Contributions from Carin Zissis
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.