Venezuela opens new probe into anti-Chavez TV, announces 29 more broadcasters will be closedCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s telecommunications chief announced a new probe into a television station opposed to President Hugo Chavez’s government on Saturday, and said 29 broadcasters will soon face closure. Tens of thousands march against Chavez in Venezuela, accusing him of growing authoritarianismCARACAS, Venezuela — Tens of thousands marched through Venezuela’s capital on Saturday to protest what they call growing authoritarianism by President Hugo Chavez. Guatemalan leader says ousted Honduran president must be returned to office before electionsGUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom said Friday that scheduled elections in neighboring Honduras will not be valid if ousted President Manuel Zelaya is not reinstated before the Nov. 29 vote. Chavez welcomes US decision to support ally by cutting aid to Honduras’ interim governmentCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is welcoming the United States’ decision to cut millions of dollars in aid to Honduras. Critics denounce Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez in protests from Buenos Aires to New YorkBOGOTA — Thousands of opponents of Hugo Chavez marched against the Venezuelan president across Latin America on Friday, accusing him of everything from authoritarianism to international meddling. Critics denounce Venezuela’s Chavez in multi-city protests from Argentina to HondurasBOGOTA — Opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez held protests Friday against the leftist leader in cities across Latin America, in an effort coordinated through Twitter, Facebook and a Web site titled “No More Chavez!” Venezuela’s Chavez tells Israelis not to support their ‘genocidal’ governmentDAMASCUS, Syria — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told the Israeli people not to support their government, which he described as “genocidal” on Friday, the second day of his trip to Syria. Venezuelan president attacks Israel during Syria portion of world tour to curb US powerDAMASCUS, Syria — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez attacked Israel Thursday during his visit to Syria, calling it an imperialist nation that annihilates other people. Venezuelan President visits Syria as part of tour seeking to curb US influenceDAMASCUS, Syria — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has arrived in Syria as part of a tour aimed at countering U.S. influence around the globe. Venezuelan authorities arrest opposition leader for alleged violence during protestCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan authorities have arrested an opposition leader for alleged violence during a protest. Venezuela: Protesters aiming to ‘destabilize’ government will face criminal chargesCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s top prosecutor threatened on Friday to have severe criminal charges brought against unruly demonstrators, accusing opposition protesters of trying to destabilize President Hugo Chavez’s government. South American presidents call on Obama to explain US strategic interests in Latin AmericaBARILOCHE, Argentina — South American presidents wrangled for hours Friday over a pending deal to expand the U.S. troop presence in Colombia, closing their meeting with a statement that foreign troops should not be allowed to threaten any of the region’s nations. Secrecy surrounding Colombia-US military riles ‘Yankees go-home’ crowdBARILOCHE, Argentina — Secrecy surrounding a military agreement between the U.S. and Colombia has critics warning of a new Yankee menace to the continent. Leaders at Friday’s South American summit want assurances they won’t be targeted. Colombia-US base access deal, secrecy surrounding talks, riles region ahead of summitBARILOCHE, Argentina — It might have seemed like nothing more than a contract renewal to U.S. negotiators — a 10-year lease on space at seven Colombian bases that would improve the fight against drug traffickers and leftist rebels. Venezuela-Colombia dispute unsettles region where military spending is rising sharplyBARILOCHE, Argentina — Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez has raised the stakes for Friday’s meeting of South American presidents by threatening to break relations with Colombia over plans to give U.S. troops a 10-year lease on its bases. As military spending soars in South America, Venezuela-Colombia dispute is unwelcome newsBARILOCHE, Argentina — Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez has raised the stakes for Friday’s meeting of South American presidents by threatening to break relations with Colombia over plans to give U.S. troops a 10-year lease on its bases. Hugo Chavez: Venezuela preparing to break diplomatic ties with Colombia over US troop planCARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that Venezuela is getting ready to break off diplomatic relations with Colombia over the neighboring country’s plan to give American troops greater access to its military bases. Fidel in the spotlight: Cuba unleashes media blitz of heartier-looking Fidel CastroHAVANA — Fidel Castro is back — on Cuba’s front pages, at least. Police disperse opposition marchers as Venezuelans protest for and against education lawCARACAS, Venezuela — Police dispersed opponents of President Hugo Chavez’s government on Saturday as thousands demonstrated both for and against an education law that critics fear will lead to political indoctrination in schools. Former ally of Venezuela’s Chavez seeks asylum in Peru to avoid corruption charges at homeLIMA, Peru — A former ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is in Peru seeking political asylum to avoid corruption charges at home that he contends are politically motivated, his lawyer said Friday. Venezuela: Collaboration with US Coast Guard led to drug bust in Caribbean SeaCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela says its collaboration with U.S. authorities led to the seizure of about a ton of cocaine aboard a ship in the Caribbean Sea. Increasingly a fait accompli, Honduras coup leaves other leftists fearing they could be nextTEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Manuel Zelaya’s chances of getting restored to the Honduran presidency become more distant with each passing week. Across Latin America, his allies and foes alike see a precedent being set. Media watchdog welcomes Venezuela’s arrest of suspect in attack on journalistsCARACAS, Venezuela — Reporters Without Borders has praised Venezuelan authorities for arresting a man suspected of participating in an attack on journalists. Venezuela says no changes to boost downpayment for oil sold to poor states in Petrocaribe pactCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela said Sunday that no plans are being considered to require more money up front from poor Caribbean and Central American nations buying oil on preferential terms under its Petrocaribe program. Colombian consul says Venezuelan police briefly detain dozens of Colombians as they await IDsCARACAS, Venezuela — Colombia’s consul in Caracas said Sunday that Venezuelan authorities briefly detained a few dozen Colombians as they waited to get identification cards that are regularly distributed by the consulate. Chavez: Venezuela to strengthen ties with Russia, China as US makes inroads in Latin AmericaCARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez says Venezuela’s ties with nations like Russia and China have gained importance as the U.S. moves to expand its military presence in Latin America. Venezuela’s Chavez shares cake with Fidel Castro on Cuba leader’s 83rd birthdayCARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez said Friday he found his close ally and mentor Fidel Castro in good health during a visit to Cuba to celebrate the Cuban leader’s 83rd birthday. Hundreds protest attack on journalists in Venezuela, call for investigation, end to violenceCARACAS, Venezuela — Hundreds gathered in Venezuela on Friday to demand justice after a group of journalists protesting media regulations were kicked, punched and beaten with sticks. Venezuela approves law paving the way for gov’t takeovers of urban landCARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved a law that paves the way for the government to take over private buildings and land in urban areas. Venezuela’s assembly approves education bill amid tensions, rival protestsCARACAS, Venezuela — Lawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez gave final approval on Friday to legislation that has raised fears among government opponents of impending socialist indoctrination in schools. |