News of world

President Alberto Fernández: ‘Milei should give Macri as wide a berth as possible’

Yesterday 15:04 Just days after meeting with his successor, Argentina’s outgoing president Alberto Fernández sits down to reflect on his four years of government, the challenges he faced and why he believes Javier Milei won last month’s run-off.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

UN praises Argentina’s reparations for victim of gender-based violence

30-11-2023 18:10 Argentina's government praised by UN body for paying “comprehensive reparation” to 67-year-old mother-of-three for lack of police and court response.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Milei to appoint Gerardo Werthein as his ambassador in Washington

30-11-2023 17:55 Gerardo Werthein likely to take on key role for Milei government; Businessman set to be appointed as new president’s envoy to United States, tasked with forging stronger ties with Joe Biden administration.

OBITUARY

Kissinger: controversial giant of statecraft who moulded post-war US history

30-11-2023 17:37 Relentlessly ambitious US diplomat whose unapologetic promotion of raw American power helped shape the post-World War II world, dies at 100.

Henry Kissinger meets with Argentina’s then-foreign minister, Navy vice-admiral César Augusto Guzzetti, in Santiago in June 1976.

HUMAN RIGHTS

How Kissinger gave the junta tacit approval for abuses

30-11-2023 16:53 The death of former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger has put his dictatorship-era policy towards Argentina in the spotlight once again.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Diana Mondino says Argentina will not join BRICS under Milei government

30-11-2023 16:14 Economist Diana Mondino, who is set to be appointed foreign minister in Javier Milei’s government, has confirmed that Argentina will not join the BRICS on her new boss' watch.

by Martin Soltys

OBITUARY

Henry Kissinger, diplomat who defined US foreign policy, dies at 100

30-11-2023 13:38 Henry Kissinger, the child refugee who rose to define United States foreign policy during the 1970s, has died.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, right, and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, during a news conference at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on Monday, June 12, 2023.

MERCOSUR BLOC

EU, South America near deal on elusive Mercosur trade pact

30-11-2023 12:51 European Union and Mercosur are closer than ever to concluding a major free-trade agreement more than two decades in the making, with leaders optimistic they can strike a deal next week.

RELIGION & POLITICS

Milei's spirituality: Catholicism, Torah and a 'libertarian' God

29-11-2023 18:37 President-elect Javier Milei's visit this week to the grave of an orthodox rabbi in New York shows the peculiar spiritual path of Argentina's future leader.

Release of Israeli hostages, as caputred by @CANAL44TV.

ISRAEL-PALESTINE WAR

Four more Argentines released from Gaza

29-11-2023 14:18 Dual Argentine citizens Ofelia Roitman, Clara Marman, Gabriela Leimberg and Mia Leimberg released by Hamas.

Javier Milei and his entourage, at the White House, with US government officials Juan Gonzalez and Jake Sullivan, as well as US Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley.

Milei in America

Milei makes contact with Biden administration in Washington

28-11-2023 22:52 Argentina's president-elect Javier Milei makes first contact with officials from US President Joe Biden's government.

POLITICS

United States takes president-elect’s political pulse

28-11-2023 15:44 Joe Biden's government wants to “listen to the ideas” of Javier Milei to see where he is heading in his policy, making use of his current visit to the United States.

Karina Engel, 51, with her two daughters, Mika, 18, and Yuba, 11.

CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST

Argentina welcomes release of six citizens held hostage by Hamas

28-11-2023 14:30 Six citizens with dual nationality released by Palestinian militants; Two groups of three, a mother and two daughters, selected for liberation from kidnapping nightmare.

Javier Milei arrived in New York on Monday morning for his first trip abroad as president-elect and headed straight to the tomb of a famous orthodox Jewish rabbi in Queens. Dawning a kippah and all black outfit, he visited Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s grave to pay respects.

Milei in America

Milei’s conversion to Judaism seals pro-Israel push by Argentina

27-11-2023 21:00 President-elect Javier Milei's fervently pro-Israel stance singles out Argentina, already home to the region’s largest Jewish population, as Israel’s top ally in Latin America.

People march against violence holding Palestinian flags for 25N.

POLITICS

25N: Demonstrators for women's rights call for end to global violence

27-11-2023 20:42 Protesters march to defend their “conquered rights” in Buenos Aires following election of Javier Milei as Argentina’s next president. Thousands attending fear for the country's future, but also show their support for Palestine amidst war and violence.

by Montserrat Pagan

Javier Milei lunches with Chris Dodd and Bill Clinton.

POLITICS

Milei visits rabbi’s grave in NYC, lunches with Bill Clinton

27-11-2023 18:42 Argentina's president-elect heads to New York City to visit the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and share a lunch with former US president Bill Clinton. Later he flies to Washington DC for the 'work' leg of the trip.

Javier Milei, Nicolás Posse and Luis Caputo.

TRANSITION OF POWER

Milei lines up ‘protocol meetings’ in US with IMF, World Bank

27-11-2023 11:27 President-elect has meetings scheduled with Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, and officials from International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III celebrated at UK Ambassador Kirsty Hayes' Residence in Buenos Aires.

COMMUNITY

Ambassador stages grand occasion for royal birthday

26-11-2023 22:14 British Embassy opens doors of residence to celebrate the 75th birthday of King Charles III.

by Michael Soltys

Irish Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin.

OP-ED

Ireland deepens relations with Latin America and the Caribbean

25-11-2023 10:26 The Irish commitment to step up our engagement with the Latin America and the Caribbean region has been backed by the EU’s commitment to do the same.

British Ambassador to Argentina Kirsty Hayes delivers a speech at a party marking the 75th birthday of King Charles III.

COMMUNITY

British Embassy stages King Charles III birthday bash

24-11-2023 17:01 British Ambassador to Argentina Kirsty Hayes says Britain is "ready to begin writing a new chapter in bilateral relationship" at party marking the 75th birthday of King Charles III.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

More moderate Milei embraces trading partners he had shunned

24-11-2023 14:31 Signs indicate foul-mouthed libertarian who swept to power with radical promises to fix Argentina’s problems may be adopting a more pragmatic approach, at least in foreign policy, as he prepares to take office.

Images from the recording of the BBC World Service radio show 'Arts Hour on Tour,' recorded in Buenos Aires in November 2023. Presenter Nikki Bedi welcomed singer-composer Danta Spinetta, the band Fémina, comedian Ana Carolina, director Benjamin Naishtat and actor Delfina Chaves.

INTERVIEW

Cultural courier Nikki Bedi brings global art into your home

23-11-2023 19:55 “We aim to come here to really honour everything that we experience to the rest of the world,” notes globetrotting BBC presenter and host of 'The Arts Hour on Tour.'

by Andrea Puerto

UNESCO

Argentina drops bid for key UNESCO post after controversy

23-11-2023 18:37 Argentina dropped out of a race for a key UNESCO post after libertarian outsider Javier Milei's election as the South American country's president created controversy, and Brazil has now jumped into the fray.

This handout image released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on August 24, 2023 shows the booking photo of former US president Donald Trump. He was photographed for a police mugshot after his arrest on August 24 at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia.

ELECTION 2023

Trump calls Milei and announces trip to Argentina

23-11-2023 18:23 President elect Javier Milei received a call from former president of the United States Donald Trump, who congratulated him and promised a visit soon.

ELECTION 2023

Argentina chooses pro-Israel president with rabbi as spiritual advisor

23-11-2023 17:29 Right-wing populist Javier Milei scored a clear win over ruling coalition candidate Sergio Massa in last week's presidential election. Argentina's foreign policy will now shift substantially, moving closer to Israel and the United States.

by Marcelo Raimon

BBC IN BUENOS AIRES

BBC World Service investigates thriving art scene in Buenos Aires

23-11-2023 16:04 British broadcaster records episode of Nikki Bedi’s 'The Arts Hour on Tour' in the capital, featuring live performances from Dante Spinetta, Fémina and comedian Ana Carolina.

by Justin Martinez

TWO PEAS IN A POD?

Milei is no 'Trump of the Pampas', analysts say

23-11-2023 14:54 Comparing Argentina's president-elect Javier Milei to former US president Donald Trump could be misleading, analysts say.

bilateral relations

Biden tells Javier Milei to count on US support

23-11-2023 14:35 Joe Biden tells Javier Milei to count on US support and that he’s confident Argentina can find a way out of its current crisis.

US President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with the White House Competition Council in the East Room of the White House January 24, 2022 in Washington, DC.

ELECTION 2023

Javier Milei receives congratulatory call from Joe Biden

22-11-2023 18:17 US President Joe Biden congratulates Javier Milei on his election as Argentina's president-elect, but tells libertarian he won't be able to attend inauguration on December 10.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

'House of rumours': UNESCO in bind over key leadership vote

22-11-2023 15:06 Javier Milei's victory in Argentina shakes key election at UN world heritage and culture agency.

Pope Francis holds an audience with Granatieri di Sardegna Italian military force at the Vatican on June 11, 2022.

HOLY SEE CALLING

Milei tones down rhetoric on Pope Francis after call

22-11-2023 14:55 Pope Francis communicates with Argentina’s president-elect to congratulate him on his electoral victory. They spoke for five minutes on good terms and Milei invited him to visit next year.

Javier Milei delivers a speech after winning the Argentine Presidency on Sunday.

EU-Mercosur

Milei’s election in Argentina casts shadow over EU-Mercosur deal

21-11-2023 18:33 President-elect Javier Milei is keen on opening up Argentina to commerce – how will his election affect the long-trailed free-trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur trade bloc?

Javier Milei and his sister, campaign manager Karina Milei, celebrate his election onstage at the La Libertad Avanza bunker in downtown Buenos Aires.

PRESIDENT-ELECT'S PRIVATE LIFE

The making of a president – Javier Milei’s life before politics

21-11-2023 15:56 Argentina’s president-elect is more than an infuriated lion. A look at his youth, family, loves and controversies. From his childhood and education, to his times as Chacarita goalkeeper, to his academic training. The women with whom he fell in love.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaves 10 Downing Street in central London on October 26, 2022, for the House of Commons to take part in his first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).

ELECTION 2023: REACTION

British PM Sunak sends congratulations to president-elect Milei

21-11-2023 13:37 Spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says Conservative leader has sent his congratulations to Argentina's president-elect but adds that Malvinas issue is "a question resolved a long time ago."

AGRICULTURE & ECONOMY

Election result gives soymeal traders a new factor to weigh

20-11-2023 17:58 Javier Milei, who takes office December 10, has proposed dropping the peso and dollarising Argentina's economy. Such a move could boost farmer sales of soybeans, since they’d rather be paid in US dollars than a weaker local currency.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Milei confirms visits to US, Israel before December 10 inauguration

20-11-2023 13:23 Libertarian president-elect Javier Milei, who will be sworn-in as Argentina's head of state on December 10, confirms visits to New York, Miami and Israel before inauguration.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, speaks after a meeting with the Uruguayan President, Luis Lacalle Pou, at the Residencia de Suárez presidential residence in Montevideo, on October 24, 2022.

ELECTION 2023: REACTION

EU, India congratulate Javier Milei on Argentina election win

20-11-2023 11:41 Top EU officials send congratulations to Javier Milei, with European Council president Charles Michel dubbing the country a "close partner."

Javer Milei and his sister and campaign manager, Karina Milei, celebrate the libertarian's victory on election night.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

China congratulates Argentina’s Milei despite ‘assassin’ insult

20-11-2023 09:11 China congratulated Javier Milei for winning the presidential election in Argentina – after an unexpected primary victory in August, the libertarian said he'd freeze relations with Beijing.

ELECTION 2023: run-off

United States government congratulates Milei on election win

19-11-2023 23:52 The United States congratulated Argentina's president-elect Javier Milei on his election victory Sunday, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken praising the "strong turnout and peaceful conduct of the vote."

Javier Milei celebrates with his girlfriend Fatima Flórez after winning the presidential election run-off at his party headquarters in Buenos Aires on November 19, 2023.

ELECTION 2023: REACTION

Musk, Trump and Bolsonaro hail Milei's win in Argentina

19-11-2023 23:14 Right-wingers in the Americas cheer Javier Milei's victory over Sergio Massa in Sunday's run-off.

Javier Milei’s surprise victory in Argentina’s presidential PASO primary shocked the world – not just Argentina.

PRESIDENT MILEI: REACTION

Governments in Americas congratulate Milei on election triumph

19-11-2023 22:09 Presidents, prime ministers and political leaders across the Americas offer congratulations to Argentina's President-elect Javier Milei.

The sixth anniversary of the sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine Wednesday prompted President Alberto Fernández to make a rare exit from campaign reclusion to deliver a message in commemoration of the 44 crew members who perished, calling for justice in the light of the technical flaws causing the tragedy.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: November 10 to 17

17-11-2023 12:50 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Universal jurisdiction prevents impunity for crimes against humanity

17-11-2023 10:08 If there is political will by governments, crimes against humanity have no escape. They may be tried by any country applying universal jurisdiction, regardless of where the repressors are.

by Juan Gasparini

HUMAN RIGHTS

Ex-Navy officer accused of 23 dictatorship-era murders dies in Berlin

16-11-2023 17:08 Ex-Navy officer Luis Kyburg was suspected in the abduction, disappearance, torture and murder of 23 young individuals in 1976 and 1977; 75-year-old died just weeks before he was due to be charged.

Poppy Day was faithfully marked by a Remembrance Day service in St. John’s Anglican cathedral last Sunday.

community

Poppy Day marked at Remembrance Day service

16-11-2023 15:17 Poppy Day was faithfully marked by a Remembrance Day service in St. John’s Anglican cathedral last Sunday.

by Michael Soltys

US President Joe Biden and Sergio Massa.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Massa, ‘the Washington panel,’ geopolitics – uncertainty in Argentine-US relations

16-11-2023 14:31 Javier Milei offers alignment with the interests of the United States, while Sergio Massa talks multilateralism. Concerns oversensitive issues such as the Hidrovía waterway, 5G technology and the Chinese base.

Football

Gallardo agrees deal to coach Saudi side Al-Ittihad

15-11-2023 16:42 Former River Plate manager makes shock decision to join Saudi Arabian side; According to reports, contract lasting until June 2025 will make him one of the world’s top three best-paid coaches.

by James Grainger

Anti-Semitism allegations

Roger Waters says he has no hotel in Argentina and Uruguay due to ‘Israeli lobby boycott’

15-11-2023 14:47 British musician and former Pink Floyd frontman, a well-known pro-Palestinian activist, said Wednesday that he had nowhere to stay in Buenos Aires and Montevideo for his upcoming tour dates as a result of a "boycott" against him organised by the "Israeli lobby."

An image shared by the students indicating defaced posters at the University of Buenos Aires.

Anti-Semitism allegations

Jewish students at UBA concerned by rising anti-Semitism on campus

14-11-2023 18:18 Group of students at the University of Buenos Aires complain about rising anti-Semitism: “We’re scolded in corridors, we’re called damned Jews, and the authorities do nothing.”

President Alberto Fernández gives a press conference in Beijing.

ARGENTINA-CHINA RELATIONS

Argentina's election will impact China's reach in Latin America

14-11-2023 14:06 Argentina’s run-off vote this month has stakes far beyond a hard-fought local election: Massa, from the ruling Peronist coalition is seeking stronger links with China; Libertarian outsider Javier Milei, in contrast, has referred to the Asian nation as an “assassin.”

BBC World Service set to record episode of 'The Arts Hour on Tour' in Buenos Aires next week.

CULTURE

BBC seeking audience for taping of top arts show in Buenos Aires

14-11-2023 00:18 BBC World Service set to record episode of 'The Arts Hour on Tour' in Buenos Aires next week; Programme tours the world to bring best of local culture to global audience – here's how you can join the audience and see artists like Dante Spinetta and Benjamin Naishtat talk about their work in the flesh.

by Montserrat Pagan

Terrorism in Latin America

Hezbollah operations in South America: what we know

10-11-2023 18:42 Here is what we know – and don't – about Hezbollah's presence in South America, which the United States has called a major security risk.

aura Maldonado, who is visiting from Argentina, photographs a street sign for Musician Charly García on November 7, 2023 in New York City. García was honoured with a street sign and corner dedication on November 6 at the intersection of Walker Street and Cortlandt Alley in the Tribeca neighbourhood. His album 'Clics Modernos,' which was released 40 years ago, is considered a masterpiece of national and Latin American rock. A photo taken by photographer Uberto Sagramoso in that corner became the cover art of the album.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: November 3 to 10

10-11-2023 16:14 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

As I see it

What Israel is up against

10-11-2023 14:42 While there can be no doubt that on October 7 the Israelis let their guard slip, the complacency many had evidently come to feel now belongs to the past.

by James Neilson

Fans at Taylor Swift merchandise stands on Wednesday, Nov 8th

Swiftie Fever

South American Swifties ecstatic as a long-awaited Eras Tour arrives

08-11-2023 22:47 Buenos Aires is awash with Taylor Swift fans from across the continent as the queen of pop prepares for three-night run at River Plate's Monumental stadium.

by Andrea Puerto

FOOTBALL

Maradona death trial assigned court as European court dismisses brand claim

08-11-2023 18:04 European General Court backs decision by bloc’s Intellectual Property Office to deny the registration of the assignment of rights to the Diego Maradona brand to a private firm linked to his former lawyer.

A directional map for travellers at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Latin American countries seek to go back to pre-pandemic tourism

08-11-2023 17:01 Latin American countries are on their way to recovering the tourist numbers they had prior to Covid-19 and are eyeing a return to pre-pandemic heights.

Obelisk protest to release Hamas' hostages.

ISRAEL-PALESTINE WAR

Demo calls for Hamas hostage release, month on from attack

07-11-2023 16:16 Organisations tie plush toys and teddies to Buenos Aires' famed Obelisk monument to draw attention the 40 babies, children and teenagers that have been hostage by Hamas since October 7. Among them, four Argentines aged between nine months and nineteen years.

MERCOSUR-EU AGREEMENT

Lula and Sánchez plead for finalising Mercosur-EU agreement

03-11-2023 16:54 President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pled in a telephone conversation on Friday for finalising the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union as soon as possible.

View of the visitor walkway at the Iguazú Falls, which was destroyed by the strong current of the river on the triple border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, on October 30, 2023.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: October 27 to November 3

03-11-2023 15:08 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

An apartment building on Guayaquil Street in Caballito, Buenos Aires, was painted with a black Star of David on the night of Tuesday, October 31 – scenes reminiscent of the way the Nazis identified Jews and their property before and during World War II.

WAR IN MIDDLE EAST

Anti-Semitism fears grow amid Israel-Hamas war

03-11-2023 10:21 More than 100 complaints of anti-Semitism have been reported to DAIA Jewish organisation since outbreak of war in Middle East; 'Star of David' graffiti on building in Caballito ramps up discrimination fears as Jewish schools issue uniform warning.

by Montserrat Pagan

The Beatles – John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and George Harrison – arrive at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States, where they're greeted by a large crowd on February 7, 1964.

FAB FOUR HAVE NEW TUNE

'Now and Then' – The Beatles release 'last-ever' single

02-11-2023 11:30 'Now And Then,' first written and sung by John Lennon in 1978, has been finished by his fellow band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – and the help of AI.

A picture taken from southern Israel on November 1, 2023 shows smoke rising over buildings in the Gaza Strip during an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.

WAR IN MIDDLE EAST

Bolivia cuts ties with Israel, Colombia and Chile recall envoys

01-11-2023 16:01 Bolivia said on Tuesday it was severing diplomatic ties with Israel over its "disproportionate" attacks in Gaza, as Chile and Colombia recall ambassadors over mounting humanitarian crisis.

A boy holds a Palestine flag next to a sign that reads “Latin America is with Palestine" during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Cali, Colombia, on October 19, 2023

WAR IN MIDDLE EAST

Latin America divided and nuanced on Israel-Hamas conflict

01-11-2023 11:52 Many Latin American governments maintain strong support for Palestinians and their cause of statehood while condemning Israeli bombing of the Gaza strip; Argentina shows support for freeing hostages, with some of its citizens still being held by Hamas.

DAIA gathering attended by political figures.

ELECTION 2023

Massa says he will list Hamas as terrorist organisation if elected

31-10-2023 16:41 At the DAIA Delegation of Israeli-Argentine Associations gathering, the ruling party candidate assured that the attack by the Palestinian group was “terrorism”.

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Biden gathers leaders from across Americas to deepen ties

31-10-2023 12:53 The White House envisions the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity as a platform that sees leaders meet every couple years and ministers work in between, according to senior administration officials. The session on Friday will concentrate on deepening trade and financial relationships.

WAR in MIDDLE EAST

Argentina says 9-month-old baby among Hamas hostages

27-10-2023 17:10 Detail confirmed was confirmed by Francisco Tropepi, Chargé d'affaires of the Argentine Embassy in Tel Aviv, who stated that he is the youngest victim kidnapped by the terrorist group.

Javier Milei and Patricia Bullrich make their first public appearance together on television after she agreed to back him in the presidential run-off.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: October 20 to 27

27-10-2023 14:12 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero talks to the press during a visit to the G20 summit in Rome, in November, 2021.

WAR IN MIDDLE EAST

Hamas holding 21 Argentines hostage, confirms Foreign Ministry

26-10-2023 00:34 Foreign Ministry in Buenos Aires intensifies dialogue with countries in the Middle East region to secure the release of the captives being held by terrorists in Gaza Strip.

Santiago Peña celebrates his win in the Paraguayan election.

MERCOSUR

Paraguay's Peña: It ‘does not matter who is elected’ in Argentina

24-10-2023 16:57 Paraguay President Santiago Peña says "it does not matter who is elected” in Argentina's election in terms of regional “integration” and insisted on expanding horizons if Mercosur does not reach an agreement with the European Union this year.