UPDATE: Tax Proposal Cancelled, Farmers Rejoice; Demonstrations Worldwide for Hostages; President of Colombia Scraps Revote

By Jessalyn Mastrianni

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – According to BBC, “Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has cancelled controversial tax increases on agricultural exports, which sparked months of protests.” The Argentine Senate narrowly rejected the proposals that were intended to fund infrastructure within the nation. The president was then forced to back down.

The law would have raised taxes on soya exports by ten percent as well as other exports. The government, led by President Fernandez de Kirchner, said farmers had been benefiting from high export prices and could afford to pay more. However, farmers said profits should be placed back into the economy. Authorities then accused farmers of being undemocratic by opposing the elected government’s proposals.

Farmers, through protests and strikes, caused a political crises and food shortages. Farmers are thrilled that the president has cancelled the tax proposals.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Argentina drops disputed farm tax – 22 July 2008

Americas Weekly Update – Argentine Senate Kills Export Tax – 21 July 2008

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BOGOTA, Colombia – Millions of people around the world, from Colombia to Paris, demonstrated on Sunday for the release of the remaining hostages being held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The demonstrations were held on the day observed in Colombia commemorating its independence from Spain. 

Although about 700 people are in the custody of FARC, more than 2800 total hostages have been kidnapped by leftwing groups or criminal games. 

The demonstration in Paris was led by former presidential candidate and hostage Ingrid Betancourt. Her chant was “Never again hostages.” Performers helped with the demonstrations to raise awareness, and more than one thousand cities and towns participated.

For more information, please see:

America News – Millions demonstrate worldwide for Colombia hostages – 21 July 2008

Diario Las Américas – Worldwide Reaction in Favor of the Colombian Hostages – 21 July 2008

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BOGOTA, Colombia – President of Colombia Alvaro Uribe has called off his proposal to have the population revote for the election from 2006. In 2006 he won re-election, but since there have been corruption crises surrounding his presidency and Congress, he had proposed a revote last month. The revote would have allowed him to seek a longer term than allowed.

Some still predict that he will try to seek another term because his approval rating is incomparably high. 

 

For more information, please see:

Wordpress – Uribe Calls off Call for Revote – 19 July 2008

Buenos Aires Herald – Uribe drops reelection referendum – 22 July 2008