Colombia's Defense Minister Gabriel Silva indicated that a pending U.S.-Colombian military deal could be signed this week. The pact allows U.S. military troops access to seven bases in Colombia and has drawn concern from some South American countries, particularly neighboring Venezuela.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major bust of over 300 people linked to La Familia, a violent Mexican drug cartel. The crackdown involved massive drug seizures and spanned 19 states.
Uruguay is slated to hold a November 29 runoff election after no candidate pulled in more than 50 percent of the vote on Sunday. Former guerilla leader José Mujica of the governing party appears well-placed for victory in the next round but he could face a challenge if his opponents form a coalition.
Negotiators for deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya and the interim government continue the slow march toward ending the political standoff. The two sides have exchanged proposals to resolve the sticky question of Zelaya's return to power. Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking down to November presidential elections.
Leaders from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of the Americas met October 16 and 17 in Cochabamba, where they charted a course for implementing a virtual currency that could replace the dollar in commercial transactions. ALBA also imposed a blockade on Honduras.
Citing inefficiencies, poor service, and bloated costs, the government of Mexican President Felipe Calderón dissolved the country's second biggest electric company on October 11. But even as the move drew cheers, it also drew protests from unions and congressional opponents.
A year and a half after cutting diplomatic relations, Bogota and Quito's efforts to repair ties are showing signs of progress. Foreign ministers from each country met Friday to continue talks.
