Nicaraguan legislators reentered the National Assembly after government supporters blocked the entrance. They protested opposition lawmakers' attempts to overturn a decree that would enable President Daniel Ortega's reelection.

The region appears to be turning the page on the economic crisis and welcoming financial recovery, with the World Bank and IMF releasing reports showing positive signs of growth across much of Latin America.

A new Chinese financing plan provides $20 billion in loans for Venezuela. The series of accords signed includes plans for a joint venture for exploration in the oil-rich Orinoco belt and secures Venezuelan oil for energy-hungry China.

The Obama administration sought to bolster security ties this week when U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates traveled to Peru, Colombia, and Barbados. While in Bogota, Gates also pushed for passage of the long-stalled U.S.-Colombia trade pact.

Brasilia plays host this week to its fellow BRIC members, highlighting Moscow and Beijing’s hemispheric ties. China’s President Hu Jintao will also visit Venezuela and Chile while Russia's Dmitry Medvedev heads to Argentina.

Brazil's Defense Minister Nelson Jobim traveled to Washington to sign a bilateral military agreement with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on April 12. The accord marks the frst military pact between the two countries since 1977. Gates travels this week to Peru, Colombia, and Barbados.

After his first trip to Caracas, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin revealed that Venezuela plans to spend over $5 billion on Russian arms. The news triggered U.S. concerns about an Andean weapons buildup and arms transfers.