Venezuela offers to cure Nicaragua's oil ills
President Hugo Chavez met Friday with President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua to discuss an array of Venezuelan assistance programs, capping an unusually frenetic week for this country's efforts to enhance its political and economic influence in parts of Latin America.

Colombian government ready to talk with FARC rebels
The Colombian government is ready for direct contact with the rebel group of the Revolutionary ArmedForces of Colombia (FARC), a statement issued by President Alvaro Uribe's office said Friday.

Seven billion barrels of crude oil certified in Venezuela's Orinicobelt
Some seven billion barrels of crude oil have now been certified in Venezuela's Orinoco Petroliferos Strip, the state oil company Petioles de Venezuela (PDVSA) said Thursday.

Hundreds killed in Latin America's carnival season
The carnival season, which began on Saturday and ended on Tuesday in many Latin American countries, has led to a soaring death toll, mostly from road accidents, according to reports reaching here on Wednesday.