colombia rescues Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans held by the FARC]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1122</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1122</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Americas Society and Council of the Americas hail Colombia&rsquo;s rescue of 15 captives,  including Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans, held by the FARC guerilla  group. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Electoral Rifts in Bolivia]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1120</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1120</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Bolivia's energy-rich provinces confront Evo Morales' government, now with the Tarija province voting in favor of greater autonomy, joining others. A recall vote scheduled for August 10 faces resistance by regional governors, widening the political divide. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: More Autonomy Votes in Bolivia, Colombia-Ecuador Setback, and EU Immigration Law Outrage]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1118</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1118</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Senator John McCain will visit Colombia and Mexico, Argentina's Congress debates controversial soy tax, and Paraguay's president resigns to become a senator. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Winning the Latino Vote]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1115</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1115</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In this year&rsquo;s tight race for the White House, wooing the Hispanic voter bloc takes on unprecedented importance. Both camps face challenges in attracting Latino voters. In an AS/COA interview, Consul General of Mexico in New York discusses prospects for immigration reform during the next administration. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ NATO &quot;playing not to lose&quot; in Afghanistan]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1117</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1117</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Eric Farnsworth, the Vice President of the Council of the Americas, led a discussion on NATO&rsquo;s evolving role in Afghanistan at The Woodrow Wilson Center. Farnsworth said that NATO&rsquo;s mission in Afghanistan is of great importance and failure to stabilize the country would not only undermine the credibility of the NATO alliance, but would also threaten international security by allowing Afghanistan to emerge as a safe haven for terrorist organizations and the narcotics trade. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ 'Hay confianza en Colombia', dice Presidenta del Consejo para las Am&eacute;ricas]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1116</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1116</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ &quot;Hoy en d&iacute;a Colombia, con el crecimiento, con la seguridad y la confianza que ha logrado el Gobierno en los &uacute;ltimos a&ntilde;os ha generado mucho inter&eacute;s por parte de nuestros miembros para invertir en el pa&iacute;s&quot;, dijo la se&ntilde;ora Segal, quien estuvo esta semana en el pa&iacute;s. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Remarks by Colombia's Vice President Francisco Santos at AS/COA's 2008 Latin American Cities Conference in Bogota ]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1119</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1119</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking at AS/COA&rsquo;s annual Bogot&aacute; conference, Vice  President Francisco Santos linked the dramatic reduction in Colombian violence with its current economic dynamism. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Mexico Revamps Its Judicial System]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1112</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1112</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ President Felipe Calder&oacute;n signed a much-anticipated reform of Mexico's judicial system, allowing for greater transparency through public trials and presumption of innocence for defendants. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Interview: Rub&eacute;n Beltr&aacute;n, Consul General of Mexico, on Serving U.S.-Based Latino Populations]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1110</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1110</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Consul General of Mexico in New York Rub&eacute;n Beltr&aacute;n outlines a new initiative bringing together Latin American consulates to expand services for immigrants in the tri-state area. He also describes the impact of local-level immigration laws and prospects for federal-level reform. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Colombia in the Eyes of Wall Street, Global Slowdown: Impact on Latin America]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1113</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1113</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ AS/COA hosted their 12th annual Bogot&aacute; Conference, &ldquo;Colombia in the Eyes of Wall Street, Global Slowdown: Impact on Latin America&rdquo; on June 18. The conference examined Colombia&rsquo;s growth prospects in today&rsquo;s challenging global environment. Read a summary of the event. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Colombian Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata: &quot;Colombia: The Transformation of a Country&quot;]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1111</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1111</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking at AS/COA&rsquo;s annual Bogot&aacute; conference, Colombian Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata outlined his country&rsquo;s progress in economic growth since President &Aacute;lvaro Uribe came into office. Plata outlined strategies to boost economic liberalization. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Remarks by AS/COA President Susan Segal at AS/COA's 2008 Latin American Cities Conference in Bogota]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1114</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1114</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Durante la d&eacute;cimo-segunda conferencia: Colombia a los ojos de Wall Street de AS/COA en Bogota, la presidenta de AS/COA Sugan Segal enfoc&oacute; su presentaci&oacute;n en el crecimiento economico de Colombia durante los ultimos a&ntilde;os. Tambi&eacute;n habl&oacute; sobre la posibilidad de un tratado de libre comercio (TLC) entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Argentina's Tax Dispute, Bolivia Gets Sea Access, and LatAm's Fuel Subsidies ]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1109</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1109</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Venezuela's skyrocketing inflation, Bolivian president opposes EU immigration policy, and Panama City's growing pains.  Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Facing Inflation]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1108</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1108</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With global commodity prices on the rise, many Latin American countries face soaring inflation. Yet experts suggest the region's economies are more well-girded than in the past to handle economic crises. The IMF's director discussed inflation at COA&rsquo;s 38th Annual Washington Conference. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Canada's Latin American Ties]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1107</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1107</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In recent weeks, Ottawa proved its growing clout in Latin America through a visit from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the approval of a trade pact with Peru, and completion of free-trade negotiations with Colombia.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Canada-LatAm Ties, Merida Initiative Wins House Approval, and CentralAm Leaders Visit California]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1105</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1105</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Canada steps up its commercial ties with Latin America, Bush mandates employment verification system, and Ecuador expropiates mining lands. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Merida Initiative Under the Scope]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1103</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1103</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As Mexico&rsquo;s drug war grows more deadly, the U.S. house approves a proposed regional security program involving the United States, Mexico, and Central America. But the Merida Initiative still faces political hurdles. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ A Series of Venezuelan Shifts]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1100</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1100</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In recent days, Venezuela's President Hugo Ch&aacute;vez shifted tone on several policy fronts and urged the FARC to end its armed conflict with the Colombian government. But Ch&aacute;vez's critics complain he continues to attempt to silence opposition.&nbsp; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, Carlos Fuentes, and Peter Munk Honored at Americas Society 28th Annual Spring Party ]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1106</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1106</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ At its annual Spring Party on June 4, the Americas Society hosted prominent members of the international culture, business, and diplomatic worlds. Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, Carlos Fuentes, and Peter Munk were honored for&nbsp; creative and philanthropic contributions to the arts, education, and social initiatives in the Americas. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Weekly Roundup: Venezuelan Intel, a Canadian Cap-and-Trade System, and a Mercosur Invite]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1098</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1098</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Mexico resists strings attached to Merida Initiative, Brazil earns Fitch upgrade, and Argentine farmers renew protests. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ The Andean Region at a Crossroads: Economic, Political, and Security Prospects]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1101</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1101</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With tensions running high between some Andean countries, AS/COA convened a roundtable on economic, political, and security issues affecting the region. The discussion included a keynote speech by Ecuador's Minister of the Government and Police Fernando Bustamante. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Controlling a Food Crisis]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1097</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1097</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ World leaders convene in Rome to discuss worldwide security. Latin American countries face challenges associated with rising food prices and seek measures to stave off a food crisis. An AS/COA update examines regional food production and supply issues. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Audio: The Andean Region at a Crossroads: Economic, Political, and Security Prospects]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1096</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1096</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ At an AS/COA round table, Ecuador's Interior Minister Fernando Bustamante, Davidson College's Russell Crandall, and JPMorgan's Luis Oganes discuss economic, political, and security prospects for the Andean region. Listen to an audio of the minister's keynote speech and the discussion. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ A Primary in Puerto Rico]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1093</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1093</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sunday's vote in Puerto Rico served as the biggest of the last three Democratic primaries taking place, even though the territory can't participate in November elections. Hillary Clinton won by a substantial margin, but additional delegates secured by rival Barack Obama brought him closer to securing the Democratic nomination. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Audio: Diego Rivera - His Murals and the Construction of Mexican Nationalism]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1099</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1099</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Panelists Juan Rafael Coronel Rivera (Co-editor of Diego Rivera: the Complete Murals), Dr. Javier Garciadiego (President, El Colegio de M&eacute;xico), and Dr. Robin Ad&egrave;le Greeley (University of Connecticut) discussed the trajectory of the outstanding artist Diego Rivera, his role in recent Mexican history, and his relationship to politics and the public sphere. Listen to the audio of the Americas Society-hosted launch of Diego Rivera: The Complete Murals. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Interview: Student Activist Yon Goicoechea on Venezuela's Political Future]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1090</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1090</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Yon  Goicoechea, Venezuelan law student, activist, and founder of the Futuro Presente  Foundation describes his plans to start a school for young political leaders.  &ldquo;I believe that to have  modern countries, we also have to renew our political  structures,&rdquo; says Goicoechea. (in English / en  espa&ntilde;ol) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Entrevista: Activista Estudiantil Yon Goicoechea sobre el Futuro Pol&iacute;tico Venezolano]]></title>
<link>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1091</link>
<guid>http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1091</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Yon Goicoechea, estudiante venezolano de derecho, activista y fundador de la fundaci&oacute;n Futuro Presente describe sus planes de fundar una escuela para l&iacute;deres pol&iacute;ticos jovenes. &quot;Yo creo que para tener pa&iacute;ses modernos tambi&eacute;n hace falta renovar nuestras estructuras pol&iacute;ticas,&quot; dijo Goicoechea. (en espa&ntilde;ol/ in English)
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